Grotto below south terrace at Crowe Hall

The grotto below the south terrace at Crowe Hall dates from the mid- to late 18th century. It is constructed from tufa and limestone and features a complex layout in three parts. At the highest level, a path passes under two rough arches that are connected by a rough vault, which supports the path above.

Externally, a flight of thirteen stone steps leads down to the main chamber, which is accessed through a rough arch supported by tree-trunk props and decorated with artificial ‘twigs’. The main chamber is circular and may have originally had a rough domed vault, but it is now open to the sky. At the foot of the stairs, there are three rough arched openings in the wall, and to the right, an arched entry leads to an enclosed lower chamber. This lower chamber is accessed by descending three steps and features a niche on each side, with an exit to the south; it is completely vaulted.