Top Things to do in Yorkshire Dales National Park
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Top 6 Specialty Museums in Yorkshire Dales National Park, England
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. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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
4. 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.
5. Settle Signal Box
6. 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.
