Half Day or Longer
All Levels*
Priddy, Mendips in Somerset
Ratio: Up to 6 clients to 1 instructor:
SHORT TRIP + ANOTHER ACTIVITY
OR
FULL TRIP:
1:1 £200
1:2 £110
1:4 £60
1:6 £45
About caving at Swildon’s Hole in the Mendips, Somerset:
Are you keen to try caving at Swildon’s Hole in Somerset? Hidden beneath the Mendip Hills, Swildon’s Hole is a fantastic underground streamway cave with crystal-clear water, waterfalls, twists, turns and an enjoyable amount of challenge – fantastic for those who’ve caught the caving bug!
Unlike many caves, Swildon’s feels alive with flowing water. You’ll follow the stream through limestone and crystal passages, climb over boulders, splash through pools and explore your way through this beautiful underground world. It’s wet, exciting and enormous fun.
The history of exploration of Swildon’s Hole is legendary amongst British cavers, since it began in 1901. It has inspired many new discoveries in its stalagmites, streams and Cretaceous fossils revealed in the rock fissures.
We offer two trip itineraries, depending on your experience, and how much adventure you’re after!:
Swildon’s Short Trip – To the 20ft Pitch
Our shorter trip is perfect if you’d like to experience one of Britain’s most famous sporting caves in combination with Goat Church Cavern or rock climbing in one exciting adventure day.
After entering through the famous stone hut, we’ll explore the entrance series passageways, before following the stream deeper into the cave. We will negotiate easy climbs and crawls and a bit of splashing as we make our way through beautifully carved limestone passages. Before long we’ll reach the Twenty Foot Pot. Beyond here involves committing to vertical caving (where the Full Trip continues). Instead we pause here, before heading back to the surface.
This short trip gives a taste of what makes Swildon’s special. It’s adventurous without being overly demanding and is ideal for anyone looking for a memorable introduction to Mendip caving.
Swildon’s Full Trip – To Sump 1
If you’re ready for a bigger adventure, we’ll continue beyond the Twenty Foot Pot, abseiling down a waterfall to head deeper into the cave towards Sump 1.
The further we travel, the more adventurous the cave becomes. There are small waterfalls to climb, deep pools to negotiate past, and wonderful crystal formations and folded limestone geology to gaze at in awe. We go with the flow of water, until reaching the legendary Sump 1, feeling like we’re on a real expedition! It’s a longer, more physical journey (particularly as the way out is all upwards, and against the flow of water!) As such, a good level of fitness is a must, but the rewards are great!
If you’ve been caving with us before in Devon, you’ll find Swildon’s offers something quite different, being an active river cave, and very atmospheric with the sound of the water – and it’s much less muddy!
That’s why we love offering a variety of caves. Each cave has its own personality, and together they showcase just how varied caving in the South West can be.
Whether you choose the shorter trip or head all the way to Sump 1, you’ll discover why Swildon’s Hole has been inspiring cavers for generations.
Please Note:
The Short Trip needs to be booked in combination with caving at Goat Church Cavern or Hunter’s Hole, or rock climbing at Cheddar Gorge or Burrington Combe, to make a fantastic full adventure day! We will discuss the available options with you. (It is rare that we can offer the short trip as a stand-alone activity as we are based in Devon, and the journey to/from makes a half day activity unviable).
The duration of the Full Trip (which is booked as a stand-alone activity) will depend on how fast you move through the cave based on fitness and conditions on the day, and how much time is spent admiring the lovely formations!
Please contact us to discuss the options!
Objectives of caving at Swildon’s Hole:
- Safe, fun, educational adventure
- Confidence-building
- Team work
- Learning about cave science, geology and exploration history
- Climbing and movement practice
- Experiencing vertical caving, using rope work and caving ladder on the long trip
Included in your caving trip at Swildon’s Hole:
- Highly qualified and experienced caving guide
- Cave entry fee
- Use of all essential caving equipment such as caving suit, furry suit, belt, helmet, torch, and wellington boots
- Necessary vertical caving equipment for the Full Trip
- Unless otherwise stated, the Swildon’s Hole Caving trip will be run privately for you, meaning you benefit from a personalised activity, focusing on your individual interests, ability and goals
All you will need to bring:
- Comfortable and warm clothing that you don’t mind getting wet such as a dark-coloured thermal top and leggings/long trousers, and a lightweight jumper (please note – although this is a relatively clean cave, there may still be some mud that will stain light coloured clothing!)
- It is recommended to bring a change of clothes to change into afterwards
- A snack, plus drink and packed lunch (for full day activities)
- Your parent or legal guardian to accompany you if you are a child
- Your sense of adventure!
Previous experience:
No caving experience is necessary for the Short Trip at Swildon’s Hole to the Twenty Foot Pot. *For the Full Trip to Sump 1, at least one previous caving trip with Rock and Moor at Pridhamsleigh or Bakers Pit near Buckfastleigh in Devon, or Goat Church Cavern in the Mendips is usually necessary so that we can be confident that the Long Trip at Swildon’s Hole will be suitable for you. A good level of mobility is important as caving is likely to involve crouching, crawling and easy scrambling on uneven and slippery ground. There is some climbing involved in the Long Trip to Sump One. There are many walking passages and chambers in the trips to Swildon’s Hole and some short lengths of smaller passageways. Caving is suitable for adults and children (children need to be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian).
Other caving adventures offered by Rock and Moor:
- Pridhamsleigh Cavern, near Buckfastleigh in South Devon (all levels)
Baker’s Pit, near Buckfastleigh, South Devon (some prior experience necessary) - Goat Church Cavern, Mendips, Somerset (all levels)
- Hunter’s Hole, Mendips, Somerset (advanced level)
- Caving Skills Development
Testimonials for Swildon’s Hole Caving with Rock and Moor:
“Highly recommended for families, aspiring adventurers, or anyone seeking a combination of skill-building and breathtaking exploration.”
“Mike’s calm professionalism allowed us both to gain hands-on experience with rope techniques and cave navigation, while still enjoying the adventure. This was an incredible opportunity for my step son to explore a potential career in rope access—and for me to reconnect with Mike and share a rewarding, educational adventure alongside him.”
More reviews can be found on Tripadvisor, Google and Facebook.