Tilly Whim Caves

Tilly Whim Caves
Tilly Whim quarry and caves, from the coast path
Map showing the location of Tilly Whim Caves
Map showing the location of Tilly Whim Caves
Map showing location of Tilly Whim Caves in Dorset.
LocationDurlston Country Park, 1 mile (1.6 km) south of Swanage, on the Isle of Purbeck, in Dorset, southern England
Coordinates50°35′33″N 1°57′27″W / 50.592511°N 1.957519°W / 50.592511; -1.957519
GeologyMesozoic Limestone
Entrances1
AccessClosed to the public
Tilly Whim Caves seen from the sea
A walker points to the old 'tourist' entrance to the caves

Tilly Whim Caves consists of three stone quarries in Durlston Country Park, 1 mile (1.6 km) south of Swanage, on the Isle of Purbeck, in Dorset, southern England. The Tilly Whim Caves are a part of the Jurassic Coast.

The name "Tilly Whim" may have been derived from a former quarryman, George Tilly, and the type of primitive wooden crane used at the time, known as a "whim",[1] also called a derrick or gibbet. However, Tilly Whim lies at the southern end of the Manor of Eightholds and there is a common field called Tilly Mead at the northern end of the estate.[2]

  1. ^ Bruce, Peter (2008). Inshore Along the Dorset Coast (4 ed.). Lymington, England: Boldre Marine. p. 41. ISBN 9781871680416.
  2. ^ Curiosities of Swanage, 2007, Lewer/Calkin, p.23, ISBN 0-905868-19-6