Pigeon Cave

You're driving towards Larne when suddenly someone mentions Pigeon Cave, and before you know it you're scrambling down a coastal path wondering if you've made a terrible mistake. The cave itself is modest - nothing like the dramatic cathedral chambers you might imagine - but it's the setting that grabs you. The entrance sits tucked into cliffs overlooking the Irish Sea, and at the right tide the waves crash close enough to remind you why exploring coastal caves requires at least half a brain.

It's a proper scramble down, slippery in places, so trainers are essential and young kids will need an adult with actual grip strength. Once there, the cave opens up enough to stand inside, though don't expect rooms or passages - this is more of a scooped-out alcove than an underground system. The real appeal is the view back out towards the water and the sense of standing in something ancient that doesn't require crowds or admission fees.

For families based at Down to Earth Wild Camping just four miles away, this works as a 45-minute adventure that breaks up a coastal walk nicely. Walkers tackling the Irish Sea cliffs path will find it a natural diversion. Just check tide times before heading down - high water makes it inaccessible and genuinely unsafe. It's not a slot in your must-do list, but if you're already exploring the Mid and East Antrim coastline near Larne, the scramble is worth the effort.