These top Yorkshire caves are a rock-solid choice when it comes to exploring the natural wonders of God’s Own Country.
A treasure trove of natural history and networks full of fascinating formations, Yorkshire has more than its fair share of captivating caves. We’ve rounded up some of the finest examples, so if you fancy a day out with a difference, these are the places to go. Which Yorkshire cave will you be visiting first?
Stump Cross Caverns
A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and an ideal place to keep the whole family entertained, Stump Cross Caverns is a 300-million-year-old gem. It’s one of just three show caves in Yorkshire and offers an amazing array of events and activities. Let your little ones discover their inner archeologist with fossil digs, learn about precious minerals with gem panning and refuel at the on-site Time Cafe. Our recommendation is to visit after 3pm for the UV tour, where the calcite cave comes to life in a magical kaleidoscope display of colour.
Where? Stump Cross Caverns, Greenhow Hill, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 5JL.
How much? Cave admission is £16 for adults and £11.50 for kids (4-13 years), with family bundles available. Under 4s go free. Cost for additional activities vary.
Find out more: stumpcrosscaverns.co.uk
Ingleborough Cave
It wasn’t until 1837 that the wonders of Ingleborough Cave were unearthed from behind large calcite dams – and it’s been enchanting visitors ever since. Step inside and you’ll be treated to 450 million years worth of history in the form of Ice Age relics, from towering stalactites, incredible limestone dams and even the remains of a woolly rhinoceros. With soft lighting and smooth walkways, Ingleborough Cave makes these marvels comfortably accessible to all.
Where? Ingleborough Cave, Clapham, North Yorkshire, LA2 8EE.
How much? Prices, including the Ingleborough Estate Nature Trail, are £17.50 for adults and £9.50 for kids (3-15 years), with family bundles available.
Find out more: ingleboroughcave.co.uk
White Scar Cave
Credit: Nilfanion licensed under Creative Commons for commercial use.
Measuring in at over 100 metres in length, White Scar Cave is the longest show cave in the country. Embark on the tour and you’ll get the chance to explore a mile of it across 80 minutes, taking in a wide range of impressive natural features, spanning from prehistoric mud baths and underground streams to fascinating stalactites and stalagmites. One of the most memorable has to be the gigantic waterfall, which sees a whopping 55 tonnes of water cascading down every minute – it’s truly a sight to behold.
Where? White Scar Cave, Carnforth, Ingleton, Carnforth, LS6 3AW.
How much? Guided tours start from £19 for adults and £14 for kids, with family bundles available. Under 3s go free.
Find out more: whitescarcave.co.uk
Mother Shipton’s Cave
Credit: Charlotte Gale
Hailed as England’s oldest tourist attraction, as well as one of the most magical, Mother Shipton’s Cave is steeped in history and intrigue. The small cave served as the birthplace to the legendary 15th-century prophetess, Mother Shipton, whose prophecies include the Great Fire of London and the defeat of the Spanish Armada. Learn about her life and legacy here, as well as paying a visit to the mesmerising Petrifying Well, which appears to turn items to stone thanks to its high mineral content. With an adventure playground, themed trails and events through the year, it makes for a fantastic family day out.
Where? Mother Shipton’s Cave, Prophecy Lodge, High Bridge, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, HG5 8DD.
How much? Admission starts from £32 per car (for up to 5 people) off-peak or £39 peak. Under 3s go free.
Find out more: mothershipton.co.uk
How Stean Gorge
This one might actually be a limestone gorge rather than a cave, but it’s still a fantastic option for anyone looking to go caving in Yorkshire. This natural wonder in Upper Nidderdale boasts some seriously gorgeous caves, along with a friendly team of experts that will guide you on an incredible underground adventure. Navigate through the network as you pass through vast caverns and crystalline waters to uncover the wonders within. There’s also plenty of other activities to enjoy here too, from climbing and abseiling to canoeing and gorge walking.
Where? How Stean Gorge, Lofthouse, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 5SF.
How much? Caving experience costs £70 per person, including free entry to the gorge and cave attraction.
Find out more: howstean.co.uk
