Foxes Hole

Darkness swallows you whole the moment you step inside this narrow limestone fissure in the Mendip Hills. Foxes Hole isn't your typical tourist cave - there's no gift shop, no guided tours, just a rough scramble into the earth that proper cavers have been exploring for decades. The entrance sits unassuming in the countryside near Cheddar, easily missed if you don't know where to look.

What starts as a tight squeeze quickly opens into a series of chambers and passages that snake deep underground. Bring a proper torch - several, actually - and expect to get muddy. The cave system extends further than most casual visitors will venture, but even a short exploration reveals impressive rock formations and the odd bat colony.

This one's strictly for the adventurous. Families with young children should probably stick to the more accessible Cheddar Gorge caves nearby. Experienced cavers will find it a cracking spot for underground exploration, though the initial crawl puts off many weekend warriors.

Access appears to be free, though finding reliable information about visiting arrangements proves tricky. Allow at least an hour for a basic exploration, longer if you're planning serious caving. The Mendip Hills location makes it a decent addition to a camping break at places like Mendip Basecamp or Cheddar Woods Resort, especially if you're after something more challenging than the standard tourist attractions around Cheddar.