Stump Cross Caverns: magical underground caves in the Yorkshire Dales National Park
The best local cave attraction in Yorkshire
Voted Small Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Visit York Tourism Awards
A visit to Stump Cross is more than a family day out. It's a voyage back in time – a portal to a long-forgotten age before humans or dinosaurs roamed the Earth.
Join us for a day of discovery and explore some of the best-preserved underground caves in the UK. You'll navigate twisting passageways, uncover incredible rock formations and learn of ancient mysteries hidden deep underground.
Whatever your age, whatever the weather – Stump Cross Caverns is always an adventure.
Opening times
Our Yorkshire Dales caves are open through most of the year. Check times and availability here.
Plan your visit
Ready to try caving in North Yorkshire? Here's everything you need to know.
Book tickets
Get ready for an adventure like no other. Book your spot online to get the best price.
What's on at our Yorkshire Dales caves?
Educational activities
Learn and play in our online education portal.
There's so much to discover at Stump Cross Caverns. Join Cavewoman and Rowan the Reindeer as they guide you through six fun-packed online activities.
You can learn all about the Stone Age, see how fossils are formed and try your hand at our cool geology quiz. Can you beat Rowan's score?
All online activities align with Key Stage 2 subjects.
How to find our caves in the Yorkshire Dales
You'll find our caves near Harrogate in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, just nine miles from Skipton and around 20 miles northwest of Leeds.
We're easy to reach by car. Just join the B6265 and look for our show cave visitors' centre between Pateley Bridge and Grassington.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's it like in the caves?
Stump Cross is a natural cave system. While we've made it as easy as possible to get around, some parts are a little tricky to traverse. Keep an eye out for low ceilings, narrow passageways and a few areas with uneven flooring.
That said, there are designated walkways to follow and the underground caverns are well-lit throughout. If you're looking for a real Yorkshire cave adventure, you'll love every secon
How do I access the caves?
You'll enter and exit our Yorkshire show cave via a flight of steps. There are 65 steps in total. There is no lift.
What's the temperature in the caves?
It's always 7°C (44.5°F) – all year round!
What should I wear for my cave walk?
Wear warm clothes or you'll get cold. On days where there has been a lot of rain or snow, wellies or waterproof boots are essential.
Hard hats are mandatory for adults and children. We provide these.
Back carriers for infants are not allowed due to the risk of injury. Only front carriers are allowed. Rucksacks are also forbidden.
Is it a guided tour?
Our standard tour is self-guided. This means you'll have the caves to explore at your leisure and can take all the time you need.
We also offer guided tours at select times and dates. Check times and book your guided tour here.
How long is the tour?
Stump Cross is packed with amazing rock formations, crystal caverns and hidden nooks to discover. If you want to explore fully, you should allow around 40 to 50 minutes for your tour.
And remember: there are plenty more things to do and see at our visitors' centre!
Are there accessibility restrictions?
The underground caverns are naturally narrow and low in areas. There are no lifts and the ground is uneven at times. You should only take the tour if you're confident with tricky terrain.
Please note that there is NO wheelchair access anywhere on site.
Are there toilets?
There are toilets at our visitors' centre but no toilets in the show caves. Make sure you use the loo before venturing underground!
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are allowed in our visitors' centre, including our gift shop and Time Cafe. No dogs are allowed in the caves and caverns, except for guide dogs.
