There is evidence that the caves were used by Neanderthals until around 40,000 years ago and by Homo Sapiens from around 20,000 years ago. Our visit included two cave tours, a look around the museum, and a walk across the site.
Our first tour was of Robin Hood Cave. Our guide talked us through how it was used during the ice age and told us about some of the objects found in the cave. Robin Hood cave is situated on the 'light' side of the gorge where people slept.
HB got to hold some artefacts.
Before our next tour there was time to look round part of the exhibition.
Our second tour was of Church Hole. This small cave contains the oldest verified cave art in the UK. It is on the 'shadow' side of the gorge, where archaeologists believe prehistoric man did not sleep.
The art consists of a series of etchings, thought to be in the shape of animals. It's quite hard to spot without an expert's help! The stag is the most obvious. (The laser pointer in the first picture is at the top of the head.)
Next we looked in the museum.
HB then had a play in the park and we walked along both sides of the gorge.