Browgill Cave

The entrance to Browgill Cave sits tucked into the limestone landscape near Settle, and it's one of those places that rewards a bit of exploration if you're willing to get your boots muddy. It's a proper caving experience without needing technical gear - the main passage is walkable, though you'll want a decent torch and possibly a head torch because the daylight doesn't penetrate far. The cave itself opens up into chambers with the kind of geological formations that make you understand why the Pennines are such a draw for cavers and geologists. Allow a good hour if you're going in properly, maybe longer if you're the type to sit around marvelling at stalactites.

This works best for older children and teenagers rather than toddlers - the terrain is uneven and it can be muddy, so proper footwear matters. Adults who enjoy walking and a bit of adventure will get more from it than casual tourists. It's free to visit, which is the best kind of surprise.

The real value here is how it slots into a broader North Yorkshire caving or walking holiday. Settle itself is surrounded by limestone country, and if you're based at somewhere like Ribblesdale Pods or Philpin Farm Campsite nearby, you can combine this with walks across the Yorkshire Dales. Go after rainfall and the cave's more dramatic - water flow makes the formations feel alive. In summer it's pleasant enough, but autumn and spring give better light conditions for photography. Worth a detour if you're already in the area, less worth a trip on its own.