Dunald Mill Hole

You'll find Dunald Mill Hole tucked away near Lancaster, a modest cave entrance that rewards a bit of effort if you're into geology or just fancy something different from the usual park walks. It's essentially a natural cave formed in the limestone, the sort of place that catches you off guard when you stumble upon it during a ramble through the countryside.

The cave itself isn't massive - you're not talking about a vast underground cathedral - but it's got character. The approach involves a decent walk through proper Lancashire landscape, which is half the appeal really. You need decent boots and a torch if you're thinking of venturing inside, as it gets dark quickly and the ground can be damp. There's nothing fancy about it: no visitor centre, no cafe, no electric lighting. That's either brilliant or utterly pointless depending on what you're after.

It works particularly well for families with older kids who enjoy a bit of adventure and aren't spooked by confined spaces. Younger children might find the walk tedious and the cave itself underwhelming. Walkers and geology enthusiasts will get far more mileage out of it than casual tourists.

If you're staying at Crook O'Lune Holiday Park or any of the other parks within a couple of miles of Lancaster, this fits nicely into a morning or afternoon outing. Allow a couple of hours including the walk. It's free to visit - there's no admission charge - though you'll want to check locally before heading out, as access can be weather-dependent. Worth the detour if caves are your thing; skip it if you're after something more developed.