Redcliffe Caves

Redcliffe Caves in Bristol are a network of hand-cut passages beneath the Redcliffe district in south-west England. Despite the name they are not natural caves but the remains of a sandstone mine, with tool marks still visible on the walls and pillars.

What are the Redcliffe Caves?

Under Redcliffe hill, wide chambers with high ceilings and thick supporting pillars stretch through the red sandstone. The rock was quarried and ground into sand for local trades. Sources link it mostly to glassmaking, where it went into cheap dark green bottles, and to potteries, which used it for glaze. Digging peaked in the 17th century and the early 19th century.

What happened to the mine afterwards?

Once the sand was no longer needed, the tunnels were used to store goods, and tradition says hermits sheltered there. Stories of prisoners of war being held underground also circulate, though accounts disagree and parts of the caves' past remain unclear. The Second World War is better documented: part of the system served as an air raid shelter.

How can you visit?

The caves are normally locked, so you cannot just walk in. The entrance is off Phoenix Wharf, beside the Floating Harbour. Visits happen on organised guided tours, and the caves have also opened during the Bristol Open Doors weekend. Tours have additionally been offered alongside Bristol Film Festival events.

A standard tour takes about 40 to 45 minutes. You meet on the wharf, are given a hard hat and a short safety briefing, and then go underground. Longer specialist visits, such as one run for a geological society, lasted around two hours with groups of up to 25.

What should you bring?

• Sturdy closed shoes, since the floor is uneven and damp.
• An extra layer, because it is cooler below ground.
• A camera or phone, though lighting is limited.

Access has varied in recent years and some listings have reported temporary closures, so confirm tour dates with the organiser shortly before you travel.

What else is nearby?

Redcliffe sits on the Avon, a short walk from the city centre. The Floating Harbour waterfront and the Gothic church of St Mary Redcliffe are close, so the caves fit easily into a walk around this part of Bristol.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Redcliffe Caves natural?

No. They are man-made workings from sandstone extraction, so they are more accurately described as a sand mine.

Can I enter on my own?

Usually not. The entrance is locked, and visits run as guided tours or on open days such as Bristol Open Doors.

How long is a tour?

A typical tour lasts about 40 to 45 minutes, while longer group visits for geology enthusiasts have taken around two hours.

Why was sand dug here?

It supplied glassmaking, especially dark green bottles, and the production of glaze for pottery.