Stump Cross Caverns opens new cave near Pateley Bridge

Stump Cross Caverns, located near Pateley Bridge in North Yorkshire, is preparing to unveil its first new cave in 25 years, a significant development for the historic tourist attraction. The initiative is led by Oliver Bowerman, the son of the current owner, Lisa Bowerman, who aims to enhance visitor experiences by opening a previously unseen section of the cave system. This new cave is expected to attract more visitors and has already garnered excitement from the community and potential partnerships with institutions like the Natural History Museum. The caves have a rich history, having been discovered by lead miners in the 1860s and privately owned since then. Recent explorations have revealed remains of prehistoric creatures, including wolverines and reindeer, as well as a Stone Age tool, indicating the site's archaeological significance. The last cave opened at Stump Cross Caverns was the reindeer cavern in 2000, and the family has been dedicated to maintaining the show caves since then. Oliver Bowerman has invested his own resources into this project, demonstrating his commitment to the family business. He has already begun preparations for the new cave, which is expected to take two to three years before it is fully accessible to the public. The presence of mud in the cave is particularly exciting for researchers, as it may yield further discoveries related to Ice Age animals. The Bowerman family has been living on the site since 2003, and they offer various educational experiences, including fossil and Stone Age activities for children. The opening of the new cave is anticipated to significantly increase visitor flow and enhance the overall appeal of Stump Cross Caverns as a tourist destination.