Creswell Crags image

Creswell Crags

Cafe Tourist attraction Museum Archaeological museum Historical place museum Country park Archaeological site

One of the Best Places To Visits in Bolsover


Address

Crags Rd, Creswell, Worksop S80 3LH, United Kingdom

Website

www.creswell-crags.org.uk

Contact

+44 1909 720378

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (2.8K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 10 AM to 4:30 PM
  • Friday: 10 AM to 4:30 PM
  • Saturday: 10 AM to 4:30 PM
  • Sunday: 10 AM to 4:30 PM
  • Monday: 10 AM to 4:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 10 AM to 4:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 4:30 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: walk (33) caves (20) cave (19) tour (17) cafe (15) visit (14) museum (12) centre (11) lovely (11) lake (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Paul H. 1 year ago on Google
    Set on the edge of Derbyshire this is a little oasis of countryside calm. We popped in on Sunday afternoon for a quiet coffee. There is a small cafe, a shop, an exhibition centre and meeting rooms. There are walks around the woods and lake and from time to time, guided tours around the cave paintings. The cafe is modern with indoor and outdoor seating. Floor to ceiling windows with views to the woods. Typical National Trust/English Heritage coffee (so average) with packaged ice cream, cakes and soft drinks. The setting and surroundings make this forgivable. From the interest perspective this is a lovely place to explore and have drink. If you are looking for fantastic coffee and cakes this is not the place. Would recommend however and will go back. Good parking with excellent disabled facilities. Can get very busy. Expect to walk. Great for kids who like to explore and for short walks. If you found my review helpful I would be grateful for a thumbs 👍
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Hayley D. 1 year ago on Google
    First time visiting at the weekend and it was a lovely walk round! You do pay extra to take a tour, and saw a few people doing so, and you also have to pay to enter the museum (£3 per adult, children free. Unsure of max age for that) which was interested but felt a little empty in parts. Overall, a really nice few hours out! Car park was charged at £3. Best to check this before going, as I'm unsure on what time that allowed you 👍🏻
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Diane K. 9 months ago on Google
    We only went for a walk round (its free) but you can book cave tours, visit the museum and eat in the cafe too. We WILL be returning to do that, the place is stunning, its well kept too and we were fortunate enough to watch some archeology in action. Great place for dogs too, not a long walk but just beautiful scenery. Strongly advise a visit if your into wild meadow flowers, greenery,, rocks, witches and pre history.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 silver d. 1 year ago on Google
    One of my favourite places. It has such a lovely feel to it, beautiful just for a walk then there's the amazing history and archaeology of the place which is so well explained by the knowledgeable and friendly tour guides (thank you Simon for a fantastic Ice Age Art tour today!).
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kat E. 1 year ago on Google
    A place where you can arrive outside the opening hours of official attractions. A charming corner, you can rest here in silence, embracing the wild nature. The noise of streams and rocks make you feel like you are in the mountains.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 J F. 1 year ago on Google
    Parking was £4 for 3 hours which is manageable but we paid £6 for all day. Tour was £11 each. We did the Robin Hood Cave and were told to meet 15 min early but this was not required as guide showed up on time. No artwork and very little cave exploration. Most content was aimed at children and had props that could have been shown outside of a cave (the bulk of the tour). Enjoyed the last 10 mins actually entering the deeper section of the cave. Perhaps a private tour would be better for adults without children? Didn't feel value for money if I'm honest. The walk around the lake is lovely and we did this in less than an hour which was ideal. The museum was limited but worth a visit for all the cave 'finds' and info. The shop is well put together with some lovely items to purchase at reasonable prices. All in all an enjoyable day out. Would give 3.5 stars but that's not what Google allows.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Graeme R. 2 years ago on Google
    What a stunning place to while away an hour or two. With added bonus of knowing that Ice age people lived there. Like walking umongst our ancestors. Highly recommend a visit. Plus a cheeky ice cream at the cafe to complete the joy.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ken and Helen A. 1 year ago on Google
    Located just outside of Worksop in North Nottinghamshire and sandwiched between the M1 and the A1, the Crags are described as an archaeological park enclosed limestone gorge Imagine having caves in a ravine showing evidence of habitation dating back by at least 10,000 years. There is a shop and museum and you can also book a cave tour. You’ll also find a small cafe, although I cannot comment as I haven’t been in, however many other reviewers do speak very highly of it. The Crags are most definitely well worth a visit.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mike N. 5 months ago on Google
    I'll be honest, we only spent half a day here but managed to get around the scenic Craggs and also have a rather good cup of tea in the cafe. In hindsight I'd go for the whole day and visit the museum too. It is a free day put, but parking costs (not that much) and so does the museum (also not that much).
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ian J. 1 year ago on Google
    The 'ice age art' is superb. The bird is exceptionally clear, the bison less so, but surprised to see so many carvings so clearly. Tour exceeded my expectations
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alison W. 2 years ago on Google
    Took grandchildren who soaked up the whole experience. Age's 11.12 and 4. They all took something out of the visit. The caves were fascinating to them. Joined in the story time at the visitor centre which they thoroughly enjoyed. Simon kept a room full of children and adults entertained for the hour. Beautiful scenery. Wonderful walks and a lovely cafe.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 chris k. 2 years ago on Google
    Creswell crags was an interesting afternoon stroll. Took about 1hr to walk around the Crags lake. Lots of interesting caves both sides to peer into. Did see some people making use of a tour guide to go into the caves, you have to book in advance to do this. Nice places to stop and have a picnic along with a modern visitors centre and small museum you can visit for £3. Parking is pay and display with lots of available spaces.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Emma W. 10 months ago on Google
    Interesting archological caves...some you can pay to visit. Lovely visitors centre with cafe, shop and exhibition. Entrance fee to go round the exhibition. Cafe had delicious cakes and pasties, jacket potatoes etc... although our cappuccinos weren't very nice, milky, no froth and not strong enough. We did a round walk on the Robins Hood way which was about 5 miles. Several footpaths around you can explore. A bit disappointing to look in some of the caves and see a lot of rubbish in them, like beer cans etc ...but very interesting information posts around the lake. The main path is flat and easy to walk on. A bit of a scramble up to some of the caves, so some care needed if it's wet. Several caves had wooden steps up to them. Well worth a visit....Will definitely be back!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mohamed M. 1 year ago on Google
    Creswell Crags was a wonderful time to visit. You can go to the cave, but you need to book it and there is a tour guide with you. The cave is dark, but you will receive headlights starting the tour guide. The car park is paid but it is free for a disability blue badge. Also, there is a river, forest and wall rocks. Recommended place to go.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andrew B. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice place, lots of rocks and caves, guided tours if you want to go in the caves are available Food and drink available there is a pond to walk round
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Reliwonga 2 years ago on Google
    Good place for a walk, a walk around the crags is about an hour, but part of it is connected to Robin Hoods Way so can be as long as a walk as you like. Dogs allowed but on leads as there is a lot of wildlife around.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cameron F. 8 months ago on Google
    A fantastic experience. Our tour guide John was excellent, very engaging and extremely knowledgeable, the type of gentleman you could quite easily sink a few ales with while talking about everything cave art. We we will be back to do the other tours very soon in the future.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Adam J. 9 months ago on Google
    Beautiful little place, hidden out the way. Great for a walk around, with great opportunity to learn about archeology and history. Little seating area for picnics too, a little away from the water,which is good for the little ones.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Emily H. 1 year ago on Google
    Fabulous place to visit. I really enjoyed it. The staff were so lovely and chatty and made us feel so so welcome. I appreciate all the efforts they put into making this place eco friendly. Great place for dog walks. Also the vegan sausage roll was delicious and they also have milk alternatives 💕💕 the information stops around the walk were brilliant and so informative. extra perk was defo the selection of incredible soaps to buy in the shop!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Francisca R. 7 months ago on Google
    Visited for the first time yesterday and thoroughly enjoyed it. There was ample parking on arrival, including several disabled spots right next to the door. At the reception, we were given a leaflet (free) with a map, and information about the history and layout of Creswell Crags. The staff couldn't have been more helpful with information about disabled facilities, eating areas, and activities available. There was a shop where you could buy soft toys, magnets, fossils and much more. The museum was well thought out and full of interesting facts and information. There were plenty of toilets, all of good standard and clean. The only problem I could foresee is that the toilets were fixed to the wall, which could be difficult for larger visitors. There was a cafe, which was very reasonably priced, with a good selection of sweet & savoury, meat & veggie, suitable for all ages. The staff were very pleasant. Again, the seats provided were not sturdy enough for larger visitors. The grounds were superb. There was a playground, wildflower meadow and the gorge itself was spectacular. Everything was easy access for all mobilities, and the walk around the lake was on an easy path and was just over a mile long. Everything on show had the environment in mind. There were a variety of activities (not all free) on offer, from guided cave tours, to mini-beast adventures. All in all, I was very impressed with Creswell Crags and I will certainly be returning.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John C. 6 months ago on Google
    Took my dogs here for a walk on a Saturday, slightly out of season - so relatively quiet. Great walks round the gorge ( using the free guide from visitors centre ). Flat and even paths for those who have mobility issues. Lots of dog waste bins , but very few litter bins on the trails . Also lacked benches ( only spotted one on the gorge walk ). Family picnic area, and suitable seating and children’s outdoor play area . Toilets and cafe in the visitors centre are clean and modern , with indoor and outdoor seating area . Parking is £4 for 3hrs , then a whole day rate . Tours of the caves and cave complexes are available to book at visitor centre. Overall a great place to explore , with lots of things to discover , and lots of great photo opportunities.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Hartley G. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice Little place for a walk through the valley with cliffs and caves on 1 side and the river on the other. Museum is small but tells you about the area and bones/tools found in the crags.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Robert B. 2 years ago on Google
    A very interesting site explaining the prehistoric cave site. Unfortunately we went with a 3yo, so were unable to take him on a cave tour. The museum area was interesting in itself, but not a lot for younger children to do. They could also benefit from child-oriented guide books, as the one on offer, whilst interesting, is rather dry for an 8yo to follow. Still, and good day out.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Alex C. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice Walk around the gorge but cave visits are £10 each which is a little expensive. The cafe is nice and has shaded outdoor seating on multiple levels. Has disabled access and so OK for pushchairs. It's free but would like a voluntary Continuation. Plenty of toilets and parking available and a small shop. They do special events. We went for a living history one which wasn't great, very basic and couldnt find the flint knapping bloke but the ladies in the cave were great and informative. Kids enjoyed it. Had a map. And butterfly trail for £2 which was a bit of fun
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jamie R. 1 year ago on Google
    A brilliant tour for the family. Excellent knowledge of the artifacts and how they would be made and used thousands of years ago. Very friendly staff and a very engaging Cave tour by Joe (I think) and a new member of staff with incredible knowledge. Overall a great day out with the family.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kirsten G. 2 years ago on Google
    Lovely place for a walk, well looked after and plenty of info about the history dotted about. Cafe with indoor and outdoor seating in a gorgeous setting.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Graham H. 2 years ago on Google
    Think Alton Towers without the thrill rides. Must be excellent to have a proper guided tour and be able to get inside the caves which are barred to entry. Plenty of things to see and a prehistoric animal climbing area for the kids to play on. Big visitors centre with café and seating areas outside. Take a walk around the gorge, about a mile, and take all the diversions off the pathway to explore the caves. Great stuff.

  • 4/5 Autumn L. 6 months ago on Google
    Much more than expected. I think the parking charge could be more graduated. Starting with a £1 charge . The minimum is currently £4. Also, the voluntary requested donation of £3 could be £1, £2, or £3. More people on low incomes may feel they can afford to support.. The cafe was good. The walk around the site excellent and informative.

  • 4/5 lisa s. 2 years ago on Google
    When you first walk up and see the lake and surrounding cliff faces on either side its very impressive and does have a Jurassic World feel to it . The caves along the route are mostly gated off unless you book a guided tour which was quite disappointing. However the walk round the lake is a lovely walk and entry is free ( £4 for parking) only paying if you want a guided tour .

  • 5/5 Woody J. 6 months ago on Google
    Popped in CG on our way home from Peak District, £4 to park for 3 hours which was adequate for a walk around the gorge with our furry girls Izzy&Bella 🐶 No dogs allowed in the visitor centre but we enjoyed a lite lunch on the café terrace with the girls, reasonably priced and good selection. Nice place 👍

  • 5/5 Rob B. 5 months ago on Google
    Fantastic place, 3 tours available about how prehistoric people lived, their art found in the caves and witch marks. Tour guides are very knowledgeable and passionate will be going back again as loves it

  • 5/5 Mark C. 2 years ago on Google
    Fantastic day out exploring the caves and ancient woodland. Lots to see and do , and cafe is well located with outside tables on 2 levels.

  • 5/5 Amanda R. 7 months ago on Google
    I had a lovely walk round in relative peace and quiet. Main path along the lake was closed for re-surfacing but an alternative path was available. Cafe was clean and Comfortable with staff very pleasant and courteous. Will be visiting again very soon.

  • 5/5 Samantha E. 7 months ago on Google
    Fantastic visit, highly recommend booking a cave tour - we chose ‘art in the ice age’ and it was fascinating. Our guide Simon was extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and he really did transport us back in time. Simon really conveyed his passion and care for the site. The gorge is a haven of flora and fauna and a peaceful setting for a stroll. The visitor centre is well equipped with a cafe and small museum.

  • 5/5 Liz L. 11 months ago on Google
    Brilliant afternoon walking around this lovely place. Cafe is also very nice. Staff friendly and helpful, would recommend a trip here if your in the area. We will be going back again. 😊

  • 4/5 Joanna 8 months ago on Google
    Enjoyable walk and free if you don't want/already seen exhibition so worth a visit Archeologists working on side are very friendly and open to talk, we even been showed what they just found and it was pretty exciting.

  • 5/5 Dan K. 2 years ago on Google
    A really cool, unique place. A lot of funding has gone into it in recent years, so the visitor centre and facilities are brilliant too.

  • 5/5 Derek R. 2 years ago on Google
    Great afternoon out for all the family brilliant cafe make a change to value for money and the safe are very helpful and everywhere is very clean and tidy Well be back thank you

  • 4/5 Daniel K. 2 years ago on Google
    The surrounding area was stunning the museum was small and blink twice you missed it

  • 5/5 Frankie M. 1 year ago on Google
    Went last week whilst it was in the weird stage of snow and spring and it was absolutely gorgeous. You can walk up to the caves and the views are gorgeous. Will definitely be going back when it’s summer so I can see it all covered in green.

  • 5/5 Barry P. 1 year ago on Google
    An ice age home to our ancestors, this primarily open air exhibit is a delightful walk through nature and history. Significant visitors to this location over the past 120,000 years include mammoths, hippos, neanderthals and even hyenas. Specific tours allow for cave visits but one can walk around the gorge and its central lake area. There are sections of stairs leading off the path to the small cave openings. Dogs are allowed but not in the gift shop/restaurant/toilet building. Parking is pay and display.

  • 4/5 Zsanett G. 2 years ago on Google
    Thought it would be bigger and less busy but its a nice place for a walk. Didnt go inside the caves cause my parking was running out of time.

  • 4/5 Pete / Hel H. 1 year ago on Google
    Lovely walk around the lake crags on each side, lots to see and very interesting also small but informative museum on site just a shame people leave rubbish in the caves but still a lovely few hours out


Call +44 1909 720378 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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