Dales
- Areas
- 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, one of the beautiful Three Peaks Villages.
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.
Discover the Dales on our map
Places in the Dales
Three Peaks Villages
Nestled between the Three Peaks are the beautiful villages of Ingleton, Horton-in-Ribblesdale and… Nestled between the Three Peaks are the beautiful…
Skipton
Discover Skipton where tradition and hospitality come together all year round to welcome visitors… Discover Skipton where tradition and hospitality…
Leyburn & Middleham
At the heart of Wensleydale, Leyburn and Middleham are a pair of traditional Yorkshire towns with… At the heart of Wensleydale, Leyburn and…
Hawes & Wensleydale
An intricate market town in the upper reaches of Wensleydale where a treasure trove of independent… An intricate market town in the upper reaches of…
Festivals in the Dales
Sheep have always been part of Masham's heritage, join the fun during this… Sheep have always been part of Masham's heritage, join the fun during this two day festival and celebration of all things sheepish
Leyburn Jazz Festival just keeps getting better and better. Whether you… Leyburn Jazz Festival just keeps getting better and better. Whether you are a jazz fan or someone who enjoys live performance, you will find…
Yorkshire Dales Cheese Festival - Yorkshire Dales…
The Festival celebrates the incredible produce of the Dales – cheese very… The Festival celebrates the incredible produce of the Dales – cheese very much included! – with local businesses throughout the National Park hosting…
Jazz comes home to Leyburn in Yorkshire with modern, classic, smooth and… Jazz comes home to Leyburn in Yorkshire with modern, classic, smooth and free jazz of over four amazing days in the Yorkshire dales.
Featured Stories & Inspiration about the Dales
Take time out this summer and escape to the breathtaking gardens and… Take time out this summer and escape to the breathtaking gardens and outdoor spaces of the Yorkshire Dales and surrounding areas
From grand country houses and spectacular landscapes, discover the North… From grand country houses and spectacular landscapes, discover the North Yorkshire locations that have played a starring role in All Creatures Great and Small.
If you’ve ever dreamed of walking in James Herriot’s footsteps, here’s… If you’ve ever dreamed of walking in James Herriot’s footsteps, here’s your guide to the North Yorkshire locations that bring his Yorkshire Dales world to life.
Find out about three new walks through the Skell Valley launching in May Find out about three new walks through the Skell Valley launching in May