From Malham Cove to the magnificent Bolton Abbey, it’s no wonder the Southern part of the Yorkshire Dales is such a popular UK destination. Offering one of the most stunning landscapes in the entire country, the area is home to rolling hills, quaint fairytale villages and waterfalls galore – and to help you navigate the Southern Yorkshire Dales like a pro, we’ve come up with the ultimate itinerary.
Whether it’s wandering around a peaceful village you enjoy, or a proper hike through the countryside, here’s our guide to the best things to see and do in the South side of the Yorkshire Dales.
Day 1-2: Settle
- Victoria and Jubilee Cave
Looming over the ancient market town of Settle, the Victoria and Jubilee caves are a fantastic destination for keen explorers, located within the Attermire Scar. The unusual limestone landscape is something to awe at, with dramatic slopes and panoramic views, and, of course, the Victoria and Jubilee caves nestled along the scar.
The caves can be admired and explored as part of a wider walk, which includes Warrendale Knotts, a tough but rewarding destination with a trig point.
- Scaleber Force
Just a couple of miles out of Settle – albeit quite a steep walk away – Scaleber Force is a breathtaking 40-foot waterfall that tumbles off of Stockdale Beck.
It’s a popular beauty spot with wild swimmers and photographers, thanks to the stunning cascading falls. While it looks like it could be anywhere in the world, it’s just minutes away from the road, so if you’re not up for the hike up Malham Road, you can drive up and park.
- Stainforth Force
It’s an easy walk that can form part of a larger route to Catrigg Force and Stainforth village, but it’s such a beautiful spot. In the autumn, you can catch the spectacle of salmon leaping up the waterfall, but in the summer, it’s a peaceful spot to take in the beautiful scenery and even go wild swimming in the river.
- The Knight’s Table
A stunning all-day restaurant found just a stone’s throw from Stainforth Force, The Knight’s Table serves up some of the best pizza in the Dales, alongside an array of small plates pairing British classics with Asian influences, in addition to classic mains such as pie, fish and chips and burgers.
The restaurant offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and hosts various themed foodie events, including steak nights, Japanese evenings, and more. Find out more.
Places to stay: The Golden Lion, The Coniston, Peaks and Pods, Falcon Manor, The Plough Wigglesworth
Places to eat: The Nettle, The Knight’s Table, The Golden Lion, The Traddock, The Craven Arms Giggleswick, The Plough Giggleswick, Craven Arms Stainforth, Ruchee, Rind
Day 2-3: Malham
- Malham Cove circular
If it’s your first time in the area, taking on the 5-mile Malham Cove circular is an absolute must-do. Starting in the village, the moderate walk takes you to the mystical Janet’s Foss waterfall, which boasts its own pool, before venturing on to the famous Gordale Scar, and uphill to the iconic Malham Cove. From there, you’ll be treated to panoramic views across Malham and afar, all from the unique limestone pavement.
Once you make it down the 400 steps from the cove, you’ll be led back to the village where you can hunker down with a well-earned pint.
- The Lister Arms
One of The Yorkshireman’s favourite pubs in Yorkshire, The Lister Arms is our go-to for that well-needed post-hike pint – thanks to its solid array of ales and great pub-style fare.
Whether you prefer to pull up a pew by the fire or soak up the sun in the beer garden, there’s a cosy corner for everyone here – and on the menu, you’ll find classic favourites including juicy steaks, huge burgers, fish and chips and much more. Oh, and their sticky toffee pudding is exceptional. Find out more.
Places to stay: The Buck Inn, The Lister Arms, Beck Hall
Places to eat: The Buck Inn, The Lister Arms, Beck Hall
Day 4: Angel at Hetton
If it’s something special you’re after, this is it. The Angel at Hetton is one of the most acclaimed restaurants in the country, and the only Michelin restaurant in the national park.
What Michael Wignall and the team offer here is pure experience, with five and ten-course tasting menus on offer, putting a focus on high-quality, seasonal ingredients. Wignall’s style is modern, creative and technical, with innovative flavour combinations and artful presentation that’ll have you ooh-ing and ahh-ing at every course.
Their modern rooms with a country-esque spin are perfect to retreat to after dining, with luxury elements such as feature bathrooms and a tasting-style breakfast in the morning. Find out more.
Day 5: Bolton Abbey
- Bolton Abbey
Sitting within 30,000 acres of countryside, Bolton Abbey is one of Yorkshire’s most famous destinations, thanks to its incredible preservation, beautiful grounds and beloved stepping stones.
Beautiful year-round, the 12th-century monastery is a sight to behold, with the River Wharfe meandering around the abbey, stepping stones over the river, and tons of incredible walks surrounding. It’s the perfect family day out, and a popular place to kick back with a picnic.
- The Valley of Desolation and Simon’s Seat
One of the most popular walks around Bolton Abbey, the Valley of Desolation is home to Posforth Gill, a stunning waterfall nestled deep in the valley. The beautiful waterfall can be accessed through fields where cattle graze, with a mild scramble down to the falls, which are hidden beneath trees. It’s a beautiful reward once you reach it, with the perfect pool for paddling or swimming beneath the waterfall.
Uphill, you’ll find Simon’s Seat peak, 485 metres high and offering incredible views across the surrounding Yorkshire Dales.
- Billy Bob’s Parlour
A family-friendly paradise just a short drive away from Bolton Abbey, Billy Bob’s Parlour isn’t quite what you’d expect in the Yorkshire Dales. But it’s a must-visit, nonetheless, particularly if you have children.
Upon arrival, guests can find the play barn, before heading inside the restaurant to a wonderland of American memorabilia and a fantastic menu of American-style grub. Expect whopping burgers, hot dogs, milkshakes and waffles, alongside soda floats and an array of farm-fresh ice creams. Find out more.
Places to stay: Catgill Farm, The Devonshire Arms, The Fell Hotel
Places to eat: The Devonshire Arms, Billy Bob’s Parlour
Day 6-7: Appletreewick and Burnsall
- The Brownie Barn by Love Brownies
If you’re in desperate need of a reward from all the exploring, The Brownie Barn is the perfect stop-off, just up the river from Appletreewick.
Specialising in – you guessed it – brownies, The Brownie Barn is a quaint hideaway overlooking Howgill and beyond, with breathtaking views and a fantastic counter packed full of freshly baked brownies. Expect an array of flavours from raspberry and orange to caramel and coffee, alongside a savoury menu of breakfast and brunch favourites. Find out more.
- Walk from Appletreewick to Burnsall
A 2-mile route from the peaceful village of Appletreewick to the quintessential riverside village of Burnsall, the walk takes you down the River Wharfe towards the village, offering an easy path to follow along, ending in Burnsall – where you’ll find a small village packed full of beautiful cottages, a stunning packhorse bridge and a riverside pub.
- Dinner and drinks at The Red Lion
Another of our favourite Yorkshire Dales pubs, The Red Lion is a popular riverside haunt, where visitors can soak up the sun overlooking the stunning Burnsall packhorse bridge.
Expect Yorkshire ales and proper pub fare, with cosy fireside seating and dog-friendly areas. Find out more.
Places to stay: The New Inn, Masons Campsite, The Red Lion
Places to eat: The New Inn, The Red Lion Burnsall, The Craven Arms
Day 7-8: Grassington
- Grassington
If you’re a fan of All Creatures Great and Small or pretty towns in general, then you’ll love Grassington. A cobbled town with a bustling market square, the location has become famed for its new life as the backdrop of Channel 5’s iteration of All Creatures, but also boasts bookshops, fantastic pubs and an array of independent shops to explore.
- Linton Falls
Just a short walk away from the National Park centre, Linton Falls is a popular waterfall in the town, located on the River Wharfe. The stretch of falls is best seen after a good rain pour; however, it is a tranquil spot to relax on the riverbank.
- A drink at the Drover’s
Fancy a drink at the Drover’s Arms from All Creatures? The Devonshire pub provides the exterior for the fictional pub, and if you visit at the right time of year, it may still have its Drovers Arms signs up from filming.
- Food at the Black Horse
For fantastic pub grub, the Black Horse is the perfect place for a bit of food, with some of the best burgers for miles on the menu. The pub houses a beautiful dining space adorned with ambient lights and calming decor, and serves classic British dishes including pork loin steaks, ever-changing pies and more, alongside a small selection of global dishes. Find out more.
Places to stay: Grassington House, The Black Horse, The Fountaine Inn
Places to eat: Grassington House, The Black Horse
Read more: The Enchanted Yorkshire Waterfall Where Magical Fairies Once Lived
