At the heart of Wensleydale lies the vibrant market town of Leyburn, the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales. This cobbled market town with a great mix of quaint and quirky shops and places to eat. Surrounded by some of Yorkshire’s most picturesque countryside, there are plenty of opportunities to get away from the everyday ordinary and enjoy some much-needed peace and solitude. Set amid some of England’s finest walking and cycling country, spending a weekend in our holiday cottages in Leyburn is the perfect base. Go exploring, hiking, cycling and sightseeing before retiring to your luxury Yorkshire Dales accommodation.

Find out from the locals, what we would recommend to do and see whilst in Leyburn…

things to do in yorkshire

Friday...

On route to your luxury holiday home in Leyburn, head to the award-winning Campbells of Leyburn to stock up with everything you could need for your Yorkshire weekend away, including a stash of wine and local meats for the BBQ which awaits you. Step inside your holiday property and wow at all of the gorgeous interiors and unique features before retiring in front of the big cosy fire with a glass of red. The kids will enjoy discovering what your chosen Yorkshire Dales accommodation has to offer from the outdoor hot tubs, games rooms and amazing walks to go and explore.

family friendly yorkshire forbidden corner

Saturday...

On Saturday make sure you wake up early so you have time to fit everything in, Enjoy breakfast together at the large dining space and get wrapped up warm for today’s adventures.

If you have kids (big or small) today is the best day to explore the award-winning Forbidden Corner, a unique labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, follies and surprises (make sure you’re wearing your waterproofs), created in 4 acres of countryside. This is a day out with a difference for brave adventurers and those young at heart. After exploring, head next door for more weird and wonderful at the Saddle Room restaurant. Once a racehorse stables, you can sit by a cosy fire, whilst enjoying the fabulous menu of local food and ales.

Please note that booking needs to be made ahead and is easily done online. You can book for the same day.

Middleham Castle yorkshire

Saturday Afternoon...

After lunch, walk off the desert you just had whilst exploring Middleham Castle, once the childhood home of Richard III, you can relive the castle’s illustrious history and unlock the deeds of its great owners. Although roofless, extensive remains of the fortified palace still survive, making Middleham a fascinating castle to explore.

Make sure you drive by Cauldron Falls on your way home, one of Yorkshire’s finest waterfalls with a great viewing spot to take the perfect Insta pic too. Now everybody is tired out, on your way home after a day exploring pop in for dinner with the whole family at The Blue Lion or treat yourself to some romantic fine dining at The Wensleydale Heifer and enjoy their delicious award-winning seafood menu before coming home to relax in your own bubbling hot tub.

Things to do in Yorkshire

Sunday...

Head to Leyburn’s market square for breakfast at Serendipity’s friendly tearoom and interior shop, whilst planning your walking route for the day. Leyburn is an ideal base for exploring, hiking, cycling and sight-seeing for all ages. Find some varied walking routes and maps here…

If you want to give your legs a rest and travel in style then why not hop on a train on the Wensleydale Railway, which is a heritage line using diesel locomotives with the occasional steam train running. Hop on board and take the scenic route to Redmire, where you will find Bolton Castle, one of the country’s best preserved 14th century medieval castles, with over 600 years of fascinating history to explore. Look out for the sword fighting demonstrations and falconry displays.

Tennants auctioneers in Leyburn

Tennants Auctioneers

If you like antiques, Tennants Auctioneers has been running since the late Victorian period and is the largest auction house outside of London, hosting over 100 auctions of fine art, antiques and specialist collectables each year across three salesrooms, a viewing area and a mezzanine gallery for specialist sales. Get involved and find something special to take home to mark your memorable holiday. The Garden Rooms, a multi-purpose visitor centre and events venue, which offers an array of food and drink in their popular café and elegant bistro is also a must visit. Auction viewings and live sales, free galleries showcasing rare treasures awaiting auction, free visiting exhibitions and a diverse programme of live music, lectures and events mean there is always something to see at Tennants.

Holiday Cottages in Leyburn

dog friendly cottages yorkshire dales

Sun Hill Farm

A trio of charming holiday homes. Set in the grounds of Sun Hill Stables, reconnect with nature and watch racehorses horses in the paddocks. A 5-bed farmhouse has a games room, bar and hot tub. Whilst the neighbouring 3-bed and 1-bed holiday cottages are an idyllic escape near Leyburn.

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group accommodation yorkshire

West Grange

For group accommodation in the Yorkshire Dales, try West Grange near Leyburn. The five bedroom large holiday home is complete with stylish interiors, log burner, a hot tub, surrounded by glorious countryside. Next door is a 1-bedroom boutique retreat, Bearskin Cottage.

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yorkshire dales cottages

Hollins Farmhouse

Between Leyburn and Middleham, Hollins Farmhouse is a perfect large celebration cottage for up to 10 guests. Nestled amongst acres of Wensleydale countryside, and with amazing views from the garden hot tub, plan a country escape with family and friends.

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Leyburn