A Sinkhole Hidden Beneath a Golf Course Reveals a Forgotten Wine Cellar with Dozens of Old Glass Bottles

A sinkhole on the 13th hole of Davyhulme Park Golf Club in Manchester, England, has led to the unexpected discovery of a forgotten wine cellar, complete with empty bottles that haven’t been touched for more than a century.

The cellar is believed to be part of the remains of Davyhulme Hall, a manor that once stood on the land. Golf club officials are now weighing their options for preserving this unique find, which could become a feature on the course in the future.

Finding a Treasure That Was Buried for Ages

Steve Hopkins, the deputy head green keeper at Davyhulme Park Golf Club, made the surprising discovery when he noticed a sinkhole near the 13th tee. As reported by BBC News:

“I was basically the first person to go in there for over a hundred years.” He added that: “When you find a sinkhole on the course it usually means that a drain has collapsed. So we’re thinking it’s just a drain that needs digging out and clearing and repairing but as we dug deeper the chasm underneath just opened up.” 

As he carefully climbed into the cellar, he realized it had likely been sealed for many years, with its last occupants possibly leaving the bottles behind when the manor was demolished in the late 1800s.

A Historical Connection to the Past

The location of the cellar near a part of the golf course called “The Cellars” suggests it may have once been linked to the original Davyhulme Hall. Built by the Hulme family in the 12th century, the hall had served as the home of John de Hulme, a medieval knight. By the mid-1800s, the estate had passed to Robert Henry Norreys, who expanded the land by creating a nine-hole golf course.

When Norreys died in 1887, the manor was put up for sale but never sold, leading to its eventual demolition in 1888. The golf course that exists today was established in the early 20th century, and the wine cellar provides a direct connection to the long-lost manor and the history of the estate.

Future Plans for the Wine Cellar

The sinkhole has sparked interest among the golf club’s staff and members, who are now considering what to do with the cellar. The club has posted on social media, noting that the cellar has been sealed for safety while they determine the best course of action. Some members have even suggested incorporating the cellar into the course as a feature, given its historical significance.

An exciting discovery on the course today

Following the appearance of a sinkhole on the 13th hole, our greens team uncovered what appears to be an old cellar, believed to date back to the original manor house.

Over 100 years old and filled with historic wine and port bottles pic.twitter.com/0uBdyrW1Vp— Davyhulme Park Golf Club (@DavyhulmeGolf) February 27, 2026

In the meantime, as reported by the same source, the bottles found inside the sinkhole have been removed for safekeeping. The club has hinted that they might be displayed in the clubhouse as a nod to the area’s rich history.

“For now, the cellar has been safely sealed while we decide what to do with it next. We’d love to turn it into a feature—it’s such a fascinating find—but we need to carefully consider the safety of players (and where those golf balls might land!),” the golf club announced on Facebook.

Enjoyed this article? Subscribe to our free newsletter for engaging stories, exclusive content, and the latest news.