THE YORKSHIRE DALES
The Yorkshire Dales is a stunning patchwork of green valleys, heather moorland, and ancient dry-stone walls. It’s an iconic landscape, offering a sense of peace and true northern charm.
This is a place where nature takes center stage. Explore charming stone villages, hike across dramatic limestone scars, and discover a proud heritage of farming and local craft.
Most Popular Attractions
Natural Wonders & Scenery:
Malham Cove: A dramatic, huge curved limestone cliff, famous for its geological pavement at the top and the site of a Harry Potter film location.
Aysgarth Falls: A spectacular triple flight of waterfalls on the River Ure, surrounded by woodland.
Ribblehead Viaduct: A magnificent 19th-century railway viaduct with 24 arches, set against a stunning backdrop of the Three Peaks.
Gordale Scar: A magnificent limestone ravine with waterfalls, offering a more challenging walk near Malham Cove.
Ingleborough: One of the famous ‘Three Peaks,’ known for its distinctive flat top and challenging ascent.
Whernside: The highest of the Three Peaks, offering expansive views over the surrounding Dales on a clear day.
Pen-y-ghent: The third of the Three Peaks, recognized for its steep, distinctive profile.
Janet’s Foss: A picturesque waterfall near Malham with a small, inviting pool, rumored to be the home of a fairy queen.
Ghaistrill’s Strid (Wharfe River): A dangerous but beautiful stretch where the river is forced through a narrow chasm.
Hardraw Force: England’s highest single-drop waterfall, located behind the Green Dragon pub near Hawes.
White Scar Cave: The longest show cave in Britain, with impressive underground waterfalls and stunning formations.
Ingleborough Cave: A beautiful, floodlit show cave formed over thousands of years, offering easy exploration.
Historic Sites & Cultural Stops:
Bolton Abbey: The impressive ruins of a 12th-century Augustinian monastery, set in a beautiful riverside landscape.
Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal: A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring the largest monastic ruins in England and an elegant Georgian water garden (just outside the Dales boundary, but a key attraction).
Skipton Castle: One of the most complete and best-preserved medieval castles in England, over 900 years old.
Castle Bolton: A spectacular medieval castle in Wensleydale where Mary, Queen of Scots was once imprisoned.
The Forbidden Corner: A quirky, privately-owned garden full of tunnels, follies, and surprises near Leyburn.
Wensleydale Creamery: A working dairy in Hawes where the famous Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese is made (and tasted!).
Charming Villages & Towns:
Grassington: A picturesque market town with a cobbled square, famous as the setting for the All Creatures Great and Small TV series.
Hawes: A bustling market town in Wensleydale, home to the Wensleydale Creamery and a great base for walking.
Clapham: A charming village at the foot of Ingleborough, a gateway to the famous Ingleborough Cave.
Muker: A small, unspoilt village in Swaledale known for its traditional flower-rich hay meadows.
Dent: A historic stone village in Dentdale, famous for its cobbled main street and being the birthplace of the Dentdale Knitters.
Pateley Bridge: A scenic town in Nidderdale, often named the ‘Best Village’ in the Dales, with a high street full of independent shops.
Activities & Experiences
Hike the Yorkshire Three Peaks: Conquer the famous circuit of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough, a challenging but rewarding all-day trek with incredible views.
Explore Malham Cove and Gordale Scar: Visit the stunning curved limestone cliff of Malham Cove, and then follow the path to the dramatic chasm and waterfall of Gordale Scar.
Go Pot-Holing or Caving in Ingleborough: Descend into the subterranean world of the Dales with a guided trip, exploring the area’s extensive cave systems like the White Scar Cave or Ingleborough Cave.
Visit the Wensleydale Creamery: Tour the creamery in Hawes to learn how the famous Wensleydale Cheese is made and enjoy a tasting (made popular by Wallace & Gromit!).
Walk the Aysgarth Falls: Take a gentle walk along the River Ure to view the stunning series of three broad limestone waterfalls, which were featured in the movie Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.
Cycle a Stage of the Tour de France/Yorkshire: Rent a bike and ride a section of the famous route that wound through the Dales, enjoying the challenging climbs and exhilarating descents.
Discover Bolton Abbey: Wander through the atmospheric ruins of the 12th-century Augustinian monastery, enjoying a riverside picnic and crossing the famous Strid (a narrow, powerful gorge).
Attend a Traditional Agricultural Show: Immerse yourself in local culture by visiting a summer show like the Malham Show or the Kilnsey Show, featuring livestock, crafts, and classic rural competitions.
Ride a Heritage Steam Railway: Take a scenic journey on a historic line, such as the Settle-Carlisle Railway (a mainline) or the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway.
Go for a Pint in a Dales Pub: Experience the warmth of a traditional stone-built Dales pub, often with an open fire, serving local ales and hearty food.
Stargaze in a Dark Sky Reserve: The Dales are one of the UK’s designated Dark Sky Reserves. Head to a location like Gisburn Forest or Hawes on a clear night for spectacular views of the stars and Milky Way.
Local Tips & Transport
Car is Essential: The Yorkshire Dales National Park is a vast area, and a car is highly recommended for maximum flexibility. Many of the most beautiful spots and villages are connected by scenic, often narrow, “B-roads” or single-track lanes.
Village Parking: Parking in popular villages like Malham or Grassington often requires payment. Carry coins as signal for card payments can be unreliable. Look out for honesty boxes in smaller, more remote parking areas.
DalesBus Network: A seasonal bus service operates on weekends and bank holidays, linking main towns like Skipton and Ripon with popular hiking locations and smaller villages. It’s an excellent option for long-distance walks where you don’t want to double back for your car. Check the latest timetable before relying on it.
Rail Access: The main points of entry by train are along the edges of the National Park. The historic Settle-Carlisle Railway runs right through the Dales and is a beautiful journey, connecting towns like Settle, Horton-in-Ribblesdale, and Kirkby Stephen. The Airedale line connects Leeds/Bradford to Skipton.
Be Mindful on Rural Roads: Be prepared to pull over on narrow roads to allow oncoming traffic to pass. You will frequently encounter sheep on the roads—always drive slowly and carefully around livestock.
The Weather: The Dales are beautiful but the weather is famously changeable. “Four seasons in one day” is common. Always pack waterproofs (jacket and trousers) and wear sturdy, waterproof walking boots regardless of the forecast.
“Mind the Gate!”: The Dales are working farmland. When hiking, you will frequently pass through wooden gates or climb stiles. Always ensure you close the gate behind you to keep livestock where they should be.
The Northern Accent: The local dialect is strong. Don’t be shy about asking a local to repeat themselves. Common local phrases you might hear include “Ay up!” (Hello) and “Eeh by gum!” (Wow / Oh my goodness).
Booking is Best for Pubs: While you can often drop into a pub for a pint, if you plan to eat an evening meal, especially at popular spots or during high season (May to September), book a table in advance. Many Dales pubs are small and fill up quickly.
Hidden Gems:
Ribblehead Viaduct: An iconic piece of Victorian engineering—a magnificent 24-arch railway bridge set against the backdrop of the Three Peaks. It’s a spectacular spot for photos and a great place to start a hike.
Grassington: Used as the filming location for the village of Darrowby in the popular TV series All Creatures Great and Small. Its cobbled market square and stone cottages are worth an explore.
The Forbidden Corner: A unique and quirky attraction near Middleham featuring a network of tunnels, chambers, and follies designed to confuse and amuse visitors—it needs to be booked well in advance.
Hellsfield House: An old shooting lodge near Pateley Bridge, this spot is completely unmarked and requires a bit of a scramble to find, but it offers one of the most sublime and lesser-seen views of Wharfedale.
Top Restaurants
The Craven Arms [$20-$35] – A quintessential 16th-century alehouse in Appletreewick featuring gas lamps, oak beams, and hearty Dales portions of steak and kidney pie.
The Lister Arms [$25-$40] – Located in the picturesque village of Malham, this cozy coaching inn is famous for its award-winning pies and warm fireside atmosphere after a hike to the Cove.
The Tan Hill Inn [$20-$35] – Situated atop Swaledale, this is the highest pub in Great Britain, offering a unique, rugged atmosphere and traditional British “pub grub” in a truly remote setting.
The Gamekeeper’s Inn [$25-$45] – Nestled in Threshfield near Grassington, this former gamekeeper’s cottage serves classic Yorkshire dishes made from locally sourced game and meats.
The Red Lion [$25-$40] – An iconic, ivy-clad pub sitting right on the banks of the River Wharfe in Burnsall, perfect for a traditional Sunday roast in a stunning riverside location.
The Blue Lion [$30-$50] – A historic 18th-century inn in East Witton that perfectly captures the “Old England” feel with its stone floors, candlelit tables, and robust local menu.
The George & Dragon [$25-$40] – A community-owned pub in Hudswell near Richmond that has won numerous awards for its commitment to local ales and traditional, unpretentious cooking.
The King’s Head [$20-$35] – A charming, traditional pub in the village of Kettlewell serving generous portions of homemade lasagne and local sausages to weary hikers.
The Crown Inn [$20-$35] – A friendly, stone-built local favorite in Askrigg known for its welcoming atmosphere and classic fish and chips.
The Farmers Arms [$20-$35] – Located in Muker, this traditional Swaledale pub is famous for its stone-flagged floors and simple, honest food in one of the Dales’ most beautiful valleys.
The Falcon Inn [$20-$30] – A unique, timeless pub in Arncliffe where beer is still poured directly from the barrel in a setting that feels unchanged for decades.
The Black Bull [$25-$40] – A historic coaching inn in Sedbergh that blends a traditional pub feel with high-quality local ingredients and an excellent selection of wines.
The White Lion [$25-$40] – Tucked away in the tiny hamlet of Cray, this high-altitude pub offers incredible views and a menu centered around local Wharfedale produce.
The Golden Lion [$20-$35] – A bustling, traditional marketplace pub in Settle that serves as a hub for locals and serves reliable, hearty British classics.
The Racehorses Hotel [$25-$40] – Located in Kettlewell, this historic riverside hotel features a traditional bar area serving local ales and classic Dales comfort food.
The Buck Inn [$20-$35] – A distinctive building in Buckden that caters to the walking community with large plates of gammon and eggs and local stews.
The Rose & Crown [$30-$50] – A charming 15th-century inn in Bainbridge that overlooks the village green and serves refined versions of classic Yorkshire tavern fare.
The Ship Inn [$20-$35] – A cozy, narrow pub in the heart of Skipton that offers a traditional retreat from the market bustle with simple, well-made local dishes.
The Fox & Hounds [$20-$35] – A rustic, no-frills pub in West Witton that is a favorite for locals seeking a quiet pint and a plate of traditional roast beef.
The Wheatsheaf Inn [$25-$40] – Located in Carperby, this is where James Herriot spent his honeymoon; it remains a classic spot for traditional hospitality and local Wensleydale cheese platters.
The Angel at Hetton [$60-$90] – Widely regarded as the UK’s original gastropub, this Hetton establishment offers sophisticated, modern British dishes in a beautifully renovated stone building.
The Wensleydale Heifer [$40-$70] – A stylish contemporary boutique inn in West Witton famous for its creative seafood dishes and “posh” fish and chips.
The Devonshire Arms – Brasserie [$45-$70] – Located on the Bolton Abbey Estate, this vibrant, colorful brasserie offers a modern menu featuring ingredients from the estate’s own gardens.
The Yorke Arms [$70-$100] – Situated in Ramsgill, this historic site offers a high-end, creative take on Dales produce with a focus on seasonal foraging and modern techniques.
The Felliscliffe Inn [$35-$55] – A modernized spot on the outskirts of the Dales near Harrogate that focuses on creative presentations of traditional Yorkshire ingredients.
Beck Hall [$35-$60] – A unique, plant-based focused hotel and restaurant in Malham that offers a creative, modern menu in a magical riverside setting.
The Coachman Inn [$30-$50] – Located in Snainton on the Dales’ edge, this restaurant reinterprets local classics with a contemporary, artistic flair.
Elsworth Kitchen [$30-$50] – A bright, modern eatery in Skipton that focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients with a Mediterranean influence on Dales produce.
The Traddock [$45-$75] – An elegant Georgian country house in Austwick offering a sophisticated menu that highlights the best organic suppliers in the region.
Grassington House [$45-$75] – Overlooking the cobbled square of Grassington, this award-winning restaurant offers inventive, modern British cuisine in a stylish setting.
The Sandpiper Inn [$35-$60] – A boutique gastropub in Leyburn where the chef-owner prepares creative, seasonal dishes with a heavy focus on local market finds.
The Burlington [$60-$90] – The flagship fine-dining restaurant at the Devonshire Arms in Bolton Abbey, known for its creative use of estate-grown produce and refined flavors.
Yorebridge House [$60-$90] – Located in Bainbridge, this luxury boutique hotel offers a highly creative and visually stunning menu in a romantic, modern setting.
The Charles Bathurst Inn [$35-$55] – Known locally as the “CB Inn” in Arkengarthdale, it offers a contemporary menu that balances sophistication with the ruggedness of the high moors.
The Punch Bowl Inn [$35-$55] – A sister inn to the CB, located in Low Row, offering creative modern cooking and spectacular views over Swaledale.
The Black Swan at Oldstead [$100-$160] – Though just on the edge of the Dales near the North York Moors, this Michelin-starred destination is essential for its “farm-to-fork” creative tasting menus.
Samuel’s at Swinton Park [$70-$110] – An opulent dining room in a castle hotel near Masham, offering a formal fine-dining experience with ingredients sourced from the 20,000-acre estate.
Simonstone Hall [$50-$80] – A grand country house near Hawes where diners can enjoy refined British cuisine with panoramic views of the Ure Valley.
The Saddle Room [$40-$70] – Located near Leyburn at Tupgill Park, this restaurant is set in converted stables and offers a unique atmosphere with high-quality local meats.
Wensleydale Creamery Visitor Centre [$20-$35] – A unique culinary stop in Hawes where you can sample dozens of varieties of the famous local cheese in various hot and cold dishes.
The Terrace at Swinton Park [$50-$85] – A modern, garden-focused restaurant in Masham that features an open kitchen and a menu driven by the estate’s walled garden.
The Wine Rooms [$40-$70] – A sophisticated spot in Sedbergh that combines a massive wine list with expertly prepared small plates and local charcuterie.
Stonegate Inn [$40-$65] – A refined dining spot near Richmond that focuses on high-end presentation and a quiet, intimate atmosphere.
The Courtyard Dairy [$15-$30] – Located near Settle, this world-renowned cheesemonger offers casual café bites that center entirely around the finest artisan cheeses in the North.
The Old Barn [$15-$25] – A popular, rustic tea room and café in Malham that serves as the perfect fueling station for hikers with homemade soups and massive cakes.
Two Dales Bakery [$10-$20] – A modern artisan bakery in Reeth that serves incredible sourdough sandwiches and pastries to a loyal local following.
Fairhurst’s at Berry’s [$20-$35] – A high-end farm shop and café in Swinithwaite that serves incredible Dales breakfasts and lunches using their own farm-reared meats.
The Hedgerow [$20-$35] – A charming florist and café in Threshfield offering fresh, seasonal light lunches and beautiful cakes in a botanical setting.
The Station Café [$15-$30] – Located in a converted Victorian railway station in Richmond, this venue offers a unique cinematic backdrop for a casual local meal.
The Firebox [$15-$25] – Situated at the Dales Countryside Museum in Hawes, this café offers modern, quick bites and high-quality coffee for those exploring the town.
The Stripy Badger [$15-$25] – A beloved bookstore and coffee shop in Grassington known for its homemade “Yorkshire Fat Rascals” and friendly local vibe.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Hole in the Wall, Middleton in Teesdale: A charming, traditional pub that also offers a surprisingly excellent and creative cocktail menu, making it a sophisticated spot in this smaller Dales village.
The Fountaine Inn, Linton: Located in the picturesque village of Linton, this high-end country pub and hotel offers a well-curated drinks menu with classic cocktails and premium spirits in a cosy, upscale bar setting perfect for an evening drink.
The Gin Trap, Grassington: True to its name, this independent bar in the heart of Grassington offers an extensive menu of gins and gin-based cocktails, along with a warm, intimate atmosphere and regular music nights.
The Black Sheep Brewery Visitor Centre, Masham: While famous for its cask ales, the bar here also serves a selection of spirits and mixed drinks and often hosts evening events and live music, making it a lively night out in Masham.
The George and Dragon, Aysgarth: A traditional, stylish Dales pub that focuses on high-quality service and drinks. It provides a relaxed, late-night atmosphere often with a good selection of fine wines and premium mixers available.
The Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa, Bolton Abbey: The bar within this luxurious hotel, located near the famous Bolton Abbey estate, is an ideal setting for an elegant, high-end cocktail or a glass of fine wine in a classic country house atmosphere.
The Angel at Hetton, Hetton: Known for its Michelin-star food, the bar area of this renowned dining spot offers an exceptional wine list and expertly mixed drinks, perfect for a refined evening in this small village.
The Golden Lion Hotel, Settle: An historic coaching inn in the market town of Settle that features a recently refurbished bar offering a solid selection of drinks, including some house cocktails, and a lively atmosphere on weekends.
The Bar at The Coniston Hotel, Coniston Cold (Skipton): Set in the magnificent Coniston estate, this bar offers a luxurious and modern setting overlooking the lake, perfect for premium spirits and well-made cocktails.
The Clarendon Hotel, Grassington: This classic hotel pub offers a welcoming atmosphere and a good range of standard cocktails and premium beers, and often stays open later than other venues in Grassington on weekends.
The Black Bull, Sedbergh: A traditional but very well-regarded pub and inn in Sedbergh that also features a modern bar area offering craft beers, specialist gins, and a relaxed, late-evening ambiance.
The Corner House, Settle: A popular, smaller bar in Settle offering a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and a good choice of craft beers and spirits that draws a local crowd later in the evening.
The Buck Inn, Malham: Located in the popular walking village of Malham, this inn has a bustling bar area that offers a great atmosphere, a selection of quality spirits, and is one of the latest-opening venues in the area.
The Warehouse, Skipton: As one of the few dedicated late-night venues in a Dales gateway town, this spot in Skipton hosts regular club nights, themed parties, and live bands, making it the closest thing to a traditional nightclub in the region.
The Royal Oak, Pateley Bridge: A popular pub that is a lively hub in Pateley Bridge, often hosting late-night events, including live music and DJs on weekends, creating a bustling, club-like atmosphere.
The Talbot, Richmond: Located in the historic town of Richmond, which serves as a northern gateway to the Dales, this venue often features DJs and a late bar, making it a key spot for dancing and a longer night out.
The Fleece, Richmond: A popular pub that transforms into a busy, late-night bar on weekends, known for its friendly atmosphere and for often being one of the last places to close in Richmond.
The Three Peaks Bar (at the Dalesman Hotel), Sedbergh: This hotel bar often hosts live entertainment, including singers and bands, providing a fun, late-night option and one of the liveliest scenes in the town of Sedbergh.
Skipton Social, Skipton: A smaller, independent venue in Skipton that is a popular spot for live music, comedy, and DJs, giving it a much more energetic, ‘club’ feel than a traditional pub.
The Station Inn, Ribblehead: While remote, this historic inn located directly by the famous Ribblehead Viaduct is a popular destination and hosts occasional music and special events that turn its bar area into a lively late-night spot.
The Boar’s Head, Ripley (near Harrogate/Dales fringe): Located just on the edge of the Dales, the bar in this high-end coaching inn can become quite lively on weekend evenings, offering a sophisticated, late-night environment.
The Unicorn Inn, Leyburn: A centrally located pub in the market town of Leyburn that is popular with locals and visitors. It stays open late on weekends and often hosts karaoke or live entertainment.
The Crown Inn, Hawes: A traditional, busy pub in the heart of Hawes. It’s known for its atmosphere and is the go-to place for a late-night drink and socialising in this popular Upper Wensleydale village.
The Devonshire Arms, Grassington: Located in the centre of Grassington, this pub is a popular late-night spot, offering a lively and friendly atmosphere, especially when events or holidays are on.
The Victoria, Kirkby Malzeard (near Nidderdale): Situated near the eastern edge of the Dales (Nidderdale), this local pub often hosts music nights and has a late license, making it a strong option for a proper evening out.