Caving plus spa

wallbash

Just had a BIG birthday and the family have offered to buy me a day's caving experience ( its been a life time ambition) . But need to 'marry' the w/e away with a posh spa hotel , so the other half will transport me to the caves and back.
So its a long shot , anyone being caving and stayed at a nice hotel ??
Location not a problem willing to travel .

flutterbyuk25

I haven't done the caving/spa thing but I go caving quite often with work in Brecon, we use Porth Yr Ogof cave, it's a massive cave system. Lots of companies seem to operate them as we always see them in the car park.

There are lots of nice hotels in and around the Breacon Beacons so you should be able to find a nice spa one.

HTH

vikingaero

Our caving club has a cottage in Brecon next door to SWCC. If you fancy a non-touristy caving experience then contact South Wales Caving Club http://www.swcc.org.uk/ For a donation they might arrange a private tour of your own.

wallbash

Many thanks to both of you .
1st haven't booked anywhere yet . Place in Somerset has offered, Goatchurch and Swildon 's hole at £150 for the day , on a near one to one basis**. But no 'nice' hotels close by .
I am based in Herts but willing to make a long w/e so Wales is not a problem

** should I be thinking one to one ?? The problem with a 'group' tour , governed by the weakest link? But is it more enjoyable in a group. As I posted ....life time ambition, so I need to get it right.

flutterbyuk25

I would say a group one would be better as you get a boost from seeing everyone take part and support each other. But I do the activity as part of a team building course so have never done it one-to-one. It is a great team activity.

I don't actually like caving! I'm a bit claustrophobic, but it's great to see the young people I work with overcome their fears and step out of the comfort zone. After the caving I'm always glad I took part but hate it all the way though it cos I'm so panicky!

vikingaero

You're right to question a group trip or 1-2-1. Group trips you have more collective fun, it takes longer to travel underground over/under/through obstacles, and you tend to stay on the tourist trail. On a 1-2-1ish trip you'll get to see places you wouldn't in a group and get to see more - that's just the greedy caver in me speaking.

Just to confuse you more there is the caves v. mine argument. Caves can be fun, spectacular in places but anodyne. Mines have the wonder of human creation, can be just as big and have human history and artefacts.

If Wales isn't a problem then what about North Wales. Some nice hotels (probably not spa) in Bets-y-Coed and there is a fabulous chap called Miles who runs his own adventure company:

http://www.go-below.co.uk/

Jane2112

What about North Yorkshire. There are a couple of caving guides based around the Settle / Ingleton area and that is right in the heart of limestone country. Limestone = caves. There are a couple of show caves for the non cavers.

Not sure about spa hotels, but there is Hipping Hall and Whoop Hall - who occasionally have groupon deals - both posh hotels (Too posh for your average caver).

When is your birthday?

Jane2112

Just done a bit of research, ( my brother lives near Settle)

http://yorkshiredalesguides.co.uk/wp/

I went with yorkshiredales guides on a map reading and navigation weekend. It was a fantastic weekend and the tutor was well informed and fun. I haven't caved with them, but they get good reviews

http://www.ingleboro.co.uk/latest.cfm#item67

Do not know much about Ingleborough Hall, but they run caving courses throughout the year

http://www.whoophall.co.uk/

Have a look here - swimming pool, beauty salon could be a winner.

I am not affliliated to any of the above
Enjoy your experience.

wallbash

Just had the birthday , last week !

Whoophall certainly fits the bill , as for the caving , I see the £50 deposit but whats the overall cost , and its a two day event .

Somerset was £150 plus accommodation.

Great help everyone , we now have the info on Somerset , Wales and Yorkshire, This is looking good.

Jane2112

Could you negogiate on the cost and lenght of caving. If you explained you wanted a one-off experience they may well oblige.

wallbash

You are working well!

Not impressed with the http://yorkshiredalesguides.co.uk/wp/ site.
The introductory course starts from 5pm .
But I like it , they show staff to guests ratio .

Looks like I will be firing off some emails , need a lot of info to make a considered judgment.