Winter Solstice at Royston Cave 2026

Experience the Winter Solstice at one of Britain’s most unique sites and bask in the energy of Royston Cave. Mark the shortest day of the year in the unique surroundings of Royston Cave. Join us for one of two special self-guided silent meditation sessions, offering an opportunity for reflection and stillness within one of Hertfordshire's most mysterious historic spaces. Twilight Meditation: From Light into Darkness, 3pm to 4pm. As daylight fades on the shortest day of the year, this session offers an opportunity to observe the transition from light into darkness. Solstice Moment Meditation, 8:15pm to 9:15pm This special evening session encompasses the exact moment of the Winter Solstice, when teh sun reaches its southernmost ponit, and teh year begins its gradual return towards longer days. Please note:These sessions are self-guided sessions, there will be no guided mediatation or organised activites. Cushions and floor blankets will be provided so you can relax in comfort. This is not a formal tour of Royston Cave but an opportunity to sit in peace, to meditate if you wish and… breathe. Numbers will be limited to a maximum of 8 per session. - Tickets are only available to book online. - Children must be accompanied by an adult. This event is aimed at people who wish to sit in a quiet environment, so please consider this if booking a place for a child. - ​The cave may be closed without warning. - We reserve the right to refuse admission. - Filming, recording and commercial photography are strictly prohibited. - Incense, oils, musical instruments and any other item which may be deemed by our guides to cause harm to the cave are strictly prohibited. For more information, visit roystoncave.co.uk/visit or email [email protected] Accessibility The cave can be slippery and uneven underfoot. Access includes 21 steps and an incline to be ascended and descended. Visitors are advised to take care, use the handrail provided and wear appropriate, sturdy footwear. ​There is no wheelchair or pushchair access. No pets allowed except for registered assistance dogs. For full access information and resources, visit roystoncave.co.uk/visit. About Royston Cave Discovered by accident in 1742, Royston Cave is man-made, bell-shaped and cut 8 metres into the chalk that lies beneath Royston’s ancient crossroad, Ermine Street and Icknield Way. The cave is decorated with low-relief wall carvings. The carvings are mostly Christian is depiction and medieval in style. They include representations of the Crucifixion and notable saints such as St Catherine and St Christopher. Elsewhere are figures of a horse and an Earth Goddess, believed to be Pagan fertility symbols. In addition to the carvings, the contents of the cave included a human skull, an unmarked piece of brass and fragments of a drinking vessel. Royston Cave remains an enigma. No records of its age or purpose exist. Some theories suggest it was used by the Knights Templar, others by King James I, while some believe it was a private chapel or hermitage. The cave also attracts Pagan and Earth energy visitors who claim it to be the site where two ancient Ley lines meet. They believe that Royston Cave has been a sacred site for thousands of years.