Yorkshire Dales
Why we love the Yorkshire Dales
Proof that perfection can’t be rushed, the Yorkshire Dales was millions of years in-the-making. With its heather-topped moorlands, hefty peaks and patchwork of pastures, this is quintessential British countryside with a hardy edge – sculpted by ancient glaciers and jam-packed with fossils.
To explore it all, it’s best to stay on the move: hill hiking, gorge climbing, valley cycling and village touring. Maybe you’ll ride a steam train over Ribblehead Viaduct’s towering arches, or trot through the wild moors on horseback? Beneath your feet, there’s a warren of caves and grottoes to discover too – while the Dales’ rich farming heritage makes it a real foodie hotspot.
Whatever your adventure, here’s how to delve deeper into Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Featured things to do
Walking wonders
With fluffy lambs in the fields, wild primroses blooming, and woodlands full of birdsong and bluebells, this naturally exuberant season is ideal for hiking.
Learn more about the Dales in springNew heights
Get off the tourist trail – literally – by climbing the via ferrata at How Stean Gorge. Scaling its cliffside ladders is white-knuckle stuff, but the view from the top is exhilarating.
Learn more about How Stean GorgeRed alert
It’s prime time for spotting endangered red squirrels, who are busy foraging for winter supplies. To see them up-close, follow Snaizeholme’s 2.5 mile (4km) Red Squirrel Trail.
Learn more about the Red Squirrel TrailStarry eyes
The long winter nights are ideal for moonlit canoeing, astrophotography and cosy Christmas markets. For stargazing tours and talks, look to February’s Dark Skies Festival.
Learn more about the Dark Skies FestivalPlaces to stay in Yorkshire Dales
Heavenly huts
Who needs four walls? Wake up to beautiful countryside when you stay in a campsite, log cabin, yurt or shepherd’s hut.
Dreamy cottages
Charming stone cottages dot the Dales – from traditional retreats with open fires, to seriously swish holiday rentals.
Intriguing inns
For a warm welcome, head to the pub. Many inns offer hotel-quality rooms, as well as hearty dinners and rich history.
Explore nearby
Getting to Yorkshire Dales
The Yorkshire Dales spans the counties of North Yorkshire, Cumbria and Lancashire, in northern England. Leeds Bradford Airport is just 25 minutes away by car, while Manchester Airport is one hour and 15 minutes. Both are international hubs, reached by direct flights from all over the world. The local train links are excellent, too: the service from London Kings Cross to Leeds takes two hours, and Edinburgh to Leeds is three hours.
Getting around
While public transport is the carbon-conscious choice, it’s also convenient and easy to access in the Dales – with extra bus and train services running in the peak summer season. Bikes can be rented throughout the national park, including e-bikes to make light work of those uphill jaunts.
By electric car
If you’re renting a car, it makes sense to go electric, especially as all ten of the Yorkshire Dales public car parks offer EV charging points.
By bus
With the Dales Bus, it’s easy to reach hiking trails and attractions: the routes extend throughout the park, and link up with local train stations.
By train
The Leeds–Settle–Carlisle line runs right through the Dales, and is packed with magnificent sights – including the famous Ribblehead Viaduct.
Want to know more?
To discover more top tips and places to stay, head to the Yorkshire Dales National Park’s website.