White Scar Cave enjoys a magnificent setting in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Young visitors are introduced to the science and wonder of the subterranean world. The cave walk covers one mile, ensuring that learning is combined with exercise! There are underground streams and waterfalls, flowstone, prehistoric mud pools, and the huge Battlefield Cavern adorned with thousands of stalactites. Paths and lighting have been installed throughout, making the visit suitable for ages 5+ through to university level. The BBC character William Whiskerson can be seen showing Emily round the cave here.
Prices
The discounted admission prices for groups of 12+ paying visitors are child £5.50 and student (16+) £6.50.
Booking
The cave is available for group visits seven days per week, summer and winter. To arrange a group booking please telephone the cave between 10am and 5pm on 015242 41244. Please also see important information here.
FAQ
Why is this venue great for School Trips and Educational Visits?
White Scar Cave is the longest show cave in Britain. Therefore pupils gain access to an extensive and significant underground system. Getting to us is easy, because our on-site vehicle park is only 2 miles from the A65 and 17 miles from the M6. The turf-roofed visitor centre offers shelter from rain and from fierce summer sun. Guides escort groups through the cave, adjusting their presentation to the age range and subject interests of the visitors.
Topics include:
- How caves form in limestone
- The discovery and exploration of White Scar Cave
- How stalagmites, stalactites & flowstone are formed
- Preservation of the natural cave environment
- The water system (hydrology) of the cave
- Timelines – relating geological epochs to human life and history
- Zoology – the tiny, blind creatures living in the cave
- Continental drift and the formation of limestone
- Geology of the area, including showing the famous Craven Fault
- Leisure industry studies – operation of the cave as a visitor attraction
What does a typical educational visit include?
Upon arrival, visitors are fitted with hard hats. The guide leads the group a short way into the cave for introductory remarks and the safety briefing. The cave walk then proceeds, with stops for presentation of points of interest, and questions. Please advise us of your specific requirements, so that your pupils enjoy a truly rewarding experience.
What size groups do we cater for?
Minimum 12 – large groups will be split for the cave walk. (Please note: if your group has fewer than 15 paying visitors, your guide may also be escorting other visitors.)
What can we provide you with to support your school trip or educational visit?
We provide worksheets for key stages 1, 2, 3 & 4 of the National Curriculum. The worksheets have been created by an experienced geography teacher, and may be downloaded from this website. They are also available at the cave. In addition, our information room displays materials illustrating aspects of the cave, including a large-scale wall map of the entire system.
How are risk assessments arranged?
Information to assist with risk assessments may be downloaded here. Teachers are welcome to visit the cave in advance – please contact us if you would like to arrange this.
Do we have first aid on site?
Yes, we have a qualified first aider on site.
What facilities do we have for school trips and educational visits?
On-site vehicle park, café, shop (indication: £2-3 pocket money), outdoor and (limited) indoor picnic areas, toilets, information centre.