Our caves are always worth a visit – but some times may suit you more than others. Learn more in our guide.
A visit to Stump Cross Caverns is a day out that you won't forget in a hurry. Its winding subterranean passageways and chambers are full of geological beauties.
But above ground, too, there's plenty to explore – from
family-friendly fossil digs to stargazing events. We're not exaggerating when we say there's something here for everyone.
But when's the best time to visit? Well, that all depends on what you're visiting for. Let us explain…
Best times to avoid busyness
Not a fan of crowds? Want to stop and stare without the pressure to keep moving? Luckily for you, there are a few times when things tend to be a little quieter.
When the sun's out, your first thought might not be to head down into a cave – but there are a couple of reasons why you should consider it.
The first is that Stump Cross Caverns is most popular when it's raining. So, if you don't want to share the experience with too many other people, a sunny day is best.
Secondly, the caverns are a great place to cool off. Heat getting to you? Stump Cross is like a cool cellar or ice rink. Unlike those places, however, it's brimful of gorgeous rock formations.
The same goes for term times and weekdays in general. We get a lot of school trips. If you want to dodge those, weekends and holidays are a no-go.
We love to see schoolkids exploring our caves – but we also know that it's not for everyone. For some people, the quiet of the caves is all part of the magic.
However, if you can't make it on a weekday or during term time, don't worry – you can still get some quiet time in the caves. Just make sure you come before 11 AM or after 4 PM.
The UV experience
Coming after 3 PM in term time means you'll dodge the school crowds. It also means you get to enjoy our
ultraviolet (UV) cave tour.
Equipped with a UV torch, you get to see the rocks light up with a breathtaking glow – a glow that reveals hidden details, veins and crystals.
This is because the rock walls of the caves are shot through with calcite crystals. These are "fluorescent", meaning that they produce light from within under UV light.
The caves are gorgeous whenever you visit. But under UV light, you get an added layer of mystery. When you get back to the surface, you won't forget this glow-in-the-dark experience in a hurry.
UV show cave slots begin at 3 PM and there's a special latecomers' discount if you come after 4 PM. This gives you 25% off your booking. Please be aware, however, that this discount is
only available online.
Oh, and if you're interested in the science behind fluorescence, check out our
blog post for the lowdown.
Best time to dig for gems
At Stump Cross, we make learning fun. It's why our web page is stuffed with
free educational resources – and why we hold fun, accessible
fossil digs each weekend.
Each hour-long session is led by our very own Cavewoman and combines teaching with learning through play.
The session starts with a 30-minute presentation about the ancient history of the Yorkshire Dales. But this isn't just dry and factual. We keep kids engaged with real-life specimens of fossilised dinosaur eggs and a megalodon tooth. This puts the caves in context, showing how they fit into the history of the world and ancient geological processes.
Then it's playtime. Kids get to dig for actual ancient fossils and take them home. It's fun, hands-on and educational all in one – the perfect weekend activity for the little ones.
In a similar vein, we hold sessions where kids (and adults!) can
pan for gemstones. This takes place during the warmer months on every day except Tuesdays. Instead of digging fossils in the sand, participants use a wooden sluice to separate gemstones from mining rough.
As with the fossil digs, the emphasis is on learning through play and there's a goody bag for everyone involved.
Best time for stargazing
Stump Cross Caverns is located in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. It's an area of outstanding natural beauty – not to mention outstanding night skies.
In fact, our skies are so dark that the Dales have been designated as a Dark Sky Reserve. This is an international scheme that seeks to protect night skies from urban light pollution.
This makes it a fantastic spot for stargazing. Visitors get front-row seats for stars, planets and even the Northern Lights.
To make the most of this, we hold stargazing events led by guest astronomers. These sessions are suitable for people of all ages, from curious beginners to astronomy experts.
Stargazing is possible all year round, with each season offering up its own celestial delights. Despite its shorter nights, summer has everything from the Prancing Horse Nebula to ice crystal clouds. But it's in winter that the opportunities are most extensive and varied.
This is partly because you don't have to wait for the sun to set and can start much earlier. Winter is the ideal month for boys and girls who are stanning for stargazing.
Your best bet is to get your binoculars out on a clear, cloudless day unaffected by rain or heat haze. It also helps if the moon isn't fully out, as moonlight can obscure the stars.
Stump Cross is a great spot to gaze up at the awesome majesty of the night sky.
Check our calendar of events for the dates and details of our next event.
Final thoughts
At Stump Cross Caverns, the star of the show is the show caves. They contain some of the most beautiful rock formations in the UK and can be enjoyed as a gang or on your own. The time you choose to visit will depend on what you're looking for. We hope this article helps you choose!
Book tickets for Stump Cross Caverns today – or check out our calendar of fun activities in Yorkshire.
