Ingleborough Cave
Explore a stunning underground world of ancient formations and cascades, accessible via a beautiful Yorkshire Dales nature trail.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Ingleborough Cave
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a stunning underground world of ancient formations and cascades, accessible via a beautiful Yorkshire Dales nature trail.
"Beautiful cave with wonderful features and stalactites and small cascades inside."
Wear sturdy walking boots :athletic_shoe:
Paths can be rocky and uneven, especially to Gaping Gill. Good grip is essential.
Pack layers of clothing :shirt:
Caves are cool year-round, so bring extra layers for comfort.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ingleborough Cave Show Cave
Clapham, North Yorkshire
Explore a fossil gallery with stunning stalactites and underground cascades.
Gaping Gill
Near Ingleborough summit
Witness a dramatic 98-meter deep pothole where Fell Beck plunges into the earth.
Ingleborough Estate Nature Trail
Clapham
Enjoy a beautiful walk through varied landscapes leading to the cave.
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Planning Your Visit
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Getting There & Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear sturdy walking boots :athletic_shoe:
Paths can be rocky and uneven, especially to Gaping Gill. Good grip is essential.
Pack layers of clothing :shirt:
Caves are cool year-round, so bring extra layers for comfort.
Bring snacks and water :water_wave:
The walk to the cave can be long; fuel up for the journey.
Dog-friendly adventure :dog:
Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome inside the cave and on the estate.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear sturdy walking boots :athletic_shoe:
Paths can be rocky and uneven, especially to Gaping Gill. Good grip is essential.
Pack layers of clothing :shirt:
Caves are cool year-round, so bring extra layers for comfort.
Bring snacks and water :water_wave:
The walk to the cave can be long; fuel up for the journey.
Dog-friendly adventure :dog:
Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome inside the cave and on the estate.
Check for new trails :hiking_boot:
The Mimpish Squimbies Trail offers a fun addition to the nature walk.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Ingleborough Cave for its stunning natural formations and the informative, friendly staff who enhance the experience. The accompanying nature trail offers beautiful scenery, and the dog-friendly policy is a major draw. However, some find the cave can get very crowded, and the presence of many dogs, even on leads, has detracted from the experience for a few.
"Great place and was nice and cool inside in this hot weather 😊. Staff were great and friendly. There was a man at the end of the walk in the cave that gave us lots of information on the history. We all really enjoyed it."
stacey ashby
"Beautiful cave with wonderful features and stalactites and small cascades inside, the water in this cave originated all the way from nearby Gaping Gill.
That said, this cave can get awfully crowded at times, and allowing a lot of dogs into this cave (even on leads) is, in my opinion, a step too far which ruined an otherwise amazing experience."
Gleb Berloff
"Lovely walk to the cave and then into it. Staff were very friendly and informative. Dog friendly."
Emma Griffiths
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a train to Clapham or Settle in North Yorkshire. From Clapham station, it's about a 90-minute walk to the cave entrance via the Ingleborough Estate Nature Trail. If coming from further afield, you might need to change trains at Lancaster or Leeds.
The walk from Clapham village is described as lovely and gentle by some visitors. However, the circular route via Gaping Gill can be challenging with uphill, rocky terrain and a climb up Trow Gill.
Sturdy walking boots are highly recommended due to the rocky and uneven terrain. Wearing layers of clothing is also advised, as caves are cool year-round.
While public transport is an option, driving to Clapham village is also feasible. Parking is available in the village, and from there you can access the nature trail.
Yes, guided tours are available for Ingleborough Cave. Staff are often described as friendly and informative, providing details on the cave's history and formations.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Information on ticket prices is best checked directly with Ingleborough Cave. However, some visitors have described the new Mimpish Squimbies Trail as 'bargainous'.
It's advisable to check the official Ingleborough Cave website for booking information, especially during peak seasons, to avoid disappointment.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check the Ingleborough Cave website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Yes, Ingleborough Cave is considered brilliant for all the family. Robust single-width pushchairs can even go inside the cave.
Dogs on a lead are very welcome inside Ingleborough Cave and on the estate, which is a big bonus for many visitors.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll discover a fossil gallery with impressive stalagmitic formations and underground cascades. The water originates from Gaping Gill.
Gaping Gill is a natural cave and one of the most distinctive landmarks on Ingleborough's slopes. It's a 98-meter deep pothole where Fell Beck flows into the earth.
Yes, the Ingleborough Estate Nature Trail offers a beautiful walk. You can also explore Yordas Cave, which is a short drive away and features a waterfall.
Yes, you can fuel up with breakfast, lunch, and drinks at the estate.
This is a brand new, permanent addition to the Ingleborough Estate Nature Trail, offering a fun and engaging experience for visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside Ingleborough Cave, but it's always good to check for any specific restrictions on the day of your visit. The formations offer great photo opportunities.
Besides the cave interior, the walk through the Ingleborough Estate Nature Trail offers scenic views. The dramatic landscape around Gaping Gill is also a popular spot for photographers.
For cave photography, a tripod is highly recommended to handle low light conditions. Experiment with longer exposure times and a wider aperture to capture the cave's formations.
Visitors have mentioned guides showing glowing stones with a torch, which could make for a unique photo if permitted.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the Yorkshire Dales landscape surrounding Ingleborough.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The Mimpish Squimbies Trail on the estate offers a fun, new addition that kids will love. The walk to the cave is generally pleasant, though the more adventurous routes can be challenging, so consider the age and stamina of your children when planning your route. Dogs on a lead are also welcome, making it a great outing for the whole family, including furry members.🚶 Budget Travelers
🐾 Dog Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology and Discovery of Ingleborough Cave
The rocks themselves are composed of ancient shellfish, a reminder of the area's marine past.The cave's water system is intricately linked to the dramatic Gaping Gill, a massive natural pothole nearby. Fell Beck plunges into Gaping Gill, and its waters resurge within Ingleborough Cave, contributing to its unique underground environment.
Visitors often praise the informative guides who share fascinating details about the cave's formation and history, sometimes even illuminating unique features like glowing stones with their torches.
Navigating the Ingleborough Estate Nature Trail
For those seeking a bit more adventure, the trail offers opportunities to explore the dramatic landscape around Gaping Gill.
This ensures there's something for everyone, from a leisurely stroll to a more challenging hike.Practical advice for tackling the trail includes wearing sturdy walking boots for grip and comfort,
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