Yes, you can go into Gaping Gill, but only on special occasions when local caving clubs set up a winch system for public access.
What is Gaping Gill?
🕳 Gaping Gill is one of the largest underground chambers in Britain and features a spectacular 98m (322ft) waterfall, where Fell Beck plunges into the cavern below.
📍 Located on the lower slopes of Ingleborough in the Yorkshire Dales, it is one of the most famous caves in the UK.
How Can You Enter Gaping Gill?
✔️ Public Winch Meet Events – The easiest way to access Gaping Gill is during:
1️⃣ Bradford Pothole Club Winch Meet (Late May)
2️⃣ Craven Pothole Club Winch Meet (August Bank Holiday)
- These events allow non-cavers to be lowered 100m into the cavern on a winch seat.
- Tickets are sold on the day—no advance booking.
- Cost: ~£15–£20 per person for a round-trip winch descent.
- Duration: The visit inside lasts about an hour, including exploration and the return winch ride.
✔️ Caving Expeditions – Experienced cavers with proper equipment can enter via Trow Gill and the extensive underground system.
❌ No Regular Access – Outside of winch meets, Gaping Gill is not accessible to the general public without proper caving experience.
What to Expect Inside?
💡 A vast underground chamber—large enough to fit St. Paul’s Cathedral inside!
💦 The deafening roar of Fell Beck waterfall, which cascades from above.
🔦 Dark, eerie, and awe-inspiring rock formations.
Final Thoughts
Gaping Gill is an incredible natural wonder and a must-visit for adventurers. If you’re not a caver, plan your visit around the winch meets in May or August to experience this spectacular underground cavern safely. 🕳️💦✨