Newby Moss Pot

You'll need proper kit and a head torch for this one. Newby Moss Pot is a vertical shaft cave in the limestone country near Carnforth, and it's not the sort of place you wander into by accident. The entrance drops steeply into darkness, and the passage system beyond rewards anyone keen on underground exploration with tight squeezes, small chambers, and that particular quiet you only get underground.

This is squarely for cavers rather than casual visitors. If you've done a bit of potholing before, or you're the sort who finds the idea thrilling rather than terrifying, it's genuinely worth seeking out. Families with young children won't get much from it - there's no visitor centre, no easy walking route, and the actual exploration requires experience and proper equipment. Solo visits aren't wise either.

The nearest base is Carnforth, about three miles away, and you've got several campsite options dotted nearby - Orcaber Farm, The Dalesbridge, and Philpin Farm all sit within a few miles. They're decent spots for a walking holiday in the Dales, which is really the proper way to visit Newby Moss Pot. You'd combine it with walks across the fell country, perhaps potter around other cave systems in the region if conditions allow.

Before you head out, check locally for access conditions and caving club advice. These natural features can flood without warning, and tackling an unfamiliar pot without local knowledge is asking for trouble. Do it properly, and it's the sort of find that makes a holiday memorable.