Smoo Cave
4.5
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- Giles TLondon, United Kingdom549 contributionsSpectacular cave, worth the stopWell this was a surprise. We stopped on spec as we passed by on the NC500 and found this extraordinary natural feature that was both free and really spectacular. A large cave and waterfall, narrow gorge, beach, cliff walks, etc. Well worth a visit. Plenty of free parking.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 September 2023
- MrsRTeacherMelbourne, Australia41 contributionsSmoo Caves with lots of water.I’ve heard so much about Smoo Caves and it did not disappoint. Given all the recent rain the waterfall was spectacular. Wear a waterproof jacket. A big surprise was the steps that lead up the side, over a paddock with brilliant views of the beach/sea. Another must do, if the waterfall is huge, is to cross the road and walk in the little bridge on top of the waterfall. We visited on October 7th. Yes, there are toilets, ample parking. We also drove around to the other side of the cliff to see the WW2 (?) stations. More information needed. To access this area (and a great view) you drive through the waste disposal area. Please note the cave boat tours are not running due to safety concerns.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 8 October 2023
- Niall DGlasgow, United Kingdom67 contributionsDeep, dark and dramatic !Even in 60 mile an hour winds its worth a visit, wrap up well ! The story and history of the cave is fascinating along with actually wandering around inside and imagining what it was like back in the 17 century ! One of the highlights of the NC500 !Visited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 5 November 2023
- Justin SBourne, United Kingdom264 contributionsEvery bit as incredible as you’d wantWe went on a midweek, early February rainy day, so it wasn’t busy! A nice walk around, the main cave itself is very impressive, well worth the look. But then the waterfall inside takes your breath away!! (Certainly did for us as it had been a particularly wet few days). A must do if in the high Highlands.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 February 2024
- Paul BChirnside Park, Australia1,051 contributionsBrilliant caves and the tour is worth the costYou can walk down to the caves and see the waterfall all for Free. If you like adventure and the tides are right and the winds not strong or from the north, see Fraser and Callum for a special tour of the caves. It helps with the future exploration of the caves and is truly amazing. I can say it involves a small dingy and a walk.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 13 June 2024
- Sarah0811708 contributionsWarning! It’s cash only!Just to be aware due to the signal in the caves the attraction is cash only. There is a spar with a cash machine around a mile away. However parking is quite busy here so we walked to the cash machine and back to ensure we kept our parking space and it took us an hour. The cave itself was really good fun, frazer and his team are humorous and enthusiastic in their story telling. The tour is around 20 minutes and definitely worth doing. You can see the passion of the team in the work they do and how they are passionate about future projects with the cave. There are some gorgeous walks and scenery around the cave too. Definitely worth a visit.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 1 July 2024
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4.5
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MissMandalay
London, UK51 contributions
June 2022
Here's what you really need to know; at the time of writing, you can only pay for tickets into the interior of the cave with cash. And if you are on the NC500 you may well have not seen a cash machine for many miles before you get here.
Here's the good news: about three miles further along from the caves on the main road, there are currently cash machines available, so it is not hard to go get the necessary, and come back. Here's the bad news: you'd think that this vital need for cash would be trumpeted all over the web page, and you'd be wrong. They could just put a sign up before the beginning of the steep climb saying where the nearest ATM is ( if they wanted to be really helpful they could even put a little map up there.) It's not hard, but by the time you've clambered all the way there and clambered all the way back, you may well be exasperated and annoyed, especially as the presumed issue with card readers etc could be solved by just moving the booking desk a few feet outside the cave, where there's a perfectly good signal. This should not be a big thing, it is odd that no-one has considered it. But it was enough to put us off. By the time we had the money we were irritated enough not to bother going back.
Here's the good news: about three miles further along from the caves on the main road, there are currently cash machines available, so it is not hard to go get the necessary, and come back. Here's the bad news: you'd think that this vital need for cash would be trumpeted all over the web page, and you'd be wrong. They could just put a sign up before the beginning of the steep climb saying where the nearest ATM is ( if they wanted to be really helpful they could even put a little map up there.) It's not hard, but by the time you've clambered all the way there and clambered all the way back, you may well be exasperated and annoyed, especially as the presumed issue with card readers etc could be solved by just moving the booking desk a few feet outside the cave, where there's a perfectly good signal. This should not be a big thing, it is odd that no-one has considered it. But it was enough to put us off. By the time we had the money we were irritated enough not to bother going back.
Written 28 June 2022
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.
machinmad
Yaxley, UK2,558 contributions
Sept 2020
A busy stop on the NC500, it’s worth a quick look. You take the path down to water’s edge then queue on a wooden board-walk to view a massive waterfall in the inner cave ... you’ll get a bit wet from the spray. There are other walks emanating from this point.
Be warned the car park is very small so it gets extremely business with people on the NC500 wanting a toilet stop.
Be warned the car park is very small so it gets extremely business with people on the NC500 wanting a toilet stop.
Written 22 October 2020
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.
Shona R
Dundee, UK123 contributions
July 2021 • Family
We went on tour of caves which we booked earlier in day at stall in cave. Tour was very informative, lasted around 30 mins. Both guys giving your were great at what they do, unfortunately the waterfall was dry due to our lack of rainfall in July but still enjoyed it
Written 25 July 2021
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.
JPW
Hamilton, UK85 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
This place is fabulous.
We walked to it from Sango Sands Oasis, which was about 20mins.
There are toilets at the attraction.
There is also some eatery vans across from it. The cheese toastie place is utterly out of this world!
There is lots of steps down to the cave, then over a bridge. There is an adorable little cove too.
The scenery is wow!
We initially wanted to do the cave tour, but we didn’t have any cash on us- they don’t accept card payments because there is simply no signal at the cave!
So we walked back to the Spar shop ( 25mins walk) then took the motorhome back to the cave ( there is parking spots by the village hall and the food vans for motorhomes) .
£10 per adult, a group of 8 can go on the tour. It’s every 15mins and tends to last about half an hour.
Hard helmets are given out.
There is a ladder from the bridge to a dingy boat. You have to crouch down as you pass under a few rock tunnels.
The boat part is the second chamber then you are taken to the 3rd and met with another tour guide. Fascinating!
The team have worked super hard and it’s just amazing to hear their journey and what is still to come!
Well worth the tour. So take some cash with you!
We walked to it from Sango Sands Oasis, which was about 20mins.
There are toilets at the attraction.
There is also some eatery vans across from it. The cheese toastie place is utterly out of this world!
There is lots of steps down to the cave, then over a bridge. There is an adorable little cove too.
The scenery is wow!
We initially wanted to do the cave tour, but we didn’t have any cash on us- they don’t accept card payments because there is simply no signal at the cave!
So we walked back to the Spar shop ( 25mins walk) then took the motorhome back to the cave ( there is parking spots by the village hall and the food vans for motorhomes) .
£10 per adult, a group of 8 can go on the tour. It’s every 15mins and tends to last about half an hour.
Hard helmets are given out.
There is a ladder from the bridge to a dingy boat. You have to crouch down as you pass under a few rock tunnels.
The boat part is the second chamber then you are taken to the 3rd and met with another tour guide. Fascinating!
The team have worked super hard and it’s just amazing to hear their journey and what is still to come!
Well worth the tour. So take some cash with you!
Written 15 September 2022
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.
Andydjp
Stotfold, UK637 contributions
July 2021
This is a busy attraction so I would advise getting there early to book your tour. The car parking is free with an overflow car park further up the road. There are steep steps down to the beach and cave and the tour desk is inside the cave itself. We arrived at just after 1000am and the first two tours had already been booked out. Numbers are limited due to the boat size. Tours go every 15 minutes or so and take about 30 mins. It is not a very big cave but is clearly very historic, the tour guides and staff are very friendly and informative. There are free toilets by the car park.
We completed the boat section of the tour which was very good and is recommended - £10 pp.
There is a coastal walk on the cliffs above the cave.
We completed the boat section of the tour which was very good and is recommended - £10 pp.
There is a coastal walk on the cliffs above the cave.
Written 3 July 2021
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.
LittleScottishTreasures - Magical Tours
Dunfermline, UK363 contributions
May 2021
A favourite of our NC500 tour, everyone loves this gigantic natural cave with its gruesome stories, both fictional and real.
There is limited parking but vehicles are always coming and going. The walk to the cave is short but steep down a slope or staircase depending on which way you go.
We prefer o walk down the side nearest the carpark, enjoy the cave then walk up and out along the cliffs to enjoy the waves pounding against the rocks at the entrance of the opening leading up to Smoo cave by sea.
After that a gentle walk back and look down the holes in the roof of the cave, one of which a rive drops straight into.
This is a must visit when in the area, we have never taken the boat tour to the third chamber, yet have never been disappointed with what we have seen.
Remember to read the story boards about the devil lurking below and a murderer who found a great way to dispose of his victims.
There is limited parking but vehicles are always coming and going. The walk to the cave is short but steep down a slope or staircase depending on which way you go.
We prefer o walk down the side nearest the carpark, enjoy the cave then walk up and out along the cliffs to enjoy the waves pounding against the rocks at the entrance of the opening leading up to Smoo cave by sea.
After that a gentle walk back and look down the holes in the roof of the cave, one of which a rive drops straight into.
This is a must visit when in the area, we have never taken the boat tour to the third chamber, yet have never been disappointed with what we have seen.
Remember to read the story boards about the devil lurking below and a murderer who found a great way to dispose of his victims.
Written 12 May 2021
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.
YorkshireTraveller00
Yorkshire, UK27 contributions
June 2023 • Couples
Worth a stop to have a look - as others have said, anyone can walk to the first chamber of the cave and have a look for free, it’s not too different to other caves we’ve seen before but still interesting. We decided to do the tour as it seemed good value at £10 for an adult. As the cave isn’t huge, the tour only lasts about 30 mins but our tour guide was very knowledgable and friendly. The tour requires a short boat ride and then walking over stepping stone type rocks/wooden beams so I wouldn’t recommend for anyone who has any issues with mobility. Overall we felt the tour price was fair for what it was and that the cave was worth a visit!
Written 13 June 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.
Catherine Robertson
2 contributions
Sept 2021 • Couples
The cave is set in a lovely cove.. we took the £10 per person tour .. the cave didn't go back much further than we could see from the entrance and felt disappointed by the experience. The 2 guys were pleseant enough but this was definitely not worth the money. Just take a look from the entrance platform and spend your money on something more rewarding.
Written 28 September 2021
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.
applegate69
Bath, UK875 contributions
Sept 2021 • Couples
This was ok to visit as we were staying nearby.
Lots of steps to encounter so not good for buggies or pushchairs or wheelchairs.
Big cave entrance.
If you want the ‘tour’ you put your name on a board and then you are called forward.
It is £10 per head for the tour which although very interesting, £5 per head would have been more appropriate.
Lots of steps to encounter so not good for buggies or pushchairs or wheelchairs.
Big cave entrance.
If you want the ‘tour’ you put your name on a board and then you are called forward.
It is £10 per head for the tour which although very interesting, £5 per head would have been more appropriate.
Written 5 September 2021
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.
A Midlife Adventure
Dursley, UK2,766 contributions
July 2021
We didn't have time unfortunately to wait for the guided tours which began at 11 on the day we were here so explored ourselves instead.
The waterfall on the opposite side of the road is worth a look before you follow the trail down into the cave itself.
We live in a limestone area so are quite used to seeing the insides of caves but the absolute power of the water tumbling down inside Smoo is a wonder in itself. Take a video of it and then watch it back afterwards with your sound on and you will be back there once again.
Well worth a stop on the NC500
The waterfall on the opposite side of the road is worth a look before you follow the trail down into the cave itself.
We live in a limestone area so are quite used to seeing the insides of caves but the absolute power of the water tumbling down inside Smoo is a wonder in itself. Take a video of it and then watch it back afterwards with your sound on and you will be back there once again.
Well worth a stop on the NC500
Written 3 August 2021
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.
We recently took a coach tour holiday which was supposed to include a stop at Smoo Cave with time enough to get out and explore. When we reached the turn off for the cave our driver suddenly said there is no longer parking available for coaches and the local authority have stopped coaches going there or from parking up at the top of the hill and allowing passengers time to walk down to the caves. Does anyone know the truth of this??? Have the local authority really changed policy on Smoo Cave and if they have, how long ago were these changes made thanks
Written 28 August 2021
I'm unsure, we travelled by campervan. There is limited parking but there were plenty of motor homes parked up as well as campervans and cars. No signs we saw said no coaches etc. Sorry for not being much help.
Written 30 August 2021
How long do the tours take ?
Written 13 July 2021
The caves are wide open and shallow in depth, should present claustrophobia unless you are severely affected. There is an optional tour by boat of the underground river and lake which should be avoided.
Written 14 July 2021
I can't find any information about pricing for the Smoo Cave - The website gives absolutely 0 information about anything practical like that. Does any one know the entrances fees and if young children can go in? Thank you.
Written 6 January 2020
Have a look on my website for all the latest info. Just Google smoocavetours.
Written 17 July 2020
Planning to visit in May, can you buy tickets on the spot for the boat tour?
I read that you need to contact the tourgide in the morning to see if the tours are on for that day, is this correct?
Written 12 November 2019
Hi, we didn't book, we didn't even know about the boat until we got down there.
Written 20 November 2019
Is there a viewing platform that can be accessed instead of going down the steps to the cave
Written 1 August 2019
Take your time to walk down the steps and enjoy the scenery below if you are able, the steps are not steep, and as described above, it is free to this helps 😀 enjoy
Written 2 August 2019
Can well behaved dog get on boat in smoo cave?
Written 17 July 2019
I would say no. It's an inflatable boat and there is climbing with a rope involved and slippery rocks. Plus, the ladder to get into the boat would be difficult for a dog as it's a straight ladder. I wouldn't attempt it, but that said, it doesn't hurt to ask them.
Written 17 July 2019
Yes there is. Not large, so may be full sometimes in the summer, but well worth a visit. Do go right in to the waterfall, but if you do, expect to get wet.
Written 13 June 2019
Yes you can though they may be a little nervous of the cave has you go deeper into it.
Written 16 April 2019
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