Escape the hustle and bustle

With 680 square miles of outstanding scenery, protected wildlife and rich heritage, the rolling Dales have an unrivalled sense of tranquility. Stroll beside its rivers, hike over its moorlands, cycle its bridleways and climb its limestone pavements. However you discover the area, you'll feel the rest of the world just melt away.

Secrets of the past

Don't let the uninterrupted views fool you. The Yorkshire Dales is a living, working landscape inhabited by charming market towns and picture postcard villages, each with their own unique character and charm. Steeped in heritage, the region boasts historic castles, country houses and old mills all whispering stories about people past who have helped shape the National Park you see today.

Something for everyone

From Nidderdale in the south to Swaledale in the north, you won't be short of things to do as you journey across the Dales. Steam trains beckon, traditional food and ales tempt and lively festivals invite each and every visitor to sample the different sights and sounds that make this area so unique.

Dales past, present and future

The chances are your Dales accommodation is an attraction in itself - waking up in a stone cottage or converted stable is a wonderful way to get into the mood for a day's exploring. A great place to start is with a visit to the Dales Countryside Museum in Hawes which tells the story of the people who have lived there before. This converted railway station also has a tourist information centre; historic and informative all at the same time!  

Natural attractions

The Dales offer a great opportunity to get back to nature and are a haven for rare breed sheep, black grouse and the northern brown angus butterfly. They also hold some unique geological spectacles. Discover the huge, curved limestone cliff at Malham Cove and enjoy the natural playground of weird and wonderful rock formations at Brimham Rocks. And what a refreshing sight to see Britain's highest unbroken waterfall, Hardraw Force.

Halls that steal your heart

As well as being an attractive market town, Leyburn is also a wonderful base for exploring historic countryside halls and gardens. Burton Constable Hall has romantic gardens filled with roses, tulips and reflection ponds, whilst you'll fall in love with the carved staircases in Braithwaite Hall's 17th Century interior.

Local delicacies

Holidays are made for taking a break and letting someone else do the cooking (and the washing up!). So imagine yourself in a traditional Dales pub, sampling the locally brewed ale and tucking into some of the freshest produce money can buy. The Kilnsey trout and Limestone beef are rare treats not to be missed - and both are farmed in a way that's sympathetic to the beautiful countryside.

Home grown flavour

It's worth making a special trip to the tearooms, pubs and restaurants that specialise in cooking dishes using locally sourced Yorkshire Dales ingredients. And it doesn't have to stop here because there's a wealth of farm shops and farmers' markets that mean you can take a taste of Yorkshire home - spoil yourself with delicious pies, puddings and cakes.

"Like no cheese I've ever tasted"

Wallace and Gromit fans will know how much they like 'real' Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese and you can pick yours up in Hawes from the actual creamery where it is made. Take a tour of the creamery and enjoy some cheese tasting, or watch from the viewing gallery before visiting the museum, shop and restaurant.

The height of good taste

Tan Hill Inn is a very special place high in the Yorkshire Dales. It is, in fact, the highest pub in Great Britain at 1,732ft above sea level. Here you will receive one of the warmest and friendliest welcomes that you could ever wish to find.

The great outdoors

Come rain or shine, exploring the Dales is an exhilarating experience. So don your family explorer hats and enjoy the fresh northern air any which way you like; on foot, by bike or climbing. Discover the caves at White Scar, Ingleborough or Stump Cross Caverns, or take a more leisurely trip through the Dales and the Blea Moor tunnel on the magnificent Settle-Carlisle railway.

The Forbidden Corner

Affectionately called 'the strangest place in the world', The Forbidden Corner has recently been voted the best children's attraction in Yorkshire and everything about it is enchanting. Can you solve the puzzle as you navigate a labyrinth of tunnels, chambers and follies to meet extraordinary statues, the eye of the needle and a giant glass pyramid? Be sure to book your ticket in advance.

Saddle Up

There are few things finer than exploring the countryside on horseback and the Yorkshire Dales National Park offers ample opportunities for riders of all abilities and experience. As an experienced rider with access to your own horse, you can plan your own route or if you simply want a guided ride there are several excellent riding stables within the National Park.  These are able to offer lessons, treks or even more adventurous multi-day excursions stopping in welcoming accommodation throughout the Yorkshire Dales.

Essence of the past

With dramatic limestone valleys, one of Britain's oldest cities and Yorkshire's first World Heritage Site, walking through the Dales is like stepping back in time. Many villages and hamlets have occupied the landscape for over a thousand years - surrounded by ancient fields and meandering stone walls they set a scene that's as historic as it is timeless.

Lower the drawbridge

When it comes to castles, you're virtually tripping over these historical treasures in the Dales. Standing over 900 years old, Skipton Castle is one of the most complete and well preserved mediaeval castles in England. Its younger neighbour, Ripley Castle, is an impressive 700 years old and Bolton Castle is a magnificent mediaeval fortress that gives the impression that its old inhabitants have literally just stepped out.

Ruined abbeys and priories

For an absolutely stunning day out, head to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Gardens near Ripon. The historical significance of this Cistercian Abbey is as breathtaking as its Georgian gardens and mediaeval deer park. Or visit the Yorkshire estate of the Duke of Devonshire at Bolton Abbey and explore the ruined priory against a 30,000 acre backdrop of ancient moorland, woodland and riverside footpaths.

From pottery to pullovers

Whether you enjoy treading the cobbles or stomping the High Street, the Yorkshire Dales is big enough and clever enough to have it all. Visit the riverside pottery in Ingleton to pick up some beautiful hand-thrown stoneware or take a trip to Swaledale, still famous for its breed of hardy sheep and associated knitting industry as well as locally-made cheeses. A visit is also an opportunity to see the local craftspeople, farming and business communities keeping this very much a working dale.

Festival of food

Shopping around for food and drink is anything but a chore here. In fact, it's a reason to celebrate with all the cuisine and beer-related festivals going on! There's the Dales Festival of Food and Drink, the Blacksheep Brewery Boots & Beer Festival and the Dentdale Music and Beer Festival to name just three. Lower Wensleydale's main town is Leyburn with its three distinct cobbled squares where the thriving market is held every Friday.You'll never have such a good time stocking up your hamper.