Area Guide

Leyburn is situated in mid-Wensleydale, on the northerly banks of the River Ure. This busy market town in the Yorkshire Dales National Park is minutes from breath taking views of the Wensleydale from the Shawl which is only 2 minutes walk from the town centre. 

About Leyburn

Leyburn is a medium size town with a population around 2,000. However, Leyburn is popular due to its location in the Yorkshire Dales, its popularity results in a significant increase of people during peak seasons as tourists ascend. Hence why there are a number of pubs and bars around the cobbled town square, offering the perfect entertainment for tourists and locals alike.

There is also a large weekly market that attracts a lot of attention every Friday and in addition there is the monthly farmers market which specialises in local meats, which is especially popular during the BBQ season.

Leyburn also hosts the annual Dales Festival of Food and Drink which is held over May Day bank holiday weekend and the Wensleydale agricultural show held annually at the end of August.

The Shawl, Leyburn

Leyburn is well known for the Shawl, a natural limestone terrace almost a mile long which overlooks the town and has a great view of Wensleydale which is dominated by Pen Hill across the valley. There is a tale that suggests that the Shawl was named after Mary Queen of Scots escaped from Bolton Castle. During her escape she was said to have dropped her shawl, which in turn gave away her whereabouts and led to her capture, hence the name ‘The Shawl’. However this is just a myth and the name derives from Shielings or shepherd’s huts.

Leyburn, Home to Tenants Auctioneers

Leyburn is home to the famous Tenants Auctioneers which is a fourth generation family run business. They are based on the outskirts of Leyburn on route to Bedale in an impressive purpose built auction centre. Tenants are the largest auction centre in the north of England, and second to the Sothebys based in London. As one of the largest auction centres in England it is an important venue for international catalogue sales, specialist collector’s items, book, stamp and coin sales which drive a lot of traffic to the Leyburn throughout the year. Tenants also hold a weekly sale of antiques and decorative items which proves very popular. The auction centre is open for the public even if you do not wish to purchase anything.