When I think about the places my imagination took me when reading fairytale storybooks as a child, the scenes consisted of ample greenery, stunning arched bridges, hills for miles and, of course, magical castles complete with towers and flags. And while Burnsall doesn’t quite have a grand palace made of stone, it does have everything else.
Nestled in the South of the Yorkshire Dales in the picturesque Wharfedale, Burnsall is a tiny rural village with just a handful of homes there, all perfectly positioned along the twinkling River Wharfe. Dating back to Anglo-Saxon times, the historic village is little-known, but it carries a huge amount of history within its small boundary of the Yorkshire Dales.
So, What is there to do in Burnsall, Yorkshire Dales?
An original Anglo-Viking settlement, today, Burnsall remains home to rare Viking and Anglo-Saxon carved stones, which can still be seen at the quaint parish church that stands tall above the waterside village.
Read More: 16 Of The Best Yorkshire Dales Circular Walks
It’s a popular destination for those in the know who love a slice of peace and quiet, with just one pub, a hotel, two cafes and a village shop to its name. We did say it was rural. The pub, the Red Lion, is a stunning village pub that is absolutely huge inside. It’s decked with all those quaint touches, such as wooden benches, roaring fires, and a big ol’ bar selling some of the finest ales around.
What Burnsall Walks are there to do?
Burnsall sits along two renowned routes: the Dales Way, an 85-mile hiking trail linking Ilkley to Bowness-on-Windermere, and the Way of the Roses, a coast-to-coast cycling route that opened in 2010, stretching from Morecambe in Lancashire to Bridlington in East Yorkshire.
A hop, skip and a hike away from nearby Dales highlights such as Appletreewick, Grimwith Reservoir and the stunning Linton Falls, the stunning village is most certainly one to add to your travel list this summer – and most definitely one you’ll want a snap a few photos of while you’re there.
Just downstream from the village lie the historic ruins of Barden Tower and Bolton Abbey, both nestled in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales and great for anyone looking for great Burnsall walks to try. Bolton Abbey spans nearly 30,000 acres of scenic countryside, offering plenty of space for outdoor activities and fresh air, making it a perfect destination for visitors of all ages.
Barden Tower, once a modest hunting lodge, was transformed over time into a small castle. Its origins date back to the early 14th century, but it was during the 15th and 16th centuries that it became a notable structure.
Another popular route for those looking to enjoy a walk from Burnsall is to the village of Grassington. As you walk alongside the River Wharge you’ll pass Linton Falls to the All Creatures village. On the way back you can enjoy passing through Hebden and cross the suspension bridge retracing your steps back to the Red Lion.
In the summer months, you’ll find guests soaking up the scenery by the riverside, walkers taking an idyllic rest from the Dales Way or diners enjoying the views from afar at the nearby Devonshire Fell Hotel – but whatever they’re doing, best believe it’s blooming relaxing.
In the winter months, the baron landscapes and orange of brown hues of a fading autumn transform the whole place into something equally as beautiful, but at the same time, it hits differently than the flowery summer months.
What are the best Burnsall pubs to visit?
In the village of Burnsall, you’ll find just one pub, The Red Lion. It has recently been taken over by Thwaites Brewery and offers a varied menu of contemporary pub classics and an ever-changing specials board, with a great selection of cask ales and fine wine. It’s a huge pub, so you’re sure to find a spot. It has a great outside area for the summer months, and in the. In colder months you can sit by the fire with a nice choice of ale.
It may be the only local of the Burnsall pubs, but surrounding the area are a range of fantastic ale houses. Appletreewick is home to The Craven Arms not too far away, then there’s The Clarendon in Hebden, The Fountaine Inn in Linton, which we’ve been lucky to stay in – to name a few pubs for you.
Check out our visit to Burnsall, Yorkshire Dales below:
Find out more about walks in the area and such here.
Read more: The Yorkshire Dales Walk With Meadows Of Gold & Quaint Farmhouse Cottages
