Top Things to do in Yorkshire Dales National Park
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Things to do in Yorkshire Dales National Park, England: The Best Museums
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. Graculus Sculptures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 52 reviews
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 .
2. Stacey Moore Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
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.
3. The Courtyard Dairy
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 267 reviews
The Courtyard Dairy was created with the ethos to mature and champion only the best farm-made cheese available from the British Isles by Andy and Kathy Swinscoe who spent many years working for some of the best cheesemongers in France, London and the South West. Alongside the award-winning shop and maturing room, The Courtyard Dairy offers a cosy café and a small informative museum which tells the story of farmhouse cheese and its history. Listed as one of The Top 10 Cheese Shops in the World (Daily Telegraph) 'Cheesemonger of The Year’ Farm Shop & Deli Awards 2018 'Cheesemonger of The Year’ The World Cheese Awards 2013 Runner-up: BBC Radio 4 Food and Farming Awards ‘Best Food Retailer’ Observer Food Monthly Awards 2019: ‘Best Independent Retailer’
Reviewed By hartfamily20 - Norwich, United Kingdom
Wow Loved this place Just called in as we were passing and bought cheese If you love cheese then this is worth a visit Staff welcoming and so knowledgeable. We came away with fabulous selection of cheeses We will certainly order our Christmas cheese on line The only disappointment was that the cafe was not open, but accept the reasons why. Just fab please visit
4. Fleece
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By MaureenandJax - Northampton, United Kingdom
Amazing crafty goodies and gifts you will not find anywhere else. Lovely shop and friendly staff and well worth a visit if you are looking for something different or as a reminder of the beautiful Swaledale
5. 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.
6. Chapel Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Contemporary art gallery and coffee in a converted chapel in the heart of Wensleydale. Offering work from local artists as well as workshops and drop in sessions in all kinds of arts and crafts.
Reviewed By SarahRoot - Grimsby, United Kingdom
What a lovely place. We were able to browse the arts and crafts from local artists then had an excellent coffee while enjoying a chat with the owner. Definitely worth a visit. Lots of lovely crafts which would make great gifts.
7. Buffers Coffee Shop & Model Railway Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By scottsabroad2017 - Leeds, United Kingdom
We did an amazing walk up to Simon's seat and came down via Storiths to this tea room. Food was really good, quirky place with indoor and outdoor seating - the Xmas pudding flavour ice cream is not to be missed . We sat outside and watched the nesting swallows swoop in and out of the barn which contained livestock as the cafe is part of a family run working farm. The inside is interesting though. The railway upstairs is sadly not working since the death of the proprietor's husband but it's still worth a look as it represents years of endeavour and is still pretty impressive.
8. Museum of North Craven Life at The Folly
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
The Folly, built in 1679, is the Yorkshire Dales’ only Grade I listed historic house regularly open to the public. It is home to the Museum of North Craven Life, which tells fascinating tales of the people and landscape of the local area. Our 2020 exhibitions include: Kill or Cure, which explores the history of healthcare in the local area, and The Lottery of Life, which tells the stories of real 19th century Settle residents, accompanied by a game. We have lots of fun activities to keep kids of all ages entertained, including dressing up, objects to handle and a free-to-borrow Explorer Pack to get kids excited about museums. We run dedicated family friendly activities throughout school holidays. Please check our website for details. Visit The Folly today and discover our fascinating museum, enjoy a delicious drink, home baked cake or afternoon tea in our Coffee House and buy hand-picked work by Yorkshire makers in our Artisans’ Gallery shop.
Reviewed By 499jayned
Fantastic small museum full of unexpected treasures and stories! Well worth a visit - particularly if there is an exhibition on as well x
9. Swaledale Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By kathybW8387YE - Low Row, United Kingdom
This museum is wonderful. It displays the most interesting exhibits relating to social history in the Dales. It has wonderful books and artefacts that you can purchase. With the additional enhancement of knowledgable proprietors. The owners also organise a programme of fascinating talks and field trips. All relevant to the dales. We were lucky enough to enjoy a field trip today, hosted by Richard Lamb, all about Lead Mining at Surrender Mill and Old Gang Mine. It was only £10 for a full day, with all proceeds to the museum. A fantastic day.
