8 Caves to explore in North East England
From prehistoric caves to sea caverns and fairytale grottoes, there are plenty of adventures to be had seeking out these intriguing hideouts. Here are 8 of my favourite caves, almost all are easy to find, while one or two require a longer walk-in and are more suitable for the intrepid explorer.
McCartneys Cave
Hartburn Grotto, Northumberland
Built out of a cave as a two-room shelter with a fireplace and dressing room, this utterly captivating grotto in Hartburn Glebe was created in the 18th century so ladies could discreetly change before using the passage linking the grotto to the river to bathe in the Hart Burn.
2. Kirkdale Cave, North Yorkshire
A slit in the rock face leads to this small cave near Kirbymoorside, discovered by quarry workers in 1821, along with the bones and teeth of elephants, hyenas, hippos, rhinos and bison dating back to the Ice Age. The bones, identified by William Buckland, Oxford University’s first professor of Geology, were important evidence in establishing the idea of a deep geological past.
3. Gibson’s Cave, Teesdale
A large cave overhang with a pretty waterfall and pool near the Bowlees Visitor Centre. The cave is named after William Gibson, a lovable 16th-century rogue who hid here while on the run. There are several smaller falls leading up to this beautiful waterfall, making this a lovely walk.
4. McCartneys Cave, Northumberland
Hidden in the enchanted forest of Thrunton Woods, this tiny cave has a Gothic entrance carved part way up a large sandstone rock on the side of Callaly Crag. It is said to have been hewn by a monk named McCartney, from nearby Callaly, as a quiet retreat for his studies. Watch out for mischievous hobgoblins who dwell here and play tricks on passers-by.
5. Robin Lythe’s Cave, East Yorkshire
The coastline around Flamborough Head boast some of the most magnificent chalk cliffs in England, eroded into natural arches, sea caves and stacks. One of the best caverns to explore is Robin Lythe’s Cave at North Landing. This cathedral-like cavern is 60 feet high with a domed ceiling carved by the sea and can only be accessed at low tide. Always be absolutely sure of the tide times and heights, which change daily. An hour either side of low water is usually the only safe time to explore.
6. King Alfred’s Cairn, North Yorkshire
Near the entrance to Chaffer Wood is King Alfred’s Cairn, the site of a natural cave used as a burial chamber in Neolithic times, which has its own enchanting story. King Alfred of Northumbria is said to have taken shelter here after defeat in battle in ad 705, and a commemorative monument was built in 1790. Walk through the woodland of characterful ash trees to reveal magnificent views over the Vale of Pickering.
7. The Hermitage, North Yorkshire
Located in a fairy-tale woodland near Falling Foss waterfall, the Hermitage is carved out of an enormous boulder and dates back to the 18th century. It was once the home of a hermit, who lived his life foraging for food and fuel in the surrounding woods.
8. Cuddy’s Cave, Northumberland
An astonishing cave near Doddington, also known as St Cuthbert’s Cave, in a huge sandstone rock resembling an elephant’s foot on a hillside where, according to local folklore, the devil hanged his granny.
Find detailed directions to these caves and hundreds more adventures like these in Wild Guide North East England…Grab a copy here!
