Yorkshire - Yorkshire Dales National Park
Discover the iconic Yorkshire Dales National Park
There’s always something to do in the Dales. Whether you’re coming for the day or staying longer, there’s always lots going on.
Spectacular waterfalls and ancient woodlands contrast with the scattered remains of rural industries. Together, nature and people created a special landscape of immense beauty and character – one of the most picturesque places in the country.
The Yorkshire Dales has many moods; it can be wild and windswept or quietly tranquil with valleys full of hay meadows, dry stone walls and barns. Why not leave your car behind, travel more sustainably and explore the Yorkshire Dales by train, bus, bike, or foot?
One of the best ways to enjoy the Dales is by walking; there are over 60 varied short walks you can take to enjoy the wonderful scenery. If you fancy more of a challenge, there are longer distance options which include the Pennine Way, Coast to Coast, Pennine Bridleway, and the famous Three Peaks, where the aim is to walk 24 miles, covering all three summits, Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, in 12 hours! An inspiring challenge that attracts walkers from around the world.
And if you tire yourself out too soon, hop on a bus to relax, take in the scenery, and see over the top of drystone walls. Many of the walks start or end at locations where you can catch public transport, including stops for the Settle-Carlisle railway.
Yorkshire is also popular with cyclists thanks to the 2014 Tour de France ‘Grand Depart’ and Le Tour de Yorkshire. The Dales offers some of the best cycling the country – from gentle routes in the valleys to challenging climbs over the moorland that separates them; including the iconic Buttertubs pass.
The landscape of the Dales is carved into intricate patterns by the iconic drystone walls that wrap around streams, trees, and rocky outcrops. Small villages and farmsteads made of local stone and frequently surrounded by clumps of trees can be found in the sheltered dales. Stone field barns are scattered throughout the meadows. On the highest, steepest slopes, there are either open rock scree or sparse woodlands, and swift-moving streams lead to dramatic waterfalls. Find out where the earth was mined for lime and lead or follow the ancient paths that travellers and traders used to travel between the dales.
The most popular caving area in Britain is the Yorkshire Dales, which have fantastic undereground systems that can be explored.
Be sure to visit some of the unique towns and villages among the hills of the Dales, which are surrounded by classic routes and walks. They are close to picturesque waterfalls, limestone scars, caves, and woodland walks. Pick a time to visit when traditional English festivals, fell runs, fayres, and fetes are held throughout the year.
And if the weather gets the better of you, you can visit the many interesting family-owned shops, lively markets, and breweries in the area, as well as the local bookshops. Or cosy up next to a roaring fire while sampling the best local produce at one of the many, fabulous pubs.
