Dove Caves

The walk down to Dove Caves from Skipton is half the appeal, to be honest. You're threading through proper countryside, following the River Wharfe as it cuts through limestone cliffs, and suddenly you realise why people get excited about this bit of Yorkshire. The caves themselves are modest - a series of water-carved openings in the rock face rather than vast underground chambers - but there's something magnetic about them. The river runs right past the entrance, and in winter or after heavy rain, you can see exactly why they formed.

It's a straightforward visit: explore the accessible cave mouths, peek into the darker recesses if you've got a torch, and understand why this landscape shaped the region's geology. Most people allow 30 minutes to an hour, though you could easily stretch that if you're keen on photography or just sitting by the water. Not one for young children who'll want something more dramatic, but walkers and geology enthusiasts will find it worthwhile.

The caves are free to access, and the trek makes for a rewarding afternoon loop from Skipton town centre. If you're camping at Wharfedale Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite - a cracking location just six miles away - you've got somewhere genuinely worth the drive. Combine it with walks along the Wharfe itself, and you've got a proper day sorted.