THE WOOKEY HOLE CAVES
Nestled in the picturesque village of Wookey Hole near Wells in Somerset, England, lies a labyrinth of limestone caves steeped in history, mystery and legend. The Wookey Hole Caves have been a part of human history for an astonishing 45,000 years, serving as a shelter, a place of worship and a place of intrigue for countless generations.
From the bones of Ice Age animals to flint tools left by Paleolithic humans, the caves are filled with archaeological wonders giving a glimpse into the lives of our ancient ancestors. Wookey Hole has been home to an array of inhabitants, including giant hyenas, bears and early humans. The caves also reveal traces of Pagan and Roman worship, with the fourth chamber serving as a Romano-British cemetery where human remains have been discovered.
The first chamber, ominously named the Witch’s Kitchen, is said to be the domain of the Witch of Wookey Hole, a figure of local folklore who cast spells and brought misfortune to the villagers. A human-shaped stalagmite in the chamber is believed to be the witch herself, turned to stone by a monk from Glastonbury, along with her faithful dog. This eerie tale is just one of the many ghostly stories that add to the caves’ haunting allure.
Today, Wookey Hole Caves are a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world to explore their stunning chambers and learn about their rich history. From the towering Great Hall with its newly discovered witch markings to the breathtaking subterranean lake in Chamber 20, the caves continue to captivate and inspire, blending curiosity with the unknown. Whether you’re drawn to history, folklore or adventure, Wookey Hole Caves promise an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
LEGENDS AND HAUNTINGS OF WOOKEY HOLE CAVES
There are several theories surrounding the legend of the Wookey Hole Witch, one theory relates to heartbreak, revenge and supernatural justice. According to folklore, a man from Glastonbury, once engaged to a young woman from Wookey, saw his romance cursed by a witch living in the caves. Heartbroken, the man sought the help of a monk who vowed to end her meddling.
The monk tracked her into the cave, blessed the underground river and splashed her with holy water. The witch was said to be instantly petrified, she can now be seen as a human-shaped stalagmite in the Witch’s Kitchen chamber of the caves. Nearby, her loyal dog has also been uncovered, near a small ‘bowl’ and bones thought to be offerings left by visitors to appease the witch’s spirit.
The witch’s presence is still felt in the caves, with voices heard throughout the chambers, believed to be her restless spirit. In 1912, archaeologist Herbert Balch uncovered a 1,000-year-old skeleton in the caves, which some believe to be the remains of the infamous witch herself. Visitors and staff alike have reported strange occurrences, from unexplained sounds to an overwhelming sense of unease in certain parts of the cave.
In 1974, a director scouting the caves for a Doctor Who episode, had a chilling encounter. While exploring alone with his wife, they were approached by a man in a wetsuit who asked to borrow their torch. When the director refused, the man replied, “Right oh then,” and vanished into the darkness. Moments later, whistling echoed through the cave, prompting the couple to flee. The caretaker later confirmed no one else had been allowed in the caves, leading some to believe they encountered the spirit of a diver who had tragically drowned there years earlier.
During the filming of Doctor Who, the production team used the Witch’s stalagmite as a prop, dressing it in a cape and hat. What followed was a string of misfortunes: the floor manager developed claustrophobia, a crew member fell ill and an electrician broke his leg in a ladder accident. Many believed they had angered the witch’s spirit, bringing her legendary curse to life.
VISITING THE WOOKEY HOLE CAVES
The haunting allure of the Wookey Hole Caves is matched only by its rich history and natural wonders. From the tale of the Witch and her dog to the ancient stalagmites, these caves are a place where legend and geology intertwine. Whether you’re drawn to the ghost stories, the fascinating history, or to the award-winning cheese matured 200 feet underground, Wookey Hole truly has something for everyone. The caves maintain a cool 11°C year-round, so be sure to dress warmly for your visit. Beyond the caves, you can enjoy attractions like Dinosaur Valley, Adventure Golf and the Paper Mill Mirror Maze. To explore the mysteries of Wookey Hole for yourself, plan your visit and prepare to step into a world millions of years in the making!
If you found the legendary Wookey Hole Cave Witch interesting, you might also enjoy the tale of another infamous witch, the Bell Witch. Linked to the Bell Witch Cave in Tennessee, this legend tells of a spirit said to have haunted the Bell family.
Discover more about how we purchased and are working to restore a significant UK site linked to witchcraft – follow our story at The Cage in St. Osyth!
Thanks for reading!
XOXO
