Hawes

The heart of Upper Wensleydale

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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Businesses in Hawes & Wensleydale

The Green Dragon Inn at Hardraw bar fire
Hawes & Wensleydale - Dales

The Green Dragon at Hardraw

With its stone floors and real fires the historic Green Dragon Inn at…

Wensleydale Creamery 1
Hawes & Wensleydale - Dales

Wensleydale Creamery

Set in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales you’ll find our Wensleydale…

Dales countryside museum
Hawes & Wensleydale - Dales

Dales Countryside Museum

Sharing the stories of the people and places of the Yorkshire Dales.

Aysgarth Leisure Resorts 73
Leyburn - Dales

Aysgarth Leisure Resorts

Aysgarth Leisure Resorts is part of the Leisure Resorts holiday park group…

Fells View Barn
Hawes & Wensleydale - Dales

Fells View Barn

Escape to an cosy retreat in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.

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Hawes & Wensleydale - Dales

Chapel Gallery Bunkhouse

Set in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park right on the path of…

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Aysgarth Falls Yorkshire Dales CHJ
Leyburn - Dales

Aysgarth Falls

Discover the beauty of Aysgarth Falls, three spectacular stepped…

Events in Hawes & Wensleydale

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Hawes & Wensleydale - Dales

Missing Cats - The Green Dragon Inn

14 Mar - 20 Jun 26

The Missing Cats are an entertaining 100% live acoustic duo who like to…

NE Covers - Complimentary Live Music
Hawes & Wensleydale - Dales

NE Covers - Complimentary Live Music - The Green…

21 Mar 26

Neil of NE Covers is a solo singer performing live keyboards and vocals…

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Hawes & Wensleydale - Dales

Jonny Boyle - The Green Dragon Inn

4 Apr - 10 Oct 26

Jonny Boyle is an amazing acoustic singer & guitarist, possibly the best…

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Hawes & Wensleydale - Dales

JR Live - The Green Dragon Inn

18 Apr - 8 Aug 26

JR is an accomplished piano player and vocalist, delivering the best of…

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A woman looks out over the Yorkshire Dales