Victoria Cave

The entrance to Victoria Cave sits about 300 metres up a limestone hillside near Settle, and the walk alone is worth doing. You're climbing through proper Yorkshire Dales terrain - rough grass, stone walls, the lot - before you reach the gaping mouth of this natural cavern. Inside, the cave stretches back into darkness, with a stream running through it that's been carving the rock for thousands of years.

It's a short visit really. Most people spend thirty to forty minutes poking about, following the main passage as far as the torches and safety allow. The floor gets uneven and damp, so proper footwear matters. Families with older kids (say, eight upwards) generally cope well; younger ones might find it claustrophobic or lose interest quickly. Walkers treating it as a waypoint on a longer Dales ramble will enjoy it far more than day-trippers expecting a major attraction.

Archaeologists reckon the cave has been occupied since the Bronze Age, which adds a layer of genuine interest if you're into that sort of thing. The water echo and the sheer geological oddness of standing inside a hillside make it memorable enough on their own.

Being just outside Settle, it pairs nicely with the Ribblesdale Pods or The Dalesbridge Campsite if you're based in the area for a week. The walk to the cave is moderate but steep on return; factor in two hours total for a relaxed visit. Go in daylight - you'll need it to navigate safely.