Washfold Pot

You'll find Washfold Pot down a proper limestone gully near Carnforth, a sinkhole that drops into a cave system worth a detour if you're into underground geology. The entrance is modest - a rocky chasm that swallows a stream - but once you're inside, the cave opens up with water-worn passages and that distinctive smell of damp stone that never gets old. It's free to visit and takes about an hour to explore properly, though you'll need decent footwear and a torch because it gets dark fast.

This one's for walkers and cave enthusiasts rather than casual families. Kids will either love scrambling through tight sections or complain they're cold and wet - there's no middle ground. The stream runs year-round so expect damp ground and moss everywhere, especially after rain. Winter visits are grim; late spring through early autumn is your window.

Given you're camping nearby - Philpin Farm or Ribblesdale Pods are closest - you could pair this with walks across the Lune Gorge and other limestone features in the area. Carnforth itself isn't much to write home about, but it's a practical base for exploring the northern edge of the Peak District. Allow a full morning if you're combining it with other local caves or the woodland walks that crisscross the valley. Worth doing once if you're staying locally, though it's not the kind of place you'll revisit without good reason.