Spine-tingling cave tours, family storytelling and an autumn trail await local visitors.
Creswell Crags is inviting local 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 5 to 10 years can gather with their families in Mother Grundy’s cave for interactive tales of brave bats, wild witches and dark caves. There will be plenty of opportunities to join in as the guide uses clever lighting effects to 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 Monday 26 to Friday 30 October at 12.30pm and 2.30pm.
Visitors looking for a gentler seasonal activity can enjoy an autumn walk around the Crags while children follow the Funky Fungi Trail. Families can search for hidden fungi along the route and claim a Halloween treat at the end.
The café is also severing a variety of seasonal drinks and cakes and offers a great place to warm up after a chilly walk.
This is also the last time before the 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. 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.”
Visitor information
Witch Marks Tours run daily, including on Saturday 31st October, at various times. Booking recommended. Adults £15, Children (5 to 17) £10. Children under 5 are not permitted to go into the cave.
Spooky Stories with Mother Grundy runs From Monday 26 to Friday 30 October at 12.30pm and 2.30pm. Booking recommended. £6 for adults, £4 for children.
Funky Fungi Trail daily from 10am to 4pm. No booking needed. £3 per trail.
Further information and booking: https://www.creswell-crags.org.uk/autumn2026
Photo Credit – Guided Tour showing the Witch Marks in Robin Hood Cave – Credit: Creswell Heritage Trust
Posted on 22 October 2026
