Cave Art Workshop

Creswell Crags is famous for its Ice Age artwork, which is some of the most northerly in Europe!

Using stone tools and local limestone as a ‘canvas’, you can try your hand at copying some of the artwork styles found at the Crags.

The steady, calming process of carving out lines with stone tools will give you a sense of the moment when some of the Palaeolithic artwork was made over 12,000 years ago.

Dr James Dilley is an archaeologist and craftsman who specialises in prehistoric technologies with over 18 years of experience. James has worked with museums and heritage centres around the UK such as The British Museum and Stonehenge and alongside media companies such as the BBC, Channel 4, ITV, Smithsonian Channel and National Geographic.

As part of this workshop, you'll have an exclusive tour of our Church Hole cave, where you'll see examples of some of the only Ice Age cave art in Britain. This tour will start at approximately 10am, and last around 45 minutes.

Thursday 5th August 2021, 10 am - 4 pm

Please arrive at the Creswell Crags car park by 9.45 at the latest.

Please note, this workshop is for ages 15+ and is not suitable for children.

This event will allow for social distancing between participants. Please note that we will be monitoring government guidelines for COVID-19 safety and will advise if there are further rules which must be followed.

Except in adverse weather, this event will take place outside: please wear suitable clothing and footwear for the conditions. We recommend comfortable, practical clothes and sturdy boots/shoes.

All materials and tools will be provided.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Tea, coffee and juice will be provided, as well as biscuits to keep you going. Lunch will not be provided, but Creswell Crags does have a café. All purchases support the charity. If you do not want to use the café, you are welcome to bring a packed lunch.

There is car parking at Creswell Crags and all participants will be given a parking pass so you do not have to pay for parking.

Please note that attending the workshop does not give you access to Creswell Crags' caves, other than the exclusive access to see the Rock Art in Church Hole at the start of the day. If you wish to go on a different cave tour, you must book that separately via the Creswell Crags website. There will not be time during the day of the workshop, as cave tours run at limited times.

All participants will be allowed to explore the on site museum of prehistoric artefacts free of charge (usual ticket price £3 per adult) and will be able to walk around the limestone gorge if there is time, or in the lunchbreak.

IMPORTANT: Please do not travel to Creswell Crags if you or someone in your household has symptoms of COVID-19. If you do have symptoms, please call us to let us know and to discuss refund options.

Tickets to this workshop are non-refundable, except in extenuating circumstances. If you are seeking a refund, please contact us on 01909 720378.