The Yorkshire Dales is the epitome of ‘God’s Own Country’ and the very finest example of what Yorkshire has to offer. But did you know not all of it is in Yorkshire? Sure, we get to take all of the credit due to its name, but thanks to a boundary extension in recent years, the Yorkshire Dales now spans across three counties – and one of those, unfortunately, is Lancashire. Yep, we said it.
All jokes aside, the much-loved National Park grew by a whopping quarter back in 2016, boosting tourism (and therefore the local economies), providing more scenic places for us to enjoy, and protecting beautiful landscapes in addition. Here are some of the parts of the Yorkshire Dales that aren’t actually in Yorkshire.
Sedbergh
A beautiful little town that is actually traditionally a part of Yorkshire, Sedbergh is now part of Cumbria and lies within the Yorkshire Dales boundaries. It’s a really interesting little spot to visit and is officially known as England’s Book Town thanks to its ample little book shops and cafes. Not only that, but it’s a wonderful spot for walking, too, with a number of popular trails on its doorstep.
Dent
A quaint, cobbled village in the Yorkshire Dales, Dent is actually in Cumbria. It’s small, but incredibly pretty (just like the rest of the Dales), and features a couple of cafes, an art gallery and dreamy cottages that we’d just love to call home one day.
Garsdale
Another part of the Dales that was historically a part of Yorkshire, Garsdale is now part of Cumbria, and is a stunning valley which is home to a few homes and the hamlet of Garsdale Head. The area provides spectacular views of the Western Dales, and the valley itself is picture perfect.
Whernside Summit
Ok, this one’s a funny one, because while Whernside itself is definitely in Yorkshire, the summit lies on the county border of Cumbria – meaning the mountain is part-Yorkshire, part-Cumbria. The mountain is known as Yorkshire’s highest point, and offers unbeatable views of the National Park. On a clear day, you can even see some of the Lake District’s fells.
Wild Boar Fell
A beautiful mountain within the Cumbrian part of the Dales, Wild Boar Fell is surrounded by yellow meadows, and is a gorgeous place to visit in the summer. The mountain offers views of both Cumbria and Yorkshire and sits within the Northern edge of the National Park.
Read More: 8 Of The Most Quaint & Idyllic Yorkshire Dales Villages
Howgill Fells
A small group of gorgeous rollings hills, Howgill Fells lie within the Cumbrian side of the Dales, right by the edge of the Lake District. The hills provide fascinating sights due to their close proximity with one another. Visit at the right time of year, and you may even find the Fells snow-tipped – making them even more beautiful.
Cautley Spout
Cautley Spout is known as England’s highest waterfall above ground, attracting thousands of visitors every year. Tumbling 650 feet down a cliff face, the stunning water spot can be found in the North West region of the Dales, between Yarlside and The Calf – also in Cumbria.
Lammerside Castle
So, it’s not much of a castle these days, but the remains of Lammerside are pretty fascinating nonetheless. The 12th century remains lie near Kirkby Stephen, overlooking the stunning River Eden. It’s a beautiful place for a spring stroll and forms part of Cumbria’s section of the National Park.
Great Asby Scar
Similarly to Malham Cove, also in the Dales, Great Asby Scar features interesting formations of limestone, decayed in a wonderful ridged pavement spanning the nature reserve. The site is much bigger than Malham Cove, and is home to around 15 square miles of the interesting pavement. Great Asby Scar can be found in the Cumbrian part of the Yorkshire Dales and is a great spot to potter if you’re already a fan of Malham.
Devil’s Bridge
Found in Kirkby Lonsdale, Devil’s Bridge sits over the River Lune and attracts many visitors thanks to its gorgeous arches. The ancient monument has a rather Shakespearean feel to it, and is a popular picnic destination for ramblers. This pretty little spot can be found on the Western side of the Dales in Cumbria.
Leck
Last but not least, although Lancastrian, Leck is a small but lovely village that is now part of the Yorkshire Dales – where visitors can find Leck Fell, and the neighbouring Casterton Fell and Ireby Fell. While only a small part of Lancashire, it’s a part that has managed to gain recognition for its beauty, resulting in its inclusion in the national park.
Read more: 14 Of The Most Stunning Waterfalls In The Yorkshire Dales
[Featured image: Unsplash]
