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Fairy Cave Quarry

Quarry

Terrain:

Activities

Best Time To Visit

Caves, Cliffs

Climbing

Late May to September

Nick Chipchase / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Fairy Cave Quarry is a disused limestone quarry in the Mendip Hills near Stoke St Michael in Somerset, its cut faces opening into a set of caves. Among them are Fairy Cave, Shatter Cave and Withyhill Cave, hung with fine calcite formations that rank among the best in Britain. Access to the caves is ...

6

Parking nearby

1

Food Spots nearby

3

Staycations nearby

Parking:

Food:

Staycations:

1 day, 5 overnight

Shapla Indian Restaurant​

Oakhill Cabin, Glamping on the Hill, Cedar Stables Cabin

FAQ's/Things to Know

Where is Fairy Cave Quarry?
Somerset's rolling mendip hills conceal this dramatic industrial landscape down a quiet country lane. Climbers often spot the massive limestone cliffs looming above the trees as they approach the area.

What type of place is Fairy Cave Quarry?
Fairy Cave Quarry is a disused limestone quarry in Somerset.

When is the best time to visit Fairy Cave Quarry?
Late May to September provides the driest weather for exploring the subterranean caverns and scaling the vertical rock faces. Warm summer afternoons offer the most reliable conditions before the damp autumn chill sets in.

What can you do at Fairy Cave Quarry?
Climbing enthusiasts can practice traditional routes on the high stone slabs while others explore the exposed cave mouths. Anyone looking for adventure can check the BMC Access Database online to arrange entry to the delicate underground passages.

How long should I spend at Fairy Cave Quarry?
Spending a full morning allows enough time to check your ropes, tackle a few technical routes, and see the cave entrances. A whole day suits those wanting a complete exploration of the rocky chasm.

Where do I park at Fairy Cave Quarry?
Vehicles can use the six spaces provided near the site, providing one day and five overnight spots. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

Where can I eat near Fairy Cave Quarry?
Shapla Indian Restaurant provides a choice for a meal nearby. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

Where can I stay near Fairy Cave Quarry?
Oakhill Cabin, Glamping on the Hill, and Cedar Stables Cabin offer three choices for an overnight stay in the area. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

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Last Updated:

02 July 2026

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