Redmire Pot

The entrance to Redmire Pot sits quietly in the limestone hills near Leyburn, and it's the sort of place that rewards a bit of effort to find. This is a proper caving experience - a vertical shaft that drops into a chamber below, with passages that stretch into darkness. You'll need a torch and ideally some caving experience, as it's not the kind of walk-up-and-peer-in affair you get at tourist caves.

What makes it worthwhile is the geology. The pot itself is a classic example of a sinkhole formation in the Wensleydale limestone, and if you're into karst landscapes and underground hydrology, you'll find it genuinely interesting. The descent is tight in places and involves scrambling rather than walking, so it's not suitable for young children or anyone uncomfortable with confined spaces.

Cavers and adventure-minded visitors will get the most from Redmire Pot. You're looking at a couple of hours if you're exploring properly, though just reaching the chamber takes maybe 30 minutes. Go on a dry day - the pot floods after heavy rain, which can be dangerous. There's no visitor centre or interpretation, so bring a guide or join a local caving club trip if you're new to it.

Stablefell Holidays and Campsite, just six miles away near Leyburn, makes a solid base for exploring this part of Wensleydale. You'll have time to tackle Redmire and still visit other attractions in the dale.