The 10 Best Free Things to do in Yorkshire Dales National Park, England

June 19, 2021 Misti Hsu

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

Yorkshire Dales National Park, Settle England +44 15242 41256 http://www.oldhillinn.co.uk
Excellent
78%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 234 reviews

Ingleborough

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

Malham, Yorkshire Dales National Park England http://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/visit-the-dales/discover-the-dales/limestone-features/malham-cove
Excellent
85%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,484 reviews

Malham Cove

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. Graculus Sculptures

Reeth Dales Centre Silver Street Studio 6, Dales Centre, Reeth, Yorkshire Dales National Park DL11 6SP England +44 1748 884628 [email protected] http://www.graculus.co.uk
Excellent
94%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 52 reviews

Graculus Sculptures

A range of sculptural artworks for indoor / outdoor enjoyment. Also featuring Jo the Crow.

Reviewed By 808julesf

If you want to see the creative side of art, then this is the place to be. Michael's rammed workshop is an aladdin's cave of tools and part finished works of art that show his creative process. The crow is a bonus .

4. Cellar Antiques

Main Street, Hawes, Yorkshire Dales National Park DL8 3QL England +44 1969 667224 http://cellarantiques.com
Excellent
89%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 9 reviews

Cellar Antiques

Reviewed By sharpG - Leeds, United Kingdom

Quite unusual to review an antique shop, its a shop really and not a tourist attraction! This is an excellent old school antique shop always well stocked with oak and country furniture at affordable prices. A genuine and friendly owner makes this as good a reason as any to visit Hawes. 19th and 18th century country furniture, slip ware, collectables and decorative objects.

Stacey Moore Art Market Place, Hawes, Yorkshire Dales National Park DL8 3QX England +44 1969 667146 [email protected] http://www.staceymooreart.com
Excellent
87%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 15 reviews

Stacey Moore Art Gallery

Artist Stacey Moore opened her first gallery in 2016, in her hometown of Hawes, North Yorkshire. The small gallery showcases Stacey’s impressive animal coloured pencil drawings, influence by the Yorkshire Dales. The gallery is a unique and welcoming place, which you can often watch Stacey drawing on site. There is a large range of limited edition prints, one off originals, stationery and gifts.

Reviewed By 219jacquelineg - Andover, United Kingdom

Such a talented artist and her work is so strikingly sharp that you can almost imagine stroking the fur of many delightful animals. Coloured pencils taken to a whole new level.

6. Gordale Scar

Gordale House Yorkshire Dale National Park, Malham, Yorkshire Dales National Park BD23 4DL England +44 300 456 0030 https://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/places/gordale_scar/
Excellent
79%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 141 reviews

Gordale Scar

Reviewed By darrenj683 - Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom

We approached the scar after walking from Malham Tarn and were blown away by the gorge as seen from above. After walking down the hill side to the entrance of the scar, we entered the site and were pleasantly surprised to he met by a wonderful double waterfall. For the more skillful, it seems as though you can climb the waterfall and enter the canyon beyond as several people were climbing down after having done so. The site is a great example of the power of glaciation and is worth going out of your way to visit.

7. Lords Antiques & Salvage

17 New Road Greendale House, Dales Business Park, Ingleton, Yorkshire Dales National Park LA6 3HL England +44 1524 574674 [email protected] http://www.LordsAntiques.com
Excellent
77%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 13 reviews

Lords Antiques & Salvage

Lords Antiques And Salvage Is The North Wests Largest Antiques Store. Home To Over 60 Of The Most Reputable Antiques Dealers In The Uk. Based In The Village Of Ingleton Dealers Have On Display Their Quality Antiques, Salvage And Many Artifacts. With A Bustling Salvage Yard Outside Every Taste Is Catered For. Lords Also Offers A Full Restoration Service By Carl As Seen On Salvage Hunters.

Reviewed By noodleCornwall

What a fantastic place! We discovered it yesterday and spent ages wandering around all the stalls. If you enjoy antiques and collectibles then you won’t want to miss a visit. Definitely be back as soon as possible

8. Pennine Way National Trail

Yorkshire Dales National Park DL8 3EL England http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/pennine-way
Excellent
67%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 18 reviews

Pennine Way National Trail

This 270-mile walk goes from the Peak District National Park to the Scottish borders.

9. Ribblehead Viaduct

Ribblehead, Ingleton, Yorkshire Dales National Park LA6 3AS England http://www.visitcumbria.com/carlset/ribblehead-viaduct
Excellent
74%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 658 reviews

Ribblehead Viaduct

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

10. Aysgarth Falls

Aysgarth, Yorkshire Dales National Park England +44 1969 662910 [email protected] http://www.natureinthedales.org.uk/get-involved/places-to-see-wildlife/aysgarth-falls
Excellent
66%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,913 reviews

Aysgarth Falls

Reviewed By JandGmum2016 - Scarborough District, United Kingdom

We went after heavy rain and the middle falls were amazing! Park at the Parks centre - it's closer and you have loos and a cafe there as well as leaflets you can buy about the falls - there's a very good nature trail one. Once you're down at the lower falls, you can if you like, safely leave the path and wander along the actual river bank and get away from the crowds - we did this and it was beautiful - we just sat on a rock in the sun watching the water (and giant bubbles) float by. The upper falls are on private land (with an honesty box) but accessed through the far end of the Park Centre carpark. There are lots of picnic tables here in a field next to the falls and it would make a lovely place to stay and have lunch

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.