Fairy Holes

Two small cave entrances tucked into a limestone hillside near Bishop Auckland - that's Fairy Holes in a nutshell. Nothing massive, nothing that'll take your breath away like some of the show caves further north, but there's something rather compelling about scrambling down to them on the Weardale valley floor.

You'll find two modest openings with a bit of exploring to do inside, though don't expect grand chambers or underground lakes. The caves themselves are modest affairs - the real appeal is the geological interest and the walk down to reach them. It's the sort of place that works brilliantly if you're already tramping around Weardale with kids in tow, or if you've got a genuine interest in karst landscapes. Families with young children might find it a bit underwhelming on its own, but as part of a wider day out it's worth the detour.

The location is genuinely lovely - proper rural County Durham with decent walking country nearby. If you're based at one of the caravan sites within striking distance (Westgate or Greenfoot are both close by), it's an easy addition to your itinerary without eating up hours.

Access appears to be free, though you'll want to check the CNCC website before heading over - cave access can be weather-dependent and conditions vary. Best visited in drier months when the approach isn't boggy. Allow an hour or so including the walk down and a proper look around. Not a full-day attraction by itself, but paired with a walk up Weardale, it becomes part of something worthwhile.