Marble Steps Pot

The walk down to Marble Steps Pot is steeper than you'd expect, and your legs will know about it on the way back up. This limestone cave sits tucked into the hillside near Carnforth, and it's the kind of spot that rewards the effort - a proper sinkhole with water running through it, the sort of place that makes you understand why the Victorians were obsessed with caving.

What you're looking at is a collapsed section of underground stream, with pale rock formations that give the place its name. The water itself is cold and clean, and in summer it's a genuine relief to crouch down and feel it on your hands. There's not masses of space inside - you're not talking about vast cathedral chambers - but there's enough to poke around for half an hour, especially if you've got kids with you. They'll love the scrambling aspect, though watch smaller children on the wet rocks.

It's free to visit, which is the first good thing. The second is that it works brilliantly as a half-day circuit from Primrose Glamping Pods down the road. Pair it with a proper walk through the surrounding moorland and you've got a solid morning sorted. Go when it's been dry for a few days - heavy rain makes the approach slippery and the water level rises quickly. Early morning in late spring is ideal, when the light hits the limestone properly.

Worth the detour? Yes, but only if you actually enjoy scrambling about in caves. If you're after a gentle stroll with a scenic viewpoint at the end, this isn't your thing.