Dales

Encompassing the magnificent Yorkshire Dales National Park, the wonderous Nidderdale National Landscape and part of the Forest of Bowland, the Dales area of North Yorkshire is an adventurer's paradise.

Here you will find wide open spaces, miles of walking and cycling routes, unique character and vastly changing landscapes; from wild and windswept to quiet and tranquil, with valleys full of hay meadows, patterns of drystone walls and barns, as well as internationally important landscapes. Ancient droving routes, country lanes, and bridleways can be explored on foot, bike or even four hooves!

This living working landscape is not just a patchwork of different landscapes but has communities, traditions and character at its heart.  There are pretty villages and market towns where you can enjoy independent shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants. Visit historic towns like Grassington, Reeth, and Hawes to explore ruins, museums, and local traditions, or follow the magical waterfall trail in Ingleton, all set within the breathtaking Yorkshire Dales.

Rich in history, the area boasts castles, abbey ruins, and towns like Skipton, where you can discover a medieval castle, canal, and caves.

The Nidderdale National Landscape is carved by river valleys, blanketed with moorland and nature-filled woodland. In the heart of Nidderdale is Pateley Bridge where you can discover rich local histories and a vibrant dining and shopping scene including Britain’s Oldest Sweet Shop.

Settle, a traditional market town at the foot of the Pennines, is an excellent base for walkers, and can be reached via the iconic Settle to Carlisle rail route, famous for its scenic views and Ribblehead Viaduct.

There’s more rural paradise to discover in the Forest of Bowland, with its wild moorland beauty, medieval heritage and vast array of birdlife.

This area is known for its Dark Skies with the Yorkshire Dales National Park an International Dark Sky reserve with some of the best dark skies in the country, annual Dark Sky festivals include events with expert astronomers and activities like night-time fell running, astro-photography and canoeing in the dark!

And don’t leave without trying the local produce – the annual Cheese Festival celebrates amazing Dales cheese and local produce. There are many small independent cheese makers producing cheeses in the old-fashioned way from traditional recipes, find these gems through the region’s many outlets, farm shops, and local iconic makers.

Highland cow in the Dales, North Yorkshire

Discover the Dales on our map

Map of Yorkshire

Places in the Dales

Featured Dales Experiences

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View across Nidderdale - trees, fields, drystone walls and blue sky