The Hellfire Caves

You descend into chalk tunnels carved into West Wycombe Hill and immediately feel the temperature drop. The Hellfire Caves are properly atmospheric - originally dug in the 18th century as a chalk mine, they later became the meeting place for the notorious Hellfire Club, a group of aristocratic chaps who fancied themselves rather libertine. Today you walk through about a quarter mile of passages, past the old banqueting hall and chapel, with atmospheric lighting doing most of the heavy lifting. The whole thing takes roughly 45 minutes, depending on how many of the interpretation boards you read.

It's genuinely creepy in a fun way, though I'll be honest - it's not a sprawling adventure. The caves are narrow and a bit low in places, so anyone with claustrophobia should think twice. Kids tend to enjoy the slight sense of mischief and danger, especially once they clock the Hellfire Club's dodgy reputation. History enthusiasts will get more from it if they've read up on the club beforehand; otherwise it's pleasant enough underground wandering without being revelatory.

Admission is paid (check the website for current prices), and it's worth combining with a walk around West Wycombe itself - the village and church are just above. If you're camping at one of the nearby sites like Bella Vista or Home Farm, both a few miles out of Marlow, you could easily slot this in as a half-day activity. Go on a quieter weekday if you can; crowds make the narrow passages feel properly rammed.