Summer in Swaledale is something truly special. With its sweeping green valleys, flower-filled meadows, and gently winding rivers, this corner of the Yorkshire Dales becomes a haven of natural beauty and rural charm. If you’re lucky enough to be staying in one of our Swaledale holiday cottages during the summer months, you’ll find that the whole dale is brimming with life, colour, and things to do — whether you’re here to walk, relax, or dive into a bit of local tradition.
From Reeth and Grinton to Keld, Gunnerside, and Muker, Swaledale’s villages come alive in summer. Dry stone walls warm in the sun, sheep dot the hillsides, and wildflower meadows — particularly around Muker — are in full bloom. Whether you’re on a gentle riverside stroll or climbing to a high fell for panoramic views, there’s no better time of year to experience the Dales.
For walkers and cyclists, the Swale Trail offers a scenic, family-friendly route through the valley, and there are countless footpaths leading up to landmarks like Fremington Edge, Gunnerside Gill, or the dramatic remains of Crackpot Hall.
Swaledale’s summer / spring calendar is full of life, colour, and excitement — from traditional agricultural shows to thrilling races and relaxed village celebrations. Whether you’re staying in one of our cottages for peace and quiet, or you’re looking to catch some local action, there’s almost always something going on:
Summer in Swaledale is made for outdoor eating. Pack a picnic and head to the riverside near Keld or Grinton, or find a quiet spot by the stepping stones at Healaugh.
Many local pubs, like The Buck and Black Bull in Reeth, The Bridge Inn at Grinton, The CB Inn at Arkengarthdale, The King Head in Gunnerside, The Farmers Arms in Muker, and The Punch Bowl at Low Row, have lovely beer gardens where you can sit out and enjoy a pint with a view.
And for something sweet? Try Copper Kettle in Reeth or Kearton Tea Rooms in Thwaite for a tea and a cake or perhaps an ice cream at Reeth’s Ice Cream Parlour on a sunny day.
Feeling active? Hire a bike and take on the Swale Trail, or follow a more rugged route up to Great Pinseat, the high point above the Old Gang lead mines. Ride up Harkerside for sweeping views, then drop into Apedale, a quieter corner of the dale with a real sense of remoteness — and on a clear day, you’ll even catch glimpses across to Wensleydale. For a touch of history, explore the mining remains at Surrender Bridge, or delve into the past at The Swaledale Museum in Reeth or the Keld Resource Centre.
Fancy a quieter day? Head to Hazel Brow Farm in Low Row for a family-friendly animal experience, or simply potter between villages, discovering craft shops, honesty boxes, and art galleries tucked away in the hills.
One of the best-kept secrets of summer in the Dales? The evenings. Long golden sunsets stretch across the hills, the air is fresh and still, and bats flit through the dusk around old stone buildings and churches like St Andrew’s Church in Grinton— a lovely spot for a twilight stroll.
Looking for the best places to catch a Dales sunset? You can’t beat the views from the top of Calver Hill or Fremington Edge — both offering wide, uninterrupted skies and stunning light over the valley. If you’re up for a walk, pack a flask and a head torch and enjoy nature’s show from the ridgeline.
Alternatively hop in the car and take a leisurely drive up Harkerside (the road towards Leyburn). Just after the cattle grid at the top, there’s a handy layby where you can park up, stretch out, and soak in the changing colours as the sun sinks over the hills. It’s a magical spot, especially in late summer.
And if you’re still up for one last outing before the day ends, take a twilight drive up to Tan Hill Inn — the highest pub in Britain – you’ll be treated to breathtaking views as dusk settles over the moorland. It’s a dramatic and memorable way to end the day.
Don’t miss your chance to experience summer in one of the most breathtaking valleys in the country. Search our holiday cottages, choose your perfect base, and get ready for fresh air, friendly faces and unforgettable memories in Swaledale.
