10 Cave adventures
We shed some light on the UK’S network of deep, dark caves... and find super-cool digs for you to visit
1 NATIONAL SHOWCAVES CENTRE, WALES From €16, camping from €8pp
Head to the Brecon Beacons to explore caverns including Dan yr Ogof Cave with its famous Rasher Of Bacon, Angel and Alabaster Pillar formations. Bone Cave is so-called because 42 human skeletons dating back to the Bronze Age have been discovered in its chamber, plus Roman jewellery and pottery. And the beautiful Cathedral Cave is home to thousands of delicate straw stalactites. Tickets from €13 for kids, €16 for adults including admission to all 10 on-site attractions. Go to showcaves.co.uk THE DEAL: There is a caravan and camping site at the caves and rates start at €8 per adult per night, and €6 per child per night in a tent; €24 per night (for up to 3 people) for a caravan/ motorhome. Self-catering in the area starts at €314 for a week through Sykes Cottages. mirror.co.uk/traveltop10
2 BLUE JOHN CAVERN, DERBYS From €10, B&B for
two from €60 Head to this cave in the Peak District to explore the home of semi-precious Blue John mineral. Romans first discovered it 2,000 years ago and it is still mined at Blue John Cavern, mostly by hand, before being turned into jewellery on sale in local shops. Keep an eye out for the fossils of sea creatures – this area was once under water. Tickets from €7 for kids, €10 for adults, €38 for a family. See bluejohn-cavern.co.uk THE DEAL: Ye Old Nags Head in nearby Castleton is a 17th century coaching inn with B&B from €60 for a double room. mirror.co.uk/ 3 traveltop10 CHISLEHURST CAVES, LONDON From €7, B&B for two from €81 These 22-mile long chalk caves were mined by hand for over 8,000 years and were in use up to the 1830s. They were used as an ammunition depot during the First World War and an air raid shelter in the Second. Delve into the dark and mysterious passageways’ exciting history on a guided tour which promises a journey through time right up to the present day. The caves have also have been used for scenes in TV’S Doctor Who and Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased). Tickets €5 for kids, €7 for adults. chislehurst-caves.co.uk