Out of the ordinary: 11 unusual places to visit in Yorkshire

At Stump Cross Caverns, we're well acquainted with the less conventional side of Yorkshire. After all, we're custodians of an underground cave system whose origin predates the dinosaurs.

Want to do something a little different to your usual days out? Good news: Yorkshire has plenty of weird and wonderful places to keep your whole family entertained.

Here are some less-than-ordinary day trips to suit the whole family (in no particular order).

1. Toft Gate Lime Kiln, Bewerley

This one-of-a-kind kiln is surrounded by old quarries and the wild nature of Nidderdale. That gives it an eerie vibe (in the best possible way).

We recommend exploring the ruins, learning about their history and enjoying the nearby walks that reward you with epic views. Best of all, it's totally free – and you can easily combine it with a visit to The Coldstones Cut.

2. The Coldstones Cut, Bewerley

Lovingly named "Yorkshire's Little Grand Canyon", How Stean Gorge is a must-see 20-metre-deep limestone ravine. It's well worth exploring this dramatic natural wonder by its narrow paths, tunnels and bridges.

Thrill seeker? Sign up for a high-wire course, ghyll scrambling, gorge walking, caving or abseiling. Prefer to sit back and take it all in? Chill in the glass-floored cafe with stunning views over the gorge. Or plump for a luxury lodge with a hot tub if you prefer.

5. Turkish Baths Harrogate

Who'd have thought you'd find Britain's most completely and authentically restored Victorian Turkish bathhouse in Yorkshire?

Well, when you consider that Harrogate has been a top spa destination for centuries, it's perhaps less surprising.

The spa's preserved Moorish architecture and traditional thermal ritual feel even more luxurious when you're stepping into it from the wild, rugged Yorkshire landscape.

6. Mother Shipton's Cave, Knaresborough

How do you know this quirky cave is worth a visit? Well, people have been paying for the privilege since 1630, making it England's oldest visitor attraction.

The cave is said to be the birthplace of a famous prophetess, Mother Shipton. She allegedly foretold major historical events like the Great Fire of London and perhaps even predicted inventions like the internet.

As well as the cave, you can visit The Petrifying Well, which is full of mineral-rich water that appears to turn things to stone. Locals genuinely believed it was cursed by the devil.

There's also a mile-long woodland walk, a kids' playground and a museum full of petrified items left by various people through the years. That includes a handbag left by Agatha Christie.

7. Chapel of Our Lady of the Crag, Knaresborough

This tiny medieval shrine (measuring just 12 by eight feet) is pure Gothic art carved into solid sandstone cliff.

Legend has it that a man called John hollowed out this chapel to give thanks to the Virgin Mary. That's because he prayed to Mary when his young son got trapped beneath a rockfall – and the boy crawled out completely unharmed.

You have to be organised, though, as the chapel is only open to the public on Sunday afternoons from Easter through to September.

8. St Robert's Cave, Knaresborough

Just down the road from the Chapel of Our Lady of the Crag, you'll find a medieval hermit's home.

Well, we say "home", but it's essentially a hole in a limestone wall.

It was home (or hole) to Robert Flower, also known as "Saint Robert of Knaresborough". Robert was born into a wealthy York family, but relinquished his riches and became a hermit dedicated to helping the sick and poor. He also liked getting local thieves on the straight and narrow.

You can see the cave where he lived, his former grave and the chapel ruins outside it that accommodated the pilgrims who visited him.

9. The Druid's Temple, Ripon

Ever loved a place so much that you've come home and built your very own version in your back garden? Well, William Danby took a rather strong liking to Stonehenge and did just that.

In 1820, Danby paid local labourers to build a replica of the world-famous monument, complete with a "sacrificial" altar, on his land.

So, if you don't fancy trekking all the way to the real Stonehenge, come see this one in Yorkshire instead. It's particularly popular during the summer solstice and winter equinox.

10. The Forbidden Corner, Middleham

You came here for unusual, but would you settle for the self-described "Strangest Place in the World"?

When you arrive at The Forbidden Corner, you don't get a map or set path to follow. Instead, you're given a checklist of riddle-clues to help you navigate the four-acre maze.

Tackle the twisting, turning labyrinth with dead ends, shrinking doors and water-squirting statues. If you make it, next comes the Temple of the Underworld with its magnificent rotating glass pyramid, enormous mechanical cat and very own waterfall.

It's a unique bit of fun for the whole family.

11. Stump Cross Caverns

You can't say you've sampled all the unusual goodness Yorkshire has to offer without stopping off at Stump Cross Caverns.

Our ancient limestone caves lay hidden beneath the Yorkshire Dales for thousands of years. Now, they're ready to dazzle you with twisting caverns, unique rock formations and other prehistoric wonders.

Step back in time as you explore The Wolverine Cave, where a wolverine skull was found in 1922. See The Curtain, The Cathedral and other mysterious natural cave features. Or descend after 3pm for our UV experience, where we dim the lights and you explore using a UV torch that makes the rocks glow.

There's plenty more for the whole family to do. You can dig for fossils, pan for gems or even crack your own geode, exposing those pretty crystals for the first time in history.

Book your tickets to Stump Cross Caverns online today.

< Older Post