Explore Leyburn, North Yorkshire: Places to Stay, Events & Things to Do
Leyburn is a town located in North Yorkshire, governed by North Yorkshire Council. With a population of about 2,000, it is situated within the DL8 postcode area. Known for its proximity to the Yorkshire Dales, Leyburn is a gateway to the region's stunning landscapes and offers a variety of local markets and shops.
Leyburn, a charming market town in North Yorkshire, serves as a perfect gateway to the breathtaking landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales. With a population of around 2,410, this vibrant community offers a delightful mix of local markets and independent shops that showcase the best of regional produce and craftsmanship. Be sure to visit the historic Leyburn Town Hall, built in 1856, which houses several shops and is a focal point of the town's bustling activity.
Nature enthusiasts will find themselves captivated by the scenic beauty surrounding Leyburn, including the nearby River Ure and the stunning views of the Dales. Whether you're looking to explore the great outdoors or indulge in some local delicacies, Leyburn has plenty to offer. Don't miss the opportunity to check out the local events happening throughout the year, ensuring there's always something exciting to experience. Explore more about your visit by checking out our things to do in Leyburn section for activities and attractions that will make your stay unforgettable.
Stay in Leyburn
Eastfield Lodge
Haven House Bed & Breakfast
Enjoy a delightful stay at Haven House Bed & Breakfast in Leyburn, highly-rated for its comfort, superb breakfasts, and Wensleydale location.
Things to Do in Leyburn
Wensleydale Galleries
The Teapottery now Ceramic Inspirations
Explore Ceramic Inspirations in Leyburn for a delightful array of unique teapots and handcrafted ceramics, perfect for gifts.
Food & Drink
Castiels Speciality Coffee Bar
Discover Castiels Speciality Coffee Bar in Leyburn, a highly-rated, dog-friendly gem serving excellent artisan coffee and delicious treats.
The Bolton Arms
Discover The Bolton Arms, a highly-rated restaurant in Leyburn offering a warm welcome and satisfying meals in the heart of the Dales.
Interactive Map
View accommodation, attractions, restaurants, and events on the map
Geographic Facts
This town is geographically within the following regions:
- Population
- 2,410
- Postcode
- DL8
- Administrative area
- North Yorkshire Council (formerly Richmondshire)
- Dialing code
- 01969
- Timezone
- UTC±00:00
Data sourced from Wikidata and verified public records
Upcoming Events in Leyburn
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Latest news from Leyburn
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What's On At Bolton Castle? Tudor History, Family Events, And Shakespeare Near Leyburn
Walkshire in Leyburn
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Walk: Middleham, Hullo Bridge, East Witton and Cover Banks
Middleham Castle, the gorge of Cover Banks, the legend of the Kelpie and some great Dales pubs. The Route what3words for start point: ///populate.operating.tanked Start / Finish Point: Middleham, Wensleydale Distance: 6 Miles GPX Route Map middleham-and-cover-banksDownload Walk Description Middleham is an elegant town of Georgian houses and older cottages set around two old market places, behind which lie the ruins of Middleham Castle, often described as the ‘Windsor of the North’. The castle dates back to 1190 and has played an important role in the history of England as this was once the stronghold of the powerful Neville family, Earls of Warwick, for over 200 years from where they ruled their vast Northern estates. The heyday of the castle was during the 15th Century, especially during the War of the Roses. Richard Plantaganet, later the Duke of Gloucester then Richard III, grew up at the castle where he later met his wife Lady Anne Neville, the daughter of the Earl of Warwick - the Kingmaker. Their son Edward, Prince of Wales was born at the castle. Richard became king in 1483 but was killed at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485. The castle soon fell into disrepair and remained Crown property until 1625 when passed into private ownership. Much of the stonework was plundered in the 17th Century and went to build local houses. Whatever time of day you visit Middleham, there always seems to be sleek racehorses either going up onto or returning from the gallops across Middleham Low Moor. Horse breeding and training can be traced back to the monks of Jervaulx Abbey; however, it was during the 18th Century that racehorse training began to flourish in this area as the wide open spaces of Middleham High and Low Moors provided the perfect gallops. This brought prosperity to the town and it was not long before a racecourse was laid out on High Moor, with races being held until 1873. Middleham remains a major centre for racehorse training. Between Middleham and Cover Bridge, the River Cover flows through a steep-sided wooded gorge known as Cover Banks. Indeed, the name of this river is derived from the ancient British word that means ‘a stream that flows through a deep ravine’. This river is also steeped in legend for it is the haunt of the 'Kelpie'. From the turbulent waters this horse-like creature is said to lure the unwary into riding on its back, only to disappear beneath the waters and so drowning its victim. The Kelpie is a supernatural water horse that dates back to Celtic folklore thousands of years ago.
Walk: Wensleydale Challenge - Askrigg to Leyburn
Rise to the challenge: get dropped off at Askrigg and walk back to Leyburn. After a brief climb, the rest is fairly flat and Wensleydale at it's best. The Route what3words for start point: ///modes.officials.bangle Start Point: Askrigg Finish Point: Leyburn Distance: 13 Miles GPX Route Map wensleydalechallenge-askriggtoleyburn2Download Walk Description After an enjoyable bus journey "up dale" to Askrigg on the volunteer Little White Bus featured on Countryfile, the rest is up to you but rise to the challenge and you will follow the River Ure through Wensleydale into Leyburn Market Square with an enormous sense of achievement. It is a long but rewarding walk, however as an alternative, there is the option of jumping aboard the Wensleydale Railway in Redmire. This is just over halfway and can provide a ride back to Leyburn in comfort. The route climbs initially but gently through fields and woodland and then flattens out to contour along the hillside with spectacular views. Above Haw Bank on the right before crossing the wooden foot bridge, it is worth stepping carefully off the route to enjoy Disher Force which thunders down the steep sided gill. There is still evidence of the lead mining industry on the edge of Carperby Moor before seeing the imposing Bolton Castle ahead. The Castle has been owned by the same family since it was built in 1399 by Sir Richard Le Scrope, Lord Chancellor of England whilst Richard II was on the throne. In 1568, Mary, Queen of Scots was imprisoned there. The end for Bolton Castle came in the Civil War, when John Scrope, only a teenager at the time, held the castle for the royalist cause. Parliament besieged the castle for an entire year but in November 1645, Scrope was forced to surrender. Parliament intended to slight the castle to make it unusable in future, but the south-west tower and the west range survived almost completely intact and habitable. Below the castle walls is a medieval garden, a maze, a rose garden, herb garden, vineyard, birds of prey and a bowling green. The route takes you under Great Wegber and Wegber Scar above Carperby where James Herriot had his honeymoon. On the top of Wegber is a prominent building which is Greenhaw Hut, a bothy shelter. Following along the banks of the River Ure leads past the Ice Pond and through the Bolton Hall estate, over the attractive Lords Bridge before continuing the other side of the river into Wensley. It is easy to see how the area was affected by the floods in 2019. Wensley is a pretty village and of course, gives its name to the dale itself.
About Leyburn, North Yorkshire
Leyburn is a market town and civil parish located in North Yorkshire, governed by North Yorkshire Council. With a population of approximately 2,410 residents, it serves as a gateway to the Yorkshire Dales, offering stunning landscapes and a vibrant local community. Leyburn is known for its historic market and various local shops, making it a charming destination for visitors.
Where Is Leyburn?
Leyburn is situated on the northern banks of the River Ure, near the eastern border of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The town is approximately 10 miles northwest of Ripon and 15 miles southwest of York. Leyburn is easily accessible via major roads, including the A684 and A6108, connecting it to nearby towns such as Middleham 1.9 miles to the south and Harmby, just 1.1 miles away.
What Is Leyburn Known For?
Leyburn is historically significant, having been mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. The town was granted a market charter in 1686, establishing its long-standing tradition as a market town. Notable landmarks include the Leyburn Town Hall, built in 1856, which houses several shops, and Leyburn Hall, a listed building constructed in 1750. Additionally, the town's War Memorial commemorates lives lost in both World Wars.
For more information, you can visit the Leyburn Wikipedia page.
The History of Leyburn
Although Leyburn's founding is not precisely documented, it gained prominence with the granting of a Royal Charter to nearby Wensley in 1202. The area faced challenges, such as the devastation of Wensley by the plague in 1563. Leyburn's market charter, granted by Charles II in 1686, solidified its role as a market town. The construction of Leyburn Town Hall in 1856 further established the town as a community hub, and its rich history continues to shape its character today.
Exploring Leyburn and Nearby Yorkshire
With over 18 attractions to explore, including local markets and shops, Leyburn offers a variety of things to do in Leyburn for visitors. The town's unique position near the Yorkshire Dales makes it an ideal base for outdoor activities and scenic walks.
Nearby, the quaint village of Wensley is just 1.3 miles away, while the charming village of Spennithorne lies 1.8 miles to the south, offering additional experiences for those exploring the area. For dining options, browse places to eat in Leyburn to find local cuisine and traditional fare.
How Far Is Leyburn from York?
Leyburn is approximately 15 miles northwest of York, accessible via the A684 road, making it a convenient location for visitors looking to explore both the town and the historic city.