SPOTLIGHT ON CRESWELL CRAGS: BEST OF BOLSOVER 2025 VISITOR ECONOMY AWARD WINNER

Creswell Crags has long been one of Bolsover’s most treasured landmarks, a place where history and heritage come alive in dramatic limestone gorges and Ice Age caves. This year, their extraordinary contribution was recognised with the Visitor Economy Award at the Best of Bolsover Awards.

For George Buchanan and the team, the award carries deep meaning.

“It’s a huge boost for everyone at Creswell Crags. Our staff and volunteers work tirelessly to protect, share, and celebrate this extraordinary site, often behind the scenes. To be recognised with this award is not only a validation of their efforts but also a reminder that what we’re doing matters to the wider community. It gives us energy and pride to keep moving forward.”

Protecting heritage, inspiring visitors

Creswell Crags is no ordinary site. Home to the only known Ice Age rock art in Britain, it is internationally recognised for its archaeological significance. Thousands of school groups and visitors pass through each year to explore its caves, museum, and trails.

“Our work safeguards a unique part of human history but also strengthens Bolsover’s visitor economy, education offer, and cultural identity.”

The Trust itself was founded to protect the Crags from neglect and damage, and that original spirit still drives the team today - balancing careful conservation with the desire to share its wonders with as many people as possible.

Community pride and connection

At the heart of Creswell Crags’ mission is the belief that heritage belongs to everyone. The team hopes their work sparks curiosity, supports wellbeing, and gives local people reasons to feel proud.

“We want local people to feel proud of Creswell Crags as part of their story. We hope our work inspires curiosity, supports learning, and brings moments of wonder for everyone who visits.”

Highlights over the years have been many, from the recognition of the Ice Age art as one of Europe’s most important discoveries to the moments of connection created through family events, volunteering, and education programmes. Each achievement is a reminder that Creswell Crags is about people as much as it is about the past.

Looking to the future

With a new Business Plan launching for 2025–2028, the team at Creswell Crags is focused on building for the future. Plans include refreshing the visitor experience, piloting new community engagement projects, strengthening partnerships with universities and cultural organisations, and improving the café and museum spaces. Exciting new tours and exhibitions will also continue to put Bolsover firmly on the map as a must-visit destination.

“Bolsover is a place where history, heritage and community are woven together. From castles to collieries, from crags to countryside, there’s a richness here that deserves to be celebrated. For us, being part of Bolsover means belonging to a community that values its past while looking to the future and we’re proud to play a role in that story.”

Congratulations to Creswell Crags on their well-deserved award, and for continuing to inspire pride, curiosity, and connection in Bolsover and beyond.