Sometimes we get the urge to escape the big cities and busy towns to find somewhere more peaceful where we can enjoy Mother Nature for a few days. If this describes you right now, then you really should consider a weekend away in the Yorkshire Dales. Beautiful views, breathtaking walks, fresh air, wildlife, and flora – what more do you need? Well, if you are looking to get away, we have put together this useful guide exploring the best Yorkshire Dales villages and towns for a weekend stay.
We explore some of the most beautiful places to visit in the Yorkshire Dales, from the popular Malham to the historic Middleham. By the end of the guide, you’ll be ready to plan your next visit to this picturesque part of the world.
So, What are the Best Yorkshire Dales Villages and Towns?
Here are our choices for the best villages in the Yorkshire Dales. Do you agree? Are there any we have missed? Let’s jump in and see.
1. Grassington
We start off with arguably one of the prettiest market towns in the Yorkshire Dales and somewhere you just have to visit. It has a wonderful atmosphere with independent shops, a farmers’ market, and cafes. It can also boast of being the fictional market town of Darrowby on the TV show All Creatures Great and Small.
What is there to do?
Bolton Abbey
Bolton Abbey is just 9 miles from Grassington and is one of the most popular places to go in the Yorkshire Dales. You will discover vast and beautiful moorland and woodland, ancient ruins, and cultural landmarks along 80+ miles of footpaths.
Grassington Folk Museum
Located in two 17th-century cottages, the Grassington Folk Museum is an absolute gem for anyone interested in local history. The museum tells the story of Upper Wharfedale and Grassington’s vital role in the Industrial Revolution.
Kilnsey Trekking and Riding Centre
Giddy up and get yourself down to the Kilnsey Trekking and Riding Centre. Located just 3 miles from Grassington, the centre offers pony trekking, horse riding lessons, and horse riding holidays. They cater for adults and children alike and for beginner, intermediate, and advanced riders.
Cycling
Whether you’re an experienced cyclist with all the gear or just like to leisurely ride around beautiful countryside, Grassington is the place for you. There are some incredible routes, including Lower Wharfedale to either Burnsall or Barden, or you can cycle to local (and equally stunning) villages such as Kilnsey and Kettlewell. Bolton Abbey isn’t far away and has some fantastic cycle routes, including sections that were in the Tour de Yorkshire.
Parcevall Hall Gardens
Just seven miles away, you’ll find Percevall Hall Gardens, a place of tranquil haven right in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. These historical gardens unfold across twenty-four acres of woodland walks, stunning views, hidden pools, and formal terraces.
Pay a Visit to a Famous TV Pub
Grassington has become one of the most popular places to visit in Yorkshire for fans of All Creatures Great and Small. Therefore, you may recognise The Devonshire but under a different name. Yes, that’s right, it’s The Drovers Arms, frequented by James and the gang in the show.
Inside, you find a cosy place to enjoy great ales, eat delicious food, and sit and relax by the roaring fire. As it is a Timothy Taylor pub, you find all the classics, including Landlord, Landlord Dark, Boltmaker, and a nod to the famous show – Drovers Best. You can also stay in their beautiful and comfortable rooms and get the chance to sample true Yorkshire hospitality.
2. Malham
Malham is one of the most popular and spectacular of all the Yorkshire Dales villages. It draws a variety of visitors from adventurers to nature enthusiasts, all keen to explore its stunning limestone landscapes and magical woodland walks. This small village has a real tranquil and charming atmosphere, making it perfect for a peaceful getaway.
What is there to do?
Malham Cove
Malham Cove is just a short walk away from the village centre and is one of the must-visit natural wonders in the National Park. It is a stunning natural limestone crescent-shaped cliff which is visible for miles. The top is reached by walking across the 400 stone steps, and when you get there, you get the most incredible views.
Janet’s Foss
Named after ‘Janet’, who, the story goes, was the queen of the fairies and apparently lived in a small cave behind the waterfall. This mystical tale is perfect for this magical, hidden woodland setting with a small but wonderful waterfall. The turquoise plunge pool below the waterfall is a popular place for a wild swim (if you can handle the cold!).
Gordale Scar
One of the gems of the National Park, this spectacular hidden gorge has amazed visitors and been the inspiration for many artists and writers, including William Wordsworth and J.M.W. Turner. This striking natural feature was formed on the Middle Craven Fault over thousands of years and successive Ice Ages, which carved it deeper and deeper to form the gorge we see today.
Malham Tarn
This picturesque glacial lake is a must-visit when staying in Malham village. The backdrop of rolling hills, rugged moorland, flower-rich hay meadows, and rare plants and animals is the perfect setting for a relaxing walk, cycle, or picnic.
Eat, Drink, and Sleep at The Lister Arms
After a long day walking and sightseeing all the beautiful spots of Mallam village, we are sure you’ll want to stop somewhere for a drink and a hearty meal. The Lister Arms is a cosy and charming inn that provides home-cooked food, excellent hospitality, and, if you want to stay, modern boutique bedrooms. If you visit in the colder winter months, there is a roaring fire to sit by and relax.
3. Reeth
Next on our list of the best villages in the Yorkshire Dales is situated in Swaledale, north of the National Park. Sitting under the dramatic ridge of Frenington Edge, Reeth is famous for the incredible farming landscape of Upper Swaledale, made up of field barns, drystone walls, and picturesque hay meadows which burst with colour in the summer months.
What is there to do?
Ard Rock Enduro Mountain Bike Festival
Get ready to rock! If you definitely like to live life on the wild side, then Ard Rock Enduro Festival is for you. The festival held in July is a celebration of adrenaline and adventure with the beautiful Yorkshire Dales landscape as its backdrop. You’ll experience world-class riding, camping, live music, industry-leading expos, and plenty of food and drink.
Graculus Sculptures
Enter into the wonderful and unique world of Michael Kusz. Michael is a sculptor who uses innovative welding techniques to transform copper into quirky and unique artworks. He focuses mainly on birds and animals, and has created everything from butterflies to a huge nine-foot phoenix. So, take a trip down to his studio for an unforgettable artistic experience.
Go Cycling Down The Swale Trail
Swaledale is an incredibly beautiful valley in the Yorkshire Dales, and one of the best ways to explore it is by bike. You start the Swale Trail at Reeth and travel a distance of 12 miles to Keld. You will travel down quiet country lanes and also have a few harder climbs (all worth it for the stunning views!). As well as enjoying the incredible scenery, you will also learn some fun facts. These include how the fearsome Vikings settled here and how miners worked dangerously underground to mine lead. It is the perfect cycling trip for both adults and children.
Learn how to make Cheese at Lacey’s Cheese
If you want something a bit different when looking for things to do in the Yorkshire Dales, then we may suggest Lacey’s Cheese. They provide fun cheese-making courses where you will be fully involved in all areas of the process, from adding rennet to cheddaring the curd to potting up to waxing the cheese. And yes, you do get to take some cheese back with you! So, if you are a cheese lover (who isn’t!), then definitely check out Lacey’s Cheese.
Stay at Reeth’s Oldest Surviving Inn
If you are looking for a drink, some great food, or a place to stay, then you should consider a key part of Reeth’s history. The Black Bull dates back to 1680 and is the village’s oldest surviving inn. It overlooks the village green and has wonderful views of Swaledale. Inside, you find a fine selection of real ales and excellent wines, freshly prepared food, and a roaring fire perfect for those colder evenings. There are also en-suite rooms providing you with a cosy and peaceful place to stay.
4. Middleham
Definitely one of the Yorkshire Dales market towns with the most history. Middleham is famous for its 12th-century castle, being the childhood home of Richard III, and having a thriving racehorse training industry. This beautiful town lies within the wider Yorkshire Dales landscape, and is commonly promoted as a Yorkshire Dales town. Found in the beautiful countryside between Coverdale and Wensleydale and is certainly one of the best places to visit in the Yorkshire Dales area.
What is there to do?
Middleham Castle
Middleham Castle is best known for being the childhood home of England’s most infamous monarchs – Richard III. Many of you may recall that the remains of Richard were found in a Leicester Council car park in 2012. The castle dates back to the 12th century, and at its core is a Norman keep, which is one of the largest in England. When visiting the castle, you can explore the remains, take in the incredible views of Wensleydale, and discover more about its fascinating history.
Forbidden Corner
It isn’t called ‘the strangest place in the world’ for no reason. Found at Tupgill Park, the Forbidden Corner is a magical labyrinth of chambers, tunnels, follies, and surprises around every corner. You won’t have visited anywhere like this before, and it is perfect for adults, children, and those young at heart!
Go on Breathtaking Walks
The beauty of Middleham is that it’s surrounded by the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, so you don’t have to go far to feel you are in the middle of nature. One of the best walks is along the River Cover, where you see the remains of Coverham Abbey and incredible views of Middleham Abbey. If you want to go a little further afield, then Middleham is the perfect base to explore Wensleydale and the many beautiful towns, villages, and walks in the area.
Dine and Stay in a Converted Stable Yard
With Middleham’s thriving racehorse training industry, it is the obvious choice to want to discuss The Saddle Room, which started life as a Stable Yard. They deliver award-winning food, cooked to perfection. They also boast a fabulous wine cellar, with wines from around the world. You also stay in one of their beautiful self-catering cottages. Oh, and it is right next to the strangest place on earth – Forbidden Corner. What more could you ask for?
The Saddle Room even made our 15 Of The Best Restaurants In The Yorkshire Dales To Try list. Check out the other fourteen great food places here.
5. Ingleton
Last but certainly not least on our list of best Yorkshire Dales villages is the picturesque Ingleton. Sitting in the foothills of Ingleborough, one of Yorkshire’s famous Three Peaks, and near the market towns of Kirby Lonsdale, Hawes, and Settle. As it is situated on the borders of Lancashire, Cumbria, and North Yorkshire, it makes it a perfect base for exploring three beautiful counties.
Surrounding the village is incredible limestone countryside featuring stunning waterfalls, deep caves, high cliffs, and vital archaeological and geological sites. These amazing natural features make the area a favourite place to go in Yorkshire for walkers, climbers, and cavers.
What is There to do?
White Scar Caves
Pay a visit to White Scar Caves, the longest show cave in England. This provides you with an incredible experience of exploring the underground world through huge chambers, formations, and passages. Along the way, you will come across waterfalls, underground streams, prehistoric mud pools, flowstone, and the enormous ice-age Battlefield Cavern, where you will see thousands of stalactites.
Ingleton Waterfall Trails
Experience nature at its finest! This four and a half mile trail boasts some of the most breathtaking woodland and waterfall scenery in Britain. It is somewhere you can visit all year round. Whatever the weather, it will always be a beautiful walk.
Along the trail you will come across interesting and rare plants, including wild garlic, celandine flowers, bluebells and black blossoms. If you download the self-guided tour, you can learn about its importance as a key geological site. Much of the trail has been assigned as a Site of Special Scientific Interest by Natural England. Of course, the main feature of the walk is the Thornton Force waterfall, which plunges 14 feet over limestone cliffs.
For more information about Ingleton Waterfall Trails, check out our detailed guide This Stunning Trail Of Yorkshire Waterfalls Makes For The Perfect Adventure.
Have a Swim in Ingleton’s Historic Open Air Pool
Ingleton’s 20-metre open-air heated swimming pool dates all the way back to 1933. With its riverside setting, it is a perfect, idyllic place for a swim. It is open from May to September and is run by dedicated, tireless volunteers. Forgotten your swimming gear? Don’t panic! The Inglesport shop in the village sells swimwear and goggles. For more information on prices and swimming sessions, check out their website.
Stay in a Cosy 17th-Century Pub
Located right in the heart of Ingleton, the Wheatsheaf is a must-visit for your itinerary when exploring this beautiful village. It was built back in the 17th century and offers a real traditional Yorkshire pub feel, jam-packed with atmosphere and character. They serve a range of cask ales and delicious food, and have a beer garden with stunning views. You can also stay for the weekend in their highly comfortable rooms.
Want to Explore More Places to Visit in the Yorkshire Dales?
We hope our guide to the five best Yorkshire Dales villages has given you some inspiration for your next weekend break away. This list is certainly not exhaustive, and there are many other towns, villages, walks, festivals, and things to do in the Yorkshire Dales. If you want to read more about this beautiful part of the world, check out our Yorkshire Dales archives.
To find out more about other incredible places to visit in Yorkshire, explore our travel section.
Read More: 8 Of The Most Quaint & Idyllic Yorkshire Dales Villages
