Cathedral Cavern

Cathedral Cavern sits just outside Little Langdale in the heart of the Lake District, and it's one of those places that rewards a bit of effort to find. The cave itself is modest in size but genuinely impressive once you're inside - the rock formations have a cathedral-like quality that explains the name, with soaring walls and a sense of real scale that surprises first-timers.

This is very much for walkers and geology enthusiasts rather than families after a quick photo stop. Access involves a bit of scrambling over fell, and it's not the sort of place where small children will have an easy time. Allow a couple of hours for the walk there and back from Little Langdale, plus time to explore properly. It's free to visit, which is typical of natural attractions in Cumbria.

The real appeal is solitude. You won't find crowds here like you do at some honeypot attractions. Go early on a clear day if you can - the light inside the cave is something else. Winter visits are possible but the approach gets muddy and slippery, so spring through autumn is more sensible.

If you're camping nearby - BaysBrown Farm or Great Langdale Glamping are both close by - Cathedral Cavern fits neatly into a walking-focused stay. It's the sort of detour that breaks up a longer valley walk rather than a destination in itself. Worth the leg work if you're already in the area, but don't go out of your way unless you're genuinely into caves and hills.