Family days out: 7 great reasons to visit a show cave

Show caves are cave systems that are open to the public and are equipped with features to make them safe and accessible. 

Often, show caves offer guided or self-guided tours that provide information about the cave's geology, history and the rock formations found inside.

Walkways ensure the caves are protected from the possibility of erosion and make them easy to navigate for novice cavers. The caves are often illuminated too, which helps to highlight their natural beauty.

Show caves are brilliant for an educational and recreational day out. You can expect lots of informative displays, as well as facilities such as gift shops and cafes. Not convinced? Here are seven more reasons why they're worth a visit.

1. You get to explore a unique underground environment 


How often do we get the chance to go underground and explore a hidden world beneath our feet? Exploring a new environment is always special – but entering the subterranean world of a prehistoric show cave is especially exciting. You feel like you're leaving the modern world behind and immersing yourself in a beautiful and historical environment, far from the worries of everyday life.

You may think that one cave is the same as the next – but that's not true at all. Every cave is unique, with its own atmosphere, geological structures and history. Whether you're a show-cave newbie or a seasoned enthusiast, there's always something new to learn and explore.   

2. You'll learn about the science of caves 


Guided or self-led tours of show caves will teach you things you never even knew you wanted to learn. For a start, you can marvel at stalactites and stalagmites and how incredible underground rock formations begin life. Stalactites are mineral formations that hang from the ceilings of caves and are created by water dripping and depositing minerals over time. Stalagmites are similar mineral formations that grow upward from the cave floor. They're quite astonishing sights!

You'll also discover the ancient mysteries that lie deep within cave systems. All sorts of interesting treasures have been found in caves, including fossils, bones and even artworks. Learning about the geological past can open up all sorts of inspiring and interesting avenues of inquiry.

Here at Stump Cross Caverns, we offer lots of interesting information to peruse at the attraction. And on our website, you'll find a bunch of fun Key Stage 2 activities to help kids learn about the magic and science of caves.

3. Geology can be fun – and interactive

You may think that a rock is a rock and that all rocks are alike. Not so.

Geology (the study of rocks) is a fascinating subject. And there is much to learn about geology from a visit to a show cave. 

At Stump Cross Caverns, we're wild about the Stone Age and our resident Cavewoman leads interactive fossil experiences , with an option for visitors with special educational needs.

Join a dig and you can marvel at our remarkable collection of fossils and gems, unearthed from the depths of time. You can even have a go at digging for fossils yourself.

If that's not exciting enough, we've even got a gem sluice where you can pan for gems , recreating that gold-rush feeling! 

4. It's a great excuse to spend time with loved ones


All too often, we spend our time indoors, focused on screens or social media. But when you think about some of your best memories, they're most often from holidays or weekend day trips. Our most cherished moments are those spent exploring new environments with the people we love the most.

So, add to your memory bank with a trip to a show cave and share the experience with your family or friends. As you immerse yourself in a new environment, the conversation will flow and you'll create memories to last a lifetime. 

5. You can buy amazing souvenirs


Many show caves have on-site gift shops where you can buy souvenirs to remind you of your trip. From informative books to games, fossils and branded clothes, there's sure to be something for everyone. 

Better still, lots of gift shops stock items from local independent businesses such as artists, craftspeople and food suppliers. So, as well as supporting small businesses, you'll take home something that might be truly unique.

6. You might be inspired to create some cave art


Your visit may inspire you beyond the day of your trip. Cave art is arguably our closest link to our prehistoric ancestors – and it's truly a sight to behold.

Why not explore your inner artist and create your own artwork? The whole family can get involved and hand or footprints will serve as a time capsule to revisit in the years to come. 

7. You'll have fun and improve your well-being


Getting outdoors and spending time in natural environments reduces anxiety and improves mood. And this isn't just common sense – it's science. Several studies have proven that connecting with the environment we inhabit improves our general well-being.

Although not strictly outdoors, show caves are still natural beauties that will inspire the whole family.

Pay a visit to our Yorkshire show cave

Stump Cross Caverns is located in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. It's a real ancient wonder – a 300-million-year-old cave system hidden deep under the hilly, windswept landscape.

Are you looking for a fun and unusual day out in Yorkshire ? We'd love to welcome you to our show cave. You'll find us on the B6265, between Pateley Bridge and Grassington. But make sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.


Look out for our themed events , throughout the year, too. Whether it's a spooky Halloween trip or a cosy Christmas visit, there's always something new on the horizon for budding cave enthusiasts.