Situated on the sandstone ridge near Stourbridge, less than an hour from Birmingham, are some of the UK’s most distinctive homes – the Rock Houses at Kinver Edge.
These remarkable dwellings are carved directly into the red sandstone rock face and were inhabited until the mid-20th century. Known as the Holy Austin Rock Houses, they offer a rare glimpse into historic cave living.
Visitors can explore two carefully restored homes, furnished with period-appropriate Victorian and 1930s décor. Inside, cosy coal stoves add to the atmosphere, complemented by audio recordings sharing stories from former residents of these unique cave homes.
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Adjacent to the houses, the Rock House Café is built into the sandstone itself, providing a welcoming spot to enjoy a warming cup of tea during the cooler autumn months. The café serves hearty soups, indulgent hot chocolates, and freshly baked treats made from fruit harvested in the Rock House allotments. There is outdoor seating with views over the valley and the impressive rock dwellings below. A small second-hand bookshop, known as the ‘Book Nook,’ is tucked within the cave complex.
Autumn presents an ideal opportunity for hiking, and Kinver Edge offers several scenic routes. The Kinver Edge Ridge Walk involves a short climb up steep steps passing an Iron Age Hill Fort, leading to panoramic views spanning Shropshire, Worcestershire, the Malvern Hills, and the Cotswolds.
For a gentler walk, Nanny’s Rock Loop is a 2.5 to 3.5-mile circular path through Kingsford Forest Park. Here, walkers can discover ‘Nanny’s Rock’, an un-restored, wilder cave dwelling nestled deeper in the woods, complete with its own chimney carved into the rock.
Access to the walking trails is free. However, entry to step inside the Rock Houses requires an admission fee: £9 for adults, £4.50 for children, and free for under-fives.