Fancy a trip to Forbidden Corner in Leyburn? Expect a unique labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, follies and surprises set in glorious countryside. Or hear the fascinating story of the Yorkshire Dales and the people who’ve shaped the landscape for thousands of years at The Dales Countryside Museum.
Head to Bolton Castle for horrible histories on a castle and garden tour, the mesmerising maze, the falconry experience, a hawk walk or an owl experience. Take a guided tour of White Scar Cave, the longest show cave in Britain. Book a working sheepdog demonstration. Or give caving a go at Marrick Priory.
Feed the animals, play indoors or tackle the straw maze at Hesketh Farm Park. Meet more animals at Kilnsey Park. Feed the ducks at Ilkley Tarn, see the waterfall inside Yordas Cave or have a picnic and a paddle at River Nidd waterfalls. Or head up to England’s highest lake at Malham Tarn.
Ride Europe’s longest rollercoaster at Lightwater Valley, plus Jurassic adventure golf and over 40 other rides. Head to Otley Chevin for great views, picnics, plane-watching and rope swings. Stick around for the sculpture trail. Watch the steam trains on the Ribblehead Viaduct. Or follow the trail at the Settle Flowerpot Festival.
Right in the heart of Hawes, you’ve got the peace and tranquillity of the Dales on one side and the bustling market town with its pubs, cafés and bookshops just a few streets away on the other. It’s the best of both worlds. And your gateway to a world of tumbling waterfalls and soaring fells.
Discover one of Britain’s wildest roads, the Buttertubs Pass, between Wensleydale and Swaledale. Tackle it by bike and follow in the tyre tracks of Jens Voigt, who won the opening polka-dot jersey of the Tour de France here in 2014. Or discover glorious waterfall walks to Ingleton, Aysgarth, Hardraw, Cotter Force and Aysgill.
Pop into town on Tuesdays for the indoor and outdoor market for farm-fresh fare. Enjoy foodie treats at fabulous restaurants including The Angel at Hetton, The Wensleydale Heifer and Beck Hall. Play scenic golf courses at Richmond, Bracken Gyll and Ilkley. Or enjoy day-ticket fishing at Bolton Abbey.
Ride the heritage Wensleydale Railway through some of the country’s finest scenery. Maybe buy a single ticket and walk or cycle back? Or go the whole hog and book the celebrated Settle-to-Carlisle railway across the roof of England, with 20 viaducts, 14 tunnels and a great view of The Three Peaks.
