Want to get out and about whilst staying at The House at Hawes? You will be spoilt for choice, in fact there is so much to do you will be hunting for your diary to book up your next stay!
Hawes is perfectly positioned in wonderful Wensleydale. Be it a wonder around the quaint cobbles browsing the antique shops, galleries, cafes and speciality food shops or venturing further afield you will be in awe at the glory of the Dales and all it has to offer.
Whether you are seeking new experiences, heritage, culture. a walk on the wild side, nature at its best or looking up a TV or film location you will find it in the Dales.
To inspire and intrigue your senses we have put together 70 things to see, do and experience in 7 days:
If you are a culture vulture you will be in overdrive in the Dales. Choose abbeys including Fountains, Jervaulx, Easby or Bolton and castles including Richmond, Bolton, Skipton and Middleham. Or perhaps a stroll around Newby Hall, Constable Burton Hall, Mount Grace Priory or Kiplin Hall appeals and don’t forget the splendour of the Georgian theatre royal in Richmond. If you are looking for a museum a stroll along the road in Hawes takes you to the Dales Countryside museum, the fascinating creamery that is home to the world famous Wensleydale cheese or the enchanting Gayle Mill and ‘over the hill’ you will find the Swaledale museum.
Wow, are you in for a treat if you are a nature lover. During October and November there is no better place to see the salmon leaping than Stainforth or perhaps you would prefer to walk the Red Squirrel trail at Snaizeholme (you may well see red squirrels in our garden too!). If you love waterfalls you won’t be disappointed. We have Englands tallest single drop fall at Hardraw Force an easy walk from The House at Hawes. Or watch the waters tumble at Aysgarth falls (don’t forget to pop to the Rock Garden whilst in Aysgarth). Stroll to Cotter Force (an accessible walk) or Aysgill Force just outside Hawes. Cauldron falls at West Burton and Ingleton falls with its waterfall trail aren’t to be missed too. For stiller water head for Semmerwater above Hawes, the silence will deafen you. And of course no trip is complete without heading over the Buttertubs Pass to watch an amazing sunset and to experience the Dark Skies status of the Yorkshire Dales.
If you are really looking to find those hidden gems and immerse yourself in the Dales then take a look at Muddy Boots Walks. Book one of their super Discovery Walks to help you get the most out of your time in this glorious part of Wensleydale. They will even tailor make your very own walk for you and your friends for a truly memorable experience. Our if an easy gentle stroll is more your thing The Yorkshire Dales National Park have put together some super ‘miles without stiles’ short walks.
Any gastronome will truly be in heaven in the Yorkshire Dales. Take an easy stroll to the home of cheese at the Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes and graze to your hearts content, cheese does not get any better! Maybe pop along to Raydale Preserves on the business park in Hawes and pick up the local chutney and pickles to perfectly compliment your hunk of Wensleydale. You also find artisan cheese makes including Curlew Dairy and Lacey’s Cheese close by.
For those with a sweeter tooth head to The Old Sweet Shop in Hawes or visit Inspired Chocolate at Leyburn. And if ice cream is your thing you just have to visit Brymor near Jervaulx and Wensleydale ice cream at Thornton Rust, with are superb. For something a little stronger you have some fabulous breweries. Try The Yorkshire Dales Brewery at Askrigg, The Wensleydale Brewery at Leyburn or make a visit to Masham, home of both Black Sheep and Theakstons Breweries. Or if gin or rum is your thing we have the Yorkshire Dales Distillery, Spirit or Swaledale and Taplin and Mageean.
If you simply can’t decide head for speciality grocer, Elijah Allen in Hawes and Campbells in Leyburn and take home a little of everything!
When you are looking to eat out in and around Hawes there is an abundance of good food. If you are looking for a special meal perhaps try the Wensleydale Heifer at West Witton or The Stone House at Sedbusk, ask us about our favourites or head to our EAT page.
Hawes has a fascinating array of independent shops from quirky gift shops, including Funky Pheasant and Bear Cottage to gentlemans outfitters and curious antique shops. All perfect for browsing and buying a special keepsake of your time in The Dales.
Artists and artisan producers litter the Dales but at Wensley you will find White Rose candles, its simply enchanting set by a waterfall, and you will be amazed to watch them dipping candles in a very traditional way.
On Tuesdays stroll the cobbles of Hawes and browse the traditional street market, there are numerous farmers markets too across the month nearby. Or if auctions are your thing Tennants in Leyburn is a must visit. And if you haven’t seen one before head for the agricultural auction mart in Hawes but make sure you sit very still unless you want to buy a sheep or a bull!
Your experiences can be as action packed or sedate as you choose in the Dales.
Pop across the road to Stage 1 Cycles, hire a bike ( and eat cake) and take up the Tour de Yorkshire challenge over the Buttertubs Pass. If walking is more your kind of exercise you could stay for a whole month! Maybe start with a section of the Pennine Way which passes through Hawes or stroll along the Herriot Way in the footsteps of James Herriot. If you are really up for a challenge you could conquer the Three Peaks. But for something a little less strenuous head up to Semerwater to amble with alpacas. Our maybe link up with Alfresco Adventures and do a little paddle boarding or canoeing.
If you would rather let a different mode of transport take the strain then head for the Wensleydale Railway or up to Garsdale and board the Settle to Carlisle line and travel the Ribblehead viaduct. After a hard day sightseeing sit back and relax with a trip to the Station cinema in Richmond or quench your thirst with a Mountain Goat pub safari.
Underground you have a whole new world of potholing and caving adventure or glide across Semmerwater on your canoe or paddle board. At a steadier pace you can fish the Swale and the Ure. Back on dry land head for the gallops at Middleham. check out the form before trotting off to the races at Ripon or Catterick.
No trip to Wensleydale would be complete without a visit to the Forbidden Corner, a unique labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, follies and surprises created within a four acre garden, it as to be seen and experienced to be believed!
The Yorkshire Dales has long been used for many TV and big screen productions. You will absolutely love seeking out some of the best known scenes and the odd hidden gem.
One of the all time favourites enjoying a current revival is All Creatures Great and Small. Take a scenic drive across the famous water splash from the original opening credits or hop along to Grassington to look out the latest haunts. If you want to know lots more about Alf Wright, aka James Herriot, why not visit the World of James Herriot in Thirsk.
You have probably heard of and watched the Yorkshire Shepherdess on TV. Amanda Owen and her large family can often be seen in Hawes and their hill farm is just 12 miles away.
A short drive to Kettlewell takes you to the location of the Calendar Girls. The heart warming film featuring the WI and their daring calendar!
A little further afield you can visit Newby Hall. The location of Mansfield Park. For the soap fans amongst you take the journey to Esholt and Otley to seek out those familiar views from Emmerdale.
As you can see there is no shortage of things to do in and around Hawes. If you have a particular interest or favourite drop us a line and we will be happy to help make the most of your stay at The house at Hawes.