Yorkshire Dales National Park
The Yorkshire Dales was designated a National Park in 1954 in recognition of its outstanding natural scenery, diversity of wildlife habitats and rich cultural heritage, as well as its fantastic opportunities for relaxation and recreation.
The National Park is a favourite destination for walkers, cyclists to artists and writers. You can explore remote villages, take in the dramatic landscape and enjoy the unique heritage of the area.
Whether you want peace and solitude, invigorating adventure or simply the chance to relax and unwind the Yorkshire Dales National Park will appeal to you. Keep your eyes peeled during The Dales on ITV 1 for some of the many highlights that you can see around the dales.
Did you know:
• The Yorkshire Dales National Park was established in 1954.
• 19,654 people live in the National Park (2001 Census).
• It covers 1,761.8km2 (176,200 hectares).
• It contains 1,459.37km of footpaths and 622.89km of bridleways.
• Drystone walls in the National Park stretch for 8,689km and there are 1,016km of hedgerows.
• There are some wildflowers in the Yorkshire Dales that live nowhere else in the world.
• There is a species of bat (the brown long-eared bat) seen in the Dales that has ears that are three quarters the length of its head and body.
• There are nearly 1,500 species of moths, 100 species of nesting birds, 36 species of butterflies, 30 species of mammals and hundreds of plant species in the National Park.
• The National Park has its own Three Peaks - Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent - thousands of walkers take up the challenge each year of completing the 24.5 mile circular route in 12 hours or less.
Book your Yorkshire Dales Accommodation
View Yorkshire Dales in a larger map