The oldest homosapien remains in UK were discovered HERE

“We call this ‘Britain’s oldest home’” We were told as we descended down into the caves. “We know people lived here 40,000 years ago”. 

This is the mystical Kent’s Cavern Caves, an underground complex of fossils, stalactites and stalagmites in the heart of the English Riviera. 

I recently visited on a trip to Torbay – and here’s what you need to know if you’re planning a trip!

Kent’s Cavern Caves History

The site itself has a history spanning back 500,000 years. 

Excavations began during the mid-1800s, led by William Pengelly who uncovered bones of extinct animals in the chamber floors. A major breakthrough came in 1865 when Pengelly proved that humans had lived alongside Ice Age megafauna — this was a theory still debated at the time. 

As well as excavating 200 skeletons, he kept meticulous records of everything found, layer by layer, helping to establish new standards for archaeological documentation. 

Among the most important discoveries were tools from Homo heidelbergensis and Neanderthal remains, including a human jawbone fragment believed to be over 42,000 years old – this makes them the oldest homosapien remains in Britain and one of the  oldest in Western Europe!

It’s even been discovered that these early homosapiens lit the caves by making shell fires with shells, moss and animal fat. 

Sabre-toothed cat teeth and woolly mammoth bones were also recovered –  along with signs of fire use. It’s been discovered that these early homosapiens lit the caves by making shell fires with shells, moss and animal fat. 

The cave’s stratigraphy (the layers of sediment and what was found within them) became a key case study for understanding Britain’s human timeline.

Today, artefacts from Kent’s Cavern are housed in both the Natural History Museum and the Torquay Museum.

The cave continues to be referenced in scientific papers, with DNA analysis of its soil still turning up new information. Despite the lights and walkways installed for modern visitors, it remains an active archaeological site, with several areas sealed off for future research.

What the tour includes

All visits to Kent’s Cavern are by guided tour only – tours last just under an hour. You’re led through a series of chambers connected by narrow paths, with stops for the guide to explain the cave’s geology, archaeological finds and the process of excavation.

When I arrived, I registered and took a look  at the small exhibitions before my tour began. 

“This is Devonian Coraline Limestone” the guide explained the origins of the caves. “They were formerly in a tropical ocean south of the equator and started to move 385 million years ago”.

The tour starts in the Vestibule Chamber – this was the area first excavated by 19th-century scientists – before continuing into deeper sections. Highlights include: 

• the Bear’s Den (where Ice Age bear bones were discovered)
• the Great Chamber (with its vast flowstone formations) 
• the Face – a natural rock shape that resembles a human profile
• Another stop is the Rock Table, where early humans are believed to have worked stone tools

Lighting is kept low to preserve the cave environment, but there are illuminated features!

The guides are well-versed in both science and storytelling – as someone with zero knowledge of archaeology, I still found it fascinating! 

Kent’s Cavern Caves is the only place open to the public that was home to three species of man (there are only two in the world). 

I learned all about these early people, plus the creepy animals that lived in the caves  (including the Cave Hyena who crunched  bones) throughout the tour.

There are some interactive elements, such as a brief blackout moment to show just how dark the cave is – and seasonal extras such as Halloween or Christmas-themed activities. 

Getting there and practical info

Kent’s Cavern is located in Torquay’s Wellswood neighbourhood – it’s about a 20-minute uphill walk from the harbour. If you’re arriving by car, there’s a small on-site car park, though it fills quickly during school holidays! 

Free street parking is available nearby too. For public transport, the number 22 bus runs regularly from Torquay town centre to Ilsham Road; from there, it’s a five-minute walk.

The site is open daily, with extended hours in the summer and shorter hours in winter. 

Tours operate on a timed schedule and booking online is recommended, especially during weekends or school holidays. 

Prices are split into standard categories – adult, child, concession, and family – with discounts available through the English Riviera Pass. Check the official website for current prices and tour times.

Facilities include a licensed café with indoor and outdoor seating, toilets and a small gift shop. There’s a picnic area near the entrance if you’ve brought your own food.

The visitor centre is wheelchair accessible, but the cave is not. Inside the cave, you’ll need to manage uneven floors, narrow walkways, and some low ceilings.

Lighting is dim in places and the air stays cool year-round — around 14°C — so bring an extra layer, even in summer!

Tips for visiting

• Kent’s Cavern can get crowded during school holidays and on rainy weekends, so it’s best to visit early in the day or outside peak season. 
• Weekdays during term time are the best bet if you want more space to take your time during the tour. Morning slots tend to be calmer than afternoon ones too!
• Inside the cave, the temperature stays around 14°C regardless of the season. Wear a jumper or light jacket even in summer, and opt for shoes with decent grip — the cave floor is damp and uneven in places. Sandals and thin-soled shoes aren’t ideal.

Take a look at my list of top things to do in Torquay here and things to do in Paignton here.