A bird’s eye view of the carpark in Bromley. (Image: Chislehurst Caves/ Youtube)
Hidden beneath an unassuming car park in the London Borough of Bromley, lies an incredible 22-mile labyrinth of man-made caves.
While the Chislehurst Caves were originally carved over centuries for chalk and flint mining, these tunnels have served a variety of purposes throughout history.
First mentioned in a 9th-century charter, the caves were active in lime production until the 1860s before being repurposed as a tourist attraction in 1900.
During World War I, the labyrinthine structure was used as a military storage facility, and during World War II, it became one of the largest air raid shelters outside London, protecting over 15,000 people from the Blitz.
After the war, music breathed new life into the caves, as it went on to host legends like Jimi Hendrix and David Bowie between the 1950s and 1980s. Led Zeppelin reportedly hosted a launch party there, with Pink Floyd and the Rolling Stones also having been among the A-listers to have performed at the venue, according to HistoryHit.com.
Children’s Birthday party in the Chislehurst Caves, January 1954. (Image: Getty)
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John Bonham of Led Zeppelin and Boz Burrell of Bad Company at a party at the caves. (Image: Getty)
Today, the caves are a popular tourist attraction offering lamp-lit guided tours, exploring its rich history as a war shelter, a mushroom farm in the 1920s and 30s, and a vibrant concert venue.
A user on Tripadvisor attested: “We were shown around given information about things from millions to 30/40 years ago! The place is at times spooky, but also strangely comforting and you can tell how much it is cared for and appreciated! It is an amazing places for not only sight (or lack of it) but also sound! Thoroughly recommend!”
The caves also feature remnants of their wartime adaptations, including bunk beds, canteens, and even a small underground hospital used during the Blitz.
Chislehurst Caves continues to intrigue visitors with stories of smuggling, murder, and even a child born underground during the war, named ‘Cavena’ Wakeman.
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Members of a jazz band playing during a party held in Chislehurst Caves, February 1957. (Image: Getty)
Tickets for tours start at £8 for adults and £6 for seniors and children. The caves remain open Wednesday through Sunday, providing a fascinating glimpse into London’s underground past.
Today, the historic space is also available for private events and functions, keeping up with its legacy as a venue for both history and entertainment.