Start planning your next adventure with our guide to the best towns and villages in the Yorkshire Dales.
The Yorkshire Dales is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty. Its idyllic landscapes encompass dramatic rolling hills, lush valleys, imposing limestone cliffs and much more.
With countless miles of hiking, walking and cycling trails, plus spectacular waterfalls and cave systems, it's no wonder the Dales attracts millions of visitors yearly.
And if you are planning a trip, you won't be short of places to stay. Scattered throughout the beautiful countryside are many charming villages and thriving market towns – each overflowing with the area's rich history and culture.
Here are some of the best towns and villages to stay at when you explore the Yorkshire Dales.
Appletreewick
Set high on a hillside above the River Warfe, the village of Appletreewick dates back to Monastic times.
Exploring the village
Take a stroll down the village's main street and you'll have the privilege of seeing Appletreewick's collection of beautiful 16th- and 17th-century stone houses. That includes a Grade II-listed building originally built as a resting place for travelling Monks.
Make sure to pause a moment to take in the landscape. Appletreewick's elevated position means a dramatic view over the Dales with the Howgills and Simon's Seat in the distance.
While you won't find any shops in the village, you will find two traditional pubs – The Craven Arms and the New Inn. Both offer a welcome resting spot after a day of exploring.
Not far away
No visit to Appletreewick would be complete without exploring the extensive network of limestone caves that lie below the dales and fells. A short four-mile drive will take you here to
Stump Cross Caverns. A designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, our hidden underground world lets you experience the beauty and history of the Yorkshire Dales from a different perspective.
Travel south along the river and you'll find the famous Hebden Suspension Bridge, built back in 1885 by blacksmith William Bell. A walking route from Burnsall to Hebden will take you over the bridge and past Loup Scar – a popular spot for swimmers and paddlers alike.
Malham
Malham is one of the more popular villages in the Dales – and for good reason.
Exploring the village itself
Although small, the village has two charming pubs – The Buck Inn and The Lister Arms. Both offer a belly-warming range of food and cask ales.
You'll also find several B&Bs and self-catering cottages and a couple of campsites around the area, so you won't be short of accommodation options.
Not far away
A stone's throw from the village centre, you'll find Malham Cove – a huge limestone cliff that can be seen for miles across the Dales. A steep climb up the 400 stone steps will bring you to the top, where you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the area.
Travel east along an easily accessible footpath from the village and you'll reach Gordale Scar – a dramatic gorge that slices the landscape clean in two. Its limestone cliffs are more than 330 feet tall and house two beautiful waterfalls.
A short walk through woodland will bring you to Janet's Foss. This small but magical waterfall is fabled to be the home of Janet, Queen of the Fairies.
Grassington
A bustling market town nestled in the heart of the glacial valley of Wharfedale, Grassington makes the perfect base for exploring the Dales.
Exploring the town itself
Grassington's enchanting cobbled streets have plenty to offer. The market square in the centre of town is fringed by quirky boutiques, art galleries and plenty of welcoming pubs and cafes.
Looking for an excuse to visit? Grassington is known for its annual Dickensian festival, which takes place in December. The town also holds a farmers' market on the third Sunday of each month.
There are several spectacular walking trails nearby, including the popular Dales Way, which runs alongside the River Wharfe. Alternatively, you could ramble over the beautiful Grassington Moor to explore the relics of the area's lead mining history.
If Grassington seems familiar, that's because it's a bit of a local star. The town serves as the fictional Darrowby in the Channel 5 drama
All Creatures Great and Small.
Not far away
Head slightly out of Grassington to find the stunning Linton Falls. This is a series of beautiful waterfalls and weirs with plenty of marked areas where you can take a dip or pick up a paddle.
A little further south, you'll find the medieval Skipton Castle. Despite being more than 900 years old, Skipton Castle is one the most complete and well-preserved castles in England. As a visitor, you can explore all corners of the castle, from the beer cellars to the watchtower.
Pateley Bridge
Want to take a step back in time and experience the rural feel of a true English countryside town? You can't get much better than Pateley Bridge.
Exploring the town
It's easy to spend a leisurely day exploring the town's picturesque streets. Be sure to check out its selection of quaint independent shops and refuel at one of its lovely tearooms.
And while you're there, why not discover the history of the area at Nidderdale Museum or indulge in some nostalgia at England's oldest sweet shop?
Once satiated, you can pack your gear and set out on the Nidderdale trail. This 53-mile circular walk starts in Pately Bridge and loops the Nidd Valley, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Not far away
Head towards Summerbridge to see the striking formations of Brimham Rocks. Sculpted by millions of years of natural erosion, the rocks have earned themselves the nicknames of the Sphinx, the Turtle, the Eagle and the Dancing Bear.
The site is spread across 50 acres of beautiful moorland and is managed by the National Trust. It's a must-visit for anyone staying in the area.
Once you've caught the geology bug, why not venture west to check out Yorkshire's biggest and highest public artwork,
The Coldstones Cut? Visitors are encouraged to stroll around the viewing platforms to take in the breathtaking sights of the surrounding Nidderdale Valley and limestone quarry.
Don't forget to visit Stump Cross Caverns
The incredible underground world of Stump Cross Caverns is only a stone's throw from Pateley Bridge. It's well worth a visit if you're staying in the town.
In fact, our caves are easily accessible from any of these towns and villages. With such an incredible array of rock formations and hidden passageways at your disposal, it's a no-brainer!
And while our
Yorkshire Dales caves are the main attraction, there's plenty more to see and do during your visit. Why not have a go at our real working
mining sluice? Or stop for a cuppa and a slice of cake at the
Time Cafe? Or treat your little explorers to one of our
fun family activities?
It's quick and easy to
book your tickets online. We can't wait to see you down in the caves!
