Antler Hole

The entrance to Antler Hole sits tucked into the limestone hillside near Settle, and it's immediately clear why this small cave earned its name. Fragments of antlers - relics from ancient deer and elk - were discovered here during excavations, evidence that animals sheltered in this spot thousands of years ago. It's a modest attraction, not a sprawling cavern system, but that's rather the point. You can reach it on foot without too much faffing about, making it a straightforward detour on a walking holiday across the Yorkshire Dales.

What you get is a close look at genuine archaeological interest. The cave mouth opens onto a small chamber where you can stand and think about the Pleistocene creatures that wandered through here. There's something oddly compelling about touching stone walls where Ice Age animals once bedded down. It won't take long - thirty minutes at most if you're dawdling - but it scratches a particular itch if you're interested in prehistoric Britain.

Caving enthusiasts should manage fine, though this isn't an extreme venture. Families with younger children might find it underwhelming unless the history angle genuinely grabs them. The real value comes if you're already walking the Dales around Settle, combining it with the nearby glamping and camping options at Ribblesdale Pods or Malham Glamping Pods. Access details are thin on the ground, so checking locally once you arrive makes sense. Weather won't bother you much - it's a brief visit either way.