Hillier's Cave

Finding Hillier's Cave requires a bit of local knowledge and decent footwear - it's not signposted like some tourist trap. Near Mells in Somerset, this natural limestone cavity sits tucked into the Mendip Hills countryside, and honestly, it's the kind of place that rewards the effort to track it down.

The cave itself is modest in scale rather than the vast cathedral-like chambers you might expect. What makes it worthwhile is the walk through proper Somerset countryside to reach it. You'll find yourself on footpaths that feel properly remote, even though Mells is only a few miles away. The cave entrance rewards you with that slightly damp, earthy atmosphere that caves have - nothing dramatic, but undeniably atmospheric.

Historically, there's Bronze Age activity around here, though Hillier's Cave doesn't scream 'major archaeological site'. It's more the kind of place where geology matters more than ancient treasures. Walkers will find it fits perfectly into a broader ramble across the Mendips. Families with young kids might find the walk to it more engaging than the cave itself, which takes about twenty minutes to explore without rushing.

If you're staying at nearby Glamping on the Hill - a solid five-star spot three miles away - this works as a decent afternoon venture rather than a destination in itself. Best visited after rain when you can appreciate the geological formations without the cave feeling like a tourist queue. Free admission, naturally, since it's just a hole in the ground.