Caves are mystical things, and these formations seem a world away from our real lives – more the remit of Mordor or King Arthur. But the best cave in the UK has been named, and it’s under two hours away from Birmingham.
Looking at factors including the number of Google searches, TripAdvisor reviews, TikTok hashtags and Instagram posts, outdoor experts at Blacks have revealed the caves and caverns that should be on every adventurer’s list.
Taking the top spot with a caving score of 9.25 is Thor’s Cave. Located in the Peak District, the natural limestone formation sits about 265m above sea level, offering panoramic views of the Manifold Valley with the cavern’s large arched entrance helping to frame the impressive scenery. The cave can be reached on foot and with a short scramble, making it a great spot for a fun and scenic adventure.
It’s not just the Peak District where you can find the best caves, though, as Ambleside in the Lake District is home to two of the top five caves in the UK. Tied in second place with a score of 8.50 is Cathedral Cave, the largest cavern in a network of interlinked tunnels and chambers. And the Rydal Cave, stands out for its impressive size and beauty.
If you fancy somewhere closer to Birmingham, then why not visit Wolfscote Dale in Ashbourne? With a score of 6.75, it’s home to the fifth best cave in the UK—fourth was claimed by Henrhyd Falls aka The Bat Cave in The Dark Knight Rises—and only 1.5 hours from Birmingham. Locally known as the Frank i’th’ Rocks Cave, it’s believed to have been home to a hermit in the 19th century.
The best caves in the UK (with overall caving score/10) are:
- Thor’s Cave, Peak District: 9.25
- Cathedral Cave, Ambleside: 8.50
- Rydal Cave, Ambleside: 8.50
- Henrhyd Falls (The Bat Cave), Neath: 7.75
- Wolfscote Dale, Ashbourne: 6.75
Calum Jones, blog author and outdoor enthusiast at Blacks, said: “When visiting a cave or cavern, it is important to be respectful and not to touch stalactites or other cave formations. These delicate formations can take millions of years to grow, and even a light touch can be enough to break them. It is also important to always ‘leave no trace’ in order to protect their stunning natural beauty.”