Are you imagining your next trip to be full of adventure and nature? Do you want to walk through green rolling hills, picturesque moorland, and some of the most incredible scenery in the UK? Well, may we suggest looking at all the wonderful places and things to do in the Yorkshire Dales?
The Yorkshire Dales are home to dramatic countryside, pretty rural villages, cosy pubs, and peaceful walks. For those who love nature and want to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, a visit to the Dales could be just what you need. Our guide will explore some of our favourite things to do in the Yorkshire Dales to help inspire your next trip.
Here are Some of the Best Places to Visit in the Yorkshire Dales
Here are some of our favourite and best places to visit in the Yorkshire Dales. We explore a rather famous and beautiful filming location, an experience deep underground, somewhere described as ‘the strangest place in the world’, and much more. So, let’s jump in and start with a place famous for its stunning natural beauty.
1. Experience Natural Beauty at Bolton Abbey
Get ready to explore 30,000 acres of history, outstanding natural beauty, and community. This is one of the most popular things to do in the Yorkshire Dales and is often seen as a gateway to the national park.
The Priory Church and ruins are at the heart of the estate, and it is surrounded by moorland on the banks of the River Wharfe. The abbey originally dates back to the 1300s and was originally built as an Augustinian Priory. The beauty of the abbey and the estate has inspired famous artists such as J.M.W Turner and Edwin Landseer.
You’ll discover over 80 miles of footpaths that explore vast woodland, moorland, ancient ruins, and riverside pastures. You can take these paths on foot, or there are incredible cycle routes, including some in the Tour De Yorkshire. You can also enjoy incredible experiences such as:
- Fun family walking trails.
- Wild curlew safaris
- Fungal foraging
- Bat walks
- Outdoor theatres
Top Tip – Pack a picnic and relax, eat, and be merry on the wonderful estate grounds.
Bolton Abbey is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in the Yorkshire Dales. Add it to your itinerary and experience the beauty of nature and the history of the area.
2. Drink the Finest Real Ales in the County
After a long day of walking and sightseeing, one of our favourite things to do in the Yorkshire Dales is to have a refreshing pint of real ale from one of many, many cosy pubs. Here are some of the pubs you just have to visit:
Lister Arms – Malham
This classic Yorkshire Dales pub is located just a short distance from the famous Malham Cove. It is a charming and cosy inn that offers a variety of award-winning Yorkshire ales and home-cooked food using seasonal produce. Oh, and good news, if you have your pooch, dogs are more than welcome in the bar area.
The Craven Arms – Appletreewick
‘Gateway to the Ales’ proclaims the sign outside The Craven Arms, and it certainly is! It serves a great range of real ales and delicious food alongside a warm and welcoming atmosphere. You may recognise the pub from the small screen, as it was used as the inside of The Drovers Arms from the hit TV show, All Creatures Great and Small.
In the cold winter months, you can enjoy your drink sitting by the roaring fire in the bar. In the summer, sit outside and enjoy some of the stunning panoramic views of the Yorkshire Dales.
George and Dragon – Hudswell
This beautiful rural pub has been serving customers for over two centuries and is a must-visit for anyone who loves real ale. They are a five-time CAMRA award-winning pub offering a wide selection of drinks from local and regional micro-breweries. They also have a great selection of guest beers.
Tan Hill Inn – Swaledale
It is not often you get to visit a pub which is also a record holder. Sitting 1,732 feet above sea level, the Tan Hill Inn is officially considered the highest public house in Britain. Dating back to the 17th century, the pub has now become a firm favourite of walkers and cyclists. They proudly sponsor local breweries to get the best ‘ales from the dales’, including Tan Hill Ewe Juice, Black Sheep, and Theakson Old Peculier.
3. Visit a Harry Potter Filming Location at Malham
We all know that Yorkshire is a magical county for all sorts of reasons. Therefore, it shouldn’t come as any surprise that several locations for Harry Potter were based here. One in particular stands out as a favourite among Potterheads.
In the penultimate move, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, there is a scene with Harry and Hermione where we see a very distinctive and beautiful limestone formation. Yes, that’s right; it can be found right here in the Yorkshire Dales at Malham Cove.
Even if you’re not a ‘Potterhead’, you simply have to visit Malham Cove due to its breathtaking landscapes. It is a total favourite with travellers and walkers. It is a 70-metre-high cliff of white limestone curved like a natural amphitheatre, which sits magnificently among the green rolling hills and valleys of this beautiful area.
As well as visiting the Cove, there are other nearby landmarks you can visit on your walk. These include:
- Janet’s Foss – A small but wonderful waterfall and pool in a hidden wood setting. If you can handle the cold, you can swim in the turquoise plunge pool below the waterfall.
- Gordale Scar – This incredible gorge has wowed visitors and has been the inspiration for many writers and artists, such as J.M.W Turner and William Wordsworth.
- Malham Tarn – A picturesque glacier lake among a backdrop of rugged moorland, rolling hills, and flower-rich hay meadows.
- Malham Village – Take a stroll through this peaceful and rural village and make sure you call in at the Lister Arms for a pint and some delicious food.
If you would like to explore more magical Yorkshire Dales Villages to visit, then discover our guide – 5 Best Yorkshire Dales Villages & Towns For A Truly Magical Weekend Stay.
4. Take on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge
If you are looking at what to do in the Yorkshire Dales and you love walking and beautiful surroundings, but also like to push yourself. Well, the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge is for you. It is a 24-mile round trip that takes on the peaks of Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough in under 12 hours. It certainly isn’t for the faint-hearted; however, it is an exhilarating challenge that will provide you with access to some of the most magnificent views in the Yorkshire Dales.
Here is a guide to each of the peaks:
Pen-y-Ghent
Usually, the starting point of the Yorkshire Three Peaks is the smallest of the three at 694m. In Celtic, Pen-y-Ghent means ‘Hill on the Border Country’ or ‘Hill of the Winds’ in Welsh. It is often described as looking like a crouching tiger or the prow of a boat.
While smaller, it certainly doesn’t mean it is any less spectacular, and along the way you come across caves and potholes like the Hull Pot and Hunt Pot. When you get to the summit, you will be able to see wonderful views of Ingleborough, Whernside, Pendle Hill, Pen-y-Ghent Fell, and even on a clear day Morecome Bay.
Whernside
Climbing Whernside means you get to be at the highest point in the whole of Yorkshire. The starting point of this peak is spectacular in itself. You’ll start at the magnificent Ribblehead Viaduct. A magnificent 400-meter viaduct stretching across the Ribble Valley. It is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and best places to visit in the Yorkshire Dales.
Standing at 736 meters, it is a long climb but highly worth it. Along the trail you’ll come across the Force Gill waterfall, a spectacular 50-foot waterfall. When you get to the summit, those tired legs will be worth it, as you will see incredible views of The Howgills and the Lake District.
Ingleborough
This is the second highest peak in the Yorkshire Dales National Park at 723 meters and is one of the most popular. The peak has a very interesting history with remains of Iron Age huts which formed part of a defensive hillfort belonging to the Brigantes. They were a northern tribe who battled the Roman invaders in the second century.
When you get to the top, after a steep climb, you are blown away by the breath-taking views where you can see the Forest of Bowland, the Irish Sea, and Morecambe Bay. After taking in the scenery, you’ll make a gentle descent into Horton-in-Ribblesdale, where you will finish the challenge and give your legs a well-deserved rest.
So, push your limits and do something special and take on the challenge of the Yorkshire Three Peaks.
5. Go Underground at Stump Cross Caverns
The next activity on our list of things to do in the Yorkshire Dales gives you the chance to go back in time millions of years. Located between Grassington and Pateley Bridge, Stump Cross Caverns were discovered in 1860 by miners Mark and William Newbould, who were searching for lead. They unfortunately did not find any lead, but fortunately for us, they did come across the natural, ancient marvel you see today.
The cave expands for 4 miles, and the opening of new passageways over recent years has led to the discovery of the remains of prehistoric creatures such as reindeer and wolverines. During your journey deep underground, you will explore the extensive network of passages, coming across stunning stalagmites and stalactites, all dating back millions of years.
During your travels, you’ll be transported into a new world and come across incredible sights such as The Chamber of Pillars, The Cathedral, Reindeer Cavern, The Curtain, The Wolverine Cave, and The Butcher’s Shop. The Caverns are so well regarded that they won Trip Advisor’s Top 10 Worldwide Travellers’ Choice award.
Ready to be transported back in time? Visit Stump Cross Caverns on your next trip to the Yorkshire Dales.
6. Love History? Visit one of the Yorkshire Dales’ Many Castles
If you are a history fanatic, then there is an abundance of things to do in the Yorkshire Dales. One thing the area is definitely not short of is captivating castles showcasing the Dales’ rich history. Here are some of the best castles to visit:
Bolton Castle
One of the best-preserved medieval castles in the UK is located in the beautiful region of Wensleydale. The castle was built in 1378 by Sir Richard Le Scrope and took around 18 years to build. Its original purpose was to be a fortified residence rather than just a military base. One of its most famous residents over the years was Mary Queen of Scots, who in 1568 was held in custody at the castle.
Today, Bolton Castle is a brilliant day out where you truly feel you step back in time to the medieval period. It has five floors, including a tower with stunning views across Wensleydale, the Great Chamber, and a dungeon. Outside you’ll find a maze to try and navigate, daily falconry displays, have-a-go archery, medieval games, and wild boar feeding.
Skipton Castle
Skipton Castle has been seen as the ‘Guardian of the Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales’ for over 900 years. This highly preserved and almost complete medieval castle was once home to the famous Clifford Lords. During the English Civil War, the castle was the last remaining Royalist bastion in the North. It only yielded after a three-year siege in 1645. It was ‘slighted’ under the orders of Cromwell, but thankfully, it was expertly restored by Lady Anne Clifford.
Her preservation work, and that of the dedicated team at Skipton Castle today, mean you also have the chance to experience its incredible history.
Middleham Castle
Middleham Castle is most famous for being the home of one of the country’s most infamous monarchs – Richard III. If you recall, you may remember he was back in the news in 2012 when his remains were found in a Leicester Council car park. The castle dates back to the 12th Century, and its Norman keep is one of the largest in England. As you walk around the castle, you can take in the breathtaking views of Wensleydale, explore the remains, and discover more about its incredible history and its famous former residents.
7. Visit the ‘Strangest Place in the World’
If you want something a little weird when looking for things to do in the Yorkshire Dales, then look no further than Forbidden Corner. Whether you have kids or want a fun day out as a couple, the ‘strangest places in the world’ won’t let you down.
You’ll find it at Tupgill Park, and it is a magical labyrinth of tunnels, follies, chambers, and surprises around every corner. You’ll experience the Temple of the Underworld, a pyramid made of translucent glass, the Eye of the Needle, incredible statues, and paths and passages that lead nowhere with decisions to make and tricks to avoid at every corner.
We guarantee you won’t have visited a place quite like this before, and it is perfect for adventurous kids and adults who are young at heart.
8. Walk or Climb up Brimham Rocks
Another one of the must-see places to visit in the Yorkshire Dales National Park (which is technically just outside the boundary in the Nidderdale region) is a spectacular collection of giant rock formations formed over 325 million years ago. This was over a million years before the dinosaurs roamed the earth! Over these many, many years, a combination of rain, ice, and wind has turned these rocks into weird and wonderful shapes.
A visit to the rocks is suitable for everyone, as you can either take an easy stroll between the rocks, scramble up them, or take an epic hike across the surrounding moorlands. The area is classed as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is popular with naturalists, climbers, walkers, geologists, and children who love to explore these ancient natural formations.
Good news, the entrance to Brimham Rocks is free! You do have to pay for the car park, or if you are a National Trust member, it is free as well. It takes around four hours to explore this incredible place and will ensure a fun-filled day in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales.
Looking for more Things to do in the Yorkshire Dales?
This list certainly isn’t exhaustive. That’s the beauty of the area; there is just so much to see and do when exploring what to do in the Yorkshire Dales. Whether it’s walks, restaurants to eat at, museums to visit, pubs to drink at, or hills to hike up, there are never-ending things you can experience. To find out about more things to do in the Yorkshire Dales, check out our archives.
Want to go further afield as well? For more information about places to visit in Yorkshire, check out our travel page.
Read More: 15 Of The Best Restaurants In The Yorkshire Dales To Try
