The Hell-Fire Caves

Church Lane West Wycombe High Wycombe Buckinghamshire HP14 3AH

In the 1740s, when MPs expenses suffered less scrutiny, future Chancellor of the Exchequer Sir Francis Dashwood spent a fortune on this elaborate network of caves on his South Bucks estate. Used for entertaining his high society pals – the Hellfire Club – the actual underground going-ons are pleasingly mysterious, though apparently involved ladies of a 'cheerful, lively disposition'. Past a Gothic church-styled entrance, you enter a series of passages that lead half a mile underground, lit by oil lamps and wax candles. Caves are named after members of the club – one of whom is supposed to haunt the place – and lead across the 'River Styx' (a dank pool) to the Inner Temple. A children's cave halfway in is home to a School of Witchcraft, where kids aged 5–10 can practice flying broomsticks, casting spells and making potions (£7.50). Spooky fun.

Best Places to stay near The Hell-Fire Caves

What Customers say about Cool Places

Everything I needed for a stay

I'm already looking forward to going again and would highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting the area. It definitely deserves a five star rating!

Nathan, Verified Customer

6 out of 5!!!!

This place was amazing… I could not recommend this place enough, I’ll be singing their praise for many years to come and we are going to book again soon.

Barbara, Verified Customer

Easy to navigate

Great site that offers a really broad range of places to stay across the UK. Easy to navigate and book holidays.

Patrick, Verified Customer

Such a great variety of properties

Found this website when looking to book a staycation for later in the year. Such a great variety of properties and the website is really easy to use. Already shared with my family and friends.

CT, Verified Customer

Great, simple, straightforward

Great, simple and straightforward. I will definitely be using Cool Places again.

SM, Verified Customer