Kents Cavern
One of Britain's most important prehistoric caves. It yielded the oldest modern human fossils in northwestern Europe and inspired Agatha Christie.
Kents Cavern is a set of limestone caves with evidence of human activity dating back about 500,000 years. A jaw fragment unearthed here in 1927 has been dated to around 41,000 years old, one of the oldest known remains of modern humans in northwestern Europe. The cave is designated a national monument and a geological heritage site. Visits must follow a guided tour lasting about an hour. Guides cover prehistoric humans, cave bear and hyena fossils, and stalactites. Agatha Christie drew inspiration from the cavern for works including The Man in the Brown Suit. Admission is about £20, and online booking is recommended. The cave is cool and damp, so bring a jacket. It is about 2 km from Torquay harbor.
Opening hours
About 10:00–16:00 (guided tour times)
Nearby sights
- Anstey's Cove
- Meadfoot Beach
- Torquay Museum
- Babbacombe Cliff Railway & Oddicombe Beach
- Babbacombe Model Village
- Torquay Harbour & Princess Gardens
- Torre Abbey
- Cockington Village