My National Trust membership has taken an absolute hammering recently. I love all their social distance measures, the fact that toilets are clean and well organised and that I can always get a coffee and nice slice of cake. Most properties have something interesting to keep the kids entertained and they’re always great for dogs. Our latest discovery was the Kinver Cave houses and surrounding Heathland.
History of the Cave Houses at Kinver
The first record of the Rock houses being occupied at Kinver dates back to 1776. The 1861 census lists 11 occupied houses over 3 levels. The rock houses were the perfect place to set up home. The shelter meant that they stayed cool in the summer and provided warmth and protection from the weather in the winter. They houses had wells providing plenty of fresh water meaning they were more sanitary than the nearby villages where disease spread quickly through the open sewers.
In the early 20th century the site became a tourist attraction and entrepreneurial home owners opened a tea room. After the cafe closed and residents slowly moved out, the rock houses faced a period of neglect and suffered from vandalism and the weather. But in 1997 were reopened to the public after a huge restoration project which began in 1993 bringing the cave homes back to their former glory.
It’s not just the rock houses that enjoy a rich history, the area of Kinver Edge is fascinating to explore. Kinver Hillfort which can be reached by a ten minute walk behind the rock houses dates back to the late bronze age. You can still see the banks of the original ramparts today. Perfect for spotting a potential enemy attack.
More recently the fort was used for protection in WWII and you’ll still find a home guard shelter there today.
Walks at Kinver Edge
Kinver is one of my favourite places for a walk. It combines shaded woody areas, breathtaking views and a few steep climbs which are a little challenging. You’ll need some sturdy shoes and plenty of water on a hot day.
There are miles of trails available for all abilities and fitness levels. Each are clearly marked and range from an easy 1.5 mile heathland walk with no steps to the 3 mile rock houses trail which takes in the views from the fort. This one is my favourite but, be warned, it includes several steps.
Facilities at the Kinver Rock Houses
Once you’ve explored the Rock Houses I highly recommend tea and cake from the sweet little tea shop at the top of the hill. There’s plenty of outdoor seating offering amazing views around the surrounding countryside. There are also a couple of toilets to use at the top.
If you fancy bringing your own picnic, you’ll find several benches just outside of the property.
Kinver Cave houses with dogs
Dogs are welcome at Kinver and are allowed everywhere apart from actually inside the caves. There are grazing cattle in some areas so best to keep them on a lead and of course, make sure you clean up after them. You’ll usually find a bowl of water up near the cafe.
Visiting Kinver Edge with kids
The Kinver Caves are a great place to visit with kids. They’ll find the unique way of living absolutely fascinating. And will probably absorb a bit of history as they go.
The woodland trail is the perfect family friendly walk around Kinver. It takes in the amazing views and also a lovely shaded area with some natural play equipment to climb, balance on or swing off.
Getting to the Kinver Rock Houses
The Rock Houses are just a few minutes out of Kinver village. There is plenty of well signposted parking.
Hagley,
Stourbridge
DY9 9JH
The Kinver houses are free to visit for National Trust Members. Walks around Kinver are free for all.
If you love discovering unique places for a hike, you may also like my blog about the Cannock Chase war memorial walk.