Above ground the Peak District boasts stunning scenery, with beautiful villages nestled among rolling green hills and wild moorland.
But below ground is what makes this national park so special, with plenty of caves and caverns to explore.
As well as underground caverns there are also magnificent caves to be found in the limestone crags, like the breath-taking Thor’s Cave.
And of course, we have to include the best named-cave in the area - The Devil’s Arse.
READ MORE:
From subterranean lakes to mysterious rock formations, here are some of the best caves you need to check out in the Peak District.
Speedwell Cavern, Castleton
A former lead mine which 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.
Treak Cliff Cavern, Castleton
With its mesmerising stalactites and stalagmites, Treak Cliff Cave is a magical place to visit.
It contains large deposits of Blue John Stone, a mineral unique to the area which has been mined for more than 300 years.
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.
Peak Cavern, Castleton
Known by the rather unusual name of The Devil’s Arse, Peak Cavern boasts the largest cave entrance in Britain at 60 ft high.
Until 1915 it was home to Britain's last-remaining cave dwellers.
The cave is often used for special events and concerts.
Poole’s Cavern, Buxton
One of the most impressive natural caves in the nation 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 breath-taking 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.
Thor’s Cave, Wetton
Overlooking Manifold Valley, Thor’s Cave is equally impressive when admired from afar as it when you venture inside.
It sits in a steep limestone crag and you’ll spot the dramatic 10m high entrance to the cave rising above trees from the Manifold Way.
You can follow a path up to the cave and explore the inside, although be careful as the smooth cave floors can be slippery.
Dove Holes Cave and Reynards Cave, Dovedale
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.
Wolfscote Dale Cave, Hartington
A small but perfectly-formed cave, this is the ideal spot to have a break and take in the stunning views.
The cave sits in a limestone cliff which looks out onto the valley below.
You can reach it by taking an uphill path at the start of Wolfscote Dale.
Druids Caves, Birchover
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’s 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.
Great Masson Cavern and Great Rutland Cavern, Heights of Abraham
The Heights of Abraham is an impressive hilltop in Matlock Bath, just on the edge of the Peak District.
There are two show caverns on the estate, the Great Masson Cavern and the Great Rutland Cavern.
There are regular guided tours of both caves where you can learn about their history.
To get the latest email updates from the Manchester Evening News, click here.
