This village in England is home to a network of underground caves which have a very interesting history.
The caves in West Wycombe were built in the 17th century and were excavated for Francis Dashwood, co-founder of the Hellfire Club.
This club was a term used to describe several exclusive clubs for high-society rakes established in Great Britain and Ireland in the 18th Century.
Its name most commonly refers to Francis Dashwood’s Order of the Friars of St Francis of Wycombe.
During World War Two, the caves were also used as an air-raid shelter. Today, it can be visited as it reopened to the public in 1951.
Many visitors believe the caves to be haunted and local vicar, Father Allen, told the Daily Mirror that “my tummy wobbles like a jelly every time I pass the entrance.”
He followed this with a sermon denouncing the evil influence which emanated from the Caves.
One visitor on Tripadvisor said: “This experience is interesting, entertaining, good value for money, and is now open every day.
“It is an old chalk mine rather than a natural cave, so the passages are wide and high enough to walk through easily and it has a gravelled floor which is not slippery anywhere.
“We parked right outside in the car park and were the only car in there. It also has a good cafe and gift shop. Well recommended, especially combined with a visit to the nearby West Wycombe Park and mansion.”
The nearby village itself is worth visiting while you are there, you can spend the morning at the caves and explore the village in the afternoon.
There is a range of pubs to visit for a nice pub lunch and the village is surrounded by countryside.
You can also visit West Wycombe Park, this National Trust site is home to the Palladian house of the Dashwood family. It is a charming place to visit and has been called a “rare gem” by Secret London.