From sea caves to cathedral-like caverns, the UK is blessed with stunning cave systems shaped by the forces of nature.
Marvel at sculpted limestone formations, stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, underground lakes and tumbling waterfalls.
Many of the show caves have exhibition centres, cafes, shops and other family attractions. Others are found in wild, isolated places.
Here, we reveal 10 of the most enchanting caves in Britain. It's time to go underground...
10 most enchanting caves to visit
Smoo Cave, Durness, Sutherland
Smoo, possibly originating from the Norse word smuga, means hiding place; it suggests smuggling adventures and danger. In one of the most romantic northwesterly reaches of Scotland, descend steps and cross the little footbridge to the sea cave with its stream-fed waterfall and lake chamber. You can venture further into the cave by booking a raft tour.
Fingal’s Cave, Isle of Staffa, Inner Hebrides
All the best places require effort to reach them; Fingal’s Cave is no exception. The National Trust for Scotland owns the geological wonder with its striking basalt columns, echoing the volcanic formations of the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland. Legend tells us, Finn McCool, who built the Giant’s Causeway, migrated to Scotland. To reach the cave, take a boat trip from Mull, Iona or Oban.
Marble Arch Caves, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh
Lying at the foot of Cuilcagh (famous for its ‘Stairway to Heaven’ boardwalk trail), Marble Arch Caves could equally be called ‘Marvel Arch Caves.’ Join a guided tour through the longest cave system in Northern Ireland. Take a boat ride through flooded limestone caverns, then continue on foot, marveling at the sculpted karst formations and numerous stalactites.
Ingleborough Cave, Clapham, Yorkshire Dales National Park
The approach to Ingleborough is a treat in itself. Fuel up at the Old Sawmill Cafe in the pretty village of Clapham before striding through the 1.3-mile woodland trail of Ingleborough Estate. Follow the accessible pathway through the show cave with its fossil gallery and breath-taking stalactites, stalagmites and flowstones. If that’s not enough, venture further to Trow Gill Gorge, carved out by glacial meltwater.
Mother Shipton’s Cave, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire
So, who is Mother Shipton? Born in 1488, Ursula’s teenage unmarried mother was banished from Knaresborough, taking refuge with her daughter in the cavern. Mother Shipton grew up to be a sage and prophetess, predicting major world events, story goes. Ramble through the park, peer into the famous cave and marvel at the petrifying well where manmade objects turn to stone.
Thor’s Cave, Peak District National Park
From below, the gaping mouth of Thor’s Cave is an impressive sight. The limestone steps to its entrance are riddled with fossilised crinoids and the odd brachiopod. Finds inside the cave include the bones of mammoth, giant red deer, bear, woolly rhino and hippopotamus. Feel awed by the cathedral-like space, its archeological discoveries spanning prehistoric times through to the Bronze Age and Roman period.
Chartist Cave, Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park
Also known as Ogof Fawr, ‘Big Cave,’ the cavern’s rich in history. The Chartists, fighting for the voting rights of all men, stashed ammunition here. From Llangynidr, climb onto the moorland and follow the Cambrian Way, then cave path. The archway of Twrch Sandstone and the gaping opening take you into a dank, mossy cavern. Dive in and feel the hand of history.
Dan yr Ogof, Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park
Dan yr Ogof, meaning ‘Under the Cave’, was discovered by the Morgan brothers in 1912, whose farm sat below the caverns. The cave system, including Cathedral Cave, showcases sculpted limestone formations, forty-foot waterfalls, delicate straw stalactites and underground lakes. Meanwhile, forty-two human skeletons from the Bronze Age were discovered in Bone Cave along with the remains of hyenas, wolves and bears.
Wookey Hole, Wells, Somerset
At the southern edge of the Mendip Hills, the River Axe flows through the show cave, a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The caves are formed by sedimentary rocks including sandstone, limestone and dolomite conglomerate, sweetly known as puddingstone. Tunnels and walkways take you through numerous chambers. Admire the sculpted sedimentary rock formations, carved and smoothed by the force of water.
Merlin’s Cave, Tintagel, Cornwall
Climb down to the 330-foot-long sea cave below Tintagel Castle, supposed birthplace of King Arthur. Formed by the thrust of ocean waves between slate and volcanic rock, the cave is accessible at low tide. Explore its sandy floor along the entire neck of the peninsula at low tide. This is a place of myth and romance, said to be home to the wizard Merlin.
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