Join in seasonal spooky tours and tales at atmospheric Creswell Crags

Creswell Crags is inviting families and curious visitors to step into a season of stories, superstitions and Halloween adventure, with experiences ranging from atmospheric Witch Marks tours to interactive tales for younger children.

Home to the country’s largest collection of protective ‘apotropaic’ marks found in caves, Creswell Crags offers a fitting setting in which to explore the fears and beliefs of centuries past.

Visitors can also enjoy a family-friendly storytelling experience and a seasonal outdoor trail through the Crags.

On the Witch Marks Tours, guides will lead visitors into the gorge and through Robin Hood cave while bringing to life a world shaped by plague, fear and poverty.

The tour explores the medieval superstitions that may have inspired people to carve protective symbols into the rock.

As daylight fades, visitors will hear how people once sought protection from misfortune and unseen forces and discover the fears and superstitions that shaped the creation of these fascinating marks. Witch Marks Tours run daily, including on Halloween itself, at various times.

Children aged five to 10 years can gather with their families in Mother Grundy’s cave for interactive tales of brave bats, wild witches and dark caves, with opportunities to join in as clever lighting effects make the cave come alive around a pretend campfire.

This experience is designed to offer younger visitors an exciting introduction to storytelling without being too frightening. Spooky Stories with Mother Grundy runs from October 26 to 30 at 12.30pm and 2.30pm.

Visitors looking for a gentler activity can enjoy an autumn walk around the Crags while children follow the Funky Fungi Trail. Search for hidden fungi and claim a Halloween treat at the end.

The café will serve seasonal drinks and cakes, and offers a great place to warm up after a chilly walk.

This is the last time before spring when the public can venture inside Church Hole cave to see the Ice Age rock art before the bats move in to hibernate over winter and the cave is closed to the public. Thinking about bats at Halloween couldn’t be more on theme!

Hannah Steggles, head of public engagement, said: “Halloween is the perfect time to discover the stories and superstitions connected with Creswell Crags.

Whether visitors want an atmospheric cave tour, an interactive family story or a colourful autumn walk, there is something for all ages to enjoy.

Many people know the Crags is famous for the Ice Age, but the villagers living close to the Crags in more recent times were less afraid of lions and hyenas and more terrified of evil spirits lurking in the depth of the caves.

This is a great chance for people to come and discover more about these stories at this spooky time of year.”

Witch Marks Tours run daily, including on Saturday, October 31, at various times. Booking is recommended. Costs; Adults £15, Children (five to 17) £10. Children under five are not permitted into the cave.

Spooky Stories with Mother Grundy runs from October 26 to 30 at 12.30pm and 2.30pm. Booking recommended. £6 for adults, £4 for children.

Funky Fungi Trail is open daily from 10am to 4pm. No booking needed. £3 per trail.

For further information and booking: https://www.creswell-crags.org.uk/autumn2026