If you’re looking for a unique, interesting and slightly spooky stop on your next adventure, I recommend visiting Hellfire Caves in West Wycombe.
I visited on a rainy weekday, so it was fairly quiet and we were able to park up the hill right outside the caves. Before going in the caves, stop in the cafe to receive your token for admission and a warm drink as you’ll be going into the damp underground.
In the cave, there are boards detailing the history of who was behind the caves and how they were created. It is self guided, so you can go as fast or slow as you want throughout the caves. There are also audio “stops” throughout detailing the story or setting different scenes. The one I thought was interesting was with Benjamin Franklin. As an American myself, I had no idea he visited or had any part of the “going-ons” of all that was in these caves.
Before going into The Inner Temple, there is a sign that says you are 100 metres below the church, so you really are deep underground! This room was my favourite as it felt the spookiest. I also saw a sign that said there are bats in the caves, but we couldn’t see any!
I think I spent about an hour and a half going through the caves and looking around. I did find the audio playing at times a little noisy and would’ve felt that it would’ve intensified the spookiness if it was completely silent. It would be fun to come back when they have the celebrations/night tours for Halloween. There were no children present when I visited, but I felt like young kids would find it boring and just run around/make noise – I probably wouldn’t have had enjoyed it as much if that were the case!
Overall, I think this is a great place to visit if you’re interested in history or want to make a fun stop on a road trip through Buckinghamshire! Tickets for adults are £9.50 or £8 if you are a National Trust Member.
xx Hannah
Idealistic Iowan 