Pridhamsleigh Cavern

Pridhamsleigh Cavern is a limestone cave on the edge of Ashburton in Devon, south-west England. Its passages and chambers formed in Middle Devonian limestone in the River Dart valley, south-east of Dartmoor. It suits people with some caving experience rather than casual sightseers.

What is Pridhamsleigh Cavern?

The cave runs for roughly 1.1 km and drops just over 50 m, counting the flooded section known as Prid II. The older dry levels hold chambers up to 30 m wide, linked by a maze of solution tubes and bedding-plane passages. Beneath them lies an active water-filled zone, with a flooded shaft more than 40 m deep. Bishop's Chamber sits near the entrance, and a deep pool is known simply as The Lake.

What makes it special?

Diving exploration began in the early 1970s, when scuba divers found, at about 80 feet down, an opening into a second, partly air-filled chamber. It was named Gerry's Chamber after its discoverer. The cave is also the type locality of Niphargus glenniei, a blind white freshwater shrimp around 3 mm long that lives only in south-west England. The Pridhamsleigh Caves area is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Can you visit?

The cave is listed as open. A local bunkhouse guide describes access as straightforward: a payment per person is made at a shed on the way to the entrance. Arrangements and fees can change, so contact a local caving club or the landowner before you go. Enter only with proper kit (helmet, spare lighting, clothes that cope with mud and water), ideally with someone who knows the layout.

How safe is it?

The cave is described as suitable for novices in company, but the tangle of passages makes disorientation easy. A party lost near the entrance needed help from Devon Cave Rescue volunteers. Leave your plan and expected return time with someone, and do not go into flooded sections without cave-diving training.

How do you get there?

The cave is by Ashburton, between Exeter and Plymouth, a few minutes from the A38. Driving is the easiest option. The nearest towns are Ashburton and Buckfastleigh. Buckfastleigh has its own separate group of caves under Church Hill, including the Baker's Pit system, which is a different site.

Frequently asked questions

How long is Pridhamsleigh Cavern? About 1.1 km, with a depth of just over 50 m.

Is the cave protected? Yes. The Pridhamsleigh Caves area has SSSI status.

Is it a beginner cave? For reasonably fit people with an experienced companion, yes, but it is easy to lose your bearings.

Which animal is linked to the cave? The blind cave shrimp Niphargus glenniei, whose type locality is here.