Swaledale and its surrounding areas are packed with things to see and do. You could easily spend a week or two relaxing without straying further than the Swaledale valley. If you do want to try something different though, there are lots of activities, sights and attractions to keep you occupied. Whether you want to entertain your children, learn about the local history, experience local food and beer, or simply go shopping – we’ve got it all!

Swaledale villages

Swaledale is rich with quaint villages filled with local shops, sights and cafes. Here are just a small number to get you started, but you’ll discover many more as you explore on your holiday.

• Langthwaite Village (famous for The Red Lion Inn)
• Hardraw, near to the market town of Hawes
• Forbidden Corner, near to the market town of Leyburn
• Reeth for its museum, shops, pottery, gift shops Hudson House Tourist Office cafes and more
• Richmond and it’s converted train station, now “The Station” with restaurant, ice cream parlor, artworks for sale and a swimming pool just a step away across the car park

Swaledale walks

There are so many different walks around the Swaledale valley that it's impossible to list them all. They range from light walks along the river at the foot of the valley, through to strolls up the rolling hills to the heather and wild heath. Needless to say they all have spectacular views that will take your breath away.

Nearby cities

The Swaledale area is really a place to escape from busy city life, but if you fancy a day trip for shopping, the Swaledale valley is a relatively short distance from three of the UK’s most stunning cities:

• Durham approx 1 hour away by car
• York approx 1 hour 30 mins away by car
• Newcastle approx 1 hour 15 mins away by car

Fun for all the family

Children love Swaledale for the great outdoor adventures on the doorstep of each of our holiday homes! With rabbits and sheep (lambs in spring!) around every corner, your family will be constantly spotting something new, but there are a few organised attractions too:

• Hazel Brow Organic Farm in Low Row (you can feed and pet the animals, have cake and coffee)
• Stema Railway in Wensleydale (Redmire - Leeming Bar Thomas the Tank events)
• Askrigg, home to the house and surgery made famous by Herriot’s All Creatures Great and Small on TV

Sights and scenery

Everywhere you look in Swaledale is picture-postcard beautiful, so you’re best to simply walk, cycle or drive, exploring the area for yourself. However, there are a few sights in and near to Swaledale you really should try to see before you leave:

• The Herriot ‘SPLASH’, the stream made famous by the title sequence of All Creatures Great and Small
• Aysgarth Falls, Wensleydale
• High Force near Stainforth

Castles, history and museums

All around Swaledale you will see reminders of this historic area’s past. The entire valley is so unspoilt that when you see the ancient castles and ruined lead mines, it’s easy to imagine you’re back in the time when they were active hearts of the community. It’s a fascinating insight into England’s past and some of the main sights include:

• Barnard Castle
• Langthwaite Road where you can experience the delightful view of Surrender Bridge or just sit for a while and have a picnic or rest to soak up the historic lead mines and museum
• Reeth Museum
• Middleham Castle, Middleham
• Bolton Castle Near Leyburn
• Richmond Castle (from the 11th century)

Our favourite local shops

There are so many wonderful shops in Swaledale offering locally sourced or produced products including gift shops, art shops, bakeries, butchers, potteries, cheese makers and so much more! You really have to look around yourselves, but some of our favourites include:

• Reeth Bakery
• The Station in Richmond for its art, cafes and shops