A mysterious shell grotto can be found tucked away in underground tunnels and has been described as the ‘UK’s strangest hidden gem’.
Located in Margate, Kent, the Shell Grotto was accidentally discovered back in 1835, though this date is not certain.
Twisting walls covered from floor to ceiling in a mosaic of 4.6million shells can be found inside.
It’s not known who built the incredible cave, which contains various symbols and patterns on its walls, according to the attraction’s website.
Some believe it may have been a place where a secret sect met, while others think it could be an ancient temple.
Whatever secrets the grotto hides, it has been open to the public since 1838 and many have admired the impressive artwork while questioning its origins.
The walls contain various shells including oysters, mussels, cockles and whelks.
The first newspaper reports on the grotto were written in 1838, when it was first opening as an attraction.
Located in Margate, Kent, the Shell Grotto was accidentally discovered back in 1835, though this date is not certain
Twisting walls covered from floor to ceiling in a mosaic of 4.6million shells can be found inside
Workmen were excavating on the grounds of Belle Vue Cottage when the discovery was first made.
A recent TikTok video was shared by @troventrippers – two travel bloggers Paul and Sneha – who explored the grotto.
‘This might be the UK’s strangest hidden gem,’ they wrote over the video as the camera panned over the cave’s mystical shell walls.
The video attracted over one hundred comments and one person penned: ‘This is just as pretty as Scott’s Grotto in Hertfordshire which is 100% also worth a visit.’
Another gushed: ‘It’s an amazing place worth a trip to Margate.’
Someone else added: ‘Went once when I was 11 and I have never forgotten it, I’m now 40.
‘It made a huge impact on me beautiful but so calm.’
One person even added the spot to their bucket list and said: ‘Wow thank you never heard of it. Adding to my bucket list.’
It’s not known who built the incredible cave, which contains various symbols and patterns on its walls, according to the attraction’s website
For those wanting to visit Shell Grotto, adult tickets cost £4.50, over 60s, students, disabled and armed forces cost £4 and child tickets come to £2.
Infants under four are free to enter and a family ticket is available to purchase for £10 which covers two adults and up to two children.
The website warns that numbers are restricted to help protect the shells and sometimes the wait to enter can be up to 15 minutes long.
It recommends allowing 30 minutes to visit the site and to take in the incredible mosaics.
