What to expect

Cucklet Church is far more than a natural cave. During the devastating plague outbreak that struck Eyam in 1665, the village made the extraordinary decision to isolate itself from neighbouring communities to prevent the disease from spreading. To reduce the risk of infection while still allowing worship to continue, church services were moved from St Lawrence’s Church to this secluded limestone cave, where the Rev. William Mompesson preached from within the rock while villagers gathered outside in family groups at a safe distance. The annual plague commemoration service is still held here today. 

Today, visitors can reach Cucklet Church via a pleasant walk through Eyam Delph, a tranquil limestone gorge with mature woodland, rocky outcrops, and seasonal wildflowers. The cave itself is modest in size, but standing within it offers a powerful connection to one of the most significant stories in English history.

We’ve found that visiting Cucklet Church alongside the Eyam Plague Museum, St Lawrence’s Church, the Plague Cottages, and the Riley Graves provides a much deeper understanding of the village’s remarkable story. Together, these sites make Eyam one of the most compelling historical destinations in the Peak District.