The National Showcaves Centre for Wales
The National Showcaves Centre for Wales
The National Showcaves Centre for Wales
4.5
About
Voted Britain’s Finest Natural Wonder, and the winner of all major environmental and tourism awards.There are three exceptional caves to experience - Dan-yr-Ogof, Cathedral Cave and Bone Cave. Each cave offers a unique underground adventure. In Dan-yr-Ogof you walk through beautifully decorated passageways for just under 1 kilometre; in Cathedral Cave you walk through enormous caverns, carved out millions of years ago. At the end of this cave you will walk behind 40 feet high waterfalls that cascade around you in the ‘Dome of St Paul’s’, an exceptional end to a truly breathtaking cave. In Bone Cave learn why 42 human skeletons are buried there, and why our ancestors used caves all those years ago.On site we also have one of the world’s largest collections of life-sized dinosaur models. Ranging from the ever popular Tyrannosaurus Rex and Brachiosaurs, to the lesser-known Tsintaosaurus. There are over 220 models to see – you are bound to find your favourite dinosaur! The Shire Horse Centre offers the excitement of two indoor children’s play areas. We also have the farm experience. Why not make friends with the gentle giants – our Shire horses are waiting to say hello. Include the Iron Age village, museum, stone circles, and you have plenty to see and do for all ages. As we are situated in a National Park, you might like to consider staying on our Caravan/Tenting site for your visit to the caves?For those who may want a break, there is our Coffee shop, and finally the Rock and Dinosaur shop to enjoy.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Hampshirehogs21
Southampton, UK119 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
At first we felt £21 was a bit steep for entrance but we spent three hours at the attraction and decided it was worth the price.
Yes, there are a lot of dinosaurs but their setting, size and animatronics make them interesting and in some cases amusing.
The three caves are different from each other and each unique. Two have accessible footways to amazing well lit spaces. For the Bone cave one dons a helmet and, half bent, goes up a steep pathway and into the cave where there is a video show and costumed characters.
The caves' site is very up and down but seats are provided at intervals. Sensible shoes are a must. More enjoyable in decent weather but as it is necessary to pre-book to guarantee entry you just have to take a chance.
Yes, there are a lot of dinosaurs but their setting, size and animatronics make them interesting and in some cases amusing.
The three caves are different from each other and each unique. Two have accessible footways to amazing well lit spaces. For the Bone cave one dons a helmet and, half bent, goes up a steep pathway and into the cave where there is a video show and costumed characters.
The caves' site is very up and down but seats are provided at intervals. Sensible shoes are a must. More enjoyable in decent weather but as it is necessary to pre-book to guarantee entry you just have to take a chance.
Written 21 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
d_jay16
Bristol, UK17 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
We visited the showcaves in April 2024 and had a great time. I can't remember going to a better family attraction in the UK. The caves are absolutely incredible and the dinosaur park is also fabulous. We ate in the cafe which was very reasonably priced with decent food, and we stayed at the camping/caravan site in our motorhome which was also very good with lots of space. Every single member of staff we encountered were friendly and helpful and they even posted our drinks bottle back to us which we left in the park by accident! Thanks so much for a great day out. A credit to Wales.
Written 15 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your recent visit to The National Showcaves Centre for Wales (and our campsite!), for your 5 out of 5 star rating, and for your very, very kind words! It is always a pleasure to read such positive and generous feedback from our visitors and guests. Your praise has been passed along to the rest of the team.
Thank you once again,
Dan.
Written 23 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Thedunnfamalams
Bracebridge Heath, UK56 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
I was dubious about paying £75 for my family to see some caves as we’ve done quite a few show caves before. But, WOW, these aren’t just some caves. These were in a league of their own, awe inspiring, beautiful, magical, natural. Nature at its best! and I was happy to pay every penny of the entrance for such beauty to be preserved. It was done so sympathetically. There was cages around some precious stalactites which is understandable but otherwise you really got the overall feel of being inside nature. It was not over done with railings and health and safety feature and signs and staff. You were left to just simply enjoy it, in a way that felt natural and authentic. These were without doubt the best we have ever seen. The gardens are absolutely beautiful and the waterfall cascading, was incredible. The dinosaurs although not aimed at my teens added interest and make walking between the caves more exciting for children. They weren’t as tacky as I anticipated but actually quite enjoyable in what felt like Jurassic surroundings. The last cave wasn’t for us (we prefer things to be left natural, I’m not a fan of adding mock dummies in caves) but the two other caves were worth every penny to see.
Written 24 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
L_K1509
London, UK1,740 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Fab visit to the caves, particularly as it was a rainy day but also it’s not open every day so we were lucky to be able to visit on our walking trip.
The first and second caves are by far the best. The first one we spent about an hour in there, but then we enjoyed visiting to the commentary at regular intervals and watching the educational films. The cave itself has lots to see and it’s the longest.
The second cave, cathedral cave, is high and at the end there is a waterfall and the cave is wide and high. Music if Pachelbel Canon, beautiful music. Congratulations to the couple who got engaged in the cave and who we took photos for.
The third cave, although worth seeing was accessed by a long low walkway, whereby you need to wear a hard hat. Not my favourite.
One star knocked off for the awful cafe. Staff could not be any less interested. Coffee is awful. Staff just come in and help themselves to the hot and cold drinks, no wonder the prices are so high in there. Avoid!
Staff every where else are friendly and helpful.
Great for 3-4 hours.
Tip! Use the toilets in the cafe before going to the caves as these are the only ones! Cafe is also the entrance.
Blue light card is not accepted sadly
The first and second caves are by far the best. The first one we spent about an hour in there, but then we enjoyed visiting to the commentary at regular intervals and watching the educational films. The cave itself has lots to see and it’s the longest.
The second cave, cathedral cave, is high and at the end there is a waterfall and the cave is wide and high. Music if Pachelbel Canon, beautiful music. Congratulations to the couple who got engaged in the cave and who we took photos for.
The third cave, although worth seeing was accessed by a long low walkway, whereby you need to wear a hard hat. Not my favourite.
One star knocked off for the awful cafe. Staff could not be any less interested. Coffee is awful. Staff just come in and help themselves to the hot and cold drinks, no wonder the prices are so high in there. Avoid!
Staff every where else are friendly and helpful.
Great for 3-4 hours.
Tip! Use the toilets in the cafe before going to the caves as these are the only ones! Cafe is also the entrance.
Blue light card is not accepted sadly
Written 14 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary M
Gloucester, UK91 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
We absolutely loved our day here. There are 3 caves with the Cathedral being the show stopper. It is beautifully lit and whoever chose the music being played inside is genius. I felt quite emotional about the whole experience. Between the caves is like the set of Jurassic park with a huge selection of dinosaurs some of which move. There is also a small selection of farm animals as well as a cafe. You must pre book and pay for your slot to avoid disappointment.
Written 6 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tracey
Coventry, UK13 contributions
Jul 2024 • Friends
We were staying at the hoeseasons apartment on sight and decided to have a look what was going on, on sight.
Got to say we had a great time in the park with all the diffrent dinosaurs to look at they were very impressive and moved and made noises. Boards told you all about them really good fun children would love them.
Walked through the caves which was great lots to see about how mining was done years ago.
Little farm with pigs and horses some guinea pigs as well. Lots of Lammas on the way in to see.
Definatly worth a visit me and my friends throughly enjoyed it, a must if you have children fab day out.
Got to say we had a great time in the park with all the diffrent dinosaurs to look at they were very impressive and moved and made noises. Boards told you all about them really good fun children would love them.
Walked through the caves which was great lots to see about how mining was done years ago.
Little farm with pigs and horses some guinea pigs as well. Lots of Lammas on the way in to see.
Definatly worth a visit me and my friends throughly enjoyed it, a must if you have children fab day out.
Written 11 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NickCooper
Lincoln, UK12 contributions
Oct 2024 • Family
Absolutely stunning day out. The two main caves offer very different experiences, but both awe-inspiring. The third cave, Bone Cave, is a little underwhelming, especially given the effort needed to access it. The cave experiences are well mixed with information about how they were created and discovered, but it's not too heavy. The dinosaur park element is excellent too and kept my youngest thoroughly entertained despite the difficulty of the walking require to access a lot of it. The site is on a very steep hill so be prepared, but the views you get at various points are well worth it. The facilities on site are excellent and well maintained and the staff we interacted with were all welcoming.
Written 28 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tubbytummy
London, UK731 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
We were camping and on a wet day visited the caves.
Firstly allow enough time, and wrap up warm. The caves are 10c all year.
There is so much to take on board, we went round slowly much of the information is repeated but all very informative and interesting.
I did not think much of the café so if you can be aware.
Also toilets are at the beginning and no more. This is explained but just to reinforce.
We were really impressed
However there are some odd opening times and allocation of entry via internet.
Firstly allow enough time, and wrap up warm. The caves are 10c all year.
There is so much to take on board, we went round slowly much of the information is repeated but all very informative and interesting.
I did not think much of the café so if you can be aware.
Also toilets are at the beginning and no more. This is explained but just to reinforce.
We were really impressed
However there are some odd opening times and allocation of entry via internet.
Written 9 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fouronthemoor
Tavistock, UK78 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
We had quite the day at Dan-Yr-Og and stayed longer than we thought we would. The caves were genuinely excellent and definitely worth the effort to explore. It was free reign and not guided do you could take your time and soak up the vibe.
The dinosaur park is inescapable as it forms the walk from cave to cave. Make sure you check out the shire horses and farm area near the entrance and don't miss the pigs! The restaurant area was clean and tidy, organised and relatively inexpensive. There was lots of seating for eating which took the stress out of the experience.
All in all an enjoyable place not to be missed if you a few hours spare.
Word of warning however, it is hilly.
The dinosaur park is inescapable as it forms the walk from cave to cave. Make sure you check out the shire horses and farm area near the entrance and don't miss the pigs! The restaurant area was clean and tidy, organised and relatively inexpensive. There was lots of seating for eating which took the stress out of the experience.
All in all an enjoyable place not to be missed if you a few hours spare.
Word of warning however, it is hilly.
Written 4 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sam
Manchester, UK48 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
Visited here as a young family and there really is something for everyone. We were blown away with the breathtaking views and stunning showcaves. The children really enjoyed theinosaur trail and learning about how our ancestors lived in the bronze age.
We ate in the cafe and wished we didn't! The menu is suited more for children and options were limited. After leaving we were returning home to Manchester, a 3 n half hour journey, so needed to eat. We all had chicken nuggets and they were rubbery and disgusting not worth the money at all and took a lifetime to cook even though the cafe was not too busy as it was 2pm by the time we sat to eat.
The farm was OK. Not much going on down that end. A nice farm shop/ice cream stall would have been nice instead of the 'merch' trailer selling overpriced keyrings etc. Toilets down this end would also be a great addition as this is where we were parked and had to leave from but the only toilets on site were up at the main entrance, a land train ride away or up a steep incline on foot.
It is an extremely steep attraction site so prams/buggies/young children would struggle to access all areas. Well worth a visit if you are in the area though.
We ate in the cafe and wished we didn't! The menu is suited more for children and options were limited. After leaving we were returning home to Manchester, a 3 n half hour journey, so needed to eat. We all had chicken nuggets and they were rubbery and disgusting not worth the money at all and took a lifetime to cook even though the cafe was not too busy as it was 2pm by the time we sat to eat.
The farm was OK. Not much going on down that end. A nice farm shop/ice cream stall would have been nice instead of the 'merch' trailer selling overpriced keyrings etc. Toilets down this end would also be a great addition as this is where we were parked and had to leave from but the only toilets on site were up at the main entrance, a land train ride away or up a steep incline on foot.
It is an extremely steep attraction site so prams/buggies/young children would struggle to access all areas. Well worth a visit if you are in the area though.
Written 8 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are they associated with the caves of drach? The exact same music was playing when we visited both, strange coincidence.
Written 31 October 2023
I have booked 1:30 slot it says arrive by 11
I cant make it by 11
What will happen if i come by 12
Written 4 April 2023
Hi could anybody tell me how are the roads to reach here from Swansea? Don't like driving steep hills, could someone please let me know what it's like thanks
Written 20 March 2023
How many steps down into the cave system? Are there easy ways out or once you’re down, do you have to continue through to the very end?
Written 26 February 2023
What’s the face covering situation at present please?
Written 5 April 2022
This is a review website, so folks here can give you views and opinions, but for hard facts you should always go to the attraction. Contact details are on their website - if you type showcaves into your browser, that'll get you there (we can't provide links). The contact details page will give you the telephone number and email.
The law in Wales is that masks are not needed for attractions, and there are no mentions of masks on the website, but you really need to ask them yourself for up to date and reliable information.
Written 6 April 2022
Hi . Are you open in January 2022?
Written 14 December 2021
Hi . Are you open in January?
Written 14 December 2021
Hello! I’m planning on booking a visit. The time online, is this for the caves? Can I spend time at the park before or after to visit the other parts such as the farm? Thanks.
Written 26 August 2020
Hi, you can sorbs as much time as you like in the caves and exit and re-enter the showcases... also the farm is really good and again your ticket allows you to go in and out.. We spent a good 4 hours there, but you could do more time...
Written 27 August 2020
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