Dales

How to spend 24hrs in Hawes

If you're looking to book an overnight stay or two-day break in North Yorkshire, our itinerary based in Hawes and the surrounding Wensleydale countryside has lots of ideas to help to make the most of your visit whether you're here for 24 or 48 hours.

About This Itinerary

If you’re thinking of booking an overnight stay in North Yorkshire, our itinerary centred around the pretty market town of Hawes in Wensleydale is packed with ideas to help you explore for the day, or why not stay for longer?

Itinerary Information
Duration:
1-2 days

Itinerary Schedule

1
Wensleydale Creamery 1
Day One: morning

Wensleydale Creamery

Hawes is home to Wensleydale Cheese, a favourite of Wallace and Gromit and no doubt a favourite of yours after your visit. Book a Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese Experience and see how this popular cheese is made as you watch a demonstration and are taken through the cheesemaking process.

Afterwards, discover more about the history of cheesemaking in the area on a self-guided tour. Taste different flavours in the Tasting Room, pick up  some treats in the shop or call in later in the day for a cheesy afternoon tea in Calvert’s Restaurant.

2
The Green Dragon Inn at Hardraw bar fire
Day One: lunch

The Green Dragon at Hardraw

Enjoy lunch at the nearby Green Dragon at Hardraw. This cosy oldy-worldy inn is full of character, and walking inside feels like stepping back in time with its many original features. Enjoy a hearty lunch and a pint of local ale (or non-alcoholic option) and chat with the friendly locals.

The pub is also the access point to Hardraw Force, the highest single drop waterfall in England. Purchase your admission at the pub and make your way to this spectacular sight before heading back to Hawes for the afternoon.

3
Dales countryside museum
Day One: afternoon

Dales Countryside Museum

Visit this fascinating museum and learn about the history and stories of this part of the Yorkshire Dales. The exhibitions and interactive displays take you on a journey through the lives of the many people who shaped this area and as you learn about farming traditions and crafts, you get a real sense of the heritage of the place.

You can also join one of the events happening including walks and talks or enjoy some refreshments at the Firebox Café or go for the takeaway option to enjoy as you continue to explore Hawes.

4
Aysgarth Falls Yorkshire Dales CHJ
Stay for an extra day so you don’t miss all of this...

Day Two: morning - Aysgarth Falls

These dramatic three stepped waterfalls are a sight to behold, especially after rainfall. Park in the National Park Centre car park (pay & display) and walk through the woodland to discover the upper, middle and lower falls.

The picturesque surroundings make you feel as if you have stepped into a film which is not surprising as this is a popular filming location and you may recognise it from Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and 28 Years Later.

5
L Winter Reeth Spring
Day Two: afternoon, option one

Reeth

Situated in Reeth, this picture-perfect village is a perfect little stop with cafés, shops and pubs hugging the edge of the village green.

Stop here for lunch before taking a walk through the surrounding countryside where you will see views of the stunning limestone ridges and hills which are a feature of this part of the Dales.

6
Exterior of a stone building with a grey name sign on it with tables and chairs in the background in a courtyard
Day Two, afternoon, option two

Dales Bike Centre

If you prefer to cycle around the area, then the Dales Bike Centre near Reeth is the perfect place to start from. There’s a wide choice of bikes for hire including mountain, road and e-bikes, so you can pick the right one for your cycling level.

The centre is close to the ‘Swale Trail’, a signposted mountain bike route or you can cycle along the Swaledale roads for a few hours. Fuel up either before or after your ride at the Cakery Café or if you decide to stay for even longer, you can book to stay in one of their onsite glamping pods.

Stay up to date

Sign up to receive North Yorkshire inspiration direct to your inbox

A woman looks out over the Yorkshire Dales