Christmas at Reindeer Cavern

One of the prettiest caves here at Stump Cross Caverns is Reindeer Cavern. It gets its name from some prehistoric remains found there. Find out more.

When we say "broke through", we want to make one thing very clear. This part of the cave system was muddy. Extremely muddy. It's a testament to the curiosity and perseverance of our local cavers that they went ahead, given how unappealing the process was.

Today, visitors to Reindeer Cavern unite in one thing: it's a beautiful sight. In fact, it's almost too much to take in at one visit. It teems with stalactites, stalagmites, curtains and columns of different shapes and shades.

Reindeer Cavern is enchanting – but it was also the burial ground for some prehistoric reindeer. We don't know exactly how they met their fate, but experts speculate that they were washed underground by a flash flood.

These weren't the first reindeer remains to be found at Stump Cross. Back in 1860, the first discoverers found four reindeer fossils and a skeleton that was probably the remains of an unborn reindeer.

Once you've taken a look around the caves, pause in the visitor centre to see the bones not only of reindeer but also of bison and wolverines.

When reindeer roamed the British Isles

Nowadays, you're unlikely to see reindeer in the British Isles – although it's not impossible. There is, for example, a herd of around 150 in Scotland's Cairngorms, reintroduced by an experimental Swede called Mikel Utsi.

But in general, you're far more likely to find reindeer in chilly regions like Norway, Canada and Siberia.

It wasn't always the case, though. Wild herds of reindeer used to roam the British Isles until around the Middle Ages.

They became extinct through a combination of factors. They were hunted by humans for their fur and antlers – but climate change was also a factor. 

Christmas at Stump Cross

This Christmas season, why not pay us a visit here at Stump Cross? We're putting on a full-day Christmas experience – and reindeer play their part.

Your trip begins in the caverns, where you can see the gorgeous stalagmites, stalactites and other cave decorations that dazzle visitors from all over the world.

Christmas with the kids wouldn't be the same without a trip to Santa's grotto. This year, he's set up shop in our cinema. He'd love to hear your children's festive wishes – and will give them a little something to take home.

Next up is our Time Out Pod. For most of the year, this functions as a chill-out room with gobsmacking views of the Yorkshire Dales – but for our festive programme, it's a place for kids to learn through play.

Our resident Cavewoman will lead a session on making reindeer food out of sustainable, healthy ingredients.

(Sidebar: in the wild, reindeer subsist in winter on lichen that they pull up from under the snow. One type, Cladonia rangiferina, is so beloved by reindeer that it's nicknamed "reindeer moss".)

Then it's back down into the caves for a UV experience. Under the UV light, you can see new textures, veins and colours in the rocks.

Things wind down with a screening of Elf in our private cinema room, where each attendee gets a comfy seat and a free drink voucher.

You don't have to do the full package – you can also select activities to create an individualised programme of activities. Take a look or get in touch – we'd love to talk you through your options.

Reindeer facts

Who doesn't love reindeer? Here's some fun trivia for your Christmas meal…

1. Reindeer drive Santa Claus's sleigh, yes? Only since 1821, when New York printer William Gilley published a poem containing these lines:

"Old Santeclaus with much delight

His reindeer drives this frosty night.

O'er chimney tops, and tracks of snow,

To bring his yearly gifts to you."

2. Reindeer keep warm in two ways. First, their hairs are hollow, making them highly effective insulators. Secondly, the inside of a reindeer's nose works as a heat exchanger, warming up the air it inhales with the hot air it exhales.

3. Reindeer don't sink in the snow because of their hooves. They act as natural snowshoes.

4. In North America, reindeer are known as caribou.

5. Unlike all other types of female deer, reindeer cows grow antlers. They use them to guard food against rivals.

6. Reindeer can locate each other by listening out for their clicking hooves. This method of echolocation works even when a blizzard is roaring.

7. Rudolph was called Reginald – until his creator had a last-minute change of heart. He was first introduced to the public in a colouring book that sold two million copies in Christmas 1939. 

Reindeer Cavern is a beautiful part of our caves in Yorkshire – but really it's just the tip of the iceberg. Pay us a visit this Christmas and see some of the UK's most gorgeous rock formations.