Santa in the Caves
Experience the enchantment of 'Santa in the Caves' at Kents Cavern, a magical Christmas grotto in Torquay. Families embark on an immersive, pantomime-style adventure through stunningly lit prehistoric caves, helping elves save Christmas. The quest includes meeting festive characters, engaging storytelling, and culminates in a unique meet-and-greet with Santa Claus, where each child receives a special gift. It's an unforgettable festive day out for the whole family.
What to Expect
Christmas grotto experience inside prehistoric caves
Event Details
Duration
Approximately 1 hour for the cave experience
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Wellswood
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Kents Cavern
Food & Drink
Firestone Kitchen cafe offers a varied menu with wine, local beers, and ciders available. Dog-friendly cafe.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Magical, festive, immersive
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $$ – Get tickets
- Parking: On-site car park free for all visitors. Free parking on the residential road just outside.
- Accessibility: Kents Cavern is probably Britain's easiest cave to visit. All paths are concrete with only 9 shallow steps half way round. There are some steep slopes but handrails are provided. The caves are easily accessible for most visitors although assistance may be required by some, as there are natural slopes and steps. Access for wheelchair users is restricted to the first chamber but standard child pushchairs will be able to negotiate the cave. A film of the tour is available for people who cannot accompany the tour. Reduced ticket price for disabled/carers. BSL version of tour available on tablet or via YouTube. Tactile box available for visually impaired visitors.
- Pets: Only assistance dogs are able to enter the caves. Dogs are not allowed along the Woodland Trail but are welcome in the gardens.
Tips & Advice
- Book tickets well in advance, as this popular event sells out every year, especially for preferred dates and times.
- Dress in layers, as the cave temperature remains a constant 14°C (58°F) year-round, making it cool in summer and warm in winter.
- Consider visiting on a weekday or earlier/later in the day for a potentially less crowded experience, even with pre-booked tickets.
- While standard child pushchairs can navigate the cave, double-width ones are not permitted, so consider a carrier for very young children.
- Take advantage of the free on-site parking, but be aware that it can fill up quickly; alternative free street parking is available nearby.
Special Events & Promotions
- Members save 10% on all tickets.
- Under 2's are FREE (with an option to add a gift for £6).
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to book?
No, but pre-booking online is strongly recommended for tours around Kents Cavern to secure your preferred date and time.
How warm are the caves?
The temperature in the cave is a constant 14°C (58°F) every day of the year, offering a cool escape in summer and warmth in winter.
Are dogs allowed?
Only assistance dogs are permitted inside the caves. Dogs are welcome in the gardens but not on the Woodland Trail.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, photos of the caves are allowed, but video recordings of the guided tours are not. Using your camera without flash is recommended for better results.
Can I visit the cafe without visiting the caves?
Yes, the Firestone Kitchen cafe is open every day and accessible without visiting the caves. No table bookings are taken.
More Christmas Events Near Torquay
More Christmas Events near Torquay
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.