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.
Devour a famous pudding
The Yorkshire Dales has gourmet pleasures galore – from fluffy-yet-crispy Yorkshire puddings and tangy Wensleydale cheese, to small-batch gins, curd tarts and ginger-spiced parkin cake. In July, visit the Yorkshire Dales Food and Drink Festival, a four-day feast of local fare. You’ll find excellent pubs and tearooms throughout the national park, and the village of Wensleydale is delightful.
Find your pedal power
We’ll let you into a secret: you don’t need thighs of steel to cycle the Yorkshire Dales peaks. Electric bikes make even the steepest ascent easy, and are available for hire throughout the national park. Its countless off-road bridleways, forest paths and moorland tracks offer routes for all abilities, while the 12-mile (20km) Swale Trail is a favourite for its valley views, waterfalls and pubs.
Venture into the underworld
Craving adventure? With its thundering waterfall and twisting tunnels, White Scar Cave – the longest show cave in Britain – is catnip for explorers. And that’s not all: Ingleborough Cave is full of eerie formations, reached via a 1.3-mile (2km) woodland trail, while Stump Cross Caverns is a hotspot for fossil-finding, and offers tours with its resident geologist.
Discover a Medieval treasure
If walls could talk, Bolton Castle would have almost 650 years of stories to tell: this Medieval stronghold has wowed visitors since the 1300s, and even served as a prison for Mary Queen of Scots in 1568. Its falconry displays, archery and theatrical battles bring its history to life – while the glorious gardens and ruins of both Fountains Abbey and Bolton Abbey are rich in Dales heritage too.
Conquer the Three Peaks
The mighty Three Peaks – the mountains of Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside – offer spectacular hiking. They can be climbed individually, but for 24 miles (38.6km) of epic scenery and leg-pumping ascents, follow the circular Three Peaks loop. Other rewarding routes include waterfall walks to Aysgarth Falls and Janet’s Foss: they’re particularly awesome after rain.
Celebrate music, heritage – and cheese
Join the party! From big-name fiestas to quaint village fêtes, the next festival is never far away. Summer brings traditional agricultural shows – for food markets, fell races and sheepdog trials – while October’s Yorkshire Dales Cheese Festival celebrates fine local fromage. For music, look to Swaledale and Grassington festivals; for literature, visit Richmond’s ‘Books and Boots’ gathering.
Things to do in Yorkshire Dales
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 spring
New 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 Gorge
Red 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 Trail
Starry 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.