Pan Hole

Dark limestone walls open up into a proper underground chamber that feels more substantial than you'd expect from the modest entrance. Pan Hole sits quietly in the West Yorkshire countryside near Bingley, and it's one of those caves that rewards the curious without demanding any special kit or caving experience.

Families with older children will find it manageable - there's no crawling through tight spaces or technical climbing involved. The main chamber has enough headroom to stand comfortably, and the rock formations are genuinely interesting rather than just a damp hole in the ground. That said, very young ones might find it a bit intimidating once you're properly underground.

Bring a decent torch and maybe a spare - your phone light won't cut it once you're inside. The cave stays cool year-round, so pack a jumper even on warm days. You can easily combine a visit with a walk around the surrounding countryside, which offers lovely views across the Yorkshire valleys.

It's well worth including in a longer stay at one of the nearby holiday parks like Harden & Bingley Park or Bronte Country Park. The cave itself won't take more than an hour to explore properly, but the location makes it a nice addition to a day spent walking the local footpaths. Just don't expect guided tours or visitor facilities - this is very much a do-it-yourself adventure.