Yorkshire Dales National Park
Yorkshire Dales National Park
Top 16 Caves in Yorkshire Dales National Park
Best caves in Yorkshire Dales National Park are a prominent feature of its distinctive limestone landscape, which boasts over 2,500 known caves and potholes. This region is England's premier caving area, offering a diverse range of subterranean experiences. The park's geology provides a variety of cave types, from accessible show caves to challenging underground systems.
Best caves in Yorkshire Dales National Park
- The most popular caves is Janet's Foss, a forest that features a waterfall and a plunge pool.…
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Janet's Foss
Highlight • Forest
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Hull Pot
Highlight • Canyon
In the late 18th century, in …
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Attermire Scar
Highlight • Trail
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Trollers Gill
Highlight • Gorge
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Gaping Gill Waterfall and Cave Entrance
Highlight • Cave
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Popular around Yorkshire Dales National Park
Second City Divide — Rough Stuff Of The North
Yorkshire Dales National Park – A Walk in the Parks
A Dales High Way – Hiking in winter
GB Divide — Great Britain end to end off-road on GBDURO
The Pennine Rally — Bikepacking Edinburgh to Manchester
Ribble Way — A remarkable river ramble into the heart of the Dales
Hiking Lady Anne's Way — A marriage of exquisite scenery and ancient history
A Dales High Way – Yorkshire's beautiful backbone
#WalkHome2020 — Sheffield to Cockermouth in 15 days
Tim Woodcock's Coast to Coast off-road route – Lakes, Dales and Moors
Other adventures in Yorkshire Dales National Park
Tips from the Community
Access: 🚗 c. 2miles from the village of Horton-in-Ribblesdale 🥾 Alternatively, enjoy a 9 miles hike with just 2,000ft of total elevation from Horton-in-Ribblesdale, via Pen-y-Ghent
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Trollers Gill is a narrow limestone gorge in the Yorkshire Dales, near the village of Appletreewick in North Yorkshire. It has a mysterious reputation tied to local folklore. 🥾A great adventure for those who enjoy off-the-beaten-path routes and perfect introduction to Ghyll scrambling. 📜 The gorge is said to be haunted by trolls, hence its name. According to legend, it is home to a fearsome barghest—a supernatural black dog with glowing red eyes, often associated with death and misfortune. Some stories also link the ghyll to mythical goblins and other eerie creatures, adding to its reputation as a place of mystery. 🪨 The gorge is cut into limestone, featuring rocky outcrops, scree slopes, and a sometimes dry streambed. It was likely formed by glacial meltwater, carving out the dramatic landscape seen today. The ghyll can be dry for much of the year, but after heavy rain, water flows through the valley.
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Very slippery as you are walking on the dry (at the time of walking) stream bed - walking pole would be useful, otherwise take care of
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The skyline above Settle makes for a tremendous day out for hikers. There is no central peak to go for, just a jagged collection of rocky high points that make for a really good walk, but you will find a trig point on Warrendale Knotts. You will find a lot of caves in the area too due to the terrain being dominated by limestone, and nearby Victoria Cave is the largest of these caves. All in all, Attermire Scar is an impressive geological feature.
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Hull Pot is an amazing collapsed cavern that is now just an open limestone scar measuring 91 metres (300 feet) long by 18 metres (60 feet) deep. In dry weather, like today unfortunately, Hull Pot Beck goes underground before it gets to the rim, but in wet weather, it gives way overground to form a stunning waterfall. A stunning place to spend some time!
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Bradford Potholing Club winch meet (annually in May). See https://www.bpc-cave.org.uk/wp/gg-winch-meet/ for details.
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A great boulder scramble when there has been heavy rainfall. If you don't fancy it then a shirt detour can be made
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Add to your route if there has been heavy rainfall so you can admire this natural beauty
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of caves can I explore in the Yorkshire Dales National Park?
The Yorkshire Dales offers a diverse range of subterranean experiences, from easily accessible show caves with guided tours to challenging underground systems for experienced cavers. You'll find impressive geological formations, underground waterfalls, and historical sites.
Are there family-friendly caves in the Yorkshire Dales National Park?
Yes, several caves are ideal for families. Janet's Foss features a beautiful waterfall and a small cave to the right. Show caves like White Scar Cave and Ingleborough Cave offer well-lit paths and guided tours suitable for all ages. Jubilee Cave and Victoria Cave near Settle are also free to visit and family-friendly for simple exploration.
Which caves offer guided tours in the Yorkshire Dales?
White Scar Cave provides a mile-long guided tour, showcasing underground waterfalls and unique formations. Ingleborough Cave also offers a guided experience along its illuminated path. Great Douk Cave is popular for beginners and offers guided tours through its stream passage.
What are some of the more challenging caving experiences available?
For experienced cavers, Gaping Gill is an iconic site with Britain's largest underground chamber and a 98-meter waterfall. Public access to its main chamber is unique, occurring twice a year via a winch. Alum Pot is another dramatic vertical cave system requiring proper equipment and knowledge of Single Rope Technique (SRT).
What unique geological features can I expect to see in the caves?
You can marvel at thousands of stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone formations in caves like White Scar Cave and Stump Cross Caverns. White Scar Cave is known for formations like the 'Witch's Fingers' and 'Judge's Head'. Hull Pot is an impressive collapsed cavern, and Gaping Gill features a spectacular 98-meter underground waterfall.
Are there any caves with historical significance in the region?
Yes, Jubilee Cave and Victoria Cave near Settle have historical importance, with discoveries of Roman artifacts and animal bones. Victoria Cave, located in the Attermire Scar area, is noted as the largest cave there.
When is the best time to visit the caves in the Yorkshire Dales?
Show caves like White Scar Cave and Ingleborough Cave are generally accessible year-round, offering a cool escape in summer and warmth in winter due to their constant internal temperature. For adventurous caving, especially in systems like Alum Pot, it's crucial to avoid periods during and after heavy rainfall due to safety concerns. Gaping Gill's main chamber is publicly accessible via winch only twice a year, typically in May and August.
What outdoor activities can I do near the caves in the Yorkshire Dales National Park?
The area around the caves is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including routes to iconic peaks like Pen-y-Ghent. There are also dedicated running trails and mountain hikes to explore the stunning limestone landscape.
Do I need special equipment for caving in the Yorkshire Dales?
For show caves, no special equipment is needed beyond comfortable walking shoes. However, for more adventurous caving experiences like Alum Pot, proper caving equipment, including helmets, lights, and knowledge of techniques like Single Rope Technique (SRT), is essential. Beginners should always go with experienced guides or caving clubs.
Are there any free-to-visit caves in the Yorkshire Dales?
Yes, Jubilee Cave and Victoria Cave, located in a scenic area on Attermire Scar near Settle, are free to visit and can be reached via a moderate walk.
What is Trollers Gill and what can I expect there?
Trollers Gill is a dramatic limestone ravine that offers an exhilarating scramble, especially when the gill is full of water. There's also a small cave to peek into on the right-hand side as you reach the top of the gill. It's a rocky area, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
Most popular routes in Yorkshire Dales National Park
Most popular attractions in Yorkshire Dales National Park
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