Must-see Yorkshire Dales attractions
Discover attractions in Yorkshire worth making a day of – all near Stump Cross Caverns
Start your North Yorkshire adventure deep underground
Step into a world shaped by water, time and ancient mysteries.
There's something special about the Yorkshire Dales. Maybe it's the epic views, the eccentric
museums, the half-ruined castles… or the fact you can buy a massive scone without taking out a mortgage. And nestled in the middle of it all is Stump Cross Caverns: a not-so-hidden gem.
Stump Cross Caverns is no ordinary cave. This ancient, otherworldly wonder is a natural time capsule, packed with prehistoric secrets and surprises around every twist and tunnel. Think UV-lit passages, glowing stalactites and 300-million-year-old stories written in stone. You'll find hidden gems like The Wedding Cake, The Organ, The Jewel Box – and even The Wolverine Cave, named after the real Ice Age skull discovered right here.
Kids can search for fairy doors and answer fossil quizzes, while grown-ups marvel at crystal-coated chambers and dream up their next scenic stop. There's a reason it's one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Yorkshire Dales – it's the perfect starting point for a day packed with adventure.
Ready to discover a hidden world underground? It's easy to
book your tickets online.
Unmissable Yorkshire Dales attractions near Stump Cross Caverns
Enough about us for now, let's discover some of the other amazing attractions in Yorkshire.
The Coldstones Cut
(5 minutes from Stump Cross)
This unique, towering public artwork stands high above a working limestone quarry, offering panoramic views that stretch across Nidderdale and beyond.
Designed by artist Andrew Sabin, The Coldstones Cut is part sculpture, part industrial monument – and 100% free. A climb to the top delivers jaw-dropping vistas across the Dales, while the sheer scale of the quarry below gives it a strange sci-fi feel.
Bring a coat – the wind bites, but the photos are worth it. On a clear day, you can spot landmarks miles away, making it one of the most impressive vistas in the region.
Brimham Rocks
(20 minutes from Stump Cross)
This National Trust beauty spot feels like a natural playground. Here, massive, wind-sculpted rocks perch on top of each other in weird and wonderful shapes. Some say they look like animals, while others claim they have faces. Whatever your verdict, they all make great climbing challenges and photo ops.
Wander the heather-covered moorland and see if you can spot the Dancing Bear or the Gorilla. There's also a handy visitor centre with maps and snacks, plus picnic areas in case you want to sit down and soak in the views.
Parcevall Hall Gardens
(10 minutes from Stump Cross)
A peaceful gem nestled in the hills in the heart of Wharfedale, Parcevall Hall Gardens is quietly beautiful. Think winding terraces and hidden corners that invite you to sit and take in the nature around you.
With views stretching over Wharfedale, the gardens feel both expansive and intimate. Seasonal highlights include bluebells in spring, vibrant perennials in summer and fiery foliage when autumn rolls around.
It's less touristy than many nearby spots and all the better for it. Consider it a true retreat for the senses.
Grassington Folk Museum
(10 minutes from Stump Cross)
Set in the heart of a much-loved cobbled village,Grassington Folk Museumis a much-loved Yorkshire indoor attraction that tells big stories. It's packed with pieces of history that reveal how people lived, worked and celebrated life in the Dales. Think farming tools, mining gear, WW2 artefacts, and the odd quirk or two.
The museum is easy to explore at your own pace, and the friendly volunteers often add a tale or two of their own. Plus, it's free!
While you're there, treat yourself to a mooch around Grassington's lovely indie shops. The village itself is often used as a filming location – most recently for All Creatures Great and Small.
Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway
(25 minutes from Stump Cross)
Chuff along on a lovingly restored steam train between Embsay and Bolton Abbey. This family-friendly steam railway runs vintage steam trains between beautifully restored stations, with carriages straight out of Victorian and Edwardian times.
You can hop off at Holywell Halt and picnic beside the track or stay on board for one of their special Dales Dining trips. Choose from wine and cheese, curry nights, afternoon teas or even a full breakfast served as the countryside rolls by your window.
There are seasonal events, too, ranging from character days to beer festivals and the ever-popular Polar Express trains in winter. It's a fun day out for couples, families and those going solo. Just be sure to book ahead for special services – they're popular for a reason.
Bolton Abbey
(20 minutes from Stump Cross)
The sprawling Bolton Abbey estate unfolds along the River Wharfe, with enough space and variety to keep everyone happy. You might find yourself exploring the remains of the Priory Church one moment and watching kids paddle near the stepping stones the next. Well-behaved dogs can roam, walkers can wander for miles, and there's always a good spot for a flask of tea or a proper coffee stop.
Grimwith Reservoir
(15 minutes from Stump Cross)
Tucked between Grassington and Pateley Bridge, Grimwith Reservoir is a lesser-known Yorkshire Dales attraction – but it's definitely worth a visit. Its wide, level path traces the water's edge for four miles, offering big-sky views and a lovely walk, complete with a breeze from the fells.
It's also a hotspot for birdwatchers and photographers. The reservoir is a vital stop-off for migrating waders and wildfowl, with nature reserves dotted along the route and plenty of windsurfers skimming the surface when the weather's right.
It's the perfect destination for anyone who wants a break from crowds without compromising on scenery.
Stump Cross Caverns (you're already here!)
You'd be daft to miss the main event. Stump Cross Caverns has been amazing visitors for more than 150 years – and the moment you step inside, you'll understand why. Here, you can wander through passageways carved by water and time. You can shine a UV torch on ancient rocks. And you can spot otherworldly formations that have been growing slowly in the dark for millennia.
Yorkshire children's attractions don't get better than this. Kids go full explorer with
gem panning, secret tunnels and glowing rocks. Grown-ups, meanwhile, can soak up the quiet magic before heading topside for tea and something indulgent from the
Time Cafe. We're open all year, and packed with natural wonders you won't find anywhere else.
The best days out start here – book your tickets now
Base yourself somewhere with stalactites and sausage rolls.
Start your day somewhere unforgettable. At Stump Cross Caverns, you'll kick things off underground with a proper sense of adventure. The caves set the tone – they're wild, (mostly) weatherproof and unlike anything else in the Dales. And there's plenty more nearby to discover if you fancy extending the fun.
Take your pick from scenic walks, steam trains or ruined abbeys… or don't. Stay a while, grab a sausage roll or a slab of cake and plot your next move from the comfort of our cafe. No pressure. But it's hard to top a day that starts beneath 300 million years of rock.
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