Famous for its hills and dales, wildness and waterfalls, historic villages, colourful markets and traditional crafts, Wensleydale, unlike the other dales of Yorkshire, takes it's name from the village of Wensley rather than the River Ure or as the river was called by the Norse invaders, the Yore.

Wensleydale offers the visitor lots to do and see, the waterfalls at Hardraw Scaur and Aysgarth Falls, the historic castles at Bolton and Middleham, the abbey of Jervaulx, many appealing craft shops and visitor centres as well as the bustling street markets of Leyburn (Friday) and Hawes (Tuesday). The Dales Countryside Museum at Hawes tells the
fascinating story of the people and landscape of the area and hosts various exhibitions and events throughout the year. Children of all ages can enjoy the thrills and excitement of a visit to the Forbidden Corner in Coverdale and the 'Open Stables' at Middleham on Good Friday
each year is an event not to be missed.

The home of Wensleydale Cheese (favourite food of the animated TV characters 'Wallace & Gromit' ) the cheese still made at the Creamery in Hawes using the traditional method of the 11 century Cistercian monks who settled in the dale after the Norman Conquest. Outdoor enthusiasts of walking, hiking or mountain biking can enjoy the spectacular scenery
of the quiet meadow and riverside or the rugged heather moorland. From Hawes you can take the 10 mile walk or the summer bus service to enjoy the red squirrel reserve in Snaizeholme. Bus services up and down the Dale are frequent and the Wensleydale Railway runs regularly from Leeming Bar to Redmire. A bus service connects Hawes and the rest of
Wensleydale to the spectular Settle Carlisle Railway so it's easy to leave the car at home and enjoy a break from the stress of driving.

A place for all seasons Wensleydale offers something special at every time of year, once you've been you will want to return.

key

Prices

Free entry

Open all the time