A day in the Yorkshire Dales: what to see and do in 24 hours

Want to explore the natural beauty of the Yorkshire Dales but only have 24 hours to spare? Don't worry, we've got you covered.

Enjoy breathtaking views, wild nature, art, history and so much more by following our itinerary below.

Day one

The following timings suit a summer visit to the Yorkshire Dales. Feel free to move them forward a few hours if you're planning a winter trip or want to start your day a little earlier.

 
4:00 PM: arrive and check in

With only 24 hours to play with, we recommend looking for cosy B&Bs, hotels and other accommodation options somewhere close to all the activities we've listed below.

Our personal pick is the most rural of all areas in the Yorkshire Dales: Nidderdale. You'll find some top-tier accommodation in Pateley Bridge, its only town. 

(Psst. Got a motorhome? Here at Stump Cross Caverns, we offer overnight motorhome parking with hilltop views over the Yorkshire Dales National Park.)
Once you're all checked in, it's time to explore Pateley Bridge.


4:30 PM to 5:30 PM: Pateley Bridge

Stroll through the steep-but-totally-worth-it high street, taking in the cool independent shops and galleries. Maybe stop for a coffee or a sweet treat in a cute café.

You could even pay a visit to The Oldest Sweet Shop In The World, which first opened its doors all the way back in 1872. It still sells top-tier sweets and chocolate to this day.


6:00 PM to 7:00 PM: the Pateley Bridge Panorama Walk

Like to stretch your legs before tucking into your evening meal? This three-mile walk is only an hour long and starts from the riverside car park in Pateley Bridge town centre. 

Admire the River Nidd on this easy and peaceful stroll that heads towards the neighbouring village of Glasshouses. The signposted footpath will then take you through a large field and residential area before diverting you back towards Pateley Bridge.


7:00 PM to bedtime: dinner and drinks

Explore the pubs and restaurants dotted around this quaint town to see what tickles your fancy. We recommend The Bridge Inn for good classic pub fare and a friendly local atmosphere.

Day two

Rise and shine!

You know what they say: the early bird catches the worm! In this case, the "worm" is all the cool things to see and do in the Yorkshire Dales. That's why we recommend you rise early, eat a good solid breakfast and get a packed lunch ready for the second half of your busy 24 hours in the Yorkshire Dales.


9:30 AM to 10:00 AM: The Coldstones Cut

First on the list for this morning is The Coldstones Cut. This breathtaking piece of public art is the biggest and highest in Yorkshire. Created by artist Andrew Sabin, it frames the working Coldstones Quarry.

Scurry on up to the various raised platforms for the best view of this vast quarry and panoramic views of Nidderdale: the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that surrounds this dramatic art piece.

It only takes around 10 minutes to reach a viewing point from the car park, so you have a while to admire the scenery before jumping back in the car and heading to the village of Conistone for a walk.


10:30 AM to 12:45 AM: a walk and a picnic lunch

 Next up on the itinerary is the stunning four-kilometre Conistone circular walk . This trudge will get your blood pumping but is still achievable for beginners.

You'll start by climbing a gentle slope overlooking the pretty Conistone village. Gorgeous views await you at the top, where you can enjoy your packed lunch or simply take in the stunning views of the local landscape. 

The route takes about one-and-a-half hours to complete, but we've factored in an extra 45 minutes so you can eat or chill at the top.

We highly recommend you follow the route in an anticlockwise direction, as some bits can get slippy in the rain if you go the opposite way. Oh, and don't forget to bring proper hiking boots or shoes as you may have to do a little scrambling.

Once you're back at the starting point, it's time to head to Stump Cross Caverns, which is a short drive away.


1:00 PM to 4:00 PM: Stump Cross Caverns

You've explored above ground. Now it's time to go under.

Spend your final few hours in the Dales exploring the network of caves hiding beneath the surface here at Stump Cross Caverns. There's plenty for all ages to enjoy – and it rounds off your trip with equal measures of history, mystery and family-friendly fun.

Here's how to make the most out of your epic prehistoric adventure:

• Channel your inner caveperson as you descend into our incredible cave system, which lay undisturbed by humans for hundreds of thousands of years. Don't forget to grab a special torch and watch the rock formations glow under UV light.
  
• Go gem panning at our very own sluice, uncovering glistening rose quartz, moonstone, emeralds, amethyst and other sparkly goodies.
  
• Enjoy a cup of famous Yorkshire tea in our café – and a sweet or savoury treat if all that exploring has got you feeling peckish.
  
• Take the kids to our immersive cinema for a hands-on fossil dig. They'll learn fascinating facts to impress their friends with.
  
  

 And that brings us to the end of our 24 hours in the Yorkshire Dales. We hope it's inspired you to come and visit the naturally beautiful area we call home. And if you do, we can't wait to meet you here at our local caves and whisk you back in time, if only for a few hours. Book your tickets today to avoid disappointment.