THINGS TO SEE AND DO
We include here links to websites providing information
about local attractions, activities, things to see and do in
the area, etc., which we hope will help you to plan your
holiday in the Yorkshire Dales.
Please note that these links are provided for the convenience of visitors to our web site and we have no control over the content of the sites linked to. Each link opens in a new browser window so that you can easily return to this page.
Please note that these links are provided for the convenience of visitors to our web site and we have no control over the content of the sites linked to. Each link opens in a new browser window so that you can easily return to this page.
Arts and Crafts >>>
Arts and Crafts courses in the newly converted barn workshop at the side of the River Bain in Bainbridge Wensleydale
The Cat Pottery, West Burton. A hidden waterfall, picturesque village green-idyllic surroundings in which to discover Moorside Cats. Cats for your garden, cats for your hearth, the purrfect memento of your visit to Wensleydale.
Clock Works, Reeth, Swaledale. Craftsman made mantel, wall and long case clocks. Repair and restoration service for clocks and barometers. View the collection on the website and at the showroom in Reeth.
Farfield Mill Arts and Heritage Centre, Sedbergh. Experience local people creating stunning and unique pieces of work in their own studios
Focus On Felt, Hardraw, Wensleydale. Evocative images of the surrounding countryside are created within the felt in such a way that will both surprise and fascinate-we recommend a visit to see these stunning works of art.
Island Heritage, Healey, Masham. A working Dales farm producing natural, undyed woollen garments from rare breed, primitive sheep.
The shop stocks a wide range of crystals, minerals, fossils and gemstone jewellery set in silver including Celtic and Mackintosh designs. Over 600 pairs of earrings on show, with much of the jewellery made on the premises.
Art and Photographic Gallery Reeth, Swaledale
Visitors are welcome to see the production process from design through mould making, casting and hand painting of the animal models, all of which are designed by Stef Ottevanger, and include farm and domestic animals, wildlife and wall plaques.
Skilled knitters use 100% pure new British Swaledale and Wensleydale wool to produce a range of exclusive garments for all the family.
Home of the eccentric teapot. Beautiful, fun and wacky teapots. Enjoy a tour of the pottery where you can see the craftsmanship and commitment that the skilled team pour into over ten different processes, and then enjoy a relaxing cuppa in the cafe.
Enjoy our family-run tea room, serving wholesome home-cooked food, using organic ingredients where possible.
See our selection of high quality and distinctive textiles and gifts.
The Hawes Ropemaker, Hawes. Watch traditional ropemaking and see how the twist is put in-many thin strands of yarn are rapidly twisted into a strong rope.
The craftspeople who live and work in the two Yorkshire Dales of Wensleydale and Swaledale, finding inspiration in a unique countryside of pastoral riverside villages, tumbling waterfalls, great sweeping fells and windswept moorland.
Wensleydale Longwool Sheepshop, Garriston, Leyburn. The long silky curls of rare Wensleydale sheep characterise the nature of the hand-knitted garments, yarns and fleeces dyed to country shades.
White Rose Candles, Wensley. High quality handmade long burning candles, made in an n old watermill using unusual machinery. Specialities are dinner, pillar, aromatherapy and church candles, with a wide range of candle holders available.
Caves & Caving >>>
Ingleborough Cave. Limestone scenery on the surface has a special beauty, but underground in Ingleborough Cave it is spectacular!
Mother Shipton is England’s most famous Prophetess, born over 500 years ago, in a cave beside Knaresborough’s mysterious Petrifying Well.
Discover the underground wonders that were discovered by lead miners in the 19th Century, exploring the natural dry stream passage that was formed 500,000 years ago with stalagmite and stalactite formations
White Scar Cave, Ingleton. The longest show cave in Britain, with the 200,000 years old ice age cavern, underground streams, waterfalls and thousands of stalactites.
Cinema and Theatre >>>
Experience theatre as the Georgian's did. Built in 1788, closed in 1848, the theatre was reopened in 1963 and restored and extended in 2003
Cycle Hire >>>
Hire a Mountain Bike or go on an organised ride
Festivals and Shows >>>
Based in and around Leyburn, Wensleydale and held over the bank Holiday weekend at the beginning of May-please check the website for dates and times. Celebrates the food, drink and farming of the Yorkshire Dales.
Scarecrow Festival held during the second week of August, with over 100 scarecrows displayed around the village.
A traditional dales show in picturesque surroundings, Reeth Show in Swaledale, is a great day out for the whole family, with entertainments, trade stands and a chance to see some of the best livestock on display.
The Swaledale Festival. A diverse programme of music, poetry, visual arts, walks, exhibitions and workshops throughout Swaledale, Arkengarthdale and Wensleydale.
Flight Simulation >>>
The Yorkshire Flight Centre, Knaresborough.
Horse Riding >>>
Arkle Moor Riding Centre, Arkengarthdale. When you choose to ride with Arkle Moor Riding Centre you can be sure of a commitment to make your riding experience a pleasure.
A British Horse Society Approved Centre in the Yorkshire Dales, offering trekking, trail rides, lessons, river rides, children’s’ parties and children’s ‘own a pony’ weeks, with facilities for schools, groups and disabled riders.
Mountain Biking >>>
Hire a Mountain Bike or go on an organised ride
Museums, Visitor Centres and Theme Parks >>>
The Black Sheep Brewery Visitor Centre, Masham. An ideal place for an interesting and alternative day out. The Brewery is perfectly situated in the famous market town of Masham at the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales.
The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, County Durham. This magnificent building, styled like a French château, was purpose built as a museum in the late 19th century. It is named after its founders, and was their legacy for the people of Teesdale
The only modern history theme museum of its type in the world, a visit to Eden Camp will transport you back to wartime Britain.
Harperley Camp was a purpose-built structure to house low security risk prisoners numbering from 800 to 1500 men.
Hazel Brow farm and Visitor Centre, Low Row, Reeth. In the heart of Swaledale this award winning, all weather attraction has something for everyone-guided tours, demonstrations, craft activities, walks, farm shop, cafe and much more!
Trout farm, farm shop, restaurant and coffee shop. Enjoy the red squirrel nature trail and fun fishing for children. Also watergardens, craft and gift centre and aquarium.
An excellent and memorable day out for children and adults of all ages
The Quaker Tapestry, Kendal. Discover the 777 unique Tapestry panels-one of the largest community textile projects in the world. Explore the social history representing life from 1652 to the present day.
Sion Hill Hall - A Masterpiece in Neo-Georgian Style
Visit the original home and surgery of the world's most famous vet.
ne of the proudest family breweries in Yorkshire, brewing ledgendary ales since 1827. Tour the Brewery and Visitor Centre, to see the legends in the making
Britains best kept prehistoric secret - ancient circular ritual earthworks dating back 5,000 years. Although general public access is not permitted, interested groups may be granted access permission
Wensleydale Creamery, Hawes. A working dairy producing real Wensleydale cheese. Watch the cheese being made. Also enjoy the museum, shop and restaurant.
Discover life for the law breaker, the poor and the homeless in Victorian Ripon. The Courthouse-as seen in YTV's 'Heartbeat'. The Workhouse-carbolic, delousing, stone breaking-a vagrant's lot. The Prison and Police Museum.
Needlecraft >>>
Spinning Jenny, The Old Smithy, Kildwick, Keighley, W Yorks. Needlework specialists.
Outdoor Activities >>>
Aerial Extreme is a high-adrenaline treetops ropes course that brings together the buzz of a theme park ride, with out-door adventure.
The Birds of Prey & Conservation Centre at Sion Hill Hall, near Thirsk, was setup to ensure that birds of prey would survive to provide the public with a rare opportunity to see and enjoy these beautiful birds.
Explore strange and fantastic rock formations dating back over 320 million years in this amazing natural landscape
The British Red Cross Open Garden Scheme.
Hire a Mountain Bike or go on an organised ride
Harlow Gardens Botanical Gardens, Harrogate. The 68 acre gardens are a showcase for northern gardeners, and visitors enter a world of landscaped beauty where all year round interest awaits.
Harperley Camp was a purpose-built structure to house low security risk prisoners numbering from 800 to 1500 men.
Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Discover dramatic moor land, wooded valleys and beautiful rivers all rich in wildlife
Parcevall Hall Gardens, Skyreholme, Skipton. Sixteen acres of beautiful woodland gardens in magnificent Dales countryside with glorious views of Simon’s Seat and Wharfedale.
The Pennine Way, a 268 mile trail chasing the Pennines along the backbone of England, from Derbyshire, through 3 National Parks, over Hadrian's Wall and on to the Scottish Borders, using old miners tracks, packhorse routes and drove roads.
While horses have raced at Ripon at least since 1664, the current course dates from 1900. 15 days of exciting flat racing are staged at Yorkshire's Garden Racecourse, including three evening meetings in summer.
The Forbidden Corner is a unique labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, follies and surprises created in a four acre garden in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
The Inn Way-a series of long distance circular walks via traditional pubs throughout England’s North Country.
Explore the Yorkshire Dales on our Guided Minibus Tours
Pennine Way >>>
The Pennine Way, a 268 mile trail chasing the Pennines along the backbone of England, from Derbyshire, through 3 National Parks, over Hadrian's Wall and on to the Scottish Borders, using old miners tracks, packhorse routes and drove roads.
Places >>>
Dentdale is the Yorkshire Dales National Park’s secret dale, with a wealth of natural treasures and cultural attractions to satisfy visitors in mind, body and soul.
Eden attractions, Cumbria-includes the Eden Valley, Penrith, Ullswater and the North Pennines
The frontier of the Roman Empire, casts its majestic shadow over some of the most spectacular countryside in England.
A picturesque village with lush green meadows and sheep grazing amidst rock and heather with ancient dry stone walls criss-crossing the landscape.
Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Discover dramatic moor land, wooded valleys and beautiful rivers all rich in wildlife
There are many towns called Richmond, but Richmond in North Yorkshire was the first, named by the Normans and meaning 'Strong Hill'.
'Richmond is one of the most beautiful towns in England-and surprisingly few people know' The Lonely Planet
Founded over 1300 years ago, Ripon offers so much antiquity to explore and so much new to visit, including the Cathedral, Market Place surrounded by fine Georgian buildings, from which quaint medieval streets radiate, filled with fascinating shops
Publications >>>
The Dalesman is the magazine for lovers of The Dales, with a wealth of local articles and information.
Pubs, Restaurants and Places to Eat >>>
CB Inn Arkengathdale Reeth
Situated in the centre of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales village of Askrigg, Sticky Ginger supplies high quality homemade food using locally sourced produce.
Enjoy our family-run tea room, serving wholesome home-cooked food, using organic ingredients where possible.
See our selection of high quality and distinctive textiles and gifts.
Ideally situated at the tip of Wensleydale in the heart of some of the most beautiful walking country in England. Renowned for its "ever open doors", offering a warm and friendly welcome to locals and visitors alike
Wensleydale Creamery, Hawes. A working dairy producing real Wensleydale cheese. Watch the cheese being made. Also enjoy the museum, shop and restaurant.
Railways >>>
Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway. Travel between Embsay Station (near Skipton) built in 1888 and the new award winning station at Bolton Abbey through the picturesque Yorkshire Dales scenery.
Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. Steam through the unique beauty of Bronte Country, travelling through the countryside in period coaches hauled by a restored steam engine.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway. The 18 mile heritage line runs through the beautiful North York Moors National Park, between the market town of Pickering and the Village of Grosmont
Settle Carlisle Railway. Discover a hidden jewel by visiting Settle-Carlisle country, with more than 30 superb offers to make your visit to this beautiful and undiscovered part of England even more rewarding
Find out more about this famous scenic line, its history, the stations, structures and countryside through which it runs. Timetable, guided walks, line news, and comprehensive information on all the stations and their environment.
The Wensleydale Railway Association was formed in 1990 with a view to reinstating the old route from Northallerton to Garsdale. By becoming a member of the Association you will be part of the project to bring the railway back to Wensleydale.
Shopping & Outdoor Clothing >>>
Lightwater Valley Shopping Village and Theme Park, North Stainley, Ripon. From fashions to home furnishings, linen to kitchenware, gifts to a garden shop.
The Cove Centre, Malham. Offers a large variety of performance outerwear, as well as a large selection of knitwear. There's also Yorkshire's larder and the Copper Kettle coffee shop.
The Yorkshire Real Ale Shop; the Whisky Shop; the Edinburgh Woollen Mill; Country and Outerwear Shop; the Golf Company; food and gift emporium; the Dalesmade Centre; the Rock and Fossil Shop; Country Kitchen Coffee Shop
Stately Homes, Castles, Gardens & Abbeys >>>
Bolton Abbey, Skipton. Bolton Abbey is the Yorkshire Estate of the Duke of Devonshire and has been in the family since the 1750’s.
Bolton castle, Leyburn. Completed in 1399, Bolton Castle was the stronghold of the Scrope family. Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned here for 6 months.
Burton Constable Hall Skirlaugh, East Yorkshire. The Hall is East Yorkshire’s largest historic house, with over 30 rooms open to the public.
Castle Howard, York. Magnificent 18th Century House with extensive collections and breathtaking grounds featuring temples, lakes and fountains
Constable Burton Hall, Leyburn. A large romantic garden surrounded by 18th Century parkland with a superb John Carr House. Fine trees, woodland walks, garden trails, rockery, extensive shrubs and roses.
Duncombe Park Helmsley, York. The Great House was built in 1713 on a virgin plateau overlooking Helmsley Castle and the valley of the River Rye. There are 35 acres of 18th Century landscaped green gardens with vast terraces, temples and woodlands
English heritage look after the historic environment of England. Properties in Yorkshire include Rievaulx Abbey; Helmsley Castle; Mount Grace Priory; Richmond Castle; Middleham Castle and Whitby Abbey, along with many others
In 1132, 13 monks came here to start a simpler life. This secluded valley became home to one of the wealthiest abbeys in medieval Europe and is now a World Heritage Site.
Magnificent Yorkshire home of the Earl and Countess of Harewood. Renowned for its stunning collections of English 18th Century and Italian Renaissance masterpieces. The Grounds, landscaped by ‘Capability’ Brown, have lakeside and woodland walks
Harlow Gardens Botanical Gardens, Harrogate. The 68 acre gardens are a showcase for northern gardeners, and visitors enter a world of landscaped beauty where all year round interest awaits.
Magical hidden garden and discover surprises around every corner. Set against the backdrop of Helmsley castle, the towering walls surround 5 acres of busy kitchen gardens producing hundreds of varieties of organic fruit, vegetables and unusual plants
Hunting lodge built in 1620 for James 1’s Secretary of State, George Calvert, 1st Lord Baltimore and founder of Maryland, USA. Its design was unique in Jacobean architecture, with domed towers on each side of a tall symmetrical pavilion.
A superb moated mediaeval manor house, one of the oldest continuously inhabited houses in England, listed in the Domesday Book in 1085
A beautifully restored Robert Adam House, a fine example of 18th Century decoration, set in 25 acres of award-winning gardens, with steam railway and children's adventure garden
One of England’s renowned Adam houses, an exceptional example of 18th Century interior decoration with 25 acres of gardens. Children’s Adventure Garden, Miniature Railway, River Trips, Woodland Walk, Sculpture Park, Picnic Area and Restaurant.
Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Discover dramatic moor land, wooded valleys and beautiful rivers all rich in wildlife
Parcevall Hall Gardens, Skyreholme, Skipton. Sixteen acres of beautiful woodland gardens in magnificent Dales countryside with glorious views of Simon’s Seat and Wharfedale.
Raby Castle is one of the North’s most impressive castles. Built in the 14th Century by the Nevill family, it has been home to Lord Barnard’s family since 1626. fine furniture, impressive artworks and elaborate architecture.
Ripley Castle, near Harrogate has been home to the Ingilby family since 1325. The rooms are fine Georgian and Tudor. The walled gardens contain the National hyacinth collection, huge herbaceous borders, hot houses and tropical plant collection.
A uniquely historical place for prayer and worship, as well as a vibrant and important centre of the local community and the arts, the Cathedral dates back more than 1300 years.
Sion Hill Hall - A Masterpiece in Neo-Georgian Style
Skipton Castle, Skipton. One of the best preserved and most complete medieval castles in England, and can be explored from the atmospheric dungeon to the great Watch Tower, from the Chapel to the beautiful Conduit Court.
One of the largest collections of trees and shrubs in the north, including a 16th Century medieval spring wood and 19th Century pinetum. The falcons of Thorp Perrow has over 75 birds of prey from all over the world
Tourist Information Centres >>>
All the tourist information centres for the Yorkshire Tourist Board area
The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority’s visitor information website
Transport >>>
Dales bus information
For Local Transport and timetable information
National Express bus information
National rail information
National rail information
Visitor Information >>>
All the tourist information centres for the Yorkshire Tourist Board area
The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority’s visitor information website
Explore the Yorkshire Dales on our Guided Minibus Tours
Waterfalls >>>
High Force is reputed to be the highest unbroken fall of water in England.
