King Arthur's Cave
Discover King Arthur's Cave, a Scheduled Ancient Monument in the Wye Valley, offering prehistoric insights and scenic woodland walks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
King Arthur's Cave
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover King Arthur's Cave, a Scheduled Ancient Monument in the Wye Valley, offering prehistoric insights and scenic woodland walks.
"Lovely little walk in an amazing spot. My kids enjoyed the cave immensely."
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Paths can be muddy and uneven. Wear good walking shoes or boots for a comfortable and safe exploration.
🗺️ Use Navigation Aids
The cave isn't always obvious. Use GPS or trail apps to help you find it, especially if it's your first visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Main Chambers
Inside the cave
Explore the surprisingly large main chambers, with smaller tunnels offering a sense of discovery.
Prehistoric Discoveries
Cave floor and surrounding area
Imagine ancient life with evidence of prehistoric inhabitants and animal remains found here.
Woodland Trails
Surrounding forest
Enjoy scenic walks through beautiful woods, often with river views and wildlife.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to King Arthur's Cave
Navigating to and Around the Cave
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Paths can be muddy and uneven. Wear good walking shoes or boots for a comfortable and safe exploration.
🗺️ Use Navigation Aids
The cave isn't always obvious. Use GPS or trail apps to help you find it, especially if it's your first visit.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
There are lovely spots to sit and enjoy a snack or lunch with a view.
🕰️ Allow an Hour or Two
It's a great addition to a day out, but doesn't require a huge time commitment.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Paths can be muddy and uneven. Wear good walking shoes or boots for a comfortable and safe exploration.
🗺️ Use Navigation Aids
The cave isn't always obvious. Use GPS or trail apps to help you find it, especially if it's your first visit.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
There are lovely spots to sit and enjoy a snack or lunch with a view.
🕰️ Allow an Hour or Two
It's a great addition to a day out, but doesn't require a huge time commitment.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Many visitors bring their dogs along for the woodland walks. 
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find King Arthur's Cave a charming and accessible natural attraction, perfect for a short exploration or as part of a larger Wye Valley walk. While not a major historical site in itself, its prehistoric significance and the surrounding woodland trails make it a worthwhile stop for families and hikers. Some find it a bit tricky to locate, but the effort is generally rewarded with a pleasant experience.
"Really enjoyable walk. Try to keep to the paths unlike what I did and follow a compass but enjoyable all the same."
Stevan Barry
"One of the attractions on a circular walk we did in the Wye Valley.
The two caves are surprisingly large with little tunnels off each. They don't go far, but it was fun investigating.
King Arthur must have been out as it was empty when we visited."
Thomas Coombs
"Nice place to visit for an hour. Caves are pretty cool. Kids loved it. Nice woods and you can Loop from the car park, down to the caves, then back up to the road and to the car park. It's free to go and park."
Matt- Fuller-Gmail
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
King Arthur's Cave is located in the Wye Valley, near Symonds Yat. Access typically involves a walk through woodland from nearby parking areas, such as those near Biblins Bridge or Symonds Yat Rock. Many visitors use navigation apps or follow marked trails.
Yes, there are parking areas available, often with a small fee. Popular starting points for walks to the cave include parking near Symonds Yat.
Using a GPS device or a hiking app with downloaded maps is highly recommended, as the cave can be a bit tricky to locate without guidance.
Public transport options to the immediate vicinity of King Arthur's Cave are limited. It's generally best accessed by car, followed by a walk.
The walk involves some climbing through woods and can be uneven and muddy, especially after rain. Sturdy footwear is essential.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, King Arthur's Cave is a natural attraction and is free to enter. There are no admission fees.
As a natural site, King Arthur's Cave does not have set opening hours. It is accessible at any time, though visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment.
There is no entrance fee for King Arthur's Cave itself. Any costs would typically be associated with parking in the designated areas.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns, lack of lighting, and potential for getting lost on the trails.
Yes, King Arthur's Cave is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, indicating its historical and archaeological significance.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The cave features two main chambers with smaller tunnels, offering a sense of exploration. The surrounding woodland also provides beautiful scenery and walking opportunities.
Yes, children often enjoy exploring the cave and the surrounding woods. The 'stone swirl' feature is also a point of interest.
Most visitors spend about an hour to two hours, depending on whether they are just visiting the cave or incorporating it into a longer walk.
There are typically no facilities directly at King Arthur's Cave. Restrooms are usually found at larger visitor centers or pubs in nearby villages like Symonds Yat.
The surrounding Wye Valley is rich in wildlife. You might spot various birds, and the woodland is home to other native species.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour light filtering through the trees and into the cave entrance. Early mornings can also be atmospheric.
You can capture dramatic cave interiors, scenic woodland shots, and interesting geological formations. The surrounding Wye Valley offers panoramic views.
The main cave entrances offer striking perspectives. Exploring the smaller tunnels can lead to unique shots, and the woodland trails provide opportunities for nature photography.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the cave. A tripod can help with low-light conditions inside the cave.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws and any specific restrictions for protected areas like Scheduled Ancient Monuments before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the scenic spots, and make sure everyone wears sturdy shoes as the paths can be uneven. The 'stone swirl' feature is often a point of fascination for younger visitors. It's a great, free activity that adds an element of discovery to a family day out.
🚶 Hikers and Outdoor Enthusiasts
+1Consider a circular walk that incorporates the cave, offering varied terrain and beautiful views. The area is known for its natural beauty and is a great place for dog walking. Remember to check weather conditions and wear appropriate gear, as trails can be muddy.
+1📸 Photographers
Experiment with wide-angle lenses to capture the scale of the cave interiors and explore the textures of the rock formations. The surrounding Wye Valley also offers stunning landscape photography potential.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Archaeology of King Arthur's Cave
The cave's name, while evoking legendary figures, likely stems from local folklore rather than direct historical association with King Arthur. The two main chambers, along with smaller connecting tunnels, offer a glimpse into the past. The presence of these ancient artifacts makes it a fascinating spot for anyone interested in archaeology and early human history.
Interestingly, one account mentions a man named 'Slippery Jem' who lived in the cave for 30 years, adding a more recent, albeit unusual, layer to its human history.
This blend of deep prehistory and more recent human habitation makes King Arthur's Cave a unique destination for exploration and learning.Hiking and Exploring the Wye Valley
+1Many visitors combine a visit to the cave with a circular walk, taking in the beautiful river views and the surrounding countryside. Popular routes often start from Symonds Yat, offering opportunities to cross the River Wye via bridges like Biblins Bridge. The area is known for its abundant wildlife and picturesque landscapes, making it ideal for photography and simply enjoying the outdoors.
+1When planning your hike, remember that the paths can become muddy and slippery, especially after rain. Wearing appropriate footwear is crucial. The Wye Valley offers a network of trails, so you can tailor your walk to your fitness level and the time you have available.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit