Activities and places

Ingleborough is one of the 3 highest peaks in the National Park at 723 metres, and can be reached within half an hour walking from Clapham, an idyllic village with stone cottages lining the brook. Stunning views can be had as you look across to Ribblehead Viaduct, to the peaks of Whernside and Pen-y-ghent and southwest to the sea.  Ingleborough Cave has tours taking you through the beautiful underground world of stalactites and stalagmites, sculpted by nature. Image courtesy of www.dales-photos.co.uk

The countryside around Malham provides you with some of the finest scenery in Britain. Malham Cove is a limestone ampitheatre formed through ice and water erosion after the last ice age. At the top there is a remarkable limestone pavement with its clints (small flat blocks) and grikes (deep crevices between), and a sensational view over the valley. Beyond, the Dry Valley leads northwards towards Malham Tarn, a great spot for a picnic.

The charming village of Kettlewell with its narrow streets and classic grey stone cottages looks down on valley pastures divided by the quintessentially English dry stone wall.

Grassington is a delightful village on the river Wharfe. Its cobbled square is home to lots of family owned shops, cafes and restaurants. The village is also becoming known as the arts and crafts capital of the Yorkshire Dales, with a number of galleries displaying local artist’s work. 

Bolton Abbey lies in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales on the banks of the River Wharfe. The abbey dates back to the mid-twelfth century, and while much of it is now in ruins, the nave was rescued and is now the Priory Church, which has some beautiful paintings inside as well as glorious stained glass windows. Image courtesy of www.dales-photos.co.uk


Hawes is a bustling market town and a great base for exploring the Wensleydale area, with plenty of walks and tours available. The town is home to Wenselydale creamery (famous as being Wallace and Gromit’s favourite cheese!) One mile north of Hawes is the spectacular Hardraw Force, England’s highest waterfall with a 30 metre single drop. Image courtesy of www.dales-photos.co.uk

The Forbidden Corner is a unique labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, follies and surprises created in a four acre garden in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, and great fun for families as you try to find all the clues within the maze.

The Settle and Carlisle Railway is a great way of getting between the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District national parks.  The 72 miles of track take you through the Yorkshire Dales, over the 24 arches of the splendid Ribblehead Viaduct, through the gentle rolling hills of the Eden Valley, with rural villages and market towns before arriving at Carlisle.  (See Lake District page for more on the Lake District)