Stunning Peak District caves to explore with underground lakes and carvings

From subterranean lakes to mysterious rock formations, the Peak District has lots on offer

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Known for its gorgeous dense woodland and unforgiving hills the Peak District boasts some of the greatest scenery in the country. With picturesque villages splashed across a canvas of rolling green hills and wild moorlands, visitors to the national park often forget to turn their attention to what lies beneath the ground.

From subterranean lakes to mysterious rock formations, the caves and caverns underneath the Peak District are arguably what makes the national park so special. Yet many are unknown to the general public.

There are caverns in the county that produce minerals not found anywhere else in the country. With stunning crystal formations, and plenty of hidey-holes to explore, here are some of the best caves you need to check out in the Peak District.

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Stanage Edge in the northeast of the Peak District attracts thousands of walkers every year but you would be forgiven for not even realising there was a cave at this location. Robin Hood's cave (grid reference SK 24424 83589) can be found around 1km from the trig point nearest Upper Burbage Bridge.

The spot gets its name from tales of Robin Hood sheltering in the small cave. As one of his merry men, Little John' is said to be buried in the nearby village of Hathersage it is quite fitting a name.

Nearest postcode: S32 1BR

Peak Cavern is the most impressive from the outside - it boasts the largest cave entrance in Britain at 60 ft high and is often used for special events and concerts. There's a lovely path leading up to the cave from the village which follows the river. Until 1915 Peak Cavern was home to Britain's last-remaining cave dwellers.

Nearest postcode: S33 8WS

A small but perfectly-formed cave, this is the ideal spot to have a break and take in the stunning views. The cave sits on a limestone cliff that looks out onto the valley below. You can reach it by taking an uphill path at the start of Wolfscote Dale.

The smooth stone on the entrance to the cave shows its popularity with it attracting frequent visitors. There is also a second cave just around the corner.

Nearest postcode: DE6 2FS

Thor's cave sits in a steep limestone crag that overlooks Manifold Valley, just over the Derbyshire border in the Staffordshire Peak District. It's located around a mile away from the village of Wetton and you can reach the cave via the Manifold Way.

You’ll be able to spot the dramatic 10m-high entrance to the cave rising above the trees. You can reach the cave via a stepped path from the Manifold Way, a traffic-free trail that stretches for eight miles and follows the course of the River Manifold.

Nearest postcode: DE6 2AF

A popular beauty spot in the Peak District, Dovedale is a gorgeous valley with a river flowing through it and overlooked by limestone cliffs. It's also home to several caves which you can explore.

There's the spectacular archway of Reynard's Cave, which is a favourite with climbers. Further along, the Dove River are the Dove Holes, two picture-perfect limestone caves which were said to have been used as shelter by hunters during the Ice Age.

Nearest postcode: DE6 2AY

Nestled underneath the green hills of Mam Tor lies a quirky set of caverns that is home to an elusive mineral found only in one other location across the country. Treak Cliff Caverns is not only famed for its unique and large veins of the semi-precious mineral Blue John Stone but also home to some of the most beautiful cave formations around the UK.

In the cave, you can get up close to the incredible veins of Blue John Stone, which is still mined and sold in the village of Castleton today. As well as the impressive minerals, a quick glance above your head will reveal perfectly preserved Polo mint-shaped fossils.

Nearest postcode: S33 8WP

One of the most impressive natural caves in the national park, Poole's Cavern contains intriguing crystal formations and even boasts the longest stalactite in the area. The cave is lit up with an LED lighting system which shows off the crystal formations brilliantly.

On a guided tour you’ll be taken through the underground passageways into the breathtaking main chamber, which is 300m tall. Poole's Cavern is situated in Buxton Country Park, so there are lots of walking trails you can explore nearby.

Nearest postcode: SK17 9DH

Not so much a traditional cave but rather a series of intriguing rock formations, the Druids Caves - also known as the Rowtor Rocks - are one of the more mysterious locations you’ll come across in the Peak District. It can be found behind the Druid Inn in the village of Birchover. There are plenty of secret nooks, hidey-holes, and carvings to be found.

The carvings were reputedly made by the village's parson Thomas Eyre around 300 years ago. The rocks can be slippery though and be careful if you’re taking children as there are some steep drops.

Nearest postcode: DE4 2BL

A former lead mine that was flooded, Speedwell Cavern offers visitors something a bit different. Inside the cave, you’re taken on an underground boat ride along a canal, which leads to a huge cathedral-like space containing the Bottomless Pit, an impressive subterranean lake.

Nearest postcode: S33 8WA

Found below Cratcliff Crags and near Robin Hood's stride, you can't actually go inside Hermit's Cave as it is fenced off. However it does boast a fascinating story and is well worth a visit.

A four feet high crudely carved crucifixion is etched onto the wall of the cave by the Hermit who once resided in the space. The identity of the Hermit who had once used this cave is not known, however, information has been uncovered in the kitchen notes of Haddon Hall which suggest that the cave was occupied in 1549.

Nearest postcode: DE45 1LL

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