Pool Sink

There's a sinkhole near Carnforth that's rather more dramatic than the name suggests. Pool Sink is a proper limestone chasm - essentially a collapsed cave chamber that's now filled with water, ringed by steep rocky sides that drop away sharply. You can walk right up to the edge and peer down at the dark water below, which is genuinely unsettling in the best way. The surrounding woodland adds to the atmosphere - it feels genuinely remote, even though it's not far from town.

It's brilliant for anyone interested in geology or caving without actually having to squeeze through tunnels. Walkers love it because the approach is straightforward, though the ground can be boggy depending on rainfall. Kids find the sheer drop mildly terrifying and completely fascinating - you'll want to keep a close eye on them, but most manage an hour of exploring and photographing easily enough.

You can access it on foot without any particular equipment, though proper boots beat trainers on the approach path. The nearest town is Carnforth, which sits on the northwest fringes of the Yorkshire Dales, so it pairs well with a wider walking holiday in the area. If you're staying at Philpin Farm Campsite or Primrose Glamping Pods nearby, it's an easy morning detour before heading deeper into the dales. Best visited when the ground's reasonably dry - after heavy rain it becomes less appealing. Free to visit, no facilities on site, so go prepared.