1,000 caves in Nottingham puts city on map with largest network in Europe

Nottingham has confirmed 1,000 man-made caves beneath the city, expanding estimates from a few hundred to Europe’s largest underground cave network.

Archaeological surveys and roadwork finds show the caves were used over centuries for storage, industry, housing, burial, and shelter.

The discovery deepens Nottingham’s historical identity and suggests more caves may still lie hidden underground.

Local experts and events like the Nottingham Caves Festival are helping bring the city’s underground heritage into focus.