Things to do in the Yorkshire Dales

Dales Bike Centre provides for the every need of cyclists visiting the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It is based in Fremington, near Reeth, Swaledale with it's famous mountain biking hill climb Fremington Edge! The Tour de France 5 July 2014 Stage One passes nearby.

Bolton Abbey Station has been lovingly re-created in the original Midland Railway style of the 1800s. They very regularly hold events on the railway, such as 'Winter Warmers' rides, Santa train rides, Faulty Towers' dining experience Mothers' Day, cream tea rides and many more.

The Forbidden Corner, 'The Strangest Place in the World' is a unique labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, follies and surprises created in a four acre garden in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. Visits to this award- winning attraction must be pre-booked. Opens at the end of March til the beginning of November and Sundays up to Christmas.

Wonderful show cave near Ingleton and Settle offering stunning cave formations, the imposing and the large passages full of artefacts dating back millions of years. Also offering adventure tours trips for children into the further reaches of the Cave.

Kilnsey Park offers fly fishing in spectacular surroundings near Grassington in Wharfedale. 2 lakes are well stocked with hard fighting Rainbow, Blue, Brown and Golden trout from 2lb to 20lb+. There is also a Farm Shop, a Nature Trail, Fun for the Kids and Red Squirrel enclosures.

Visit Lightwater Valley near Ripon and Harrogate for some amazing rides, including Europe's longest rollercoaster - The Ultimate, as well as the stomach churning, mighty Eagle's Claw and the splashtastic Wild River Rapids

Masham Riding & Trekking Centre is set in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales on the Swinton Estate, providing trekking and basic riding lessons in an outdoor arena. The riding centre caters for all levels of riding skill and all ages of rider.

Yorkshire Dales Falconry Centre lies 3 miles from Settle. It houses around 35 birds of prey including various species of Eagles, Vultures, Hawks, Falcons and Owls from around the world. Apart from Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day, the Falconry Centre is open daily from 10am.

The Settle and Carlisle Railway is a 73 mile long railway journey crossing beautiful landscape in the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District. Highlights include the Ribblehead and Dent Head Viaducts, Dent Station, the highest station in England at 1150 ft, Appleby and the Eden Valley.

Britain's longest inland waterway finally opened in 1816 and remains largely unaltered to this day. On a Pennine Boat Trip you can enjoy the scenery as you travel slowly through the Pennines and Yorkshire Dales.

Stump Cross Caverns is one of Britain's premier show caves, located in Nidderdale on the border of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Open 9am - 6pm 7 days a week. They hold special events throughout the year. From primary to university age, Stump Cross Caverns provide interesting and informative visits to the caves.

If you are near Lightwater Valley, and have time, enjoy this adventure high in the trees. There are giant bouncy nets with super slides, tree houses, tunnels and ball zones. Open 10 am - 5pm.

Wensleydale Equestrian offers a full range of riding and equestrian activities and facilities.Trekking and hacking out from short lead rein hacks to full day treks, for both experienced and novice riders. Riding lessons for groups or individuals, experience range from novice to experienced riders.

One of the longest heritage railway lines in the UK, Wensleydale Railway runs 16 miles from Leeming Bar to Redmire through the magnificent scenery of the Yorkshire Dales. Making a great day out, the Railway also offers including guided walks and excursions.

Deep beneath Ingleborough Hill, in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, lies a hidden world which has been sculpted by nature over thousands of years. White Scar Caves is the longest show cave in England. They open everyday from February to November and weekends over the winter.

Adventure Activities above and below ground in the Yorkshire Dales offering caving, climbing and abseiling, skills for walking, guided walks, challenge events, team building, school and youth groups, Bowland GPS trails, and film location management

Find Boroughbridge Show at Newby Hall. Agricultural and horticultural classes plus displays such as Dog agility, vintage vehicle parade and Heavy horse working display. Held every year at the end of July.

Giving you a chance to see the whole of the countryside in one go at the Harrogate showground, Countryside Live brings together all the best bits of the countryside - and 90% of it is under cover so you'll have a great time whatever the weather! Held at the end of October.

Gargrave Show is held in the grounds of Eshton Hall just outside of Gargrave and near Skipton. A great day out for all the family with farm animal, horticulture and handicrafts classes, as well as show jumping, fell running, sheep dog trials and family fun events. Held every year in August

The Great Yorkshire Show is the country's leading agricultural event. Each year the Great Yorkshire Show attracts in excess of 125,000 visitors, why not join us this year and be part of it! Held every year in July

Held under the famous Kilnsey Crag, Kilnsey agricultural show offers dry stone walling, produce, handicrafts, horticulture, equestrian events, fell races and harness racing. Kilnsey is close to Grassington in Upper Wharfedale and the agricultural show is held every year at the end of August.

Malham Show is held annually in the heart of beautiful Malhamdale in the Yorkshire Dales on August Bank Holiday Saturday. This popular country show has taken place for over 100 years and takes place beneath the back drop of Malham Cove.

The popular Masham Sheep Fair in Lower Wensleydale commemorates past times where as many as 70,000 sheep were sold each year. Masham is filled with sheepy fun and entertainment. Held each year on a weekend at the end of September.

Muker Agricultural Show, Swaledale is held in the enviable location of the meadows in Muker village. It offers such delights as Fell Racing, Sheep Dog Trials and a chance to hear the Muker Band play! Held every year at the beginning of September.

The Annual Nidderdale Show is held in the picturesque surrounds of Bewerley Park, Pateley Bridge. It is one of the county's foremost agricultural shows and attracts crowds of 15,000. Held annually at the end of September. Affectionately know as 'Pateley Show'.

Reeth Show is a traditional Yorkshire Dales agricultural show in the picturesque surroundings of Swaledale. Held every year at the end of August for over 100 years. There are a wide range of entertainments, shows, displays, stalls and refreshments.

Ripley Agricultural Show is held in the grounds of Ripley Castle, near Harrogate. Find all the farm animal and produce classes, plus Yorkshire's largest and finest display of Vintage Gractors. Held annually on the second Sunday in August.

Tockwith Show is held near Tockwith which is about 30 minutes drive from both Harrogate and York. Come and enjoy a great day out, whilst learning more of the practice of agriculture, horticulture, livestock breeding and arts and crafts. Held every year at the beginning of August.

Find Wensledale Show just outside of Leyburn in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. There is an extensive range of competitive events for livestock and poultry with over 60 classes in poultry alone! Held every year at the end of August.

Bolton Abbey is on the banks of the River Wharfe in acres of beautiful countryside. Explore the ruins of the Priory, wander along the woodland nature trails, stroll beside the river, visit the tea rooms and cafes, look around the village shops, or just relax in this romantic location.

Bolton Castle is a spectacular medieval fortress, preserved in outstanding condition and situated in the heart of Wensleydale, inside the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It is a 14th Century castle and is a Grade I listed building. Visit our medieval Mary Garden (Catholic Garden), herb garden, vineyard & maze, rose gardens & bowling green. They do weddings and private events.

This spectacular 12th Century remains of the most complete Cistercian abbey in Britain is part of the National Trust. An elegant Elizabethan mansion; extensive ornamental water garden, granted World Heritage Status in 1986 and exquisitely decorative Victorian Church in the heart of the medieval deer park. There is always plenty going on there.

This Jacobean stately home, near Knaresborough, is a Grade II listed building, where you can visit, dine or enjoy a 5 star stay. It is an excellent wedding venue, with 12 luxurious rooms for guests. 13th Century St Mary's Church stands adjacent to the Hall's grounds, perfect for combining a church wedding and reception at Goldsborough.

This Grade 1 listed building, Near Scorton, Richmond is a Jacobean manor house full of history, from its opening in 1625 to the present day. They have an award winning tea room & stunning gardens to be enjoyed. Open from February to October, they always have plenty going on !

Middleham Castle was once the childhood home of Richard III and is a fascinating castle to explore with exhibition highlighting the castle's notable personalities and fantastic views of Wensledayle from the view platform.

Newby Hall and Gardens, Skelton-on-Ure, Ripon, is the setting for Jane Austen's Mansfield Park. It is the family home of Mr and Mrs Richard Compton and is one of England's finest houses. Open from the end of March to the end of September.

Parcevall Hall Gardens are the only large gardens open to the public in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. There is year round interest not only for the plantsman, but also for anyone who enjoys peace and tranquility in this natural setting.

Plumpton Rocks Historic Landscape Garden was described by Queen Mary as 'Heaven on Earth'. It is 30 acres of parkland between Harrogate and Wetherby with tranquil lakeside walks, dramatic millstone grit rock formations and woodland trails through bluebells and rhododendrons.

RHS Garden Harlow Carr makes a wonderful day out at any time of the year. Covering 68 acres, it has a wide variety of landscapes from running and still water to woodland and wildflower meadows. Betty's teashop and restaurant are on site with delicious afternoon tea and meals to complete your day.

Ripley Castle and Gardens, situated 3 miles from Harrogate in North Yorkshire on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, is an historic attraction open to the public all year round and makes for a fascinating and entertaining day out, in a beautiful location, with memorable surroundings.

Skipton Castle is over 900 years old and is one of the best preserved and most complete medieval castles in England, despite enduring a 3 year siege in the Civil War. It is open every day except 3 days over Christmas to the public and to school groups, they hold reconstructions, weddings and other events.

These stones at the Swinton Estate, look ancient but are really only 200 years old. They were erected by Thomas Danby, the owner of Swinton Estate, Ilton, 3 miles south west of Masham, at the top of the Nidderdale region. The Druid's Temple is found near Leighton Reservoir, surrounded by moorland and Yorkshire Dales Landscape.

Thorp Perrow covers 100 acres of beautiful woodland and they have a packed diary of events all throughout the year. There is an adventure play area, bird and mammal sanctuary and one of the largest collection of shrubs and trees in Northern England. They are open everyday 10am - 5pm.

Every October the Settle Story Telling festival offers 4 days of events filled with magic, music, laughter, cakes and crocodiles. The historic streets of Settle, in the Yorkshire Dales echo to various tales, yarns and story telling workshops.

Situated at the gateway to Wensleydale, Masham is the home of the Black Sheep Brewery. Regular 'shepherded' tours of the Brewery allow visitors to experience the traditional brewing process and the aroma and taste of English hops and malted barley.

Find countryside craft courses at Broadrake Bunkbarn, situated at the foot of Whernside, Chapel le Dale in the Yorkshire Three Peaks area. Workshops and courses offered in Blacksmithing, Willow weaving, Scything and Botanical Painting.

For an extra-special cheese, pop into The Courtyard Dairy near Settle. Andy and Kathy select only the best cheeses from small farms and artisan producers, then give them that magical touch of special maturing that they learnt first-hand from some of the most famous cheesemongers in France and England.

See how the twist is put in ! They are a long-established family firm of rope and braid manufacturers based in the Yorkshire Dales. Admission is free, open Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm. There is a delightful playground across the road and many other attractions nearby. We offer escorted educational visits for £3 / person.

Keelham is a very popular farm shop, full of local produce. They have varied fruit and vegetable racks, freshly made bread, sweets & pastries. Lots of meat & fish to choose from.. Local beers, ales, ciders & gins. They are host a fabulous restaurant, which serves all local products. They have a garden centre & a seasonal section.

Visit the Dales Chocolatier Visitor Centre, but prepare to be sorely tempted! Visitors can watch skilled local craftswomen making over 250 different delicious chocolate gifts in the Leyburn factory and visitor centre.

Visit this independent family brewing company, established in Masham in 1827 and follow the complete brewing process and meet the people who brew Theakston's beers at the home of the legendary Old Peculier. Open all throughout the year. Great place for gift ideas for beer lovers !

Wensleydale Creamery Visitor Centre incorporates a museum, viewing gallery, specialist cheese shop, 1897 Coffee shop and fully licensed restaurant. Wensleydale cheese has been made in Wensleydale since 1150, when Cistercian monks settled in the dale.

Visit this family run workshop and observe the various processes of the manufacture of candles. The workshop was a 19th century water mill. Open February to October, Wednesday through to Saturday – free admission.

Find exciting events, workshops and demonstrations at the Dales Museum in Hawes, with projects designed to explore aspects of the cultural heritage of the Yorkshire Dales.

Grassington Folk Museum has fascinating objects from Dales life of yesteryear. Find exhibits of lead mining, agricultural, domestic and craft tools, period costumes, world war memorabilia and the days of the Yorkshire Dales Railway recalled.

Keld Heritage Centre is bursting with the history of Keld, including hill farming, local people and wildlife conservation. Positioned in the village centre, close to the ‘coast to coast' trail it offers a programme of activities and events which include craft demonstrations.

Situated in the picturesque town of Pateley Bridge, North Yorkshire, this fascinating and friendly museum is housed in the former workhouse and is situated opposite St Cuthbert's Parish Church. Its 11 rooms illustrate the rural life of Nidderdale in the recent and more distant past..

Visit Ripon Cathedral with history reaching back to the 7th Century. It welcomes both pilgrims and tourists with a rich calendar of exciting cathedral event, including the Great North Art Show and Summer Organ Festival, Brass Band and Christmas Carol Concerts.

Ripon three museums are the Workhouse Museum and Gardens, the Prison and Police Museum and the Courthouse Museum. Together the three museums tell a story of Law and Order in times past. Check out our events and learning visits.

Visit The Station in beautiful Richmond North Yorkshire. Find food, art, film seven days a week all under one roof in this historic Victorian railway station. There is a modern, 2-screen cinema, an art gallery over 2 floors, and a number of food artisans making and selling produce on site.

Big Sheep, Little Cow makes a great day out for all the family in Bedale. Enjoy the Wooly Jumpers Play Barn, go outside on the go-karts or in our large sandpit play area. We offer school visits and educational farm visits as well as childrens birthday parties and cafe

Yorkshire Dales Icecream Farm makes a great family day out, near Skipton and Bolton Abbey, with breathtaking scenery, super free wooden play area for children and new undercover play area. There is great food on offer in American style diner with delicious icecream, made on the farm.

Brimham Rocks near Pateley Bridge Nidderdale offers beautiful walks and rock climbing amongst dramatic moorland rock formations. This is a precious wildlife habitat where you will find changes from season to season, with overwintering birds and bilberry season in autumn.

This popular visitors farm is situated at High Jervaulx Farm, Masham. You can visit its parlour with delicious ice-cream, the cafe and 2 children's play areas, outdoor with climbing frames or bouncy castles in their heated indoor barn. Open weekdays 10-5pm & weekends 10-6pm (October) and consecutively 10-4pm & 10-5pm (November)

Have fun discovering York and Yorkshire towns and cities with unique, self-guided heritage walks, with optional treasure hunt. Suitable for all ages, the walks take 1-2 hours each and are wheelchair and buggy friendly. Booklet of two walks available to buy or download from just £3.99

This is one of the most famous caves in the Dales and one of the largest underground chambers in Britain. Gaping Gill is a 98 metre (322ft) deep pothole with the stream Fell Beck flowing into it, before draining through to Ingleborough Cave.

Gouthwaite Reservoir and its site of Special Scientific Interest attracts a wonderfully wide range of wetland birds, raptors and waders such as Oyster Catchers, Willow Warblers, Black Caps and spotted Flycatchers. Free carpark.

Bring your little ones to enjoy a great family day out at Hesketh Farm Park at Bolton Abbey near Skipton. There are plenty of farm animals to enjoy, pigs to brush, guinea pigs to groom, eggs to gather, tractors and go karts to ride.

Prepare for adventure at the How Stean Gorge Outdoor Centre in Nidderdale, Yorkshire! How Stean Gorge is a spectacular limestone gorge in the stunning Yorkshire Dales. Open each day 9am - 5pm to the public and for group activities, team building, stag and hen dos.

The famous Ingleton Waterfalls Trail in Yorkshire offers some of the most spectacular waterfall and woodland scenery in the North of England. The trail follows a well-defined footpath which runs as close to the edge of the two rivers as possible.

Malham Cove is a huge curving amphitheatre of limestone rock near Malham. It is popular for walkers, rock climbers and bird watchers with the RSPB manning a Peregrine viewpoint for part of the year. Nearby is Malham Tarn, a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

An intriguing fun filled adventure in stunning countryside for children and their grown ups! Find a great range of events from bushcraft and craft days to den building and interactive sculptures. Close to Pateley Bridge and convenient for York and Leeds.