Hawes
The heart of Upper Wensleydale
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Hawes is an intricate market town in the upper reaches of Wensleydale where a treasure trove of independent shops, cafes and crafts awaits.
This magical market town has plenty for visitors to do, with lots of walks for all abilities in the surrounding dale and plenty of traditional shops and places to eat. It is also a popular base to head out for a walk, ramble or bike ride. After you’ve enjoyed browsing the many shops and eateries, you can visit local museums where you can discover the stories of the people who lived and worked in the Yorkshire Dales.
One of the larger towns in this part of the Yorkshire Dales, Hawes is best known for the production of “Yorkshire Wensleydale” Cheese, which has been granted Protected Food Name Status, meaning this term can only be applied to cheese produced in Wensleydale itself.
Possibly the most distinctive feature of the town is its bustling market. First recorded in 1307, regular markets still take place and give visitors the option to browse a range of local produce alongside breathtaking scenery.
The Heart of Upper Wensleydale
Hawes is nestled in Upper Wensleydale, home to sweeping views and beautiful waterfalls. Nearby there is a chance to see red squirrels in a special viewing area in the heart of the Widdale Red Squirrel Reserve, and with luck you may also see roe deer. The nearby Buttertubs Pass is a well-known serpentine road that meanders through a lush landscape of sheer cliffs and stunning sights. Popular with drivers, an acclaimed challenge for cyclists and a photographer’s dream, the tapestry of fields, rugged cliffs and stunning skies will linger in the memory long after your visit.
Not far away, Hardraw Force is the single highest drop waterfall in England where Turner paused to paint, and Wordsworth stopped to write, just one of the many sights to enjoy in this beautiful area.
So if you are visiting the Yorkshire Dales, add Hawes to your itinerary to enjoy a truly rural Yorkshire experience.
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