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 just a stone’s throw away from Manchester.
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 not too far from Manchester is Ambleside in the Lake District, which 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.
Though not naturally formed, this disused slate mine is no less impressive. One of the cave’s most striking feature is the impressive main chamber, where a hole in the roof allows sunlight to pour in, creating a cathedral-like feel that inspired its name. Several walking trails lead to the cave, so you can choose the route that suits you best.
Also receiving a score of 8.50 is the Rydal Cave. This large cavern, located in the Lake District, stands out for its impressive size and beauty. At the cavern’s entrance, there’s a shallow lake filled with small fish and insects, but stepping stones make it easy to cross. The man-made cave is easily accessible, with several walking routes leading to it from Rydal Village, Grasmere Village, White Moss Car Park, Ambleside and Loughrigg Fell.
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 Cave, 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.”