Poole’s Cavern is a showcave managed by Buxton Civic Association with a centuries’ old history as a visitor attraction. Guided tours have been given at the cave since at least the 16th century, so the Poole’s Cavern app represents the first opportunity for visitors to explore at their own pace.
The app features an immersive audio tour experience which tells the history of this limestone cave, including how it was formed, present day geological research, evidence of cultural use since Roman times and the myths and stories which surround it.
Alongside the digital app, visitors to Poole’s Cavern can benefit from newly installed illuminated interpretation panels which highlight key features of the cave and link directly to in-app content through the use of NFC tags.
How do NFC tags work?
A app user taps a tag, which uses the same technology as contactless phone payments. Each tag is linked to an in-app page which automatically opens and starts playing the related audio content.
NFC tags can be programmed to link to app and other web content and locked so they cannot be overridden. They are relatively inexpensive and can be integrated within interpretation boards and other signage.
Why did Poole's Cavern choose Situate?
The app is part of a wider project by the Buxton Civic Association, a charity engaged with the conservation and advocacy for Buxton’s heritage, as they aim to meet existing visitor demand and improve the visitor experience by offering flexible and accessible alternatives. With running costs increasing, the app enables the Association to increase the number of self-guided tours which can be run through the day, generating more income for the charity.
The app was launched in April 2026 with a detailed audio tour of the cave. It has been updated to provide further detail about Buxton Country Park and the wider charitable aims of Buxton Civic Association, encouraging longer and repeated visits by adding value to the standard ticket price. Visitors can now use the app to complete a woodland walk, with the option of listening to a GPS-triggered audio tour; more content updates are planned.
This project has been an exciting opportunity to reimagine how visitors experience Poole’s Cavern. The new audio tour allows us to share the cave’s incredible stories in a more personal and immersive way, while the updated interpretation helps highlight its unique geological and historical significance. We’re thrilled to be able to offer something that will appeal to both new visitors and those who have been coming here for years.
Cost analysis played a big part in BCA’s decision to invest in a digital app, and Situate offers excellent value for money. On the day of launching the digital app, we welcomed 80 visitors specifically onto the app-audio tour, and nearly 500 in the first 7 days. This self-guided tour has now clearly become the primary volume driver.
Screens from the Poole’s Cavern app
What do app users say?
I am a wheelchair user and I was able to go a certain distance into the cavern using the Poole’s Cavern app to give me the same information that the guide was giving to those able to go to the far reaches of the full trip. Most interesting and a fascinating experience with extra marks for considering the needs of those with disability. Thank you.
Poole’s Cavern was much more impressive than we expected! We had never seen anything like it – worth the entry fee!
Download the App
Search for Poole’s Cavern in your app store on click on the direct link below.
Hoping to transform your visitor experience?
Poole’s Cavern have transformed how they are engaging visitors to increase capacity and incentivise repeat visits.
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