Ingleborough Cave - Lancaster

Address: Clapham, Lancaster LA2 8EE, United Kingdom.
Phone:1524251242.
Website: ingleboroughcave.co.uk
Specialties: Tourist attraction, Education center, Hiking area, Nature preserve, Tour agency.
Other points of interest: On-site services, Wheelchair-accessible entrance, Wheelchair-accessible seating, Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC mobile payments, Credit cards, Good for kids, Free of charge street parking, Free parking lot, Paid parking lot, Paid street parking.
Opinions: This company has 1029 reviews on Google My Business.
Average opinion: 4.7/5.

Location of Ingleborough Cave

Ingleborough Cave Clapham, Lancaster LA2 8EE, United Kingdom

Open Hours of Ingleborough Cave

  • Monday: 10 am–4 pm
  • Tuesday: 10 am–4 pm
  • Wednesday: 10 am–4 pm
  • Thursday: 10 am–4 pm
  • Friday: 10 am–4 pm
  • Saturday: 10 am–4 pm
  • Sunday: 10 am–4 pm

Ingleborough Cave: A Magical Underground Experience in Clapham, UK

Nestled in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, Ingleborough Cave is a breathtaking natural attraction that offers a unique and exhilarating experience for visitors of all ages. Situated in the charming village of Clapham, this show cave is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in geology, nature, or simply seeking an unforgettable adventure.

Main Services

  • Guided Tours: Explore the cave's wonders with knowledgeable guides who provide fascinating insights into the cave's formation, history, and inhabitants.
  • Self-Guided Walks: For those who prefer to discover the cave at their own pace, self-guided walks are available, allowing visitors to marvel at the stunning rock formations and learn about the cave's ecosystem through informative displays.
  • Educational Visits: Ingleborough Cave welcomes school groups and offers tailored educational experiences, combining learning with fun in a safe and engaging environment.
  • Café & Gift Shop: Before or after your cave adventure, enjoy a selection of refreshments and light bites at the on-site café. The gift shop offers a range of unique souvenirs, perfect for commemorating your visit.

Location and Access

Ingleborough Cave is conveniently located at Address: Clapham, Lancaster LA2 8EE, United Kingdom, just a short walk from the village center. The cave is easily accessible by car, with ample free parking available nearby. Alternatively, visitors can take the scenic route via public transportation, with the nearest bus stop just a few minutes' walk away. Once you've arrived, the wheelchair-accessible entrance ensures that everyone can enjoy the cave's wonders.

Featured Characteristics

  • Massive Cavern: Ingleborough Cave boasts an impressive main chamber, measuring an astonishing 100 feet (30 meters) in height, leaving visitors in awe of nature's grandeur.
  • Stunning Rock Formations: Marvel at the cave's myriad of fascinating rock formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, and helictites, each telling a story of the cave's geological history.
  • Beneath the Earth's Surface: Discover the intriguing world that lies hidden beneath the Yorkshire Dales, including the cave's resident population of blind cave spiders and bats.
  • Historical Significance: Learn about the cave's rich history, dating back thousands of years, and its role as a shelter for ancient inhabitants, a source of valuable minerals, and a popular tourist attraction since the Victorian era.

Practical Information

Ingleborough Cave is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last entry at 4:30 PM. Tickets can be purchased online or on-site, with prices varying depending on the tour type and group size. Children under 5 receive free entry, while family tickets and group discounts are available. The cave maintains a consistent temperature of around 50°F (10°C), so visitors are advised to dress warmly, especially during the colder months. Comfortable, non-slip footwear is also recommended for exploring the cave's paths.

Positive Aspects from Reviews

  • Stunning Beauty: Many visitors rave about the cave's breathtaking beauty, with its massive cavern and incredible rock formations leaving a lasting impression.
  • Knowledgeable Guides: The professional and enthusiastic guides at Ingleborough Cave receive high praise for their ability to bring the cave's history and geology to life through engaging storytelling.
  • Accessibility: The cave's wheelchair-accessible entrance and well-maintained paths make it an enjoyable experience for visitors of all abilities.
  • Family-Friendly Fun: With its educational yet entertaining approach, Ingleborough Cave caters perfectly to families, offering a memorable day out for both children and adults.

With an average rating of 4.7/5 from over 1000 reviews on Google My Business, Ingleborough Cave continues to captivate and inspire visitors from around the world. This remarkable underground wonder is more than just a cave – it's a testament to the power of nature and a symbol of the incredible experiences that await those who dare to venture beneath the surface.

Frequently asked questions about Ingleborough Cave

What are the opening hours of Ingleborough Cave?

The cave is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last entry at 4:30 PM.

Is Ingleborough Cave wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the cave has a wheelchair-accessible entrance.

What is the average temperature inside the cave?

The cave maintains a consistent temperature of around 50°F (10°C).

Are there any age restrictions for visiting the cave?

Children under 5 receive free entry.

Can I purchase tickets online or on-site?

Tickets can be purchased online or on-site, with prices varying depending on the tour type and group size.

Reviews of Ingleborough Cave

Ingleborough Cave - Lancaster
William R.
4/5

Caves are amazing, really beautiful, proper massive cavern. Proper paths inside which makes it so much easier. Small coffee shop at the start Quite expensive cave ticket prices, and car parking is difficult, there's a 40 minute walk each way to the cave entrance

Ingleborough Cave - Lancaster
Ru B.
5/5

We took our 1 year old to meet santa at the grotto in the caves, the staff were so great and the elves and santa made it really special. The walk up to the caves is pram friendly and beautiful. The cave is also pram friendly although so crouching is needed. The old mill cafe is also great for breakfast, cake and coffee. Makes for a great day out!

Ingleborough Cave - Lancaster
Cal
5/5

What a truly spectacular way to see Father Christmas! The experience begins before you even reach the cave; the scenery on the walk up is absolutely beautiful and sets a wonderful, festive tone for the adventure ahead. Once inside, the magic really kicks up a notch. The elves were fabulous—they told the story of the cave with so much energy and genuine warmth. They did a brilliant job of keeping the kids (and adults!) enthralled and really built up the Christmas spirit. It is such a unique and atmospheric setting to meet Father Christmas/St. Nicholas. If you are looking for something different from the standard department store grotto, this is it. Seeing the "real" Kris Kringle in such a stunning natural wonder was a memory we’ll cherish. Highly recommended for a bit of authentic Yorkshire Christmas magic!

Ingleborough Cave - Lancaster
Donna W.
5/5

A lovely cave above Ingleborough Nature Trail. I visited with my two nieces and we had a great time, even if they did think it was a bit 'spooky' and 'creepy'. It's a self guided tour, with information on laminated sheets to read as you wander round. Helmets are provided. The staff are lovely, and took the time to talk to us, and encouraged my nieces to ask questions about the cave. You can access it via public footpaths, or pay to wander up Ingleborough Nature Trail. We opted for the Trail as my nieces also looked for the Mimpish Squimbies on the trail on the way to the cave. It's worth paying the money to see the cave. It looks amazing, is full of stalagmites and stalactites, and has a crystal clear pool too. My nieces particularly liked all the water flowing alongside the path, and the fact that the little 'waterfalls' splashed on them as they walked past. Additionally there's a decent path throughout the cave, and they sell food/ a few souvenirs at the entrance of the cave too.

Ingleborough Cave - Lancaster
Sam ?. L.
5/5

Ingleborough cave is such a magnificent place to visit, we visited in August 2025 and it was an amazing experience. We visited with 3 people and 3 golden retrievers, it was 26° outside and we where on holiday with 3 golden retrievers but with the sheltered woodland walk up to the cave, the several accessible spots to stop and let the dogs take a dip in cold water to cool off and the cool temperature of 7-8° inside the cave it was a wonderful way to spend the day! The dogs had a ball, the staff were so friendly and knowledgeable and they loved the dogs too. The cave itself is very well maintained, well lit and accessible. It does require a fair amount of bending over in certain parts for 30-60 seconds at a time, anyone over 5ft can pretty much expect to have to bend at a 90° angle at the hip but these sections are short and there are only a couple of them. You are also provided a helmet, my poor mum was a perfect example of why😆🤦‍♀️, after trying to stand up in the cave but having not got far enough out the low section the helmet saved her noggin! The price is also reasonable for entry. We would highly recommend a visit! It was very quiet the day we went which I believe is a result of the temp outside but it was lovely!

Ingleborough Cave - Lancaster
Sharon B.
5/5

Really good just wanted it to last longer inside the cave, it's a short walk. The trails are great stunning areas and beautiful views

Ingleborough Cave - Lancaster
Iwan L.
5/5

Just a great day out. A 1.25 mile walk from Clapham, then a superb wander through the caves and the gentle walk back. Finished with a lovely meal at the Sawmill Cafe.

Ingleborough Cave - Lancaster
Gleb B.
5/5

Beautiful cave with wonderful features and stalactites and small cascades inside, the water in this cave originated all the way from nearby Gaping Gill. That said, this cave can get awfully crowded at times, and allowing a lot of dogs into this cave (even on leads) is, in my opinion, a step too far which ruined an otherwise amazing experience.