Martel’s Candlelight Tour

Step back in time and experience cave exploration as it was over 130 years ago on Martel’s Candlelight Tour.

Édouard-Alfred Martel, the father of modern speleology, led the first recorded scientific exploration of the Marble Arch Cave system in 1895. On this immersive guided tour, you’ll accompany Martel on an authentic re-enactment of that historic journey, exploring the show cave in its natural darkness with the electric lights switched off. Guided only by candlelight and lanterns, you’ll discover what it truly felt like to venture underground at the dawn of modern cave science.

As you journey through the shadowy vastness of the cave, you’ll assist Martel with his exploration and hear captivating stories from his pioneering expeditions. The tour brings to life the challenges, ingenuity, and determination required to explore the unknown with limited equipment.

Key topics include:

– Measuring cave passages using rope
– Establishing cave depth
– Historic lighting techniques to reveal vast chambers
– Determining water flow in dry cave passages
– Unlocking new areas for future explorers
– Comparing 1895 equipment with modern methods

Your guide, Sean Corrigan, brings this remarkable story vividly to life. With many years’ experience as Operations Officer at the Marble Arch Caves, Sean’s deep knowledge, engaging storytelling, and passion for historical re-enactment make this a truly memorable adventure.

Join us for an atmospheric journey into darkness, discovery, and the remarkable legacy of Édouard-Alfred Martel.