Go Underground: Caves, Caverns and Mines in the UK

Going underground can make a day out feel very different from a normal attraction. Across the UK, you can explore show caves, caverns, old mines, underground tunnels, slate mines, prehistoric caves and family-friendly underground attractions.

Some places are easy guided walks suitable for families, while others are more adventurous and may involve helmets, lamps, ladders, water, climbing or specialist equipment. Always check the attraction’s own website before travelling, especially if you are visiting with children or anyone with mobility concerns.

Family-Friendly Caves and Caverns

National Showcaves Centre for Wales

Dan-yr-Ogof, South Wales

The National Showcaves Centre for Wales is one of the strongest family underground attractions in the UK. You can explore impressive showcaves and also find extra family attractions on the site, including dinosaur models and other visitor features. The centre describes itself as a fun day out in South Wales, and its FAQ says it is suitable for families.

Cheddar Gorge and Caves

Somerset, South West England

Cheddar Gorge and Caves combines dramatic limestone scenery with underground caves and outdoor views. It is a good choice if you want a mix of caves, cliffs, landscape, history and a well-known natural attraction in Somerset.

Read more: Cheddar Gorge and Caves

Kents Cavern

Torquay, Devon

Kents Cavern is a prehistoric cave attraction in Torquay, with guided tours, a visitor centre, shop and café. It is especially useful if you want an underground attraction with ancient human history and a family-friendly visitor setup.

Read more: Kents Cavern

Treak Cliff Cavern

Castleton, Derbyshire

Treak Cliff Cavern is a Peak District show cave and working Blue John stone attraction. You can see stalactites, stalagmites, fossils, minerals and Blue John stone, making it a good choice if you enjoy caves, geology and unusual underground scenery.

Read more: Treak Cliff Cavern

Stump Cross Caverns

North Yorkshire

Stump Cross Caverns is an underground cave attraction in the Yorkshire Dales area. It focuses on rock formations, underground passages and the feeling of stepping into a very old hidden landscape. The attraction describes the caves as some of the best-preserved underground caves in the UK.

Read more: Stump Cross Caverns

Chislehurst Caves

Kent, South East England

Chislehurst Caves are man-made tunnels carved over hundreds of years. They are different from natural showcaves because they have a strong social and industrial history, including chalk extraction and wartime shelter use.

Read more: Chislehurst Caves

Clearwell Caves

Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire

Clearwell Caves are part of a natural cave system that has been mined for thousands of years under the Forest of Dean. This is a useful choice if you want a mix of underground scenery, mining history and family-friendly exploration.

Read more: Clearwell Caves

Mines and Underground Heritage

Old mines can be some of the most interesting underground attractions because they combine geology, engineering, working history and local stories.

You may find:

Slate mines
Coal mines
Lead mines
Copper mines
Gold mines
Iron mines
Mining museums
Underground tramways
Helmet-and-lamp tours

These attractions can be especially good if you enjoy industrial heritage, engineering, local history or educational family days out.

Good examples to consider adding later include:

Big Pit National Coal Museum, Wales
Llechwedd, North Wales
Honister Slate Mine, Cumbria
Sygun Copper Mine, North Wales
Geevor Tin Mine, Cornwall
King Edward Mine Museum, Cornwall
Peak District lead mine attractions
Scottish mining museums

Underground Adventure Experiences

Some underground attractions are more adventurous than ordinary showcaves.

These may involve:

Climbing
Scrambling
Underground zip lines
Ladders
Water
Harnesses
Helmets
Head torches
Confined spaces
Physical challenges

Go Below Underground Adventures

North Wales

Go Below offers guided underground adventures in abandoned slate mines in North Wales. This is not a gentle show cave visit; it is more suitable for people who want a real underground adventure experience. Some routes include more challenging features, and Go Below also offers unusual experiences such as underground zip lines and overnight underground stays.

Read more: Link to your Go Below page when available.

For More Experienced Visitors

If you are interested in potholing, caving or mine exploration beyond normal visitor attractions, take extra care.

These activities may need:

Specialist equipment
Experienced guides
Local knowledge
Safety training
Weather checks
Permission or access rights
Group supervision
Insurance

Do not enter caves, mines, tunnels or underground workings unless they are open to the public or you are with a properly qualified guide. Old mines and natural caves can be dangerous.

Practical Tips Before Going Underground

Before visiting an underground attraction, check:

Age guidance
Height or mobility restrictions
Whether booking is required
Temperature underground
Footwear advice
Steps, slopes or uneven ground
Hard hats or safety equipment
Whether pushchairs are allowed
Whether dogs are allowed
Toilets and café facilities
Photography rules

Caves and mines can feel cool even in summer, so a light jacket and sensible footwear are often a good idea.

Rainy-Day Value

Underground attractions can be useful when the weather is poor, but they are not always completely weatherproof. Some caves, mines and gorges may still have outdoor sections, steep paths or exposed areas.

If the weather is very wet, check the attraction’s own website before travelling.