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 >>>
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.
Art and Photographic Gallery Reeth, Swaledale
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.
From a single acorn to a finished piece of beautifully hand crafted oak furniture. One man’s work from start to finish. A simple ethos established by Robert Thompson – The Mouseman of Kilburn.
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
With two cinema screens, a cafe-restaurant, art gallery, heritage centre and six artisan food-makers on the premises, The Station is a great place to start your visit to Richmond.
Cycle Hire >>>
Hire a Mountain Bike or go on an organised ride
We are not just a bike shop on the internet. We are a bike shop that actually exists in the Yorkshire Dales National Park village of Hawes.
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.
Put simply, this quiet Dales village is planning the biggest party it’s ever seen.
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.
Richmond Walking and Book Festival
The Swaledale Festival. A diverse programme of music, poetry, visual arts, walks, exhibitions and workshops throughout Swaledale, Arkengarthdale and Wensleydale.
The Great Yorkshire Show is the country's leading agricultural event. Held in Harrogate in mid July, over 125,000 visitors will enjoy this celebration of agriculture and country life.
Fishing >>>
Whether you're a complete beginner or want to improve your casting technique, Roger Beck of Beckfisher Fly Fishing School provides expert tuition on local waters (book in advance).
Food and Drink >>>
Honest, fresh, and satisfying fayre prepared by cooks not chefs in our village kitchen for you to enjoy at home
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
We are not just a bike shop on the internet. We are a bike shop that actually exists in the Yorkshire Dales National Park village of Hawes.
Museums, Visitor Centres and Theme Parks >>>
The Beck Isle Museum is housed in a handsome Regency residence near the centre of Pickering
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
These delightful Gardens, close to the centre of Pocklington, are home to a National Collection of Hardy Water Lilies - the biggest such collection to be found in a natural setting in Europe.
These delightful Gardens, close to the centre of Pocklington, are home to a National Collection of Hardy Water Lilies - the biggest such collection to be found in a natural setting in Europe.
Built between 1598 and 1610 by Sir Henry Griffith, Burton Agnes Hall is an Elizabethan stately home that has stayed within the same family for more than four hundred years.
The Museum is in the 17th century house on Whitby's harbour where the young James Cook lodged as apprentice. It was here Captain Cook trained as a seaman, leading to his epic voyages of discovery.
The Museum offers visitors an opportunity to discover the skills and customs that built Cleveland's Ironstone heritage.
Owned by the same archaeologists who discovered the Viking-Age City and created JORVIK Viking Centre, DIG offers you a unique archaeological adventure to get you on your way to becoming a real archaeologist. This is a one of a kind!
The only modern history theme museum of its type in the world, a visit to Eden Camp will transport you back to wartime Britain.
Four floors of inspiration await in this vibrant arts and heritage centre housed in a restored Victorian woollen mill.
Friends of Gayle Mill, a supporters’ organisation established in 2004 to offer practical and financial support to the Gayle Mill Trust.
Looking for things to do and places to go in the Yorkshire Dales? Come to Gayle Mill for a day out with a difference!
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!
Hesketh Farm Park is part of a 600 acre working farm situated in one of the most picturesque areas of the Yorkshire Dales; Bolton Abbey.
Holgate Windmill Preservation Society
Joe Cornish Galleries is based in Northallerton it features Joe's contemporary limited edition prints and hosts exhibitions by other outstanding landscape photographers.
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 National Railway Museum in York and Shildon is home to the UK's national rail collection
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
Sutton Park was built in the eighteenth century by Philip Harland. It is now the family home of Sir Reginald and Lady Sheffield.
The Swaledale Museum is an independent Museum run by volunteers with the aims of collecting, displaying and making publicly accessible the local heritage of Swaledale and Arkengarthdale.
Climb on board the Bark Endeavour Whitby for a unique trip to remember
From a single acorn to a finished piece of beautifully hand crafted oak furniture. One man’s work from start to finish. A simple ethos established by Robert Thompson – The Mouseman of Kilburn.
With two cinema screens, a cafe-restaurant, art gallery, heritage centre and six artisan food-makers on the premises, The Station is a great place to start your visit to Richmond.
Visit the original home and surgery of the world's most famous vet.
Murton Park, a 14 acre site thriving with events and activities throughout the year. Based just outside York this is your gateway to both the Yorkshire Museum of Farming and the Danelaw Centre for Living History.
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.
York Castle has been a site of justice and incarceration for almost 1,000 years.
William the Conqueror built the first castle here in 1068 as a base to control the North of England.
Over the past few years the Yorkshire Air Museum has become one of the most interesting and dynamic Museums of its type in the country.
Gliding in Yorkshire is something special. Whether you're a trainee pilot, a gliding pundit, or a member of the public wanting to try something new, the YGC is a great place to be.
Yorkshire's Premier Triple Award-Winning Lavender Farm, Lavender Gardens and Specialist Plant Nursery set in a spectacular hillside farm of nearly 60 acres, within the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
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.
Malham is a popular village in the Yorkshire Dales. The main attractions are the stunning scenery of Malham Cove and Gordale Scar
Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Discover dramatic moor land, wooded valleys and beautiful rivers all rich in wildlife
chauffeured trike tours offer a totally unique and fun way to see Northern England. Touring the finest countryside in the North, eating up the miles in comfort riding on our amazing 3 seater trike.
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.
Yorkshire 4x4 is the home of the ultimate thrill! Our adrenaline-fuelled offroad driving adventures are the most exhilarating, challenging and fun days out you could ever have.
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
Sedbergh, England's Booktown in the Yorkshire Dales National Park
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 >>>
Honest, fresh, and satisfying fayre prepared by cooks not chefs in our village kitchen for you to enjoy at home
CB Inn Arkengathdale Reeth
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.
A new dining experience in the market town of Hawes in North Yorkshire. Whether you are looking for a cup of tea and a slice of cake, a light lunch or a full three course meal, Chaste is the place to be seen.
The Coppice is a family run coffee shop with a flexible menu - smaller portions for smaller appetites, good value children’s menu and our special diet menu are all part of the service and the Roy Castle gold award for totally smoke free air.
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.
The National Railway Museum in York and Shildon is home to the UK's national rail collection
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
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 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
Our aim is to make your shopping experience a pleasurable one, whether online or in our cosy little shop. The Mulberry Bush aims to give you the very best in home and giftware, natural personal care, children's and baby goods and cards.
Based in Hawes, North York's we are a boutique selling a wide range of clothing & gifts for women. From Jeans to pretty dresses.
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.
These delightful Gardens, close to the centre of Pocklington, are home to a National Collection of Hardy Water Lilies - the biggest such collection to be found in a natural setting in Europe.
Built between 1598 and 1610 by Sir Henry Griffith, Burton Agnes Hall is an Elizabethan stately home that has stayed within the same family for more than four hundred years.
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
The National Trust in Yorkshire
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.
Scampston Hall is one of the finest country houses in Yorkshire.
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.
Stillingfleet Lodge is a late 18th Century farmhouse surrounded by a series of contrasting gardens. Each garden is packed with texture and foliage densely planted for ease of maintenance based on cottage garden principles.
Sutton Park was built in the eighteenth century by Philip Harland. It is now the family home of Sir Reginald and Lady Sheffield.
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
Discover and enjoy this excellent visitor attraction - 120+ varieties of lavender and herbs - free entrance - tea shop - distillery - herb & plant sales - gift shop - plenty for everyone.
Yorkshire's Premier Triple Award-Winning Lavender Farm, Lavender Gardens and Specialist Plant Nursery set in a spectacular hillside farm of nearly 60 acres, within the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Tourist Information Centres >>>
All the tourist information centres for the Yorkshire Tourist Board area
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 has outstanding scenery, a range of wildlife habitats and a rich cultural heritage. It’s a special place – a fantastic outdoor arena for recreation and peaceful relaxation and a haven for wildlife.
Waterfalls >>>
High Force is reputed to be the highest unbroken fall of water in England.
Janet's Foss is within easy walking idstance of the village of Malham
