Great things to do in the Yorkshire Dales
With lots of great of things to do, the Yorkshire Dales is a stunningly picturesque area of England, renowned for its valleys, moorland and meadows, rivers and streams, miles of drystone walls, and outstanding limestone formations. Visitors to the Yorkshire Dales can enjoy a wealth of activities, from short walks to longer hikes, cycle rides through the many bridleways and green lanes, or simply sit back and relax with a picnic in a secluded spot. For steam train enthusiasts, the world famous Settle to Carlisle steam train can be seen passing from the huts and you may want to take a journey on a steam locomotive whilst admiring the beautiful scenery. There are also many historic castles and museums to explore. Settledown Retreats is the perfect base for exploring all that the Yorkshire Dales has to offer. Our comfortable shepherd huts provide the perfect home-from-home after a day spent exploring this wonderful area.
Walking
The Yorkshire Dales offers stunning walking country, and Settledown Retreats is the perfect base for exploring all the area has to offer.
There are many varied short walks you can take to enjoy the wonderful scenery, ranging from 0-2 miles up to 6-10 miles. 17 of the walks have ‘miles without stiles’ status, meaning they are accessible for everyone. Check out Jubilee cave, Attermire Scar, and riverwalks up to nearby Stainforth Force (famous for the October salmon leaping).
If you’re really looking to test your walking fitness, the start of the Three Peaks challenge is just a 10-minute drive away and where the aim is to walk 24 miles, covering all three summits, Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, in 12 hours!
Whether you want a short stroll or a longer hike, you will be able to find the perfect walk to suit you when you stay at Settledown Retreats. A walker’s paradise!
Local Attractions
The Yorkshire Dales is a great place to explore and there are plenty of local attractions to keep you entertained during your stay.
- Malham Cove – stunning limestone cliffs that have enchanted visitors for centuries.
- The Courtyard Dairy – a must for serious cheese-lovers.
- Ingleton Falls Walk – a journey through fascinating geology and natural beauty with some of the most spectacular waterfalls!
- Bolton Abbey – a 12th-century Augustinian priory set in a superb position on the banks of the River Wharfe.
- Show Caves – the Yorkshire Dales is home to the longest cave system in the country.
- Victoria Hall – The worlds oldest musical hall is a step back in time, but has some amazing contemporary acts.
- Places to eat and drink – The Yorkshire Dales features some of the best cafes, pubs and restaurants. There’s a great variety that ranges from good no nonsense pub grub and up through Michelin star standard!
Of course, this is barely scratching the surface. The Yorkshire Dales is one of England’s most beautiful and varied landscapes. There are so many interesting and exciting places to visit and things to do. So why not come and stay with us at Settledown Retreats soon, and start your own exploration of this wonderful part of the world?
Food & Drink
The Yorkshire Dales is a foodie paradise, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to food and drink.
The area is renowned for its traditional pubs and inns, which offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere, cask ales and quality pub food. Recommended nearby is The Golden Lion in Settle and The Black Horse in Giggleswick.
If you’re looking for something a little further afield, gastro pub The Plough at Wrigglesworth and La Locanda, an authentic Italian restaurant in Gisburn, are both worth a visit. For something truly special, Northcote, a Michelin star restaurant, is just 40 minutes away.
And if you’re after a light bite or coffee, there are numerous cafes serving all day in Settle. The cafe at Car & Kitchen is the best in town for breakfast and lunch, and there’s also the famous Ye Olde Naked Man cafe and bakery. So whatever you’re looking to enjoy, you’ll be sure to find it in the Yorkshire Dales!
Cycling
Looking to explore some of the UK’s finest cycling terrain? Look no further than the Yorkshire Dales. With more than 900 km (600 miles) of bridleways, byways and green lanes to explore, you’ll never be short on places to ride. And with stunning scenery everywhere you look, you’ll be glad you made the trip.
The Gisburn Forest trail is one of the gnarliest mountain bike trails in the North, and it features the famous Hope line of jumps and berms. It is suitable for all levels, and there is a lovely cafe at the hub of the centre.
The area is also home to some awe-inspiring natural trails around the 3 peaks and heading up to Ribblehead and Hawes. Road biking is also well-catered for in the area – nearby Forest of Bowland was a favourite training base for Bradley Wiggins. Cycling in the Yorkshire Dales is an exhilirating experience that should not be missed.
So come on out and enjoy some fresh air and amazing views – you won’t be disappointed.
Sport & Leisure
The Yorkshire Dales are a heaven for outdoor lovers, with plenty of activities to enjoy, no matter what your interests are. From gentle walks through scenic countryside to more strenuous challenges like rock climbing and fell running, there’s something for everyone.
And if you’re looking for a more relaxed way to enjoy the Dales, there are plenty of leisure activities on offer too, from golf and fishing to horse riding and bird watching.
Golf – Golfers will be spoiled for choice when they stay at Settledown Retreats. The local course of Settle and Giggleswick is a 9 hole gem, and just 2 mins drive away – it’s very friendly for guests and has reasonable rates. Thirty minutes away is Clitheroe golf course, considered one of the North West’s best inland courses. Skipton and Kirkby Lonsdale golf clubs are very fine scenic courses and just half an hour away.
So whether you’re looking for a challenging game or a leisurely round, you’ll find the perfect golf course nearby.
Wild Swimming – The Yorkshire Dales offer many different wild swimming opportunities, from rivers and waterfalls to tarns and lakes.
Horse Riding – Horse riding is a great way to explore the Yorkshire Dales. There are a number of horse riding and trekking centres close to Settledown Retreats, all of which are suitable for everyone from beginners to experienced riders. You can choose from short introductory rides to full day or even multi-day rides.
Fishing – The Yorkshire Dales offers some of the best fishing in the UK, with a variety of options to suit all anglers. Whether you’re looking to coarse fish in the many well-stocked lakes or fly fishing on the river, there are plenty of options to choose from. The Yorkshire Dales is also home to many reservoirs, which offer great fishing opportunities.
There’s something for everyone on a visit to the Yorkshire Dales and whatever it is you’re looking for, Settledown Retreats is the perfect place for you to enjoy your holiday. Book your getaway today!