mother Grundy's Parlour

A cave tucked into the sandstone near Worksop that's been a local curiosity for centuries. Mother Grundy's Parlour is modest in scale - you're not talking vast cathedral chambers here - but the history attached to it is proper fascinating. It's said to have been a hermitage, a refuge, maybe even a hiding spot for someone on the run depending on which version of the tale you believe. The cave itself is small, intimate, the kind of place that feels properly atmospheric on a grey Midlands afternoon.

It's the sort of thing walkers stumble upon and feel genuinely pleased with themselves for finding. History buffs will appreciate the local folklore and the physical evidence of medieval or early modern occupation. Children might find it interesting for twenty minutes or so, though calling it a destination day-out would be overselling it. The real appeal is that it's the kind of micro-adventure you tack onto a longer walk in the area.

Worksop is your nearest base, and you're well-placed for the Clumber Park estates - the National Trust property and associated caravan sites are all within easy reach. The cave works as a morning diversion before settling into a bigger park like Clumber for the afternoon. Access and opening hours aren't straightforward, so it's worth checking locally before you set out. It's free to visit, which is just as well given its modest size. Practical boots recommended - the ground can be damp and muddy even when it hasn't rained.