Margate Caves

Admission to the Caves will be by pre-booked ticket only.

The Caves were originally dug as a chalk quarry in the 17th and 18th centuries and are 94.2m long and 12.2m tall at the highest point. Originally opened to the public in 1863, the Margate Caves re-opened for the next generation of explorers on Thursday 22nd August 2019.

Over the previous eight years, The Margate Caves Community Education Trust (TMCCET) and the Friends of Margate Caves worked to restore the Caves to their former glory, building a brand new Visitor Centre on the previously abandoned site.

After visiting the Caves, browse the gift shop and stop off at the community café, popular locally for selling a range of delicious dishes.

The Cafe will be open 10am to 4.30pm on the same days as the Caves. No tickets will be needed to enjoy Linda’s new takeaway menu of treats.  The Community Rooms are available for responsible hire - find out more on the website.

Last entry is 30 minutes before closing; to fully appreciate the Caves you should allow around 45 minutes for your visit.

Access Information 

Our Access Statement and visual story have changed due to the current circumstances; please find these below.

Due to the nature of the Caves, they are not accessible to wheelchair users or to anyone with significant mobility problems. Access is via two sets of stairs, both with handrails, followed by a steep, narrow, low-ceilinged tunnel.

Once in the Caves, the floor is uneven and there are steep steps to access certain areas. Assistance dogs are welcome of course, but no other dogs are allowed in the Caves. Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the garden.

The Visitor Centre – including the shop, café, toilets, and community rooms for hire – is fully accessible. We have large-print versions of our exhibition available to download - please contact us at info@margatecaves.co.uk.

Access information on website here