Top Things to do in Yorkshire Dales National Park
What to do and see in Yorkshire Dales National Park, England: The Best Things to do
One visit to the Yorkshire Dales and it’s easy to understand why the unspoiled countryside is the setting of so many novels. Must-see sights among the land’s lush woodlands and expansive moors include Hardraw Force (the longest single-drop waterfall in the North), Gordale Scar, and well-known hill range, the Three Peaks. Less adventurous visitors can rest easy, walking through the manicured lawns of Parcevall Hall Gardens or appreciating Skipton Castle’s medieval architecture. Although some prefer to take in the land’s wild beauty by foot or horse, the most popular way is via one of the park’s famed cycling routes.
Restaurants in Yorkshire Dales National Park
1. Ingleborough
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 234 reviews
Reviewed By sheffieldeats - Sheffield, United Kingdom
Seen from the top of Pen y Ghent and knowing that in about 6-8 hours you will be looking up at its vast bulk, takes some beating mixed emotions! Variety of terrain on the approach in, followed by a relatively short scramble up. Take your time and watch where you put your feet! Your respect for the mountain will be rewarded.
2. Malham Cove
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,484 reviews
Reviewed By ncutts
Not my first visit, but the first time back in decades. Just as stunning as I remember it being, right from the first views at the bottom of the cove. Well worth the climb to the top if you’re fit enough - we enjoyed a lovely picnic once up and great views, plus the limestone pavement is best seen up close from the top and can’t really be viewed any other way. Shame on those tourists who think it’s OK to push their litter in among the rocks. :( just take it home!! It’s lighter when you’ve eaten the contents so much easier and more compact to carry!!! Lovely flora and fauna to be seen along the walk. It’s also nice to continue and make it a circular walk if you have time, returning via Goredale Scar. The walk was quieter away from the cove too. Pity there were a few people who seemed totally unaware of social distancing and ploughed their way through, but for the most part, people were courteous and willing to wait at gates, narrow parts etc. It’s a stunning natural feature and a must if visiting the area.
3. Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 751 reviews
Travel the lovely English countryside on this scenic train pulled by a steam locomotive, leaving from Bolton Abbey Station to the historic Embsay Station, built in 1888. Trains run every Sunday all year Tuesdays Saturdays & Sundays from April to end October and Daily late July to the end of August new for 2019 are Wednesday services using the historic 1903 NER Autocar
4. Ingleton Waterfalls Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,704 reviews
A 4½ mile trail, via a series of spectacular waterfalls, through ancient woodland and beautiful Yorkshire Dales scenery.
Reviewed By bauchtan - Liverpool, United Kingdom
We did the trail as a family the other weekend, and it was a beautiful day to do the walk. It was quite busy but with the clear covid signs along the walk and maintaining social distance i believed most people followed this. We also stayed at the Falls Park which you pass half way onto your walk, a stunning location of scenery and peacefulness with only a few static homes to rent - nothing quite like having dinner on the patio and seeing a deer nibbling on some grass! There is a beautiful ran cafe at the entrance of Falls Park where you walk past half way around the walk, and you can stop for a drink or a bite to eat including some delicious ice creams (better choices than the ice cream van just before, and less of a queue!) and you have the option of sitting at tables listening to the sound of the next waterfall your about to pass - what more can you want! Here there is also a toilet block which was lovely and clean. I absolutely love doing this walk and it's also dog friendly and it's wonderful to see people splashing around under Thornton Force Falls, on a safe and nice day that is! There's also a little cabin shack just before this waterfall - a blessing on a hot day! Would hugely recommend the Waterfalls Walk and if your looking to stay Falls Park is the perfect location!
5. Ribblehead Viaduct
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 658 reviews
Reviewed By MrEG_12 - Warrington, United Kingdom
Testing the Yorkshire peaks for later in the year, and found the place to be amazing, if you're considering this with a break midway the Station Inn is great
6. White Scar Cave
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,290 reviews
Reviewed By LincsHappytraveller - Saxilby, United Kingdom
We had a fascinating trip into the cave system with our knowledgeable guide Tim. He took time to make sure all the group were safe and was both interesting and using. He clearly explained the history of the finding of the caves and all the different formations. The tour takes around an hour then you're left to make your own way back out which is when you can take photos. The cave system is wet ( obviously) and there are slopes and metal stairs so good shoes are a must. And as the cave is a constant 8 degrees it's best to wear something warm under your waterproof. There's a cafe with great views, a shop and clean toilets. Currently tours go into the caves every 90 minutes, masks must be worn in the caves and booking is not necessary.
7. Dales Countryside Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 311 reviews
Dales Countryside Museum shares the stories of the people and places of the Yorkshire Dales. It's a great place to start your visit to the Dales and can help you to understand and enjoy the various things you see as you travel through the area. You can find out what it was like to be a lead miner, discover the importance of the knitting industry, find out about the crafts and trades that would once have been a feature of every village. Climb aboard the train carriages and get crafty in our Creation Station. See beautifully crafted objects like our exquisite Bronze spearhead and gold Viking ring. Enjoy the temporary exhibitions that change throughout the year. We have an annual events programme including Fun Fridays for families, craft workshops for you to have fun and learn a new skill and demo days that bring objects to life. Follow the outdoor trail and do a bit of animal and bug spotting too! Refuel, recharge and relax at the Firebox Café and make the most of your visit to Hawes.
Reviewed By JoeTG - Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom
Hawes is a lovely little Dales town and this museum is certainly one of the spots worth seeing. It showcases the history of the Yorkshire Dales. The communities, the industry, villages, schools, churches and more. It is exceedingly family friendly and our four year old (who takes some distracting) was fascinated by many of the displays. Especially the recreation of an old lead mine that was genuinely realistic! The old steam train was very good and the kids 'craft and play' carriage at the end could have kept our little one entertained for ages! Thoroughly recommended.
8. Whernside
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By TheWakeyHarveys - Leeds, United Kingdom
A good, steady test done recently. We parked off the road near the viaduct and climbed Whernside in an anti-clockwise direction. The is the easiest route we felt as clockwise is shorter and steeper. Great views at the summit
9. Hardraw Force
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 837 reviews
Home of England's largest single drop waterfall, a reputed 100 ft drop and set in fifteen acres of grounds behind the Green Dragon Inn's rear car park and entrance is via the Heritage Centre. The beckside paths are level, gravelled and suitable for wheelchair access with care. The upper paths contain steps, rough areas of rock and are only suitable for the physically fit. Warning and Conditions of Admittance: Persons visiting Hardraw Force Waterfall do so at their own risk and will indemnify D Mark Thompson Ltd and its employees against any claim of whatever nature arising in connection with their visit . Due to intermittent wifi we cannot guarantee credit card facilities are always available and suggest guests bring cash to pay the entrance charges. Please be aware of our Covid guidelines, keep a safe distance apart and use common sense when entering and exiting the ticket area next to our ( presently closed) tearoom at all times. Take away teas and coffees are available.
Reviewed By laurajj52 - Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
We visited on a very rainy day towards the end of Oct. Initially we had spotted it on our map and headed towards it as part of a walk we were doing, didn’t realise that it was a chargeable attraction at first and tried to go ‘in’ the ‘out’ (whoops). However, it is worth the fee. Gent on the front desk very friendly and welcoming and the map/info leaflet is great - we particularly liked the reference to the Robin Hood movie, we remembered the scene referred to! Very well maintained paths, benches and woodland - very pretty. Trees so beautiful with autumn colours. Very surprised at the reviews here that mention going behind the waterfall - looked very slippery and dangerous to us. If you’re going with kids, take wellies to paddle and a picnic. Not sure why there has to be so many ‘disclaimers’ (also all over the website l’ve just seen) perhaps there has been an incident/incidences, or perhaps it is just the way of the world these days. Felt a bit over the top to us, but understand that some visitors may not be sensible or honest - i.e going behind the waterfall! This is a beautiful, privately owned property, which the owners obviously take great care and pride of. We very much enjoyed our visit.
10. Hawes Ropemakers
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 321 reviews
Reviewed By SpookyTree - England, United Kingdom
Take a trip to Hawes and put the Ropemakers at the top of your places to visit list. You can see all types of rope being made, some history of rope making and how ropes are used for in today's modern world. I don't know what more to add except to say except make sure you visit.
