Sparkling stalactites and stalagmites add an extra ingredient to the water sculpted rock walls of the caves.
Discovered in 1860 by lead miners working at Stubbe of the famous Stump “Cross”, the cave was opened for viewing by the public soon after with many thousands of people visiting it since.
Scientists from Newcastle University have recently discovered how old they are. Some of the stalagmites at Stump Cross Caverns are thought to be at least 230,000 years old with the actual passages themselves up to a million years old.
Since 1860 further exploration has extended the system to over 4 miles in length. Animal bones from Reindeer, Bison, Wolves and the vicious Wolverine have been discovered. These have been dated to over 90,000 years old at a time when the Dales were a wild, barren and frozen landscape. Some of these are on display in the Visitor Centre.
The Tea Rooms feature an excellent selection of homemade scones, cakes and meals. Visit the Gift Shop with a varied collection of crystals, fossils, jewellery, sheepskins together with locally produced food and drink.
February (half term) to November:
Weekends and School Holidays – schools, evening groups and coach parties welcome by arrangement.
Telephone: 01756 752780
Stump Cross Caverns
- Open All Year
- Car Parking
- Tea Room
- Education Centre