Attermire Cave

The entrance to Attermire Cave sits in a limestone crag near Skipton, and the first thing that strikes you is how suddenly it appears - a dark mouth in the hillside that locals have known about for centuries. It's a proper cave system, not some touristy showpiece with electric lights and painted signs, which is refreshing. You'll need a torch and decent footwear because the path in gets muddy and the rock underfoot is unforgiving.

Inside, the passage opens up into chambers with stalactites and flowstone formations that catch your light in unexpected ways. The cave's been used for all sorts over the years - Iron Age people sheltered here, and later finds suggest Roman activity too. It's the kind of place where history doesn't feel like a museum display but actual lived experience.

This works best for older kids and adults who fancy a bit of proper caving without needing expedition-grade equipment. Expect to spend 30-45 minutes exploring without rushing. The walk to the entrance adds another 15-20 minutes depending on your pace and which approach you take from the surrounding countryside.

For a caravan holiday based at Peaks and Pods or Orcaber Farm, Attermire makes a decent half-day outing when the weather's dry. Pair it with a walk around the surrounding limestone landscape - there's plenty of good ground in the area. Visit in summer or early autumn when the ground dries faster; winter mud can be a real nuisance here.