White Scar Cave
Britain's longest show cave, offering a mile-long journey through stunning limestone formations, underground waterfalls, and ongoing exploration.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
White Scar Cave
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Britain's longest show cave, offering a mile-long journey through stunning limestone formations, underground waterfalls, and ongoing exploration.
"A fascinating underground wonder with impressive limestone formations and knowledgeable guides."
Warm Layers Essential
Cave temperature is constant. Bring a jacket and wear warm clothes, even in summer! :cloud:
Sturdy, Non-Slip Shoes
Pathways can be wet and slippery. Avoid trainers with poor grip. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Chamber
Main cave system
Marvel at vast caverns adorned with stunning stalactites and stalagmites, a true testament to nature's artistry.
Underground Waterfalls
Various points within the cave
Witness the dramatic beauty of subterranean waterfalls cascading through the cave's natural passages.
The Phreatic Series
Explored sections
Experience the thrill of exploring less-developed passages, offering a glimpse into the cave's ongoing exploration.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Times
Dress for Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Warm Layers Essential
Cave temperature is constant. Bring a jacket and wear warm clothes, even in summer! :cloud:
Sturdy, Non-Slip Shoes
Pathways can be wet and slippery. Avoid trainers with poor grip. :athletic_shoe:
Book Tickets Online
Secure your spot, especially during peak season, to avoid disappointment. :ticket:
Mobility Considerations
Be prepared for stooping, ducking, and stairs. Not ideal for those with severe mobility issues. :walking:
Tips
from all over the internet
Warm Layers Essential
Cave temperature is constant. Bring a jacket and wear warm clothes, even in summer! :cloud:
Sturdy, Non-Slip Shoes
Pathways can be wet and slippery. Avoid trainers with poor grip. :athletic_shoe:
Book Tickets Online
Secure your spot, especially during peak season, to avoid disappointment. :ticket:
Mobility Considerations
Be prepared for stooping, ducking, and stairs. Not ideal for those with severe mobility issues. :walking:
Photography Opportunities
Take your time at the end to capture the cave's beauty. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise White Scar Cave for its impressive natural formations and engaging guided tours, with guides often highlighted for their knowledge and personable nature. The cave offers a unique and enriching underground experience, though some note the physical demands and the shop staff's less-than-welcoming demeanor. +2
"Great cave experience, Mike our guide was fantastic. Informative and interesting to listen to. Great for adults and kids. You do need to have quite good mobility, there is a few sections that require you to walk stooped over and to be manoeuvring around rocks, lots of stairs too."
Sue Davies
"White Scar Cave is a fascinating underground wonder! The guided tour takes you through impressive limestone formations, waterfalls, and unique chambers filled with natural beauty. The staff are knowledgeable and make the experience engaging. A bit of walking and ducking in places, but absolutely worth it for the breathtaking sights inside. Highly recommend for anyone visiting the area"
Shilpa GP
"This experience was enriching. Parking is excellent; if you time it right, there's no need to wait for the tour. Make sure you dress warmly and have shoes that don't slip. The staff on tour was friendly and really knowledgeable. Well done. I do recommend the visit as the cave experience is unique in every way. However, the staff in the shop were a bit sour, with no smiles or kindness. I felt like I was being watched all the time. One young man at the till had excellent customer skills and knowledge. Thank you, overall great experience."
judit domonkos
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
White Scar Cave is located near Ingleton in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. If driving, follow signs for Ingleton and then for White Scar Cave. There is ample parking available on-site. 
The nearest train station is in Bentham, which is a few miles away. From Bentham, you would need to arrange a taxi or local bus service to reach the cave.
Parking is described as excellent and readily available. Arriving early or booking a timed slot can help ensure you don't have to wait.
Yes, White Scar Cave is often combined with visits to the nearby Ingleton Waterfalls Trail, making it a great option for a day trip exploring the Yorkshire Dales.
While the main pathways are managed, the cave involves uneven terrain, stooping, ducking, and numerous stairs. It's recommended for those with good mobility.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but it's generally considered a bit pricey, around £19 per person. Booking online in advance is recommended.
It is highly recommended to book your tickets online in advance, especially during peak seasons and weekends, to guarantee your entry and preferred tour time.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official White Scar Cave website for the most up-to-date information on opening times and tour schedules.
The guided tour typically lasts around 80 minutes, though some tours may run slightly longer.
White Scar Cave tours are generally suitable for all ages, from children to adults. However, the physical demands of the tour should be considered for very young children or elderly visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The cave maintains a consistent cool temperature year-round, typically around 10-12°C (50-54°F). It's advisable to wear warm clothing.
Photography is generally permitted, and you'll have opportunities at the end of the tour to take photos at your own pace.
You'll see a variety of impressive limestone formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones, shaped over thousands of years.
White Scar Cave is a natural cave system that has been adapted with scaffolding platforms for visitor access, preserving its natural state.
The phreatic series refers to parts of the cave that are submerged or have been explored through water, offering a more adventurous caving experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe with views of the Dales available at White Scar Cave, offering refreshments for visitors.
While there are facilities on-site, it's generally best to consume your own food and drinks in designated areas before or after your cave tour.
The cafe typically offers light snacks, hot and cold drinks, and potentially some light meal options. It's a good place to warm up after your cave exploration.
📸 📸 Photography
The Grand Chamber and areas with prominent formations and waterfalls offer excellent photographic opportunities. The end of the tour allows for more relaxed photo-taking.
While flash photography is generally allowed, it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and the delicate cave environment.
Due to low light conditions, a tripod or a camera with good low-light performance is recommended. Experiment with longer exposure times. :iphone:
Video recording is usually permitted, but be considerate of your tour group and the guide's instructions.
Drone usage is typically restricted in national parks and around attractions for safety and environmental reasons. Check local regulations. :drone:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the tour duration of about 80 minutes when planning for younger children. The cafe on-site provides a good spot for a break and refreshments afterwards.
The cave's unique environment provides a memorable educational experience, sparking curiosity about geology and natural history. 🚶♀️ Active Explorers & Hikers
The cave tour itself involves a good amount of walking and navigating uneven terrain, offering a moderate physical challenge. If you're interested in more advanced caving, White Scar Cave is known for its ongoing exploration, though this requires specialized skills and permissions.
For the average active visitor, the show cave provides a thrilling glimpse into the earth's hidden wonders, complementing the stunning landscapes above ground. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The end of the tour offers a more relaxed pace for photography, allowing you to revisit formations and capture them from different angles.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Depths: What to Expect on the Tour
Be prepared for a physically engaging experience. The cave's natural state means you'll navigate sections where you need to stoop or duck, and there are numerous stairs to ascend and descend. This is part of what makes it feel like a truly natural cave exploration, rather than a man-made tunnel.
Key takeaways for the tour include dressing warmly, wearing appropriate footwear, and being ready for some physical activity. The guides are a valuable resource, so don't hesitate to ask questions. The experience is often described as enriching and a unique way to connect with the natural wonders of the Yorkshire Dales.
Beyond the Show Cave: Advanced Exploration
These advanced explorations, often referred to as the 'phreatic series,' involve navigating sumps (underwater passages) and tight squeezes, offering a true caving adventure. Groups like the Crewe Climbing & Potholing Club have undertaken such expeditions, highlighting the cave's potential for serious exploration.
For those interested in this aspect, it's crucial to connect with local caving clubs or the cave management for information on safe and permitted access. It's important to reiterate that these advanced explorations are not part of the standard visitor tour and require significant expertise and preparation. The show cave experience, however, provides a fantastic introduction to the wonders of White Scar Cave for the general public.
The Yorkshire Dales Context: Location and Surroundings
+1The cave is conveniently situated just a short distance from the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail, another popular attraction that showcases the area's stunning natural beauty with a series of impressive waterfalls. Many visitors combine a trip to White Scar Cave with a hike along the trail, creating a full day of outdoor adventure.
The surrounding Dales offer numerous walking routes, scenic drives, and opportunities to experience traditional Yorkshire life. Being in the Dales means you're surrounded by natural splendor, making White Scar Cave not just an underground marvel but also a gateway to exploring the wider, captivating landscape.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit