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Towns & Villages

 

Find out more about the various Dales


Find out more about some of the main Dales such as Wensleydale, Swaledale, Nidderdale, Wharfedale, Ribblesdale, Dentdale and many others, with a little help from the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority :

To give you a flavour of local towns and villages around Wensleydale ... but there is so much more to see in Swaledale, Wharfedale etc etc 

 

West Burton, Wensleydale

Especially if you are thinking of staying at Inglenook Cottage, find out more about why James Herriot said "West Burton is the most beautiful village in England" and why the famous Turner also painted there too!

 

 

Newbiggin - in - Bishopdale

If you are seeking peace and tranquility by staying at The Byre or The Dairy, find out why you need to refer to Newbiggin in Bishopdale and not just Newbiggin! Amazingly there are 4 Newbiggins between the M6 and A1 in this area, two of which have a DL8 postcode!

 

Hawes

Known as the capital of Upper Wensleydale, Hawes is a busy market town with many hotels and tearooms. Local industries thrive with pottery, wooden toys, the famous Wensleydale cheese and ropemaking for visitors to see. Interesting antique shops offer a glimpse of times gone by and the Dales Countryside Museum and National Park Centre are essential for those interested in traditional countryside life. Hawes is just down from the Pennine Way, surrounded on all side by the most glorious hill views. Even the 10 mile drive through Upper Wensleydale to reach Hawes is just breathtaking all year round. 

 

Dales Countryside Museum where you can discover the story of the people and landscape of the Yorkshire Dales.


Rock and Gem shop offers a wide range of crystals, minerals, fossils and gemstone jewellery.


The Ropemaker - It's fascinating to see the complete ropemaking process - many thin strands of yarn are rapidly twisted into strong rope. We make dog leads, clothes lines, bannister ropes and much more!


Wensleydale Creamery - welcome to the home of Real Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese. Enjoy the 'Cheese Experience' at The Visitor Centre, open 7 days a week, where you will also find a museum, viewing gallery, specialist cheese shop and fully licensed restaurant.

 

Raydale Preserves - the yummiest jams & chutneys on earth! Enjoy their tasting service to tempt you. Find them on the business park. 


Blackburn Farm Trout Fishery, Gayle - Fly fishing trout pool set in picturesque farmland. The one-acre water is stocked with home-reared rainbow trout (average weight 800g). Rod hire available. There is also a beckside footpath giving panoramic views of the dale.

 

Hardraw

Visit Hardraw Force, the largest single drop waterfall in England, just by the side of the Green Dragon pub in this hamlet -  probably the best excuse for going to the pub you will ever have! Then pop over the road to visit the Focus on Felt Studio Gallery.

 

Bainbridge

The village of Bainbridge is centred around a spacious village green complete with stocks. The River Bain, the shortest river in England, flows from Lake Semerwater over a picturesque waterfall near the village. From either of the two access roads to Semerwater the view across the Lake is just outstanding. Bit hairy driving up there in winter sometimes! Why not try a walk with a difference - Semerwater Alpaca Ambles. Call Janet to discuss what you would like to do as she loves to personalise your amble. 

 

Askrigg 

Askrigg is famous for its associations with the James Herriot television series "All Creatures Great and Small". It has regular craft fairs, an annual art exhibition and flower festival. You can pop into the 'Drovers Arms' which is really the Kings Arms. As you walk out of the pub, look over the road and you will probably recognise Skeldale House as the imaginery home of the veterinary! If you are a fan of All Creatures Great and Small, do visit the award-winning World of James Herriot at Thirsk - the real home of Alf Wight, the real James Herriot. 


Wensley

Wensley is the name of the village that the whole dale is named after, rather than being named after the River Ure.  At White Rose Candles workshop observe the various processes involved in the manufacture of candles including traditional dipping techniques and casting methods. Candles available to purchase. Wensleydale Brewery Try out the real ales of Wensleydale's very own micro-brewery in the Three Horseshoes at Wensley.

The Wensleydale Railway runs trains between Leeming Bar (near the A1) and Redmire (on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park) via Bedale and Leyburn, a 17 mile trip that takes approximately 50 minutes. The trains are normally formed of heritage diesel rail cars from the 1960s, which have large windows and a great view of the line ahead if you sit behind the driver.

 

Leyburn

Leyburn is the market town supporting Lower Wensleydale and essentially has everything you will probably need. There are an array of tearooms around the market place open daily. For your supermarket shop we recommend Campbell's of Leyburn for everythign from the basic groceries to the finest of cheeses, meats and wines. Do try their deli and meat counters and don't forget to go upstairs to their amazing 'wine cellar'. There is an amazing selection to suit everyone's taste buds and budget. The Co-Op is also just across the Market Place.
 

The Tea Pottery - (now known as Ceramic Inspirations) is home of the eccentric teapot. Here teapots are made in so many wonderful designs. Take a tour of the pottery to see how the teapots are made. A small tearoom (of course!) is available for refreshments where you can also browse the shop to see and even purchase the beautiful finished teapots.
 

Visit the Little Chocolate Shop where you can watch the luxurious chocolates being hand made. Now that you have whet your appetite, visit the shop to satisfy those chocolate urges.
 

Have you ever been to an auction before? Visit Tennants (known as the Christies of the North) on a viewing day or sale day - but don't be tempted to scratch your nose! Tennants Garden Rooms is a beautiful multi-million pound extension to the auction house. The Garden Rooms has very quickly become very popular to eat out for a light bite in the cafe or meal in the restaurant during the day due to high quality food and free parking. But what makes the difference is you can then wander round the building to view the large display cabinets of future sales. You never know what you will see on your next visit. 
 

The Wensleydale Railway runs trains between Leeming Bar (near the A1) and Leyburn - a great way to see Lower Wensleydale. The trains are normally formed of heritage diesel rail cars from the 1960s, which have large windows and a great view of the line ahead if you sit behind the driver.