Yorkshire Dales Attractions

The Yorkshire Dales offers visitors a choice of local attractions in the county, visitors have a choice of a number of interesting and charming places to discover. The Dales includes a scenic landscape, ideal for visitors to enjoy the perfect countryside break along with museums, parks, gardens, a number of historic buildings, theatre, concerts and events. The location of the Dales in the north of England means the tranquil English countryside and the great outdoors are all within reach located close to local towns and villages with a range of things to see and do in the county.

We have outlined a number of interesting attractions and places to visit for visitors to the Yorkshire Dales, these include:

Ripley Castle, that has been home of the Ingilby family for the last several hundred years. The castle is steeped in history and tours are available to learn more about this interesting castle. There are also gardens and deer park that has plenty of wildlife to enjoy. There is also a gift shop and a tea room where you can relax and enjoy the nation’s favourite drink.

Cyclists can explore the winding country lanes and mountain bikers can see the heart of the countryside on one of the trails and footpaths. Visitors can enjoy the Dales for themselves through the self-guided bike rides and tours. See Off the Rails for further information.

For those looking for something altogether more relaxing can enjoy a boat cruise on the canal. You can enjoy a cruise up the historic Springs Branch, go through the picturesque woods and be able to see Skipton Castle. This scenic cruise is worth a try for those that enjoy a cruise. See Pennine Cruisers for more details.

Ingleborough Cave is an extremely popular attraction where you can view beautiful cave formations. The Cave was once the outflow for the streams that flow through the Gaping Gill cave system, but it no longer has this function allowing it to be explored by visitors. Inside there is a well established concrete path allows you explore for over half a kilometre into the mountain. The discrete lighting displays the calcite flows and stalagmites in all their glory. The caves are widely regarded as one of the UK's top natural wonders and attractions and a visit here is a must for visitors.

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden is Yorkshire's world heritage site, located in the city of Ripon in North Yorkshire approx 20 miles from Grassington in the Yorkshire Dales. The site is currently the most complete Cistercian abbey remains in Britain, they are made up of more than 10 historic buildings, including temples and statues, follies and cascades. There is also a medieval wild deer park with several hundred deer.

The Abbey is Britain's largest monastic ruin, it was founded in 1132. There are activities for families all year round from walks and guided tours to special evening events that include concerts with spectacular fireworks, theatre and opera.

The Settle-Carlisle Railway that has stations near Kirkby Stephen, Dent and Garsdale, is an ideal as well as relaxing way to see further the Southern and Western Dales without needing to have a car. This is definitely one of the most scenic railway journeys you will find in the UK.

Ingleborough National Nature Reserve (NNR) is located within the Yorkshire Dales National Park in North Yorkshire. The national nature reserve is renowned for its wildlife and its geology including its limestone pavements. There are two parts to the reserve namely Scar Close and Colt Park Wood, cover over 1,000 hectares and includes many species of wild flowers, sedges and ferns along with a number of rare plants.

The area is famous for its distinctive limestone pavements forming one of the most recognisable features of the area. For visitors the NNR is at its most colourful between May & September, visitors can see a number of species of birds, mammals and reptiles. Hay meadows can be spotted in June & the early part of July and purple flowers in late summer and autumn on Scar Close Moss.

The Dales Countryside Museum is located in Hawes in North Yorkshire. The museum looks back through time to the events and stories that have shaped the Yorkshire Dales going back to prehistoric times right up to the modern day. The museum is housed inside a conversion of the Hawes railway station in Wensleydale.

Inside the museum the themes include, home life, school days, leisure time, religion, farming, local crafts and industries, tourism, transport and communication. Visitors can learn more about the Dales and the local area with a number of exhibitions, demonstrations and workshops. The museum holds a number of events throughout the course of the year. and tourism

Bolton Castle is located in Wensleydale, North Yorkshire, the medieval castle dates back to the 14th century. The castle is a Grade I listed building, it is still owned by descendents of the Scrope family. Guided tours are available where visitors can learn more about the fascinating history of the castle. Inside the castle there are a number of rooms to explore including the Nursery, Old Kitchens, Dungeon, Armoury, Great Chamber and Mary Queen of Scots’ bedroom. There are a number of daily activities at the castle, visitors can see the impressive flying displays from the Hawks and Owls in the Castle Courtyard and the falcon display and archery demonstration.

The castle includes impressive gardens including the Herb Garden, Vineyard & Maze, Rose Gardens and Bowling Green. The gardens provide a an opportunity for visitors to enjoy a stroll in scenic surroundings. A visit to the castle provides a fascinating historical and educational day out for the whole family to enjoy.

It is recommended that prior to visiting the Yorkshire Dales; visitors do their research and ensure any sights and attractions they plan on visiting are actually open on the days you intend on coming. The transport is also worth checking as maintenance and engineering works can mean a restricted service on public transport and the road network.

The Yorkshire Dales with its tranquil setting and scenic environment offers visitors a popular holiday and breaks destination. The area includes the National Park located mainly in North Yorkshire and has plenty to offer visitors with a mix of charming historic market towns and villages including plenty of picturesque locations, open spaces and scenic countryside to enjoy. The Yorkshire Dales includes a number of historic attractions, museums, historic houses, gardens and parks with attractions for the entire family. Yorkshire Dales’s attractions ensure visitors can enjoy a short break, weekend away or a longer stay here.



AddThis Social Bookmark Button





Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
Copyright © 2024 Essential Travel Guide Ltd. All Rights Reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced in any form or by any means without our written permission.