On the road between Grassington and Pateley Bridge, in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, there's an unassuming building that could be a farm shop or a cafe.
In fact, it's the visitor centre for some of the finest show caves in the UK – a subterranean network of caves and passageways, bedecked with stalagmites, stalactites, crystals and flowstone.
The caves were discovered in 1860 by two local miners on the lookout for lead. They thought they'd found a seam – but when a spade broke through the ground, it revealed a naturally occurring cavern.
The miners saw shilling signs and quickly struck a deal with a local landowner to open the caverns to the public. Back then, a visit to the caves was a risky business. You had to abseil down with a lit candle in your hand – and once you reached the bottom, you would stoop your way through its winding passageways.
Today, the ceilings are still low, but the caves are lit up like a fairy grotto. Safety equipment is provided and – with your UV torch in hand – you'll see the stones sparkle under its light.
There are several caves and passageways to explore. Let's take a look…
The caves
First, there's The Butcher's Shop – a cavern hung with heavy, vibrant stalactites like slabs of meat in a butcher's window.
Like all stalactites, they were formed over thousands of years by rainwater trickling through the soil above. But these are tinged with red because of the iron ore veining the rock.
Next up are The Twins – two mighty columns of rock joining the floor of the cave and its ceiling.
Remember stalagmites and stalactites from school? "Mites go up and tights come down" – and when they meet in the middle, they form a column.
Further along, you come to The Wolverine Cave – so-called because when it was discovered the cavers found the prehistoric skull of a wolverine.
The Wolverine Cave is a show cave among show caves. All limestone pillars, scattered rocks and teeming stalactites, it's a feast for the senses.
And for dessert, there's The Curtain, shimmering like a dragon's wing.
Things continue to sparkle in The Chamber of Pillars. This chamber is home to calcite columns, a shining pool of water, The Hawk – a rock that looks like a bird of prey – and a huge, glittering boulder known as The Cradle.
Next up is The Cathedral. This is home to The Organ – a rock formation that looks like the pipes of a ghostly church organ – and a huge calcite column nicknamed The Wedding Cake.
Finally, there's Reindeer Cavern. Discovered in 1922 but not opened to the public until 2000, this is the latest addition to the Caverns. We're sure you'll agree that it was worth the wait!
Two Stump Cross legends
The story of Stump Cross Caverns is inseparable from the stories of Geoff Workman and Christopher Long, two cavers who have contributed more to the lore than anyone else.
Christopher Long was a medical student at Cambridge who wanted to open a show cave after visiting Cheddar in Somerset. In Easter 1922, he brought a band of fellow diggers to Stump Cross to see what they could find.
They discovered several grottoes – and Long claimed to have found an underground lake, too. But when the owner refused to cut him into a deal, he allegedly blocked up the entrance. People are still searching for this mysterious lake…
Another person who's synonymous with the caves is Geoff Workman. Geoff was a keen caver who got Stump Cross Caverns into the Guinness Book of Records.
In 1965, he spent 105 days underground. His aim was to study the effects of isolation on the human body. But while he was down there, he also photographed and surveyed the caverns.
Perhaps most impressively, he claims that he never got bored or lonely!
The caverns today
As well as offering guided tours of the caves and passageways, we offer a range of experiences and events.
Like any self-respecting Stone Age attraction, we have our ownresident Cavewoman . She entertains the kids with party games,
fossil digs, dancing and more.
There's alsoStump Cross Mining Co . This is a "gem sluice" – essentially a series of wooden troughs in which visitors can go panning for real gems like an old-time miner. It's a fun and educational activity for all ages.
One reason we're so blessed to be here in the Yorkshire Dales is that we have some of thedarkest skiesin the UK – so dark, in fact, that we've been designated a Dark Sky Reserve.
To celebrate this, we hold Dark Skies Experiences where a guest astronomer points out the beauties and mysteries of space through a powerful telescope.
So if you're interested in a tour of the cosmos as well as what lies beneath, Stump Cross Caverns is the place for you.
Other amenities
We're also available for party hire. Whether you're planning a children's birthday party or something for the grownups, you can combine a tour of the caves with a trip to our cosy cinema.
Fitted out with raked seating and fluffy rugs,the cinema has a large library of films– or you can bring your own DVD or Blu-ray.
If you're looking for something a little more low-key, there's ourTime Out Pod– a homely hut looking out over the Dales where you can unwind with friends or get some work done.
Finally, there's ourgift shopandcafe . We stock a wide range of fossils and gems along with pocket-money gifts for the little ones – and in the cafe, we serve up scrumptious snacks with a smile.
Stump Cross Caverns is an ideal destination for afamily day out in Yorkshire– from the magical underground caves themselves to our assorted events and experiences. We look forward to seeing you!
Book today.
