Why Visit... Pateley Bridge & Nidderdale

The Dales town of Pateley Bridge is a busy hub of community and dales life that has been attracting visitors for over 100 years, with scenic views at every turn.

To help you get the most from your visit, here are some of the most asked questions about Pateley Bridge.

What to do when visiting Pateley Bridge?

There is a full day of things to do in Pateley Bridge whatever your interests. Learn about the history and industrial heritage of the wider Nidderdale area at the Nidderdale Museum.  Foodies will find eateries and shops filling the high street and the surrounding court yards, where you can indulge, or treat yourself to something for later.

Those who love the outdoors will find Pateley Bridge and Nidderdale a fantastic place to explore either on foot or on two wheels.  The hills and valleys are filled with curiosities and beautiful views and a range of rare and important birds and wildlife call the area home.

For families the town has a large park just across the river with space for ball games, a playground and seating.  For the more adventurous Nidderdale is perfect for activities such as mountain biking, caving and climbing.

What  are the big events in Pateley Bridge?

The largest event in the year for Pateley Bridge is the Nidderdale Agricultural Show in September, this large country show is a celebration of dales life and brings the community together.

Other annual events include an Art Trail in August and three shows each year at the ever-popular Pateley Bridge Playhouse.

Are there any local craft shops or markets in Pateley Bridge?

While Pateley Bridge doesn’t have a weekly market it does have craft fairs and pop-up markets throughout the year, and there is a hub for artisan crafts at the Pateley Makers Yard, next to the Nidderdale museum.

What are the best walks to do from Pateley Bridge?

Where do we start?

Perhaps the easiest walk is the three mile Glasshouses Loop that follows the river down to the village of Glasshouses before looping back along quiet lanes through the beautiful village of Bewerley.

For the seasoned walker the Nidderdale Way is a popular walk that loops the valley top to bottom over 53 miles.

See all the walks in the Pateley Bridge and Nidderdale.

What are the best walks to do around Nidderdale?

Popular walks in the wider Nidderdale area include the walks around reservoirs and the many landmarks that can found across the valley.  The Greenhow Geology trail explores the old  lead mines of Greenhow Hill, and the Coldstones Cut, a limestone sculpture that gives you a rare view into a working quarry.

Crackpots mosaic trail is a beautiful walk that explores the more remote hills and moors by the hamlet of Dallowgill using a collection of mosaics created by local school children as way markers.

Scar House Reservoir is another easy to follow and popular walk, circling the reservoir with a length of four miles, this loop is a relaxing way to experience the upper reaches of Nidderdale.

For more information visit our Pateley Bridge & Nidderdale pages.