Discovering the Yorkshire Dales

Imagine driving along the idyllic country roads through picturesque villages and arriving at ‘the Top of the World’. The world famous Tan Hill Inn, Britain’s highest pub is 1,732 feet above sea level, is set against the back drop of the most stunning scenery found in the UK. You can get here from your cottage in the Yorkshire Dales by following the Regional Route 71 from Richmond.

Sitting high above the beauty and delights of Arkengarthdale, Swaledale and Teesdale you can join walkers and cyclists exploring the area. Walk along the famous Pennine Way and through part of the coast to coast before stopping for a tea and scone at Ravenseat.  Make another stop at the CB Inn for some award winning pub grub before retreating to your cottage in the Yorkshire Dales.

Sometimes there is nothing better than a scenic road trip during your stay in one of our cottages in the Yorkshire Dales. We have been lucky enough to host Sam from Seen Through The Glass at one of our cottages in the Yorkshire Dales whilst he was taking a tour of North Yorkshire. Click here to read more.

While staying in your cottage in the Yorkshire Dales, break away from the luxury of the roaring fire and visit the pretty village of Reeth. En-route, you will experience some of England’s most scenic views, all just on your doorstep of your Yorkshire Holiday Cottages!

The many tea rooms are busy all year round, and a great stop off perhaps after a stroll along the river. Interesting craft shops produce traditional local products, preserving the heritage of the Yorkshire Dales. There is a spectacular large village green at the heart of the village where a market is held every Friday.

As you start to head up into the Yorkshire Dales, you will notice the change in scenery from kerbstones to drystone walls. Take gentle strolls over the Swing Bridge and along the River Swale, or day-long routes for the hardier walker to take in all the scenic views before returning to the luxury of your cottage in the Yorkshire Dales.

Take the scenic drive through the Yorkshire Dales into Hawes, a magical little market town in the heart of Wensleydale, so make sure you count how many cheesy looking hay bales you can spot! Celebrate the glorious Dales at the Dales Countryside Museum, where you can step back in time and find out why elephants and hippos once roamed the area before heading next door to The Rope Makers to watch traditional rope making in progress.

Wensleydale is most famous for its crumbly white cheese, which is made in Hawes with milk from local farms. Visit the award-winning Wensleydale Creamery Before returning to your charming cottage in the Yorkshire Dales, stop off at The Wensleydale Heifer, an award-winning seafood restaurant.

Hardraw Force is a definite must-see attraction, surrounded by woodland and is the highest single-drop waterfall in England at over 100 feet. You can reach the falls through the Green Dragon Inn, a perfect place to stop at after exploring the area.

A quaint little Yorkshire village, Aysgarth is not to be missed. And, just outside of the village is Aysgarth Falls which is one of Wensleydale’s best-loved attractions.

The famous Aysgarth Falls are an impressive spot, where the River Ure hurls itself over three massive rocky steps; the Upper, Middle and Lower Falls. In the wetter months, you can appreciate the water cascading at full speed. The National Park Centre hosts a delicious café, well known for its delicious home-made cakes! Alternatively, take a picnic and sit by the top of the falls where there are an abundance of benches and space to idle away the hours. The centre is also stocked with guides on local walks to help you make the most out of your visit.

If you wish to walk further, there are many walks through the woods to Carperby, West Burton and Castle Burton as well as riverside walks to Askrigg and Bainbrige. Aysgarth Village is small but has plenty of amenities; two pubs, a shop for bike hire, and tearoom. The church is worth a visit, as it is home to a stunning screen saved from Jervaulx Abbey after the great ransacking by Henry VII.

The Druid’s Temple is in fact not a real temple but is one of Yorkshire’s quirkiest 19th-century follies. Inspired by Stonehenge and built in 1820 by the then-sheriff of Yorkshire and wealthy landowner, William Danby. The aim was to alleviate local unemployment, paying local workers a shilling a day for their labour.

Aside from the myth, The Druids Temple is a tranquil spot to take a picnic and enjoy a stroll with the family, including the dog! There are many public footpaths to the main folly, with other standing stones throughout the woodland and the walking trails of various lengths. At a number of points, there are stunning views over the Leighton reservoir, surrounding moorland and the Yorkshire Dales landscape.

Just a stones throw away is Masham, with its lovely market square and with plenty to offer to groups of all ages. We love a trip for Brymor Ice Cream, to Swinton Park for a delicious afternoon team, or pub lunch at the White Bear before retreating to your cottage in the Yorkshire Dales.