There is so much going on at Stump Cross this summer – its quite literally the coolest place to visit! Whatever the weather outside, the caves are a natural air-conditioning system, at a constant 7 degrees. Stump Cross is an ideal family day out this summer – come rain or shine – you’ll be covered in our caves.
As we’re situated on top of one of the UK’s highest villages, Greenhow Hill, we’ve got the most stunning views, and there’s always a welcome breeze to keep you and your family a little cooler. We’ve got out door seating, umbrellas, plenty of space for the little ones to play plus a huge sandpit where your little ones can dig for fossils. And if it is a typical British summers day when you visit, i.e raining – then we have plenty of space inside at our Time Cafe and Time Pod. Dogs are more than welcome here at Stump Cross, so make it a trip out for the whole family!
We were invited a long to Stump Cross Caverns for the perfect summer’s day out. Needless to say it rained, but that didn’t dampen our day out one bit! We were on our way back from a holiday in the Lakes, so this was the ideal stop off on our way back to Harrogate. We had the newest addition to our family with us – Buster – our six month old puppy! Dogs are more than welcome here – they just aren’t allowed down the caves. But they are more than welcome in the cafe and shop. If you speak to anyone working at Stump Cross they’ll let you know of some gorgeous walks near by. The weather wasn’t too bad when we arrived so we decided to sit on one of the picnic tables at the back. Nothing we couldn’t cope with – a jumper on and the umbrella for the occasional rain cloud. The dog loved it – having a good sniff round then settling under our table. The daughter loved it more, although there isn’t any usual play equipment (not a swing insight) – there was LOADS to keep her amused. She would have happily have stayed playing outside all day. Theres a huge sandpit with plenty of buckets and spades for the children to use. There’s a few fossils hidden in there too if you can find them! There is also a small maze made out of rocks, ideal for kids (and dogs) to do on their own as you can see them at all times. Theres also Zelda the dragon and her eggs and a lovely little treasure / fairy door garden. Plenty of green grass for the littles ones to run around in made this the ideal spot for lunch, and I haven’t even mentioned the views – AMAZING!
You order and pay for your food at the counter inside, the food is then served to your table. Food takes a little longer to be served, because everything is made from scratch. Believe me when I say, it’s worth the wait! Having our table outside meant our little one was kept amused whilst the kitchen cooked up a storm. In fact, we had a hard time getting her to the table when the food arrived. I’d say it took less than 30 minutes for the food to arrive, which i don’t think is long at all. They have a fab kids menu, with about 5 choices – all £5.95 and includes a drink. My daughter opted for this fish goujons with chips and peas and a fruit shoot – a generous portion size for little ones, and it must have been tasty as she ate every last bit. My husband got influenced from an earlier Instagram post they did for their Dino Ribs. Our daughter loved the fact that Daddy was having Dino Ribs for dinner. Don’t worry = they’re pork really! A huge portion with chips and a corn on the cob – all for only £13.95, seriously delicious! I went for the pork ciabatta and chips – again absolutely gorgeous. It’s worth coming here for the food alone – proper gastro pub vibes! You should see the cakes they have on display too! We were too full to try them – but they sent us home with a piece of the biscof cheesecake which was insane! If you are looking for a lighter bite – then you need to try their sausage rolls and afternoon teas! Although be warned – these are both HUGE! Proper Yorkshire portions here at Stump Cross!
After lunch, my daughter and I headed down to the caves whilst the dog (and husband) had a little rest outside! It’s a self guided tour that lasts about 50 minutes – so if you’re going with little ones make sure you’ve done a toilet stop first! Before you go down you get fully briefed then off you go.
You’ll go down to the entrance where there are hard hats. There are also a lot of adult sized wellies. They’re usually not needed. Whatever the weather I’d advise you take your kids in wellies – there is always a puddle or two!
My daughter loves it down here – we’ve been a few times now, but each time she’s more amazed than the last time, and always spots something new. There is a little fairy trail to follow (a fossil trail for older kids), and the younger guests are given little torches so they can investigate all those little nooks and crannies!
There are lots of stairs to content with and you’ll be bending down a fair few time – the hard hats are definitively a necessity! The caves are just brilliant – the kids just love it! It’s a bit magical, a bit mysterious! My daughter loved looking out for the fairy doors, and I loved finding the answers to the fairy door quiz – the quiz was really interesting! It’s one of those family days out that the whole family can enjoy! Something a bit different and really interesting.
We loved seeing where the Cave Woman slept during one of her fund raisers, and there were plenty of photo opportunities! After we’d done the tour we came back up – got our fairy quiz marked and got to choose a free gift – my daughter went for the fools gold!
It’s such a great day out at Stump Cross – whatever the weather! We loved being outside and there was plenty to keep the kids entertained, and the views were to die for. If the weather isn’t on your side – the caves and cinema are an ideal place to take shelter! And ice creams – whatever the weather! If you’re looking for something a little different for a summer family day out I can’t recommend Stump Cross Caverns enough! It’s brilliant and we’ll be back again over the hols!
Reviewed by Harrogate Mumbler July 2022
Disclosure: We were gifted our lunch and entry to the caves however we pinky promised to only write a truthful account. Phew, we really enjoyed them, otherwise that could have been awks!
We have some very special events on over the summer holidays:
Breakfast & Cave Tour with the Cavewoman
Having your breakfast with the Cavewoman is an experience you’ll never forget! Meet in the Time Café and our Cavewoman will entertain you with tales of the caves, whilst you eat a delicious home-cooked breakfast. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
When: Tuesdays, 9am to 10am
Fossil Dig with Cavewoman
Our Fossil Digs are hugely popular with young explorers. Don’t forget you can take home anything you find in our huge sandpit!
When: Every day, 9am to 6pm and late-night Thursday until 9pm
Guided Cave Tour with the Cavewoman
Book in on our Wonderful Wednesdays events, where the Cavewoman will guide you through the caves, bringing the history of the caves alive for every member of the family.
When: Wednesdays, 4pm – 5pm (maximum 12 people)
Cavewoman on the big screen
It’s not every day you get to see a blockbuster film with a Cavewoman, well, now is your chance. Book in to guarantee your place in our cave cinema, it’s an experience of a lifetime.
When: Thursdays, 4pm- 6pm
Caves colouring in competition
Put your artistic talents to the test in our colouring-in competition. You’ll find lots of inspiration in and around our glorious caves – have you got what it takes?
When: Fridays, 11am to 12noon