Seeking an underground adventure close to the capital? Well, you’ve come to the right place. The Hellfire caves are spooky, spectacular and unsettling in equal measure. The endless tunnels reveal a series of bizarre sights which beg more questions than they answer. Read on if you dare.
Where are Hellfire Caves located?
The Hellfire Caves are located above West Wycombe village at the southern edge of the Chiltern Hills, (HP14 3AH). So if you’re arriving by public transport, take the train to High Wycombe station and then hop on the X40 bus to West Wycombe. While there’s limited parking at the caves, you’ll find a 200-space car park located a five-minute walk away (HP14 3AP).
What is the story behind the Caves?
The Caves date back to the 18th century and originate from an open-cast quarry which was used to mine chalk. Following harvest failures from 1748-50, the quarry was extended by Sir Francis Dashwood, (the then Chancellor of the Exchequer) who wanted to increase local employment by building a new road to connect West Wycombe and High Wycombe.
The construction of the Hellfire Caves
The caves took six years to construct with around 100 labourers toiling from sunrise to early evening. And for this back-breaking work, they received the princely sum of one shilling a day. But why did the extension include such intricate passageways leading to an ominously large room? An eccentric, aristocratic design quirk of the time – or were there more devious motives at play?
The Hellfire Club
The Hellfire Club was a scurrilous gentleman’s club. It was run by and for aristocrats, many of whom were members of Parliament. And these members who included Benjamin Franklin – were united in their love of debauchery. In addition to excessive drinking, gambling and carousing, the group also mocked religious institutions – using a devil as their figurehead. Their original HQ at Medmenham Abbey was swiftly transferred to the Caves after their completion in 1752. (A full members list is displayed on a plaque inside the caves.)
What’s it like inside the Hellfire Caves?
The eerie entrance at first resembles a gothic church before you quickly descend into a labyrinth of endless tunnels and chambers. It’s an excellent refuge from the summer heatwave. And thankfully there’s plenty of headroom for tall folk. In total, the caves take around one hour to walk around depending on visitor numbers. However, beware those who suffer from impaired vision or claustrophobia.
The tunnels replicate a vaulted nave and branch off into smaller chambers that exhibit a startling range of curiosities. The most striking of which is a waxwork figure of Paul Whitehead, the former secretary of the Hellfire Club, who bizarrely donated his heart to Sir Francis Dashwood after his death.
Originally placed in an urn in the adjacent Dashwood Mausoleum below, the heart was reputedly stolen by an Australian soldier and is still missing today. The urn is now on display next to the waxwork of Paul, who is said to still roam the caves in search of his heart.
The Banqueting Hall
The centrepiece of the caves is undoubtedly the Banqueting Hall which measures 14 metres in diameter in a compass-style design. It has four symbolic antechambers referred to as monk’s cells – frequently used for illicit liaisons. In a show of shameless, machoism – linear engravings beneath the alcoves attest to notches on the bedpost. Unsurprisingly perhaps, the men would dress as monks; the women as nuns and Dashwood himself would turn up as a Priest. Prior to any shenanigans, lavish feasts would take place on a large refectory table where liveried footmen would be on hand to dish up using pristine glass and silverware.
The River Styx
Just when it couldn’t get any more bizarre, the River Styx rears up before you. Like Wooky hole on steroids, this natural stream represents the mythological boundary between the living world and the underworld. In keeping with tradition, Hellfire Club patrons would cross this stream to reach the Inner Temple to access the Club’s most mysterious rituals.
Filming at the Hellfire Caves
Beetlejuice, Silent Witness, Midsomer Murders and Count Dracula are just a few of the Cave’s most notable productions. But not to be outdone, Most Haunted, also did a night-long vigil here. Swooping bats, babies crying and stones hitting gates are just a few of the experiences reported to be all in a night’s work. In addition to further paranormal investigations, today, the caves also host corporate events, birthday celebrations and weddings.
If you’re looking for a truly memorable day out underground, the Hellfire caves are an amazing discovery. The twisting tunnels lead you ever deeper into a vortex of Temples, Chambers and Banqueting halls which let your imagination run riot. Perhaps it’s best we don’t know all that went on here but it’s intrigue will live on for many decades to come.
Admission to the Caves is £9.50 for adults.