Yorkshire Dales

Outstanding scenery, a range of wildlife and a rich cultural heritage

The Yorkshire Dales

A remote Yorkshire dale

The Yorkshire Dales

A couple enjoys the summer sun on Ilkley Moor

The Yorkshire Dales

A pretty village bridge in spring

The Yorkshire Dales

Summer in a Danby Dale

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The Yorkshire Dales offer a beautiful landscape of breathtaking beauty and striking contrast. Rugged hills, green upland pastures, dry stone walls, ancient broadleaved woodland, waterfalls, pretty villages and small towns are all waiting to be explored.

The Dales are a collection of over twenty river valleys and hills, sitting astride the Pennines in the North of England. Each valley offers a different character and atmosphere, encompassing the counties of both Yorkshire and Cumbria and providing visitors with a wealth of stunning vistas.

Most of the area falls within the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. These havens for wildlife are the perfect place for either a gentle stroll or an intrepid hike. Enjoy the peace and solitude, a paradise for birdwatchers, photographers and fishermen.

For remote rugged scenery, head north to Wensleydale and the Aysgarth Falls. For those seeking adventure, take the three peaks challenge to climb Penyghent (694m), Whernside (736m) and Ingleborough (723m). Enjoy horse riding, rock climbing, caving, potholing, mountain biking and cycling.

Destinations in Yorkshire Dales

Harrogate & Area

Harrogate is renowned for its fabulous shopping and hosts an array of independent shops unique to the town

Cottages in Harrogate & Area

Ingleton & Area

Although officially only just on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, the area around Ingleton boasts some of the finest limestone scenery in the region.

Cottages in Ingleton & Area

Skipton & Area

Skipton is known locally as the ‘Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales’ as a short distance away is all the many attractions and scenic delights.

Cottages in Skipton & Area

Swaledale

Swaledale runs west to east to the town of Richmond. Villages and hamlets in Swaledale include Reeth, Grinton, Low Row, Gunnerside, Muker, Thwaite and Keld.

Cottages in Swaledale

Wensleydale & Area

Wensleydale and the surrounding areas provide an excellent base for the great outdoors, with plenty of wonderful walking and cycling opportunities.

Cottages in Wensleydale & Area

Wharfedale and Area

Running from north to south, Wharfedale is one of the Yorkshire Dales' longest and most beautiful valleys.

Cottages in Wharfedale and Area

Bronte Country

Bronte Country straddles the West Yorkshire and East Lancashire Pennies, a windswept land of heather and wild moors which provided the inspiration for the classic works of the Bronte sisters.

Cottages in Bronte Country

Things to do in Yorkshire Dales

Brimham Rocks

One of the highlights close to the spa town of Harrogate these amazing collection of weird and wonderful rock formations.

Read more about Brimham Rocks

Hawes

The thriving market town of Hawes located in the heart of Wensleydale is a typical Yorkshire Dales town full of character and charm.

Read more about Hawes

Reeth

Reeth, in the heart of Swaledale is a honey pot for locals and tourists. It lies where two of North Yorkshire's finest dales meet.

Read more about Reeth

The Three Peaks

The "Three Peaks" of Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-Ghent dominate the skyline of the western part of the Yorkshire Dales national park and creates perhaps one of the most famous walks in the Dales.

Read more about The Three Peaks

Malham Tarn Estate

This outstanding area of limestone pavements, upland hill farms and flower-rich hay meadows provides a marvelous setting for walking, cycling or just enjoying the great outdoors.

Read more about Malham Tarn Estate (External)

Upper Wharfedale

Along the Upper Wharfe Valley the characteristic drystone walls and barns of the Dales, important flower-rich hay meadows, beautiful riverside and valleyside woodland combine to create a wonderful place to relax and explore the great outdoors.

Read more about Upper Wharfedale

White Scar Caves

The area around Ingleton contains some of the deepest and longest cave systems in the British Isles. The White Scar Caves in Chapel le Dale can be easily explored as they are both fully illuminated throughout the show cave routes.

Read more about White Scar Caves (External)

The Cow and Calf and White Wells

Enjoy a brisk walk up to the Cow and Calf rocks in the wonderful market town of Ilkley. Have a spot of lunch on the way down at White Wells a whitewashed stone building and former spa used by the Victorians.