12 Incredible Caves in the UK (From Popular Spots to Hidden Treasures)

In the United Kingdom (UK), there are well over 2,000 caves and caverns to explore. Many of them are in national parks. However, not all caves are open to the public. Although exploring caves is an adventure, you should always do so with caution and the right tools. Are you interested in discovering some amazing caves in the UK? Follow along to learn more about 12 incredible caves in the UK! Some of these are popular spots, while others are absolute hidden treasures.

1. Thor’s Cave

The first incredible UK cave on our list is Thor’s Cave, which is just as cool as it sounds. Thor’s Cave is also called Thor’s House Cavern and Thyrsis’s Cave. It’s beautiful, unique, and located in Staffordshire, England. This karst cave is about 150 feet long and sits at an elevation of 870 feet. There are two entrances and its difficulty is Grade 1. Thor’s Cave is a very popular tourist destination. It was first excavated from 1865 to 1865. During this excavation, experts found many artifacts including amber beads, bronze, and stone tools. Although we don’t know a lot about Thor’s Cave, it may have been a burial site for about 7 people.

2. Charterhouse Cave

The Charterhouse Cave is the deepest in southern England. It’s in Charterhouse, Somerset. The Charterhouse Cave is 15,971 feet long and 748 feet deep. This cave sits at an elevation of 837 feet. This stunning cave is not meant for beginners. Although the Charterhouse Cave is old, it wasn’t excavated until 1972. It’s so long and tedious that it took excavators 10 years to make a main breakthrough. Currently, there are three large chambers, the Midsummer Chamber, The Citadel, and Times Square. If you want to visit, you’ll have to get a permit and be at least 16 years old.

3. Robin Hood’s Cave

Robin Hood’s Cave is in the Peak District. It’s not the most well-known cave in the UK, but it’s worth a mention. It’s secret and hidden away. Sometimes, Robin Hood’s Cave is called the Robin Hood Cave. This beautiful cave is on the cliff face of Stanage Edge in the Peak District National Park. Legends and rumors say that Robin Hood and his men used this cave in the past. While there is nothing to prove this legend, it’s still fun to hear! Keep in mind that this stunning cave offers great views, but is also tricky to get in and out of.

4. Ossian’s Cave

Another incredible cave in the UK is Ossian’s Cave, which is in Scotland. You can find this lovely cave on the northern face of Aonach Dubh. It’s about 150 feet high. The River Coe flows directly beneath the cave. It’s a difficult climb and can be dangerous. Ossian’s Cave gets its name from a story. According to a local legend, Ossian, or Oisín was born within this cave.

5. Wookey Hole Caves

The next UK cave on our list is the Wookey Hole Caves. They are lovely limestone caverns in Wookey Hole, Somerset, England. The Wookey Hole Caves are very well-known and have been featured in many series and movies, including Doctor Who and Revenge of the Cybermen. This cave system is about 14,370 feet long and 300 feet deep. Its elevation is only 210 feet. Currently, there are six entrances, but access is restricted. However, they opened to the public in 1927. The area has been researched and excavated since 1859.

6. Rydal Cave

Rydal Cave is breathtaking. It’s a hidden gem that offers some of the best views in the UK. Rydal Cave is in the Lake District National Park. It was previously a quarry and is a man-made cave. To get to the Rydal Cave, you need to pass through the White Moss Woods. You won’t be able to keep your eyes away from the area’s natural beauty. Fun fact, this lovely cave was a filming location in the TV series, the Witcher.

7. Gaping Gill Cave

Have you ever heard of the Gaping Gill Cave? It’s a large and natural underground cave in Ingleborough, North Yorkshire, England. This impressive cave is about 13 miles long and has 21 entrances. It’s also about 630 feet deep. The Gaping Gill’s entrances vary in difficulty. Some are easy to get in and out of since the Bradford Pothole Club and the Craven Pothole Club provide rides. From what we know, the first person to descend and explore the Gaping Gill Cave was John Birkbeck in 1842. He only made it 180 feet down. Instead, the first person to completely descend was Édouard-Alfred Martel over 40 years later.

8. White Scar Cave

Do you know which cave is the longest show cave in England? It’s the White Scar Caves in Ingleton, North Yorkshire. The White Scar Cave is about 4 miles long and has an elevation of 850 feet. There are two entrances. It was discovered in 1923 and opened in 1925. This long show cave is 1,700 yards long. You can visit the show cave and see a tour at the designated times.

9. Smoo Cave

Another one of the most incredible caves in the UK is the Smoo Cave. It’s a freshwater and sea cave located in Durness in Sutherland, Highland, Scotland. The first chamber was formed by the sea and the main entrance is influenced by the water. The first chamber is about 49 feet high and 130 feet wide. It’s the largest sea cave entrance in the UK. Within Smoo Cave is a lovely waterfall, however, it’s almost always dry. Over 40,000 tourists visit Smoo Cave each year.

10. Speedwell Cavern

The Speedwell Cavern is a highly visited cave in the UK. This show cave is in Castleton, Derbyshire, in England. There are four in the area. The Speedwell Cavern begins with a horizontal lead miners’ adit and a limestone cave. The depth of this cavern is about 490 feet. It was previously a mine and opened in the 1770s, but quickly closed in 1790 from a lack of profits. Many visitors come from all over the world to visit the Speedwell Cavern. You can take an underground boat to the Speedwell Cavern. The tour lasts up to 65 minutes.

11. St Ninian’s Cave

Next on our list of caves in the UK is St Ninian’s Cave. This large and impressive cage is in Physgill Glen, Whithorn, Dumfries, and Galloway, Scotland. Sadly, the cave has changed a lot because of rock falls. This seaside cave has a rich history. When excavated, many medieval artifacts were found. St Ninian’s Cave may have been a safe haven for the saint in the late AD 300s. It might have also been used as a stone carving workshop.

12. Fingal’s Cave

Last but not least is Fingal’s Cave. It’s another sea cave in the UK. You can find this lovely cave on the uninhabited island of Staffa in Scotland. This old cave was first discovered in 1772. The name of this cave came from the hero an epic poem by James Macpherson. When weather permits, you can travel to this cave on a sightseeing cruise and even walk near the structure. The cave is about 72 feet tall.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/eugenesergeev