Stump Cross Caverns

Stump Cross Caverns is a show cave near Harrogate in North Yorkshire, England. It sits beside the B6265 at Greenhow Hill, between Pateley Bridge and Grassington, where Nidderdale meets Wharfedale, inside the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Below the moor you will find stalactites, stalagmites and fine calcite formations, all reached by an easy, lit route.

What will you see at Stump Cross Caverns?

Gravel and concrete walkways lead through floodlit chambers, so no caving kit or experience is needed. Bring a warm layer and sturdy shoes, because the air is cool and some sections are damp. The highlights are the dripstone formations: hanging stalactites, rising stalagmites and delicate calcite shapes built up slowly by water over a very long time.

Later in the day the caverns also run UV torch tours, which show the calcite glowing in a way ordinary lighting never reveals. Ask which format is running when you book.

How was the cave found, and what lives in its past?

The system began forming hundreds of thousands of years ago as water dissolved the limestone under Greenhow Hill. People found it while hunting for lead. Around 1860 the Newbould brothers, working as miners, broke through the rock into a natural chamber. Lead has been mined across this part of the Dales since Roman times, and traces of old workings still mark the surrounding moor.

The caves also hold a record of the Ice Age. Bones recovered here include reindeer, bison and Arctic fox, and volunteers have more recently turned up wolverine remains. Reindeer Cavern takes its name from the skeletons of reindeer that cavers discovered there.

How do you get there and when should you visit?

The address is Greenhow Hill, Harrogate HG3 5JL. Driving along the B6265 is the simplest option, a few miles uphill from Pateley Bridge or a similar run from Grassington. A gift shop operates on site.

Opening hours change through the year. In winter the caverns may open only on some days of the week, and they close around Christmas. Check the current schedule on the official website or call 01756 752780 before setting out. Booking ahead is recommended, and the York Pass is accepted. Because the temperature underground is steady, the visit works well on a wet day, though the surrounding moorland is good for a walk when the weather clears.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need caving experience?

No. The route is built for ordinary visitors, with paved paths and lighting.

Is Stump Cross Caverns good for children?

Yes, it is popular with families. Ice Age bones and the UV torch tours keep younger visitors interested.

Where exactly is it?

In North Yorkshire at Greenhow Hill, on the B6265 between Pateley Bridge and Grassington, within the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Should I book in advance?

Yes, booking is recommended, particularly in peak season and school holidays.