Mother Ludlam's Cave
A small, legendary sandstone cave with a flowing spring, protected for bats, and rich with local folklore.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
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Mother Ludlam's Cave
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A small, legendary sandstone cave with a flowing spring, protected for bats, and rich with local folklore.
"Lovely walk from Waverley abbey carpark to here only 6 mins walk out onto the main road over the bridge and left up a public footpath right by a house up the path and then it's on the right."
🚶♀️ Easy Walk from Abbey
Just a 5-10 min walk from Waverley Abbey carpark. Follow footpath signs past houses.
🦇 Respect the Bats
Cave is gated to protect bats. Admire from outside; don't disturb the wildlife.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Cave Entrance
Behind a locked gate
A small sandstone cave under a stone arch, with an intriguing story and a flowing spring.
The Legend of Mother Ludlam
Information board near the cave
Discover the folklore surrounding this mystical spot and its connection to a fairy queen.
The Flowing Spring
Emerging from the cave
Witness the ancient spring that still flows from the cave, a testament to its enduring mystique.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Combine Your Visit
Respect the Bats
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Easy Walk from Abbey
Just a 5-10 min walk from Waverley Abbey carpark. Follow footpath signs past houses.
🦇 Respect the Bats
Cave is gated to protect bats. Admire from outside; don't disturb the wildlife.
🚲 Great for Bike Rides
A perfect distance for a scenic bike ride, combining exercise with exploration.
📚 Read the Info Board
Learn the fascinating local legends and history of Mother Ludlam's Cave.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Easy Walk from Abbey
Just a 5-10 min walk from Waverley Abbey carpark. Follow footpath signs past houses.
🦇 Respect the Bats
Cave is gated to protect bats. Admire from outside; don't disturb the wildlife.
🚲 Great for Bike Rides
A perfect distance for a scenic bike ride, combining exercise with exploration.
📚 Read the Info Board
Learn the fascinating local legends and history of Mother Ludlam's Cave.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Mother Ludlam's Cave to be a charming and worthwhile stop, especially when combined with nearby attractions like Waverley Abbey. While the cave itself is small and inaccessible due to bat conservation, its historical legends and flowing spring add a unique appeal. It's praised as a pleasant walk and a great addition to a day trip.
"Popular but nice for family walk"
Jayne Ruddick
"Lovely walk from Waverley abbey carpark to here only 6 mins walk out onto the main road over the bridge and left up a public footpath right by a house up the path and then it's on the right. Can also visit Waverley abbey and the WW2 bunker whilst there. Nice few hours out to blow the cobwebs away"
Lucy Hooper
"The stories surrounding this small cave are really what make it. If you visit Waverley Abbey then I'd suggest spending another 20 minutes or so visiting this cave (short 5-10 minute walk from the Abbey carpark. Follow the footpath sign and slide left past the houses). The spring is still flowing out of the cave after all these years....."
Mat Dodol
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mother Ludlam's Cave is easily accessible via a short walk from Waverley Abbey's carpark. Follow the public footpath signs, heading left over the bridge and then up the path by a house. The cave will be on your right. It's approximately a 5-10 minute walk.
Yes, there is parking available at the nearby Waverley Abbey carpark, which serves as a convenient starting point for visiting the cave.
Absolutely! Many visitors enjoy cycling to Mother Ludlam's Cave, noting it's a great distance for a bike ride.
Yes, Mother Ludlam's Cave makes for a lovely short day trip, especially when combined with visits to Waverley Abbey and the WW2 bunker.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to visit Mother Ludlam's Cave. It is a natural site accessible to the public.
The cave entrance is protected by a locked gate to preserve the habitat of the bats living inside. Visitors can view the cave from the outside.
As an outdoor natural attraction, Mother Ludlam's Cave does not have set opening hours and can be visited at any time. However, daytime visits are recommended for better visibility.
There is no entrance fee to visit Mother Ludlam's Cave. It is a free attraction for all visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see the small sandstone cave itself, the intriguing information board detailing its legends, and the natural spring that flows from it.
A visit to Mother Ludlam's Cave itself is quite short, typically taking around 15-20 minutes, especially if you read the information board.
Yes, it's a popular spot for families, offering a short, easy walk and a touch of local folklore. Combining it with Waverley Abbey makes for a great family outing.
The cave is steeped in local legend, often associated with a fairy queen named Mother Ludlam. An information board near the cave provides details about these stories.
Yes, you can take photos of the cave entrance, the surrounding area, and the information board. Remember to be respectful of the environment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pro-tip: Combine the cave visit with exploring the ruins of Waverley Abbey. The open spaces there are great for kids to run around in, and the historical aspect can be made engaging. Pack some snacks and drinks, and you've got a delightful few hours of exploration that’s both educational and entertaining.
🚴♀️ Cyclists and Outdoor Enthusiasts
Once you arrive, the short walk to the cave and the potential to combine it with Waverley Abbey and the WW2 bunker make for a varied and active excursion. It’s an excellent way to combine exercise with a bit of local history and folklore discovery.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legends of Mother Ludlam
These stories contribute significantly to the cave's appeal, transforming a simple natural formation into a site of wonder. The enduring nature of these legends, with the spring still flowing after all these years, adds to the mystique. It's this blend of natural beauty and folklore that makes Mother Ludlam's Cave a unique and memorable stop.
Combining Your Visit: A Perfect Trio
Adding to this, the presence of a WW2 bunker in the vicinity offers a contrasting historical perspective. This trio of attractions – the natural wonder of the cave, the historical grandeur of the abbey, and the wartime intrigue of the bunker – creates a well-rounded and engaging day out. It's an ideal itinerary for those looking to 'blow the cobwebs away' and experience a diverse range of local points of interest.
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