Chislehurst Caves are actually in Kent rather than truly in London but they are on the outskirts and about a 30 minute journey from London Bridge station.
The caves are viewed by guided tour which leaves on the hour from 10AM Wednesday to Sunday, once you step inside you will realise why it has to be guided tour, the network is huge and it would be a simple matter to get lost.
What are Chislehurst Caves?
The caves are not natural but actually man made tunnels which cover some 22 miles in length, that’s why you need a guided tour! They were originally flint and chalk mines and the earliest recording of them is in the 9th century.
In world war 1 the caves were used as an ammunition dump for the royal arsenal at nearby Woolwich.
In the second world war they were used as an air raid shelter and housed up to 15000 people at times and included a makeshift hospital and chapel in them.
There was one child born in the caves christened Caverna Wakeman, when she reached 18 she legally changed her name to Rose!
TV and music
The caves have featured in a number of TV programmes and films, most notably Dr Who.
In the 60’s David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd all played concerts in the caves and you can see the stage on the tour.
Led Zepplin led a media party in 1974 to launch Swan records which took place in the caves.
Entry Fees
At the time of writing the entry cost is £6 for adults and £4 for seniors and children.
You can click here to visit the official website of the caves.