Ever wondered what lurks underground in the dark? Wolverines? Reindeer? Cavewomen? How about, all of the above? Well, that’s what you’ll find at Stump Cross Caverns.
Lying 18 metres below ground, these stunning caves lie below the beautiful Yorkshire Dales – showcasing some of the region’s best-preserved prehistoric history, which by day, you can admire under show lights, and after 3pm, you can see in the dark with only UV lights to uncover the caverns hidden gems.
The UV experience allows visitors to explore the caves in a whole new way, making for a magical and unique thing to do in Yorkshire.
Great for adults and adventurous kids alike, guests are invited to descend to the caves for a late afternoon escapade, where you’ll need to navigate the tunnels with your very own UV torches. Duck and meander through the passageways, before being treated to the sights of Stump Cross Cavern’s numerous show caves packed full of stunning stalagmites and stalactites.
The best part, however? The fact that they glow in the dark. Putting on an amazing spectacle for guests to enjoy when using their UV torches, the calcite that coats the cave beams under the ultraviolet – making for incredible photo-opps that you’d be hard-pressed to find elsewhere.
Patterns not usually visible to the naked eye dazzle, showcasing nature’s true beauty. It’s an awe-inspiring experience, and perfect for nature lovers and curious kids.
The history behind Stump Cross is fascinating in itself, beginning to form 300 million years ago, when what is now Yorkshire sat deep underwater.
The caves were discovered back in 1860 by a duo of lead miners, who found the caves so beautiful, that they wanted to share them with the world. And so they did. Today, Stump Cross remains one of the most amazing natural wonders in the region.
Guests can enjoy Stump Cross Caverns as part of their value-packed Discovery Day (which includes a fossil dig, the cave experience and gem-panning), or book onto their UV cave experience after 3pm. Find out more and book here.
Stump Cross Caverns can be found at B6265, Greenhow Hill, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate, HG3 5JL. Open daily from 9am-6pm. Find out more here.
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