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.
Image: Stump Cross Caverns
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.
Image: Stump Cross Caverns
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'.
Image: Stump Cross Caverns
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.
Food critic Camilla Long visited Leeds for her latest review for The Times with her sights set on Horsforth's finest - Bavette Bistro.
Ever since opening back in 2024, Bavette Bistro nestled in the leafy suburb of Horsforth has made waves across the country for its sheer brilliance.
It's pretty much received five star reviews across the board and been handed awards from left, right and centre. And rightly so.
The Good Food Guide crowned Bavette the best local restaurant of 2024, and Michelin handed them a well deserved Bib Gourmand - so it's safe to say it's not just us who think it's really something special.
So it was only a matter of time until The Times popped in for a review, and this one is truly glowing.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The review labels Bavette as "warm, unmannered and unpretentious" as well as "authentically French".
Long describes the food as "gorgeous, confident, surprising" with a menu that "isn’t too long" and "filled with sturdy, noble dishes, whiffing mightily of the sea and the soil."
It continues: "All of it made with generosity and cheer, served fast by nimble waiters, with a long, if slightly eccentric, wine list. To bang out French dishes with this much fiddly detail and to do it to a full room is not easy. Yet all four courses came in under two hours, for about £75 a head, which in London terms is nothing.
"It’s not that this place was perfect, it’s that it was decidedly not perfect. A bit too much chat about the menus; the oeufs in the meurette not quite runny enough. But the point is: it didn’t matter. All of it came charmingly together. It felt relaxed, just right."
The review is then wrapped up with a pleasing five stars, the cherry on top of the cake.
It's a review only restaurants can dream of, and we can't think of a more deserving team - congratulations Bavette.
A new female-founded business has opened in Leeds and it’s a trinket-lover’s paradise
Clementine Hall
Lisa Angel has just opened inside the Victoria Gate and it’s an Aladdin’s Cave full of jewellery, prints, gifts and everything in between.
The best part? It’s a female-founded brand that has chosen our wonderful city for their first Yorkshire site. We absolutely don't blame them.
Founded in 2004 by Lisa hand making jewellery which she sold at craft fairs local to her Norfolk home, the business has gone from strength to strength every since.
The brand is now a recognised part of the British high street landscape, boasting seven other stores across Norfolk, Suffolk, and the Midlands.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Shoppers can expect beautifully handcrafted jewellery, unique trinkets and wonderful staff who are open to have a natter.
It's the perfect shop for when you don't exactly know what to buy that someone special, just pop in here and you'll be hit with a wave of inspiration immediately.
We could've genuinely spent a good hour in there and come out with a much lighter wallet.
Lisa herself spoke about the opening: “As an independent retailer, we are thrilled to launch in a destination with such a reputation as Victoria Leeds.
"We believe retail should remain grounded in inspiration and discovery, and we look forward to bringing just that to the vibrant city of Leeds, in our first store in the north.”
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Managing Director James Moody said: “We're incredibly excited to be opening our first northern showcase store in such a prestigious location.
"Victoria Leeds represents exactly the kind of vibrant retail destination where we can bring the full Lisa Angel experience to new customers. This is a significant milestone for us as we continue to grow our retail presence."
Clementine Hall -
9th July 2024 
