Behind the Scenes Cave Tour

This extended experience ventures beyond the standard route into passages rarely opened to tourists, including unstabilized chambers and sections under ongoing archaeological investigation. Groups are deliberately kept small (maximum 12) to allow detailed discussion and safer navigation through tighter spaces. Guides discuss conservation efforts and real findings from ongoing excavation work, treating visitors as collaborators rather than casual observers. Best for serious cave enthusiasts and repeat visitors. This is a moderate activity lasting 1 hour. Group size: max 12. You meet at City of Caves main entrance. Key highlights: Access restricted passages and unstabilized chamber networks, See active archaeological excavation areas and recent discoveries, Maximum 12 people per tour ensures intimate, specialist-level interpretation.

Price: £12

Duration: 1 hour

Difficulty: moderate

Group size: max 12

Minimum age: 12+

Best for: serious cave enthusiasts and repeat visitors

Best time: Weekday afternoons (2pm-4pm) often have lower booking pressure, allowing more availability. Avoid weekends June-August when school holidays fill all slots weeks in advance.

Meeting point: City of Caves main entrance

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

0-5 min Small group briefing and equipment check - Confirm fitness levels, discuss any claustrophobia concerns, and explain why group size limits enhance safety and experience quality.

5-20 min Standard tour chambers with deeper interpretation - Revisit main caves with expanded discussion of geological evidence, archaeological findings, and cave-carving techniques used by medieval inhabitants.

20-45 min Restricted-access passages and ongoing excavation areas - Enter narrower, less-stabilized sections showing active preservation work and recent discoveries. Guides explain conservation challenges and future research plans.

45-55 min Behind-the-scenes museum spaces and archives - View artifacts from caves, research notes, and conservation materials typically kept from public areas.

55-60 min Q&A discussion and exit - Final 5 minutes for detailed questions about geology, archaeology, or preservation methods encountered during the tour.

The whole experience takes 1 hour. Difficulty: moderate. You meet at City of Caves main entrance.

• Access restricted passages and unstabilized chamber networks
• See active archaeological excavation areas and recent discoveries
• Maximum 12 people per tour ensures intimate, specialist-level interpretation
• Discussion with guides about ongoing preservation and research
• Venture deeper into the sandstone than standard tourists access

What is included: Guided tour with specialist interpreter, Access to restricted passages and behind-the-scenes areas, Museum archive viewing room access, Extended Q&A time.

Not included: Hard hat or safety equipment rental (wear secure shoes and clothing), Food or beverages, Souvenir purchases, Professional photography permits. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Sturdy walking boots with excellent grip, Warm jacket (caves 11°C), Small torch or headlamp for darker passages, Notebook if note-taking interests you. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Weekday afternoons (2pm-4pm) often have lower booking pressure, allowing more availability. Avoid weekends June-August when school holidays fill all slots weeks in advance..

Tip: Limited numbers

Tip: Book online in advance

Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible. Requires moderate fitness due to narrow passages, tight turns, and uneven surfaces. Not suitable for severe claustrophobia. Children under 12 not recommended due to passage width and physical demands..

Operator: City of Caves | Book directly (opens in new tab) | Phone: +44 115 988 1955

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Nottingham Castle (12 min walk)
• Galleries of Justice Museum (10 min walk)
• National Justice Museum (10 min walk)

This activity is run by City of Caves.

Book directly at their website (opens in new tab).

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation 48 hours before. Cancellations within 48 hours forfeit 50% of booking. No refund within 24 hours..

Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible. Requires moderate fitness due to narrow passages, tight turns, and uneven surfaces. Not suitable for severe claustrophobia. Children under 12 not recommended due to passage width and physical demands..

Best time to go: Weekday afternoons (2pm-4pm) often have lower booking pressure, allowing more availability. Avoid weekends June-August when school holidays fill all slots weeks in advance..

What fitness level is required for the Behind the Scenes cave tour?

Moderate fitness recommended. You'll navigate tighter passages, crawl through low sections, and manage uneven footing for longer than standard tours. Not suitable for mobility issues, severe claustrophobia, or anyone with respiratory problems exacerbated by small spaces. Test yourself on the standard tour first if uncertain.

Why are numbers limited to 12 people on this tour?

Small groups ensure safety in narrower, less-stabilized passages and allow guides to discuss findings at depth without rushed pacing. Larger groups create congestion risks in tight spaces and compromise the specialist nature of interpretation. It's designed as an experience rather than efficient tourist throughput.

Can I book the Behind the Scenes tour without doing the standard tour first?

Yes, though prior standard tour experience helps contextualize restricted areas. Most guides expect some familiarity with main chambers but don't require it. First-timers should expect steeper learning curves during the 'behind the scenes' section. Consider your comfort with unstructured explanations and narrow spaces.