Dove Hole Cave

Derbyshire, England

Dove Holes Caves are in the valley of Dovedale in the Peak District of England. The valley, carved by two Ice Ages and subsequently by the River Dove, stretches for just over 5 km (3 mi). These dry...

Dove Hole Cave has a Moderate difficulty level and is Family Friendly.
Derbyshire, England
Latitude: 53.059706, Longitude: -1.776744

Attractions near Dove Hole Cave

Activities

Guided Tours
Caving
Nature Photography
Landscape Photography
Walking

About Dove Hole Cave

Dove Holes Caves are in the valley of Dovedale in the Peak District of England. The valley, carved by two Ice Ages and subsequently by the River Dove, stretches for just over 5 km (3 mi). These dry caves were once used by hunters as shelters around 13,000 BCE and later (4,500 years ago) as tombs by Neolithic farmers.

The caves lie beside a bend in the river Dove near Nab Dale in what is part of the Dovedale National Nature Reserve, designated in 2006 because of its diverse plant life and natural rock formations. Their oval forms were probably created by swirling meltwaters when massive glaciers filled the valley.

Dove Holes Caves are very accessible to walkers passing by on the path alongside the River Dove. The larger cave has a somewhat steep rocky entrance; the smaller is somewhat shallower. However, though they are impressive to look at, they are quite shallow with no deep passages leading off to explore.