Love all things shiny and bright? Get the most out of your visit to Stump Cross Caverns with our Crystal Discovery Day.
Stump Cross Caverns has been around for more than 500,000 years. It's perhaps this daily contact with prehistory that gives us our fascination with all things geological.
This is reflected in our programme of events and activities, from
fossil digs to
panning for gems at our real working mining sluice.
Now, with our
Crystal Discovery Day, there's never been a better way to most of our cave and our fun, crystal-themed activities.
This cash-saving activity bundle is engaging and entertaining for the whole family. It involves panning for crystals and uncovering hidden treasures to take home and keep – but only after an action-packed day at the caves.
The day begins with a self-guided tour of the caves. Marvel at the ancient stalagmites, stalactites and bizarre rock formations. It's safe, easy to get around and full of enchanting sights.
There's then an interactive crystal experience in our cinema. This is a fun, educational hour spent learning about crystals and turning them into keepsakes you can take home with you.
Next up is a second tour of the caves – but one with a difference. When you shine ultraviolet light on the cave walls, they turn a purplish hue and show hundreds of veins and other textures invisible to the naked eye. We give every participant a UV torch and let them see the magic for themselves.
Finally, participants get a pay dirt bag. Pan the contents of your bag at our mining sluice and uncover crystals to take home as souvenirs.
How to book
Want to book for our Crystal Discovery Day? It's easy to book using our online ticket portal. We can't wait to see you down in the caves!
The day at a glance
Morning exploration
Kick the day off with a self-guided cave tour. You'll have loads of fun creeping around ancient passageways and spotting spectacular rock formations.
Interactive crystal experience (2 PM to 3 PM)
After the tour and quiz, participants go to the cinema for a hands-on crystal workshop.
In this hour-long session, kids learn about the formation of crystals, get their hands on real-life specimens and make gorgeous keepsakes to take home as souvenirs.
UV cave adventure (from 3 PM)
At 3 PM, it's time to go down into the caves again – but this time with a UV torch that shows the caves quite literally in a new light.
You'll be dazzled by the purple glowing surfaces of the caves and the shimmering rock formations. It's an otherworldly experience you won't forget any time soon.
Gem panning
To round off the day, kids collect a mining rough bag from our Geode Shack and pan for gemstones in our sluice. Every bag has a sparkling surprise, be it amethyst, rose quartz or emerald.
And as if that wasn't enough, our cafe serves a wide selection of food and drink – including our very own Stump Cross beer for the grown-ups!
Book for our
Crystal Discovery Day today.
