Creswell Crags
Description
Stone tools & animal remains found in the caves tell the fascinating story of life during the last Ice Age between 50,000 and 10,000 years ago. Creswell Crags represents one site among a significant cluster of cave sites inhabited during the last Ice Age in Britain.
The dramatic limestone gorge is tucked away within the gently undulating limestone landscape on the Derbyshire/Nottinghamshire border.
Archaeological and environmental evidence excavated from the caves show how the area witnessed dramatic changes in climate at the edge of the northern ice sheets and was populated by Ice Age animals such as hyenas, mammoths, woolly rhinoceros, and migrating herds of reindeer, horse and bison.
Significantly the caves provided shelter for nomadic human groups through a crucial period of human evolution between 55,000 and 10,000 years ago.
Stone, bone and ivory tools from the caves reveal Middle and Upper Palaeolithic occupation, in addition to portable and recently discovered 13000 year old engraved rock art figures of deer, birds, bison, and horse.
This evidence connects the Ice Age human cultures at Creswell Crags to groups across north west Europe.
We also have a lovely café, which when we are open to the public (Feb-Oct), is also open.
Our children's play area is of an ice age theme and provides lots of stimulating outdoor fun to our visiting children.
The little bridge across the gorge is perfect for "Pooh Sticks" and if you were to come just for the scenery and walk, it could be a day out for just the £3 parking.
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RECENT FACEBOOK POSTS
facebook.comWe have a new temporary exhibition by Junction Arts! Celebrating 40 years of arts in the community. Come and check it out!
Hi All, we still have need of a few more opinions on this matter please! It's only two questions to answer. Many thanks for your time!
Who's feeling festive? The first carols of the season will be sung with us on Saturday 2nd December, at 2pm! Ryton Chorale are performing for us, along with Santa being in his Grotto, crafts in the education rooms and fresh, hot roasted chestnuts on our fire pit! Christmas festivities begin from 11am!
Creswell Crags’ 12 days of Christmas Gift Bonanza! During 12 weekend days we are open leading up to Christmas, we have fantastic deals and discounts in our shop! Each day will feature a different discounted, item for you to buy for a loved one this Christmas. Items will change daily! 18th / 19th November, 25th/26th November, 2nd/3rd December, 9th/10th December, 16th/17th December and the 23rd/24th December. Remember, each item is only discounted for the day! 10:00am-4:30pm. 26th November: Today, the book lover in your life will adore Tamed, by Alice Roberts. 25% off at just £15!
Can you spot Santa in the rock? The man himself arrives at the visitor centre next weekend!
Courtenay has done an absolutely fantastic job of capturing our world famous rock art in these beautiful designs. These exclusive cards are available now in our gift shop, perfect for any occasion and a great souvenir. Thank you Bespoke Folk for fulfilling the brief and more! - Paul
Creswell Crags’ 12 days of Christmas Gift Bonanza! During 12 weekend days we are open leading up to Christmas, we have fantastic deals and discounts in our shop! Each day will feature a different discounted, item for you to buy for a loved one this Christmas. Items will change daily! 18th / 19th November, 25th/26th November, 2nd/3rd December, 9th/10th December, 16th/17th December and the 23rd/24th December. Remember, each item is only discounted for the day! 10:00am-4:30pm. 25th November: Today we have an Earth Pigment pack on sale, use the natural pigments of the earth that the Neanderthals and Early Modern Humans used to use!
Another great reason to visit North Notts this weekend.
We are attending a UNESCO workshop today to support our World Heritage Site nomination. Great day. Do you think we should be a World Heritage Site?
Creswell Crags’ 12 days of Christmas Gift Bonanza! During 12 weekend days we are open leading up to Christmas, we have fantastic deals and discounts in our shop! Each day will feature a different discounted, item for you to buy for a loved one this Christmas. Items will change daily! 18th / 19th November, 25th/26th November, 2nd/3rd December, 9th/10th December, 16th/17th December and the 23rd/24th December. Remember, each item is only discounted for the day! 10:00am-4:30pm. 19th November: Perfect for the DIY enthususiast, we have a bird multi-tool on offer at just £6.99!
Thanks to everyone who has helped us with our survey. We do still need a few more to produce a representative sample so if you've not yet shared your thoughts we'd appreciate it if you might give us a few seconds of your time. Thanks in advance.
We are excited to share with you a brand new product available in our gift shop. This highly detailed image of a Creswell Crags cave looking out onto the gorge has been created by one of the country's best loved cartoonists, Bill Tidy. This 24" x 14" canvas is available now priced at £40.
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