Cupcake

Cupcake Cave sits tucked into the limestone hills just outside Carnforth, a proper subterranean treat if you're willing to do a bit of scrambling about. It's a modest cave system - nothing on the scale of the show caves further south - but the approach itself is half the charm, winding through moorland before you reach the entrance.

Inside, you'll find narrow passages, low ceilings that demand a torch, and the kind of geological formations that make you understand why Yorkshire's karst landscape attracts caving enthusiasts. The cave doesn't require specialist gear, though you'll want a decent headtorch and sturdy boots given the uneven floor and moisture. Most people spend 30-45 minutes exploring, though claustrophobes should probably skip this one.

It's best for walkers and geology-minded visitors rather than young children - the passages are tight and muddy, and there's not much in the way of interpretation or handholds. The walk from the nearest parking is about 20 minutes each way across open ground, which actually adds to the appeal if you're after something quieter than the tourist cave trail.

If you're staying at Primrose Glamping Pods just down the road, Cupcake works as a decent morning excursion before a wider ramble across the moors. There's no cafe at the cave itself, so pack a flask. Free to visit, so no expense involved - just turn up with good torches and realistic expectations about what you're getting.