Best caves around Carlton In Lindrick are primarily found at Creswell Crags, a significant magnesian limestone gorge located near the town. This site is internationally recognized for its archaeological findings, including numerous caves, fissures, and rock shelters. Evidence of human occupation dates back over 50,000 years, offering a unique insight into prehistoric life and the Ice Age. The area combines historical importance with natural landscapes, featuring woodland, meadows, and a lake.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
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Fascinating, beautiful spot. You can’t go in the caves without buying a tour
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Feels other worldly, beautiful setting. Fascinating history.
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It was just a small Sunday stroll but it was lovely. We parked our car at the garden centre which worth to going in too! There is a big farm shop which is lovely and not too expensive compared to if you want to get a quality product!
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Small elusive rock cave in the escarpment, just below the path. You will find it from the Top path via the semi-circle track. Supposedly haunted, it's popular with ghosthunters in the night. The cave was excavated in the 1960's which revealed ancient flint tools from the ice age and animal bones from animals such reindeer and hyena 12,000 years ago - That's Ten Thousand Years BC!
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Small elusive rock cave in the escarpment, just below the path. You will find it from the Top path via the semi-circle track. Supposedly haunted, it's popular with ghosthunters in the night. The cave was excavated in the 1960's which revealed ancient flint tools from the ice age (more than 10,000 years ago) and animal bones from animals such as reindeer and hyena
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You have to drop off the path to the left to see this site.
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You will need to book a tour to see inside Church Hole cave - it isn't open year round due to roosting bats. But if you are able to include it on your visit, you will get to see some fascinating Ice Age artwork.
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The caves, primarily located at Creswell Crags, are internationally important for their archaeological findings. They offer a unique window into prehistoric life, with evidence of human occupation dating back over 50,000 years, including the earliest known remains of modern humans in Britain. You can find ancient flint tools, animal bones from Ice Age creatures, and even Ice Age art.
Yes, Creswell Crags offers various guided tours. For instance, you can take a 'Life in the Ice Age Cave Tour' to learn about early human history, or a 'Witch Marks Cave Tour' to discover the historic protective symbols found in Robin Hood's Cave. Tours are required to view the Ice Age art inside Church Hole Cave.
The caves at Creswell Crags have yielded significant archaeological finds, including ancient flint tools, bones of Ice Age animals like reindeer and hyena, and the earliest known remains of modern humans in Britain. Church Hole Cave is particularly famous for its Ice Age art, with engravings over 12,000 years old. Robin Hood's Cave also features historic protective symbols, known as 'witch marks'.
Yes, Creswell Crags is generally considered family-friendly. Highlights like Creswell Crags: Gorge and Lake and Robin Hood's Cave are noted as family-friendly. The site also has a museum and exhibitions showcasing artifacts, which can be engaging for children. Guided tours are designed to be educational and interesting for various age groups.
Beyond the caves themselves, the area around Creswell Crags features a beautiful magnesian limestone gorge, woodland, meadows, and a lake. Creswell Crags: Gorge and Lake is a prime example, offering scenic walks around the lake and through the gorge, allowing visitors to appreciate the natural landscape alongside the historical sites.
Exploring the caves and the Creswell Crags site can vary. A guided cave tour usually lasts about an hour. However, with the museum, exhibitions, and walking trails around the gorge and lake, you could easily spend half a day or even a full day immersing yourself in the history and natural beauty of the area.
While most of the main caves at Creswell Crags are accessible via guided tours, Dead Man's Hole is described as a small, elusive rock cave that is challenging to find and explore. It's located just below the path in the escarpment and is known for its archaeological significance and local folklore.
The area around Carlton in Lindrick offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking routes, including easy walks around Langold Country Park Lake or more moderate trails like the Laughton Pond and Waterfall loop. There are also running trails and gravel biking routes, particularly around Clumber Park and Sherwood Forest, providing opportunities for longer excursions.
Yes, Creswell Crags has visitor parking facilities. Some visitors also mention parking at nearby garden centers, which can offer additional amenities like farm shops.
When visiting the caves, it's advisable to wear comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear, as cave environments can be cool and damp, and paths may be uneven. If you plan to explore the surrounding gorge and trails, appropriate outdoor walking shoes are recommended.
Yes, there are cafes available at Creswell Crags itself, often mentioned in visitor tips. Additionally, nearby areas like Welbeck also offer cafes. If you park at a garden center, you might find a cafe or farm shop there as well.
The caves at Creswell Crags are generally open year-round, though specific tour availability might vary seasonally. For example, Church Hole Cave may have limited access during certain times due to roosting bats. It's always best to check the official Creswell Crags website for current opening times and tour schedules before planning your visit.
While the outdoor areas around Creswell Crags, such as the gorge and lake, are generally dog-friendly for walks, access for dogs inside the caves or museum may be restricted. It's recommended to check the specific pet policy with Creswell Crags directly before your visit.


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