Stump Cross Caverns
Explore 300-million-year-old caves in the Yorkshire Dales, featuring stunning formations, UV tours, and fun family activities like geode cracking.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration.
Stump Cross Caverns
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore 300-million-year-old caves in the Yorkshire Dales, featuring stunning formations, UV tours, and fun family activities like geode cracking.
"Such an incredible and unique experience! We loved the caves - they are breathtaking."
Book Tickets Online
Secure your spot in advance, especially during busy periods. :ticket:
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Uneven surfaces and damp conditions require good grip. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Cave Formations
Main Cavern System
Marvel at millions of years of geological history with stunning stalactites and stalagmites.
Magical UV Experience
Designated Cavern Sections
See the caves in a whole new light with a UV torch, revealing hidden wonders.
Geode Cracking & Gem Panning
Activity Area
Engage in hands-on fun by cracking open geodes and panning for precious gems.
Fossil Hunting
Activity Area
Uncover ancient fossils and learn about prehistoric life in an interactive dig.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for a Smooth Adventure
Prepare for Tight Spaces
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Tickets Online
Secure your spot in advance, especially during busy periods.
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Uneven surfaces and damp conditions require good grip. :athletic_shoe:
Dress in Layers
Cave temperatures are cool year-round. :shirt:
Bring a Camera
Capture the stunning formations and unique experiences. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Tickets Online
Secure your spot in advance, especially during busy periods.
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Uneven surfaces and damp conditions require good grip. :athletic_shoe:
Dress in Layers
Cave temperatures are cool year-round. :shirt:
Bring a Camera
Capture the stunning formations and unique experiences. :camerawithflash:
Check Public Transport
Plan your journey carefully if relying on public transport. :bus:
Kid-Friendly Activities
Geode cracking and gem panning are huge hits with children. :gem:
UV Torch Fun
The UV experience adds a magical element to the cave tour. :sparkles:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Stump Cross Caverns for its breathtaking geological formations and unique underground experience, particularly highlighting the magical UV torch tour and engaging family activities like geode cracking. The staff are frequently commended for their friendliness and helpfulness, contributing to a positive overall visit. While the caves are a hit across all ages, some visitors note that certain passages can be quite tight, requiring bending or ducking.
"Had an absolutely fantastic time at Stump Cross Caverns yesterday evening. The UV cave experience was incredible. The cave is great with the normal lighting, but even better in UV light... I am definitely going to do it again, and highly recommend it! This was followed by an interesting talk by Tom from the Craven Pothole Club, about the excavations on the new chamber. We also had the Yorkshire pudding wrap in the cafe, which was perfect on a grim, rainy day. Everyone was lovely, welcoming and informative.
Many thanks, I can't wait to visit again!"
Hayley Mitchell
"Fantastic trip out for several hours on a stormy weekend. There was ample parking and the shop/cafe entrance area was incredibly inviting with a warm fire, a great array of souvenirs and delicious food.
The carverns were wet (as expected) with a few drips but hard hats provided kept the head dry. They were great to explore with a lovely trail for little ones to do as you walked around. Some fascinating formations, well worth a visit!"
Hannah Watts
"Went here with my son for a day out on the weekend.
Parking is great, loads of spaces and had no trouble getting a spot.
The inside of the building is a big mix of gift shop, cafe and check-in for the cave so it wasnt clear where we should have been going to get booked in.
Once we found the check-in we purchased our ticket and the women who served us was incredibly nice and made us feel welcomed and excited to go down below.
The cave it’s self it very tight but that is to be expected, there are a had full of seats while your down there if you need to sit down.
Side note - don’t wear pants or shoes you don’t want to get dirty, the ground water has lime stone sediment in it so it will leave white marks on your shoes.
The gift shop sells an incredible assortment of stones and crystals, it does say they are from the cave and suspect they aren’t.
They don’t sell you standard gift shop items such as pens, pins and patches which is a shame because they are what most people collect as a reminder, I was looking to buy all 3 but ended up leaving with no souvenirs.
Overall it was a pleasent experience, mainly due to the quality of the cave and the customer service of the staff.
The contents of the shop could do with expanding as if you don’t like stones to buy them you don’t have anything to buy essentially."
Daniel Murray
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Stump Cross Caverns are located on Greenhow Hill in the Yorkshire Dales. If driving, follow signs from Pateley Bridge. For public transport, it's advisable to check local bus routes in advance as services can be infrequent.
Yes, there is ample parking available on-site. Many visitors also use it as a convenient overnight parking spot for campervans for a small fee, often with a discount on attraction tickets.
While possible, visiting without a car requires careful planning of public transport routes, which can be limited in the Yorkshire Dales. It's best to research bus schedules thoroughly beforehand.
The most scenic route often involves driving through the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. From the south, you might approach via Harrogate and then Pateley Bridge.
Yes, the surrounding Yorkshire Dales offer numerous walking trails, including popular routes to Simon's Seat, and charming villages like Pateley Bridge.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary, and it's recommended to check the official Stump Cross Caverns website for the most up-to-date pricing for adults, children, and family packages. Booking online in advance is often advised.
Yes, booking tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons and weekends, to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to consult the official Stump Cross Caverns website for the most accurate and current opening times before your visit.
Discounts may be available for groups, families, or those staying overnight in campervans. Check the website or inquire directly for any special offers.
Admission typically includes access to the main cave tour. Additional activities like geode cracking or gem panning may incur extra charges.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The cave tour involves walking through ancient limestone passages, with some areas requiring you to duck or bend. You'll see impressive stalactites and stalagmites, and can opt for a UV torch experience. +1
Yes, Stump Cross Caverns is very family-friendly. Young children are often amazed by the caves, and activities like geode cracking and fossil hunting are particularly popular.
Cosmic Adventures are special events, often held in autumn, where visitors can learn about astronomy and the night sky, with activities like making your own planet.
Photography is generally permitted inside the caves, but be mindful of other visitors and the delicate cave environment. Flash photography might be restricted in certain areas.
The main cave experience is self-guided, but staff are available to answer questions and provide information. Special workshops or events might have guided elements.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a lovely cafe on-site offering great food at reasonable prices, including afternoon tea options.
The cafe typically serves a range of meals, snacks, and drinks, often including popular choices like sandwiches, cakes, and full meals.
While specific menus can change, most cafes in tourist attractions aim to cater to various dietary needs. It's best to check with the cafe directly or look for menu information on their website.
There may be designated picnic areas, or you might be able to enjoy your own food in the cafe or outdoor seating areas, depending on their policies.
Yes, afternoon tea is a popular choice for visitors looking to relax after exploring the caves, often praised for its quality and value.
📸 📸 Photography
The cave formations themselves, especially under UV light, offer unique photographic opportunities. The surrounding Yorkshire Dales also provide stunning scenic backdrops. +1
Tripod usage might be restricted to avoid obstructing other visitors or damaging cave formations. It's advisable to check with staff upon arrival.
Flash photography can sometimes disturb the natural environment or other visitors. It's best to use natural light or a camera with good low-light performance, or ask staff if flash is permitted.
A camera with good low-light capabilities and a wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the expansive cave formations. A smartphone with a good night mode can also work well.
The UV experience is a highlight for photos, as are the intricate details of the stalactites and stalagmites. The entrance area also offers views of the Yorkshire Dales. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The UV torch experience adds a magical element that captivates kids. 💑 Couples & Adventurers
🚶 Budget Travelers & Campervan Enthusiasts
📚 Educational & Curious Minds
The 'Cosmic Adventures' program further expands the learning opportunities into astronomy. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Ancient Caves
The cave tour is largely self-guided, allowing you to explore at your own pace. However, staff are on hand to provide information and ensure safety. For an added layer of magic, opt for the UV torch experience, which illuminates the cave walls with an otherworldly glow, revealing hidden mineral deposits and textures.
It's important to be prepared for the physical aspects of the cave exploration. Some passages are narrow and require bending or even crawling, so wearing comfortable, layered clothing and sturdy, non-slip footwear is essential.
Family Fun and Educational Activities
Another popular activity is gem panning, where you can sift through sand and water to find a variety of precious stones and minerals.
The 'Cosmic Adventures' program, held at specific times, offers a unique opportunity for young astronomers to learn about planets and space, even creating their own celestial models to take home.
These activities are designed to be both entertaining and educational, making Stump Cross Caverns a memorable day out for the whole family. Beyond the Caves: Amenities and Surroundings
The gift shop provides a range of souvenirs, including local crafts, geological items, and mementos related to the caverns.
For those traveling in campervans, Stump Cross Caverns offers an excellent overnight parking option for a small fee, often with a discount on attraction tickets, making it a convenient base for exploring the Yorkshire Dales. The location in the Yorkshire Dales National Park means that the surrounding landscape is breathtaking. Visitors can combine their trip to the caverns with scenic walks, such as the popular hike to Simon's Seat, offering stunning views of the countryside.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit