The Royston Cave looks like it could come straight out of a movie, but on Saturday it was the place to be for an American actress and singer on her tour of the UK.

Nia Peeples – who stars in hit show Pretty Little Liars – headed to the Royston landmark hidden beneath Melbourn Street.

Cave manager James Robinson was delighted at the star’s arrival.

“Nia is very interested in the Templars, ley lines and the legends surrounding Mary Magdalene and she found the cave fascinating,” he said.

“She was very easy to talk to and very personable. She didn’t act like a famous star – she just seemed like everybody else.”

Royston Cave – man-made, bell-shaped chamber – is decorated throughout with medieval style carvings, many of which remain a mystery.

Nia’s friend, record producer Allen Palmer, had visited the cave previously and told her about it – prompting Nia’s visit on her latest trip to the UK.

James said: “Nia knew quite a bit about Templars already so we were able to have a really good conversation about Templars and ley lines.

“I was very surprised to have an actress like her come along!

“She was impressed and said she would pass the message on, and said she would tweet about us to her followers.

“I think we could see more famous people come here over the next year or so.”

Tony Robinson filmed in the cave last year for his Channel 4 show, Britain’s Ancient Tracks.

It is currently closed – except for group bookings and the Herts Big Weekend – and reopens fully on Saturday, April 15.

James said he is looking forward to a successful season ahead, adding: “We are also very excited by the possibility of being able to shed some more light on the origin and use of the cave as we have commissioned an expert on medieval religious carvings and graffiti to take another look at the cave and evidence to date.

“We are expecting a report during the summer months and we have high hopes of solving some of the mysteries of the cave – watch this space.”

Earlier tour times are new for this year with sessions at 2pm, 2.40pm, 3.20pm and 4pm.

Follow Royston Cave on Facebook and Twitter or check the website for opening times and ticket prices at roystoncave.co.uk.