Wookey Hole
Family Days Out
Wookey Hole Caves in the Mendip Hills: a cave tour of eight chambers, the Witch legend and other attractions on site. No pet dogs; free on-site parking.
Caves first, then the rest of the site
Wookey Hole sits in the Mendip Hills, and the cave tour is the reason most people come. The operator says the tour lasts approximately 40 minutes and passes through eight chambers. Outside school holidays it is led by guides; in school holidays you get an introduction and then explore at your own pace. Beyond the caves the same site has a museum in the old mill, adventure golf, soft play, a 4D cinema and Dinosaur Valley, so the day can stretch well past the tour.
The Witch of Wookey Hole
The local legend is told in the caves themselves. Villagers are said to have asked Glastonbury Abbey for help against a witch living in the caves, and the Abbot sent a monk, Father Barnard. He scooped water from the River Axe into his chalice, blessed it and sprinkled it in Chamber 1, and the Witch was turned to stone. The operator says visitors can pick out her bonnet, forehead, nose and chin in the rock. The abbey in the tale is Glastonbury Abbey, whose grounds are open to visitors.
Access in the caves
The operator says the caves are not wheelchair accessible. There are approximately 200 steps along the route and a few spots where you briefly duck down to about 1.3 metres. Staff will take a wheelchair or mobility scooter from the cave entrance to the exit. The walk from the main ticket desk to the cave entrance is a gentle incline of 5 to 10 minutes. The Wookey Hole access statement has the detail.
Dogs, parking and booking
Pet dogs are not allowed, though Guide and Assistance Dogs are, and staff may ask to see proof for an assistance dog. Parking is in a very large free car park on site, and no overnight camping is permitted. Opening times and midweek closures change with the season, so check the Wookey Hole site before travelling.
Nearby
The village itself is covered at Wookey, and the cathedral city is covered at Wells. For a different kind of Mendip cave day, with dogs on leads welcome, see Cheddar Gorge and Caves.
Where to stay near Wookey Hole
Sample dates: 16 October 2026 - 18 October 2026. Adjust below to see live prices for Somerset.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
- Can I bring my dog to Wookey Hole?
- No. The site is unsuitable for dogs, apart from Guide and Assistance Dogs, and staff may ask to see proof of eligibility for an assistance dog.
- Do I need to book Wookey Hole in advance?
- The operator lists weekends and school holidays from April to October, and February half term, as its busy times, and offers a discount for booking in advance. Check the website for the current offer.
- Can I take a pushchair through the caves?
- No. Buggies can be used everywhere on site except the caves, and small children need to be carried through them. Buggies cannot be left at the cave entrance, and there is a buggy store in the Ice Cream Parlour at busy times and behind the Gift Shop when it is closed.
- How long should I allow?
- The cave tour lasts approximately 40 minutes. The rest of the site, from the museum to the adventure golf, adds time on top, so plan around the cave tour plus whatever else you choose.