Get ready for some action, this activity is now available to book online as either an ‘Open Session’ with mixed groups or with your own ‘Private Instructor’.
We have made a few changes to all our activities and the way we operate to keep our instructors and guests safe during these times.
Booking last minute ?
If you cannot see any available space on our bookings calendar, please contact us on
We should still be able to fit you in, online bookings close 7 days before due date.
Caving in Yorkshire
Discover the world of caving in Yorkshire and explore the horizontal and vertical underground passages of Nidderdale. In addition to the caving at How Stean, you will explore other caves within Nidderdale. You will find yourself wading through water, climbing underground waterfalls and sliding through the mud!
What to Expect
Prepare to be amazed by caving, or spelunking for our American friends! Hidden in the caves beneath your feet there are miles of rifts, tunnels and chambers waiting to be discovered. There are many amazing sights to be encountered as you climb, scramble and slide around Nidderdale and the rest of the Yorkshire Dales. Here at How Stean Gorge we are lucky enough to have some of the most exciting, beautiful caves in the UK, and our fantastic, trained instructors are ready to take you on a fantastic cave adventure.
So many people will turn up excited by the prospect of exploring, but asking what is caving? The answer is simple enough – it’s the recreational exploring of underground caves. However, the experience is something you will never forget, there is something truly unique and exciting about traversing a natural wonder like this.
Walk, climb, abseil or crawl – but whatever you do, don’t expect to keep clean! During a caving adventure, you could find yourself wading through water, climbing underground waterfalls and sliding through the mud. If you’re looking for something a bit different and don’t mind getting dirty then this is for you.
There are numerous options and routes with varying difficulty, so if small spaces aren’t your thing no need to worry – we can explore a more open route. We are happy to tailor your caving experience to suit you and make sure that this is an adventure you won’t forget!
Personal Development
There are several personal development benefits to be gained from caving – especially rewarding if you’re trying it as part of a school trip or team building activity:
- Strengthen communication skills – Knowing where to go in the dark windy passages is largely dependent on listening to your guide!
- Learn to trust – It takes a lot to trust to follow someone into a small space underground! This experience really pushes you to rely on your instructor and let go.
- Build self-confidence – Caving is an effective way to develop self-belief and confidence to try new and scary things, overcome fears and build resilience – particularly if you are claustrophobic.
- Become reflective – Evaluating your own and others’ experience in order to spot strengths and weaknesses to build on for next time!
*Caving is also available as a residential or school day trip activity. Please see our educational package details here.