Feature

Step back in time and explore the magical hidden caves of the Yorkshire Dales this summer

The perfect day out for all the family.

Clementine Hall - 9th July 2024

Deep beneath the hills and the valleys there's a jaw-dropping network of caves waiting for you to discover.

If you're looking for something a little bit different to do this summer, then look no further than Stump Cross Caverns.

Nestled in the quaint North Yorkshire village of Pateley Bridge is an attraction like no other, a natural wonder that has been hidden from human eyes for hundreds of years.

That's right, we're talking about a vast network of caves all frozen in time and with plenty of stories to tell.

At Stump Cross Caverns you'll discover a trove of prehistoric marvels, from twisting and turning caverns to untouched rock formations and mysterious nooks and crannies.

This is the perfect family-friendly activity that will leave you both educated and amazed.

And what's cooler than hopping in a time machine and travelling back 300 million years? We're not even sure Doctor Who can pull that off.

So, what can you expect from a visit to the caverns?

Once entering, the doors will be shut behind you and you'll instantly be transported to a whole new magical world of discovery.

Your adventure will take approximately 50 minutes, and you'll be given all the information needed to self-guide yourself through the caves to spot all the amazing attractions as you go.

First up you'll encounter 'The Butcher's Shop', after ducking under a rocky nook you'll be greeted by a jaw-dropping collection of colourful stalactites that look as if they've been frozen in time.

As you make your way through the twisting tunnels you'll spot 'The Twins', two gargantuan pillars of rock that stretch from floor to ceiling, as well as 'The Wolverine Cave', an awe-inspiring cavern where an ancient wolverine scull was found in 1922.

From shimmering walls of limestone to mounds of boulders, this entire experience is a feast for the eyes as you duck underneath hanging stalactites.

And don't worry, all safety gear is of course provided including hard hats and torches to make sure you don't miss out on any of the action.

Other special attractions include 'The Cathedral', 'The Chamber of Pillars' and 'The Curtain'.

But of course we're not going to reveal all of Stump Cross Cavern's secrets, you'll simply have to discover them for yourselves.

As well as these incredible rock formations, along the way you'll find free kids activities to spark excitement and curiosity.

From the fossil quiz to the fairy door search, there's never a dull moment as you embark on an adventure of a lifetime.

And if you thought this experience couldn't get even more magical, then think again. As after 3pm the lights inside the caves are turned off for the ultimate magical UV experience.

But the fun doesn't stop there, once you're done exploring why not search for treasures in their gift shop or stop for a light bite and refreshment in their Time Cafe.

So whether you're looking for a fun day out with the family, or you just love to learn about the incredible prehistoric wonders of the Yorkshire Dales - Stump Cross Caverns is ready for you to embark on the adventure of a lifetime.

Day tickets start at just £15 per adult and £10.50 per child, with children under 4 going in for free.

To book your tickets and discover the incredible wonders of Stump Cross Caverns, take a look at their website.

Featured image - Stump Cross Caverns