Scott's Grotto
Latest Reviews
Visited here a couple of times as it is a great little place to take visitors to. The grotto is situated on a residential road and it is tucked away so you wouldn't notice it immediately from the roadside. Fascinating piece of history and great to hear the story behind it. It is pitch black inside parts of the grotto so don't forget your torch. For those who don't like enclosed spaces - it is only a short walk before the grotto opens up into a central area. Takes around 20 minutes to look around, if you stop and admire the shell wall art and some of the hidden gems including quirky items and messages. Also worth walking up the steps to the lovely summer house. Great that this attraction has been maintained and donations are welcomed so that this can continue. We combined this with a trip to Ware for lunch. Not suitable for those who have problems with mobility.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
this is a most unusual place, saved from demolition only a few years ago and restored to its former glory. As you visit take the path left and up the steps to the Summer House, small roundhouse perched on the hill above Ware town. Take the right turn down the steps to the Grotto, you need a torch to see all but the main entrance. Inside there is a series of tunnels lined with local stone, and sea shells from the far east. These tunnels open out into chambers again lined with stone and shells. It is not very large, but, there is no crouching or bending down and is suitable for most people to view (I have a stiff leg and found getting round easy) Allow about half an hour, its very close to the town centre with its riverside walks etc. There is a guide on hand to tell you the history. Note though check opening as I believe its only Saturdays and Bank holiday monads, afternoons only.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
this little old gem was very nearly demolished, and only saved at the last minute. Carved out of the chalk and decorated with tropical shells a secret retreat for those able to cope with the steps and uneven ground. Take a torch, wear sensible shoes, and listen to the guide, and wonder at its creation.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This little gem is in between a row of houses and consists of a quirky cave like structure that is highly decorated with shells and stones.
You need a torch to navigate the short route. It can be a tad claustrophobic.
I think it would have been a magical and highly atmospheric experience had it not been for a inconsiderate parent bellowing for her child. I went back again hoping they had gone but Max was still running around dominating the small space.
Don't be put off by my experience. Although this is a short diversion, it has a sort of fairy-tale quality and I don't think they left the noisy child in there.
You need a torch to navigate the short route. It can be a tad claustrophobic.
I think it would have been a magical and highly atmospheric experience had it not been for a inconsiderate parent bellowing for her child. I went back again hoping they had gone but Max was still running around dominating the small space.
Don't be put off by my experience. Although this is a short diversion, it has a sort of fairy-tale quality and I don't think they left the noisy child in there.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A lovely countryside public house & a restaurant with delicious meals we had Sunday Roast last week which was first class. It was such lovely weather we were able to sit outside.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Awesome little place to spend and hour. Take a torch and Wear sensible footwear as it can be a bit uneven in places. Not suitable for a buggy or unsteady toddlers unless you plan to carry them.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Such a quaint little place but big on history. Knowledgeable and friendly guide. Something very quirky and unusual worth a look if you're in the local area x
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is tucked away in a street and you wouldn't even know it was there. The grotto is covered in shells obtained from all around the world and used to decorate the walls and wow it is so different. The entry is suggested £1 for adults kids free. It is well worth it. Take a torch as the grotto is deceptively large and very dark in places. You also get to visit the restored summer house...give it a go.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a fascinating folly built by the Quaker poet John Scott. Take a torch and make your way along the tunnels. Enjoy the "Council Chamber". Visit the summer house.
Only open from April to September. Special visits can be arranged.
Only open from April to September. Special visits can be arranged.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The Grotto is only open on Saturdays, best to phone Ware Museum for opening times. Really different, well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Wonderful, eccentric tourist attraction a few minutes walk from Ware town centre
Source: google.com
Cool little grotto
Well worth a visit
Helpful staff...answer all your questions
Well worth a visit
Helpful staff...answer all your questions
Source: google.com
Fascinating curiosity, great for kids and adults alike.
Source: google.com
Fantastic local gem. We took our Beaver Scout group here. The volunteer guide was very helpful and knowledgeable, making for a wonderful experience.
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Lovely place to visit
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Just wow!
Source: google.com
Although this is small attraction, the grotto is a fantastic underground cavern the likes of which I have never encountered before. There's no lighting so exploration is done with a torch
Source: google.com
Fascinating bit of odd local history!
Source: google.com
Scott's Grotto, built for the Quaker poet, John Scott, is a local marvel. The biggest grotto in Britain, it is an unusual place well worth a visit.
Inside, it is dark, cool and mysterious, with haunting echoes and unexpected shadows.
It's fun for children to explore with their torches, but one can also sit in a nook and turn off the torch to meditate and enjoy the dark.
Check the website for opening-times. It's not open for long or very often.
Inside, it is dark, cool and mysterious, with haunting echoes and unexpected shadows.
It's fun for children to explore with their torches, but one can also sit in a nook and turn off the torch to meditate and enjoy the dark.
Check the website for opening-times. It's not open for long or very often.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Interesting little place to visit once but you don't need very long so wouldn't make a day of it ten minutes should suffice. Difficult to find on residential side street and seems to have erratic opening times so best to check in advance of travel as I had been trying to see it for years but never seemed to be open when I was passing. Anyhow glad I went
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went into Scotts Grotto on Ware Heritage day this weekend past. I found the guides to be knowledgeable and keen to impart their wisdom, they were approachable but not too in your face. The grotto itself is small and doesn't take long to go around but it's an interesting structure that has stood the test of time. After hearing about how it was going to be knocked down and built over before a decision to save it was made, I was all the more grateful to be able to experince it. It is a good all-weather activity and we found a lovely pub at the end of the road (to the right on the main road - Rotal Oak) to get a well deserved drink after the hill climb. Lots of steps so sadly my elderly aunt couldn't partake.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is an amazing structure hidden behind a wooden fence on an ordinary street. A cavern type thing with a number of passageways and small rooms and an interesting history. Only takes about half an hour to see it all and learn about it's history so not an all day trip and i wouldn't recommend anyone make a long journey especially to see it but if you are passing through Ware on a Saturday it's worth popping in. Beware if you don't like narrow dark spaces and it has extremely limited opening hours as it's run by volunteers but it's free/they suggest a donation. The kids had enormous fun jumping out on each other from dark hidey holes!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I never knew about this place and stumbled upon it looking on the Internet for cheap things to do with kids. My 10yr old daughter and her friend loved it. It is like a cave system, dark and cold but the walls are covered in stones and shells. You are free to explore at your leisure choosing which way to go, so can go at your own speed, and can touch the shells and take pictures and videos. It was fascinating and I will definitely be recommending it to people. It is only open on Saturdays and bank holidays though!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
If you come to visit Ware ensure you take time out to visit this little gem. I've lived in Ware all my life and decided it was time to visit and I'm so glad I did. Will be taking my friends there in future if they haven't been.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is certainly a hidden treasure trove in suburbia. I loved the history and had fun walking through the tunnels with the teenagers hiding in the dark to make me jump. So don't forget your torch! This is not a huge place but it's packed full of charm and cuteness. Visit in combination with a walk along the river for a fab afternoon out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
