White Scar Cave is the longest show cave in Britain, located in the Yorkshire Dales near Ingleton. The cave extends for over a mile, featuring underground waterfalls, stalactites and rock formations. A guided tour takes visitors through a series of chambers, with highlights including the imposing Battlefield Cavern.
White Scar Cave was discovered in 1923 by Christopher Long, a Cambridge student and amateur geologist. He identified the entrance and explored the underground passages, leading to the development of the site for visitors. The cave has since become an important attraction in the Yorkshire Dales, drawing those interested in geology and natural history. The limestone formations within the cave have taken thousands of years to develop, shaped by the movement of water through the rock. The name White Scar refers to the pale limestone exposed in the area.
![White Scar Caves near Ingleton, North Yorkshire (Photo: Peter McDermott [CC BY-SA 2.0])](https://englandrover.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/white-scar-caves-ingleton-1280x853.jpg)
What to see at White Scar Cave
The tour covers a mile-long route through the cave, taking around 80 minutes. Visitors pass through narrow tunnels and larger chambers, with highlights including underground waterfalls and formations such as the Witch’s Fingers and the Devil’s Tongue. The largest chamber, Battlefield Cavern, is over 30m (98 ft) high and filled with stalactites and stalagmites. The cave’s streamway and pools add to the underground landscape, and some formations resemble familiar objects or creatures.
Low ceilings and uneven paths mean visitors must occasionally stoop or navigate wet surfaces. Helmets are provided for safety. Guides provide information on the cave’s history, geology and myths, making the experience educational as well as scenic.
Visiting White Scar Cave
White Scar Cave is located off the A65, around 3km (2 miles) from Ingleton.
It is best suited if you’re driving as there is public transport access to the site and you’ll need to walk half an hour from Ingleton if you don’t have a car.
The cave is open daily from February to October but is only open on weekends between November and January.
The last tour typically departs in the afternoon, and visitors should check ahead for seasonal changes.
It is not suitable for visitors with limited mobility, who may find some sections challenging.
Facilities include a visitor centre with a café and a small shop selling souvenirs and geological items. Waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended, as some areas can be damp. Dogs are not permitted inside the cave.
Allow at least 1½ hours for your visit.
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