Ash Hole Cavern

Ash Hole Cavern in Brixham, on the Devon coast of Torbay, is a limestone cave that sheltered people for thousands of years. Today it is a protected archaeological site, and it appeals to anyone who likes prehistory more than polished visitor attractions.

What is Ash Hole Cavern?

The cave is a limestone system with a main chamber roughly 40 m long from east to west and up to 22 m wide, according to a survey by the Devon Karst Research Society. The original, natural entrance lies at the bottom of a sinkhole. A second, much larger opening appeared in the 19th century, when quarrying broke into the cave.

Why is it so important?

Excavations show that people used the cave as a rock shelter across several eras. Investigations in the 1960s, led by G. Head, found occupation layers from the Neolithic (about 4000-2200 BC), the Bronze Age (about 2200-700 BC) and the Roman period. The upper cave deposits yielded pottery, bronze metalwork, a Roman coin and human remains. Most of the pottery is Bronze Age and resembles Cornish Trevisker ware from roughly 1750-1000 BC.

Earlier antiquarians had dug here too, including Henry Lyte and John MacEnery. Sources disagree on the exact date of Lyte's work, so it is safest to say only that it took place in the first half of the 19th century.

The site has been a scheduled monument since 23 November 1966 and appears in the National Heritage List for England as "Ashhole Cavern" (entry 1019133). Digging, collecting finds or damaging the cave is therefore illegal.

Where is it and how do you get there?

The cave sits about 100 m from the shore, roughly halfway between Brixham town and Berry Head, on the southern curve of Torbay. A short walk from Berry Head Road leads to it. The grid reference is SX 93701 56681, and the coordinates are about 50.400 N, 3.497 W. Before you go, check locally whether the entrance can be visited, because it is a protected monument and the site is not set up as a show cave.

What else is nearby?

Combine the visit with a walk along the South West Coast Path to Berry Head, with its views over Torbay. Brixham harbour, with its fishing fleet and cafes, is a short distance away. The area lies within the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark, so it suits a day spent on geology and local history.

When should you go?

The surroundings are a coastal walk, so dry weather in spring, summer or early autumn is the most comfortable. Wear sturdy shoes, as the paths can be muddy after rain.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside Ash Hole Cavern?

It is a scheduled monument rather than a commercial attraction. Treat access as restricted and respect any signs or barriers at the site.

How old are the finds?

The deposits span the Neolithic, the Bronze Age and Roman times, so roughly 4000 BC to the Roman period.

Is it worth visiting if you cannot enter?

Yes, if you enjoy archaeology or the coast. You can pair it with the Berry Head walk and the harbour in Brixham.

Is it the same as Brixham Cave?

No. Brixham Cave, also called Windmill Hill Cave, is a different site in the town that is famous for its role in establishing the antiquity of humankind. Ash Hole Cavern is a separate monument.