The Best Things to Do in the Yorkshire Dales: Your Complete Guide
Discover the best things to do in the Yorkshire Dales, from scenic walks and waterfalls to charming villages and historic castles. Plan your perfect countryside escape.
The Yorkshire Dales National Park is one of the UK’s most breathtaking regions. With its rolling green hills, dramatic limestone landscapes, quaint villages, and cultural landmarks, it offers a truly authentic English countryside experience. Whether you’re planning a family trip, a romantic getaway, or an adventure holiday, there’s no shortage of things to do.
Here’s our complete guide to the best things to do in the Yorkshire Dales — featuring must-see attractions, scenic walks, cultural highlights, and local food experiences.
1. Explore Charming Villages & Market Towns
The Dales are dotted with picture-postcard villages and lively market towns.
Hawes
Home to the Wensleydale Creamery, where you can taste and buy the famous cheese.
Grassington
A bustling market town with cobbled streets, boutique shops, and lively pubs.
Reeth
Surrounded by hills and valleys, it’s a walker’s paradise with stunning views.
Leyburn
A classic Yorkshire town with an open market square, ideal for local shopping.
2. Chase Waterfalls in the Dales
The Dales is famous for its waterfalls, each one unique and worth visiting.
Aysgarth Falls
Located just minutes from our doorstep, Aysgarth Falls is a spectacular series of three waterfalls on the River Ure. Surrounded by woodland and wildlife, it’s perfect for a morning walk or photography stop.
Hardraw Force
The tallest single-drop waterfall in England, Hardraw Force near Hawes is an awe-inspiring sight. It’s set within a lovely riverside walk and has been featured in films and TV shows.
Janet’s Foss & Gordale Scar
Combine a visit to Malham Cove with Janet’s Foss, a magical woodland waterfall, and Gordale Scar, a dramatic limestone ravine.
3. Take on the Yorkshire Three Peaks
For keen walkers, the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge — Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough — is an iconic test of endurance. You don’t need to complete all three in one day; many visitors enjoy tackling them individually for a gentler experience.
4. Step Back in Time at Historic Sites
Bolton Castle
A medieval fortress where Mary Queen of Scots was once imprisoned. The castle hosts falconry displays and medieval reenactments.
Ribblehead Viaduct
An engineering marvel of the 19th century, this railway viaduct is set against the dramatic backdrop of the moors.
Fountains Abbey
A UNESCO World Heritage Site with hauntingly beautiful ruins.
5. Taste the Flavours of Yorkshire
No trip to the Dales is complete without indulging in local food and drink.
Wensleydale Cheese
Visit the creamery in Hawes for tastings.
Yorkshire Ale
Sample locally brewed beers in traditional pubs.
Farm-to-Table Dining
Restaurants across the Dales highlight seasonal, local produce.
At Aysgarth Falls Hotel, our dining options bring together traditional Yorkshire hospitality and modern cuisine — perfect after a day of exploring.
6. Family-Friendly Adventures
The Forbidden Corner
A quirky labyrinth of tunnels, follies, and gardens near Leyburn, loved by kids and adults alike.
Dales Countryside Museum
Discover the history, crafts, and traditions of the Yorkshire Dales.
FAQs About Visiting the Yorkshire Dales
To make the most of what the Dales has to offer, explore booking your star with us today.