Ice Age at Creswell Crags2nd Aug 2024
From:£160
Summary
The spectacular limestone gorge known as Creswell Crags was first occupied at least 45,000 years ago by Neanderthals. The first Ice Age portable art in Britain was found here in 1876, but it was not until 2003 that the country’s only Ice Age cave art was discovered here by an Anglo-Spanish team led by Paul Bahn. The figures, most of which are in Church Hole, comprise engravings and bas-reliefs, and date to about 14,000 years ago. As a result of this discovery, a new museum/visitor centre was built, and was opened in 2009 by Sir David Attenborough.
This unique day out offers a glimpse into the remote and enigmatic world of our Ice Age ancestors in the expert company of Dr Paul Bahn, author of Images of the Ice Age and Cave Art: A Guide to the Decorated Ice Age Caves of Europe. After an introductory lecture, he will personally present the cave art, including figures which are not accessible to the general public, as well as the museum displays.
What to Expect
- Stand before Britain’s only confirmed examples of Ice Age art
- Enjoy this experience as part of a small group of just 12 participants
- Led by the discoverer! Dr Paul Bahn is one of the world’s leading experts in cave art and personally led the team that first found the Creswell carvings
Day by Day Itinerary
10:30 Meet as a group outside the Cresswell Crags Visitor Centre The day’s itinerary will be flexible depending on timings, highlights include a visit to Church Hole and Robin Hood Cave. We also have guided tours of the visitors centre and museum and a private illustrated presentation by Dr Paul Bahn.
13:00 Stop for lunch at the Museum cafe.
15.30 Our day comes to an end.
