Inside the UK's hidden underground caves with stunning lakes and unusual rocks

14 May 2023 , 06:23

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Thor's Cave in the Peak District is one of the unique and wonderful places on offer to people going on holiday in the UK (Image: Derby Mountain Rescue Team)

People searching for some exciting and unique holidays are being urged to visit some of the caves and caverns around the UK.

From gorgeous lakes to mysterious rock formations, the Peak District has been tipped as a perfect getaway for people looking for something other than a holiday abroad.

The amazing scenery, coupled with picturesque villages next to green hills and dense woodland are just some of a few things which make the national park in central England so popular.

There are many caverns at the park that remain unknown, but offer stunning crystal formations and areas to explore, including:

Robin Hood's Cave, Stanage Edge, which is in the northeast of the Peak District.

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It attracts thousands of walkers every year and can be found around 1km from the trig point nearest Upper Burbage Bridge.

There are a number of hidden underground caves with lakes and mysterious rocks in the country (Derby Telegraph)

The spot gets its name from tales of Robin Hood sheltering in the small cave, as one of his merry men - Little John - is rumoured to be buried in the nearby village of Hathersage, the Derby Telegraph reports.

Peak Cavern, Castleton, boasts the largest cave entrance in Britain at 60ft high and is often used for special events and concerts.

While Wolfscote Dale Cave, Hartington, is described as a "small but perfectly-formed cave" which is a great spot to take in the stunning views.

There is a smooth stone on the entrance to the cave and a second cave just around the corner.

Thor's Cave in Wetton sits in a steep limestone crag that overlooks Manifold Valley, just over the Derbyshire border in the Staffordshire Peak District.

It’s located around a mile away from the village of Wetton and you can reach the cave via the Manifold Way.

Dove Holes Cave and Reynards Cave, Dovedale, has a valley with a river flowing through it and overlooked by limestone cliffs.

There is also a spectacular archway of Reynard’s Cave, which is a favourite with climbers.

There are multiple interesting and hidden stories about the caves and caverns around the UK (Richard Bird / geograph.org.uk)

Treak Cliff Caverns in Castleton is nestled underneath the green hills of Mam Tor and has a set of caverns that are home to an elusive mineral found only in one other location across the country.

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Treak Cliff Caverns is not only famed for its unique and large veins of the semi-precious mineral Blue John Stone but also home to some of the most beautiful cave formations around the UK.

Poole's Cavern, Buxton, boasts an impressive range of natural caves in the park, crystal formations and the longest stalacite in the area.

The cave is lit up with an LED lighting system which shows off the crystal formations brilliantly.

Druids Caves in Birchover is a series of intriguing rock formations rather than a traditional cave.

The Druids Caves - also known as the Rowtor Rocks - are described as "one of the more mysterious locations you’ll come across" in the Peak District and can be found behind the Druid Inn in the village of Birchover.

Treak Cliff Caverns in Castleton are home to an elusive mineral found only in one other location across the country (Derby Telegraph)

The carvings were reputedly made by the village's parson Thomas Eyre around 300 years ago. The rocks can be slippery though and be careful if you’re taking children as there are some steep drops.

Speedwell Cavern in Castleton is a former lead mine that was flooded.

Inside the cave, you’re taken on an underground boat ride along a canal, which leads to a huge cathedral-like space containing the Bottomless Pit, an impressive subterranean lake.

Lastly, Hermit's Cave in Cratcliff Rocks can be found below Cratcliff Crags and near Robin Hood's stride.

You can't actually go inside Hermit's Cave as it is fenced off, but it offers a fascinating story.

A four-foot high crudely carved crucifixion is etched onto the wall of the cave by the hermit who once resided in the space.

Sean McPolin