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Member since:27.02.2008
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Introduction: Chislehurst Caves are miles of mysterious passageways hand cut from the chalk stone to form an enormous labyrinth covering more than 20miles in length and at a depth of up to 30 metres beneath the Chislehurst woodlands. The caves were dug over a period of 800 years and were originally formed in the process of searching for flint and chalk.
Recent History: In 1914 the caves became part of the Woolwich Arsenal and were used as an ammunitions depot. They only remained as a depot for a few years and were then used by the Kent Mushroom Company who grew mushrooms in the caves because of the dark and moist conditions which were great for the growing crop. This was brought to an abrupt end however with the outbreak of the second world war. Chislehurst caves were overnight transformed into the biggest air raid shelter outside of London and undoubtedly saved many lives in the process. The caves became a major tourist attraction at the start of the century and guided tours have been operating for many years now.
The Chislehurst Experience: I have visited the caves on two occasions now and both times have had a fantastic time. The caves are very spooky and you get a real sense of the work which must have been put into them over the years to produce what is there today. I have already mentioned how long they are and this really hits home when you are told to stay with the group at all times because if you go wondering you may not be found for a couple of days given the sheer length of the tunnels and the many different routes available.
You are lead by an experienced guide who luckily knows the caves like the back of his hand. The tour takes forty-five minutes and is lamp lit which is nice and also keeps the tunnels dark and mysterious which gives them a unique feel - I'm glad they haven't fitted underground lighting. You are taken to the three main areas of the caves named Druid, Saxon and Roman because they all used the caves at one time or another, the guide tells many stories of the strange goings-on and also tells a few jokes which is a nice touch. It really is very interesting and kids will love it because there's lots of exploring to be done and the tunnels get rather narrow at times so you have to squeeze you're way through tight spaces and at times even crouch. Wheelchair access is possible, although the ground is uneven and bumpy.
Other Facts: - tours run on the hour every hour - the caves were used as film locations for many films and television programmes, doctor who, insemenoid, bliss, neverwhere, randall and hopkirk (deceased). - There is a gift shop, café and free parking - On march 22nd 2008 there was a paranormal investigation at the caves, I do not know the findings, if you visit you can make up your own minds, I thought it was very spooky.
Admission Charges: Adults £5.00 Children £3.00 Seniors £3.00
Opening Hours: Wednesdays to Sundays, 10am till 4pm. - open everyday during the school holidays except Christmas and New Year.
Getting There: The Chalk Pit Old Hill Chislehurst Kent BR7 5NB Tel: 020 8467 3264 Web: http://www.chislehurstcaves.co.uk - short walk from Chislehurst Station - take the A22 at Chislehurst Railway Bridge, turn into Station Approach and turn right at the end, then turn right into 'Caveside Close.' The entrance is in Caveside Close. - By bus, numbers 269 or 162 from Bromley.
Final Verdict: A fantastic place to go for a day out and very reasonably priced too unlike many other London attractions. Definitely worth visiting. *****
Fantastic review :D
This location was featured on the 1st and 8th of April episodes of Most Haunted, and the amount of things they picked up were amazing!
ilusvm 06.04.2008 16:28
wow sounds exciting! Nicely reviewed. Em x
punt 06.04.2008 15:01
It looks absolutley fab! I would love to explore the place never mind the kids! I am into photography and this looks like a great place, the picture you have up is brill, well done great review.
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Apr 1st, 2008
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