The Yorkshire Dales; a vast area of unspoilt beauty, mostly found within the Yorkshire Dales National Park. With heather covered dales criss-crossed with traditional limestone walls, rugged valleys, charming villages and a plethora of historic castles and abbeys, this unique part of England is perfect for explorers and those just seeking an escape from the everyday.
To help inspire your next adventure in this beautiful part of north England we've put together a guide to spending 24 hours in the Yorkshire Dales, including picturesque walks, where to eat and our pick of the best places to see. We hope you enjoy reading this as much as we enjoyed exploring – the tricky part was choosing the best bits from a long list of rather special places.
Morning
A walk at sunrise may not be for everyone but, if ever there was a time to enjoy an early start, then a walk from Grassington to Linton Falls in Upper Wharfdale will not disappoint. There is something rather special about first light, the peace and gradual creeping of the morning sun with the waking of the local wildlife as the day breaks. This beautiful walk starts in Grassington and follows a route to the river and falls. At only 2.5km this epic circular stroll is well worth the effort (whatever the time of day) but if you do go early, you’ll be back in time for a well-deserved breakfast.
Ockerby’s cafe sits overlooking the square in the village centre of Grassington and is perfectly positioned to watch the world go by whilst enjoying a hearty breakfast.
The small market town of Grassington is best known as the film set for All Creatures Great and Small and it’s easy to see why it is such an ideal location. The village exudes unspoilt charm with an assortment of quaint cafes, inns, independent shops and a cobbled market square - it really is like stepping back in time.
The journey from Grassington to Ilkley (for lunch at Betty’s) takes in some mesmerizing views. Burnsall is a quintessential Dales village where the river Wharfe meanders past. A wonderful spot for a picnic, or just to sit and enjoy the surrounding countryside and feed the ducks.
After a busy morning, we’d worked up an appetite and headed to Ilkley for lunch. Strictly speaking, the market town of Ilkley is located in the majestic Yorkshire moors, just outside the Yorkshire Dales and this delightful spot is home to some fabulous smart boutique shops and cafes. As we were only in the area for a day, the team chose Betty’s for lunch, and we weren’t disappointed. Inside the décor is super chic with waiting staff dressed in formal black attire. The vast menu offered local specialities, with the firm favourite being afternoon tea. Such a treat!
Afternoon
Lunch over and calories to be burnt off, we headed to iconic Malham Cove. A half hour stroll along a footpath takes walkers from the Malham village to a 70 metre gently curving cliff made up of white limestone. Formed during the last Ice Age this well-known beauty spot should definitely be on your “to do” list.
Evening
The Craven Arms Pub in the tiny hamlet of Appletreewick is nestled in the heart of Wharfdale and we headed here for a cosy supper. The interiors are enchanting with gas lighting and real log fires to keep the autumn chill at bay. Food is traditional, rustic fayre and the perfect way to end our wonderful day out and about.
Feeling inspired to have your own Yorkshire Dales adventure. Low Shaw Farmhouse is one of a selection of holiday cottages perfect for a family escape or a romantic retreat throughout the year. Explore our collection here.
