Bown Scar Cave

You'll need to scramble a bit to reach this limestone cave near Skipton, but that's rather the point. Bown Scar Cave sits tucked into the hillside above Malham, and the walk in is half the appeal - moorland stretching out behind you, the valley dropping away below. The cave mouth opens up as a proper sizeable entrance, though it's no cathedral inside. Once your eyes adjust to the gloom, you're looking at a chamber that's genuinely impressive for Yorkshire - stalactites hanging from the ceiling, the floor scattered with loose rock. Bring a torch or your phone light, because it gets properly dark further back.

This one rewards walkers and geology enthusiasts far more than casual visitors. If you're after a quick cave pop-in like you'd find at some tourist attraction, you'll likely be disappointed. The cave itself is small enough to explore in twenty minutes, but the whole experience - getting there, taking the time to really look at the formations, enjoying the views on the walk back down - that's easily a couple of hours well spent.

Stay around Malham and you're perfectly positioned. Malham Glamping Pods and Wood Nook Caravan Park are both minutes away, and the whole area is laced with walks and caving spots if you're bitten by the cave bug. Free to visit, no facilities on site, and you'll want decent boots because the approach gets muddy. Go mid-week if you can - weekends bring walkers from across the Dales and the narrow paths get a bit congested.