There’s something genuinely thrilling about going underground. The moment you step below the surface — whether into a glittering show cave, a Victorian slate mine or an ancient limestone cavern — you enter a completely different world. The temperature drops, the sounds change and you find yourself surrounded by rock formations that have been growing for thousands of years. It’s one of those experiences that stays with you long after you come back up into the daylight.
The UK has a brilliant range of underground attractions — from easy, family-friendly guided cave walks to proper adventure experiences involving helmets, head torches and underground zip wires. Here’s our guide to the best.
Always check the attraction’s own website before visiting — especially if you’re bringing children or anyone with mobility concerns, as some sites involve steps, slopes or uneven ground.
Family-Friendly Caves & Caverns
National Showcaves Centre for Wales — Dan-yr-Ogof, South Wales
One of the best family underground attractions in the UK. You can explore spectacular showcaves carved by millions of years of water, with impressive stalactites and stalagmites at every turn — and there are brilliant extra attractions on site including dinosaur models and outdoor areas that children absolutely love. A genuinely full day out in beautiful South Wales.
Read More — National Showcaves Wales
Cheddar Gorge & Caves — Somerset
One of England’s most dramatic natural landscapes — and the caves beneath it are just as impressive as the gorge above. Explore ancient limestone caverns, see prehistoric remains and then walk up through the spectacular gorge itself. Cheddar is genuinely one of the most impressive natural attractions in the whole country and works brilliantly as part of a Somerset short break.
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Kents Cavern — Torquay, Devon
A prehistoric cave with an extraordinary history — humans and animals sheltered here over 500,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest known human occupation sites in Britain. Guided tours bring the ancient stories to life brilliantly and the cave itself is genuinely impressive. A perfect addition to a Devon coastal break — Torquay is right on the English Riviera.
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Treak Cliff Cavern — Castleton, Derbyshire
A beautiful Peak District show cave and the only place in the world where you can see Blue John stone being mined — a uniquely British semi-precious mineral found nowhere else on earth. The cave itself has stunning stalactites, stalagmites and fossils. Castleton is a lovely village to explore and the surrounding Peak District scenery is spectacular.
Read More — Derbyshire Caves
Stump Cross Caverns — North Yorkshire
Hidden beneath the Yorkshire Dales, Stump Cross Caverns is one of the most beautifully preserved cave systems in England. Stunning rock formations, incredible underground passages and a fascinating natural history make this a brilliant choice for anyone exploring the Dales. Well worth combining with a walk or a night or two in a Yorkshire cottage.
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Chislehurst Caves — Kent
These remarkable man-made tunnels were carved over hundreds of years and have a rich and fascinating history — chalk extraction, wartime shelter, even concerts. Guided tours by lamplight give the caves an atmospheric and slightly eerie feel that visitors of all ages find memorable. A genuinely unusual and intriguing day out in the South East.
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Clearwell Caves — Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
A natural cave system that has been mined for iron ore for thousands of years, deep in the beautiful Forest of Dean. Clearwell Caves have a unique character — part geological wonder, part industrial heritage — and the Forest of Dean itself is a stunning and underrated destination for a short break or family day out.
Read More — Clearwell CavesMines & Underground Heritage
Old mines can be some of the most fascinating underground attractions of all — combining geology, engineering, industrial history and brilliant local stories. Here are some of the best across the UK:
- Big Pit National Coal Museum — Blaenavon, Wales (free entry)
- Great Orme Copper Mines — Llandudno, North Wales
- Dolaucothi Gold Mine — Carmarthenshire, Wales
- Sygun Copper Mine — Beddgelert, North Wales
- Honister Slate Mine — Lake District, Cumbria
- Killhope Lead Mine — County Durham
Underground Adventure Experiences
Go Below — North Wales
If you want a real underground adventure rather than a gentle guided walk, Go Below in North Wales is extraordinary. Based in abandoned slate mines, they offer everything from beginner underground tours to serious adventure experiences involving underground zip wires, scrambling, climbing and even underground overnight stays. Not for the faint-hearted — but absolutely unforgettable for those who are up for it.
Practical Tips Before Going Underground
Dress appropriately — caves and mines stay cool year-round, typically around 10-12°C even in summer. A light jacket and comfortable, closed-toe shoes are always a good idea.
Check accessibility — many underground attractions involve uneven ground, steps and narrow passages. Always check the attraction’s website if you have mobility concerns or are bringing a pushchair.
Book in advance — guided tours at popular caves often have limited spaces and can sell out, especially during school holidays.
Photography — many caves and mines allow photography but some restrict flash photography to protect the rock formations. Check before you visit.
Rainy days — underground attractions are weatherproof by definition, but some have outdoor sections or access paths that can be slippery in wet weather. Check before travelling on a very wet day.
More unusual days out: Historic Sites • Factory Tours • Museums & Galleries • Go Ape • Scenic Rail Trips
Where to stay nearby: Holiday Cottages • Hotels • Last Minute Breaks