Jack's Cave

A modest limestone cavern tucked into the hills above Leyburn, Jack's Cave is the sort of place that rewards a bit of digging - both literally and figuratively. The entrance is unassuming, which is half the charm. You're looking at a proper working cave system here, not some tourist-fied show cave with electric lighting and handrails. Bring a torch and sensible shoes.

What you get depends on how curious you are. The main chamber is accessible enough, with some gentle scrambling required. The walls are textured limestone, and there's the usual cave dampness that makes you understand why Victorian explorers went on about these places quite so much. It's not vast - most people spend 30 to 45 minutes pottering around - but it genuinely feels like you've discovered something rather than simply paid your entry fee and shuffled through.

It appeals most to walkers who don't mind a quick detour and families with older kids who can handle a bit of cave exploration without getting spooked. Younger children might find it cramped or boring. The real draw is combining this with a proper walk across the moors - there are decent paths from nearby Leyburn.

Stablefell Holidays and Campsite, just 4.5 miles away, makes a solid base if you're after a few days exploring the Dale. A torch is essential, and checking conditions before you go is sensible - caves can flood in heavy rain.