City of Caves Standard Tour

This foundational tour threads through Nottingham's sandstone network, exposing layers of occupation from Triassic periods to medieval times. Guides explain the geological timeline alongside stories of merchants, soldiers, and ordinary residents who carved homes into rock. The constant 11°C temperature provides relief on hot days and serves as a practical museum of how humans adapted to cave living before modern heating existed. Best for first-time visitors and families with children. This is a easy activity lasting 45 minutes. Group size: 2-40. You meet at Broadmarsh Shopping Centre, Lower Mall. Key highlights: Walk through 450 million years of Nottingham geology and habitation, See carved medieval doorways and storage alcoves still intact, Constant cool temperature (11°C) year-round.

Price: £8

Duration: 45 minutes

Difficulty: easy

Group size: 2-40

Minimum age: 4+

Best for: first-time visitors and families with children

Best time: Weekday mornings (9am-11am) for smaller crowds. Summer school holidays get congested. Winter (Nov-Feb) quieter and cool temperature more pleasant.

Meeting point: Broadmarsh Shopping Centre, Lower Mall

Languages: English, French, German, Spanish

Here is how the experience unfolds:

0-5 min Group assembly and safety briefing - Guides check numbers, distribute audio guides if booked, and explain emergency procedures for the narrow passages ahead.

5-20 min Upper caves and geological overview - First section focuses on Triassic sandstone formation and how natural cave systems shaped human settlement patterns in Nottingham.

20-35 min Medieval and Tudor-era caves - Walk through carved dwellings, storage rooms, and defensive structures showing how residents integrated underground spaces into daily life.

35-40 min Industrial and modern-era sections - Learn about Victorian adaptation of caves and why urban expansion eventually made underground living obsolete.

40-45 min Return to entrance and gift shop - Exit through the museum shop with books, replica artifacts, and local crafts.

The whole experience takes 45 minutes. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Broadmarsh Shopping Centre, Lower Mall.

• Walk through 450 million years of Nottingham geology and habitation
• See carved medieval doorways and storage alcoves still intact
• Constant cool temperature (11°C) year-round
• Audio guides available in four languages
• Accessible introduction to cave systems without extreme fitness demands
• Accessibility: Wheelchair access to ground-floor caves only. Multiple steep stone stairs and narrow passages restrict full tour access for mobility issues. Uneven surfaces throughout. Guide dogs allowed.

What is included: Guided tour with trained interpreter, Access to main cave chambers, Audio guide in your chosen language, Museum exhibition spaces.

Not included: Food or drinks, Souvenir purchases, Photography permits (personal use only). You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes with grip, Light jacket (caves are 11°C), Camera for personal use. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Weekday mornings (9am-11am) for smaller crowds. Summer school holidays get congested. Winter (Nov-Feb) quieter and cool temperature more pleasant..

Tip: Temperature stays at 11°C year-round

Tip: Audio guides available in multiple languages

Accessibility: Wheelchair access to ground-floor caves only. Multiple steep stone stairs and narrow passages restrict full tour access for mobility issues. Uneven surfaces throughout. Guide dogs allowed..

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)
• Lace Market (8 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 24 hours before booking. No refund within 24 hours unless group cancels entire time slot..

Accessibility: Wheelchair access to ground-floor caves only. Multiple steep stone stairs and narrow passages restrict full tour access for mobility issues. Uneven surfaces throughout. Guide dogs allowed..

Best time to go: Weekday mornings (9am-11am) for smaller crowds. Summer school holidays get congested. Winter (Nov-Feb) quieter and cool temperature more pleasant..

How long is the City of Caves standard tour and is it suitable for young children?

The standard tour runs 45 minutes with minimal walking difficulty, making it ideal for ages 4+. Children under 10 often find the short duration and engaging stories more enjoyable than longer specialist tours. Audio guides in English help keep younger visitors engaged throughout.

Will I need warm clothing if I visit the caves?

Yes. Caves maintain 11°C year-round, so bring a light jacket or sweater even on warm summer days. The temperature never varies, so preparation is straightforward. Many visitors underestimate the cold and regret not bringing layers.

Are City of Caves tours wheelchair accessible?

Partial access only. Ground-floor chambers are wheelchair-navigable, but the main tour includes stone stairs and uneven surfaces that restrict full exploration. Contact the operator in advance to discuss adapted routes or alternative experiences.