It's easy to leave the pressures of everyday life behind in Swaledale. With miles of hills, moorland, and mountains to explore, and few modern distractions, you can walk, cycle or ride to your heart's content. Stroll in any direction and you'll find fields of wildflowers, waterfalls, grouse and hares. And when night draws in, head for the sleepy villages of Reeth, Grinton or Gunnerside and spend a relaxing hour in a traditional tearoom or a quiet country pub.

Outdoor pursuits

Swaledale was made to explore and remains a paradise for artists, ramblers and outdoor lovers. Join the Pennine Way and you can follow in the footsteps of Roman lead-miners and the Cistercian monks who first made Swaledale cheese. Alternatively, hire a bike and head for the dry stone walls and wide open space of Arkengarthdale and James Herriot country.

Be at one with nature

A camera is a must in Swaledale, because wherever you look, you'll find an area of outstanding natural beauty. From the dramatic 'Viking' peaks of Blea Barf and Rogan's Seat to the tumbling waterfalls of Kidson Force and Catrake Force, every new turn reveals a spectacular new view. And few sights are more memorable that the area's vivid wildflower meadows, or more uplifting than River Swale in full flow. Set in the backdrop of spectacular scenery and natural vistas, immerse yourself in Swaledale's picturesque landscape, as wild flower meadows bloom in early summer, gradually making way for the stunning heather and bilberry moors late in August.

Explore, sightsee, and traverse

If exploring is your thing you've come to the right place. Swaledale has an assortment of beautiful hill walks and an abundance of wildlife on offer, ensuring that even the sharpest of photographers are kept on their toes, with large numbers of curlew, lapwing, oystercatcher, wild hare...and if you're lucky even the rare black grouse. You're really in for a natural treat, visit in April or May and you'll catch the new-born baby lambs too.

Ride through the country

If you prefer a slightly less strenuous form of travel, why not give pony trekking a go. Swaledale's diverse terrain and tailored courses ensure that beginners and seasoned riders alike will leave wanting more. Alternatively adrenaline junkies can take it up a gear on our range of fast paced mountain biking routes, some of which will be featuring on the 2014 Tour de France.

Join in the festivities

Visit in May or June to get involved in the Swaledale Festival, which has a wide range of activities and entertainment on offer...it's a great chance to meet new people, get involved in the community and ultimately have fun. Events range from open mic poetry, live music, and archaeology to the popular Wensleydale walk.

Get in the Rhythm

If you want living proof of Swaledale's rich musical heritage make sure you see the Muker Silver Band and Reeth brass bands which have provided the soundtrack for the local community for over a century, with members ranging from 15-79. See the Muker Show, Wednesday, 4 September, 2013 or the Reeth Show, Bank Holiday Monday, 26th August, 2013.

Idyllic rural dining

Whether you're in need of a refuel after a hard day of hill walking or you just want to gorge on some of the local grub, Swaledale is home to a number of friendly and delicious eateries that are waiting to welcome you into their doors. If you're in need of fine dining, why not try Keld Lodge, the recently refurbished Kearton Country Hotel, or The Punch Bowl, all of which offer an eclectic mix of local and continental cuisine. Alternatively if you simply fancy some real ales and hearty homemade pub grub, be sure to visit The Farmers Arms in Muker, where ‘dogs, muddy boots & families are welcome.'

Afternoon Tea

For afternoon tea, Muker Tearoom is an absolute must. Passionate about their food and with striking panoramic views of Mukerside and Swaledale from the patio, this former Victorian vicarage is the ideal spot to take a breather after you've soaked up the surroundings. Inside this charming building you'll also find two open fires, a village store and an en-suite B&B room. Alternatively why not have lunch or afternoon tea on the roof terrace at Ghyllfoot Tearoom in Gunnerside. With views of the esteemed Gunnerside Ghyll, this family owned tearoom and bistro is a hot spot for unwinding and recouping right in the heart of Swaledale.

Homemade local produce

Swaledale has a wide selection of locally sourced produce, with the award winning Hawes creamery just a short drive away you'll find some of the most exciting artisan cheese examples in the country at your fingertips; from Swaledale's very own extra mature blues to Hawes' delicious Wensleydale with cranberries. There are also a number of speciality delis and farm shops where you can find a range of mouth-watering meats including fine Swaledale lamb and real dairy ice cream from the parlour.

Perfect for families

Family fun is around every corner in Swaledale, with a variety of different activities just a stone's throw away from each other. Hazel Brow Farm is a firm favourite among visitors because there's something to do and see all year round, even in wet weather. From guided tours around the grounds, interactions with farm animals including pigs, kittens, lambs, chickens as well as sheep dogs and even the exciting nature trail.

Activities for the outgoing

There's a wide range of family friendly activities in Swaledale for you to get your teeth into, such as, camping or picnicking by the babbling streams, kayaking, caving and climbing, or even tobogganing in the winter months. Venture slightly further afield and you'll find rated The Forbidden Corner, (a Tripadvisor top rated maze), just a 30 minute drive away.

Historic architecture

Over the River Swale stands the imposing Richmond Castle, erected in 1071 and built in distinguishable honey coloured sandstone, this towering building is one of the finest examples of construction during the Norman Conquest. Explore the castle's grand keep, with its 100ft high surrounding walls, or visit the two striking courtyards. You'll also find a whole host of things to see and do in the exhibition centre, from interactive tours of the castle's infamous prison cells to inspecting its very own ancient artefacts.

Re-visit the past

Visit Gunnerside and you'll be lured in by Swaledale's extensive mining heritage, which at its peak provided upto 10% of the country's lead. Traverse the steep banks of Gunnerside Ghyll valley and you'll find a wide network of mining remains at your feet, just waiting to be explored. At the bottom of the ghyll there's The Old Working Smithy & Museum, which was established in 1795 and displays a surprising collection of objects and artefacts from the mining period.

Faith in the country

Swaledale has a broad selection of churches including St Mary's in Muker, St Andrew's in Grinton and Holy Trinity in Low Row. Whether you're visiting to partake in prayer, or just to soak up the tranquil atmosphere, these historical venues have a lot to offer for everyone.

Local expertise

As one of England's most vibrant regions, Swaledale is host to a number of speciality shops and stalls which utilise local craftsmanship and most importantly stay loyal to age old methods of artistry and production. Friday is market day on Reeth Green, where you can grab a bargain from the range of unique local crafts and produce. For beautiful clothing visit Swaledale Woollens in Muker, where you'll find organically spun woollen garments, rotated on 19th century spinning mules; many of which have real horn buttons.

Shop at your own pace

With a diverse range of independent retailers nestled in this beautiful town, there's something for everyone, and Swaledale is known for making its shopper's feel at home with its friendly atmosphere. Visit The Garden House in Reeth, which stocks fine pottery, kitchenware, textiles and more, or The Old Temperance Book Shop which specialises in Christian literature as well as fairtrade products. Bikers flock to Dales Bike Centre which offers skills courses and a selection of high-end mountain bikes for hire or purchase. There's also Reeth Post Office, the Organic Bakery, village store, a car garage and even a gift shop for all your visitor essentials.