There's an enchanting location tucked away in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales which serves as both a breathtaking geological marvel and has captivated guests for generations.

Concealed within Yorkshire Dales National Park lies the Gaping Gill Cave - amongst Britain's most impressive underground chambers on record. This cavern's central chamber is so vast, it could easily house York Minster inside its rocky confines and requires a full minute to reach its base.

Measuring an impressive 129 metres in length, 31 metres in height, and 25 metres in width, Gaping Gill is considered one of the most complex and extensive cave networks in the UK, though it continues to escape widespread attention. The remarkable cave, formed from the Great Scar Limestone, is nothing short of spectacular.

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Whilst its striking landscape is awe-inspiring in itself, Gaping Gill also features a stream flowing through its entrance, generating a plunging waterfall that is genuinely magnificent to witness.

Fell Beck enters the Gaping Gill Cave as it tumbles over the edge of an elevated rock formation, and after plummeting 100 metres to the cavern floor in one of Britain's largest underground spaces, Fell Beck's waters drain away and vanish, ultimately re-emerging beside Ingleborough Cave located 1.3 miles (or a brief 30-minute stroll) distant.

The connection between Gaping Gill Cave and Ingleborough Cave was only established in 1983 by members of the Cave Diving Group, owing to the cave system's intricate and layered complexity.

Situated on the southern slopes of Ingleborough, the Yorkshire Dales' second-highest peak, Gaping Gill Cave opens to the public just twice annually, reports Yorkshire Live.

During one-week periods in May and August, this spectacular cave becomes accessible to both experienced and novice cavers, courtesy of the Craven and Bradford pothole clubs who install a winch above the main shaft at the cave's entrance. Potholers can then descend into the main chamber and enjoy an unforgettable experience.

The cave remains closed throughout the remainder of the year due to its distinctive complexity, though back in 1842, John Birbeck from Settle became the first person to attempt descending into the cave.

Despite Birbeck managing to divert the beck - assisted by farm labourers who lowered him on a rope - he failed to reach the cavern floor and only succeeded in reaching a ledge positioned 58 metres (190 feet) down. This ledge has since been named Birbeck's Ledge.

Visitors have been utterly amazed by Gaping Gill Cave, with one penning on Tripadvisor: "Omg!!!!! A superb experience which was unique. We were lowered one by one into the Gill which meant we went through the waterfall!!!

"We spent an hour on the cave floor marvelling at the sound of the roaring water and the sights of the rock formations. We felt immensely privileged to be there. This experience is rare and only available a few days in the year. I'm not clever enough to put into words how we felt but it was awesome!"

Another mesmerised guest added: "What an amazing experience! The descent into the cave is exhilarating and the walk around the main chamber is something I will never forget.

"I particularly appreciated having the floodlights so that you could see lots of detail. It is such a popular event that you need to get there really early and waiting times can be long but it is definitely worth it for a once in a lifetime trip! Take good waterproofs!"

The breathtaking Gaping Gill Cave can usually be accessed from Clapham by strolling beyond Ingleborough Cave and climbing up onto the hillsides of Ingleborough mountain.