Boothlee Pipe

A proper cave system tucked into the Derbyshire hills near Bakewell, Boothlee Pipe is one for the adventurous rather than the casual stroller. The entrance is modest - easy to miss if you're not paying attention - but once inside, you get a genuine taste of underground exploration without needing proper caving gear or a guide.

The passage winds deeper into the hillside with enough height to walk upright for most of it, though you'll want a torch and sturdy footwear. The limestone walls are slick in places, especially after rain, so it's not a five-minute jaunt. Most people allow 30 to 45 minutes to have a proper look around and emerge without feeling rushed.

This appeals most to walkers who want something more than a stroll, families with kids aged 10-plus who aren't spooked by the dark, and geology enthusiasts keen to see Derbyshire's cave formations up close. It's free to visit - no gatekeeping or facilities - which makes it even more of a find.

You're ideally placed if you're camping at one of the nearby sites like Derbyshire Hills Campsite or Lathkill Wild Campsite. Bakewell itself is minutes away, so it slots nicely into a day that includes the town's markets or a walk along the River Wye. The real advantage is that Boothlee Pipe doesn't draw coach parties. You'll have the place to yourself, which is exactly how a cave should feel.