The Yorkshire Dales is a 'must' for anyone who appreciates breathtaking countryside views. Home to one of the UK's most unique landscapes, The Dales is a walkers paradise with ever-changing scenery made all the more diverse and beautiful by the temperament of the weather. Read more
Dent is arguably the most picturesque of all of the villages in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, boasting a village centre with cobbled streets free from traffic. Dene Cottage is a traditional period property that has been sympathetically updated to be comfortable for 21st Century guests. The village is surrounded by stunning countryside with fantastic walking and cycling paths, and this welcoming holiday cottage is within walking distance of two excellent pubs, The Rising Sun and the George and Dragon, both of which serve local ales and delicious home cooked food if you feel like a night off from cooking.
Even if you only have a few days in the Yorkshire Dales, staying at Gemstone Cottage will help you enjoy every minute. This lovely stone cottage is within walking distance of the centre of Settle, and close to pubs, cafes and shops. The Yorkshire Moors open up just five minutes from the front door, making it especially popular with walkers and mountain bikers, and there is also golf and horseriding nearby. Climb aboard the Settle to Carlisle Railway and marvel at the Ribblehead Viaduct, or drive or cycle around country lanes discovering incredible views and friendly towns and villages. With space for up to four people in two rooms, it is ideal for couples, families or friends.
One of two self-catering cottages full of character ideally placed in the very heart of Coverdale in the Yorkshire Dales with extensive views. A great location for walking and cycling, the cottages are cosy all year round with a log burner and biomass heating system. Both cottages offer metered electric vehicle charging sockets (type 2). Together the cottages can sleep groups of eight.
One of two self-catering cottages full of character ideally placed in the very heart of Coverdale in the Yorkshire Dales with extensive views. A great location for walking and cycling, the cottages are cosy all year round with a log burner and biomass heating system. Both cottages offer metered electric vehicle charging sockets (type 2). Together the cottages can sleep groups of eight.
Knotts View is a superb new barn conversion in the Forest of Bowland on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. It sleeps six people in three ensuite bedrooms with luxuries like underfloor heating, an outdoor hot tub, and a layout that suits families or friends. This region is perfect for a self-catering holiday in all seasons, especially if you enjoy walking or cycling. The number and diversity of trails are as impressive as the views of Pen-y-Ghent and Ingleborough from the holiday cottage and garden.
Swale View is a very comfortable detached stone cottage in Low Row near Reeth overlooking Swaledale Valley. Suitable for families, couples, friends and above all dogs. Sleeping five people in three bedrooms, king, queen and single, we love to have dogs visit with up to 4 staying. We have 2 log burners, Fibre Broadband, Secure Garden & storage and great views! A great pub with wonderful food & beer is only a few minutes walk away.
In a beautiful rural setting just two miles from Dent's cobbled village, this delightful country house provides accommodation for large groups and is an ideal self-catering base for exploring both the Yorkshire Dales and Cumbria, including the Lakes.
This self-catering holiday home is in Low Row, within walking distance of the award-winning Punchbowl Inn and easy reach of Reeth and Richmond. As comfortable as the beds at Rose Cottage are, you'll happily wake early to enjoy the incredible views for as long as possible. The good news is that you can see them from virtually every room in the house, including the super-kingsized bed in the master bedroom and definitely from the south-facing conservatory that opens onto a large patio. There is space for five people to sleep in three bedrooms and a layout that suits families or friends.
In an idyllic position on a quiet lane sandwiched between a river and mill pond, this comfy holiday cottage provides the perfect self-catering base for exploring the Yorkshire Dales and is within easy reach of the Southern Lakes and the Forest of Bowland. Superb walking from the front door including a pleasant mile walk to the market town of Settle with a great choice of eateries and shops. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Nestled between the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the Forest of Bowland, and within an hour's drive of Kendal and the Lake District National Park, Settle is a fantastic choice to visitors who want to experience the stunning natural beauty of the north of England first hand. Grade II listed, Louise Cottage is a short walk from shops, cafes, pubs and train station, and is perfect for individuals and couples who want to stay somewhere with character and comfort.
Dent is a friendly village in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, close to Sedburgh and only half an hour from Kendal and the southern Lake District National Park. This period holiday cottage is a five-minute walk from the village shop, two real-ale pubs and a choice of cafes, and a short drive or bike ride from Sedburgh. The hills and fells offer stunning views and ample opportunities for hiking, mountain biking and climbing, and the River Dee is nearby for fishing in season. The self-catering cottage sleeps up to four people in two bedrooms and is a favourite with couples who enjoy its far-reaching countryside views and cosy log burner.
Located in the idyllic village of Dent, Rowel House is a former Post Office. The building itself dates back to the late18th century which has been sympathetically restored to show the period features of the property. The property is located in the village main street giving direct access to both local pubs and village shop as well as providing an ideal base for exploring the surrounding countryside. Boasting unique facilities such as unlimited Wi-Fi Internet, Smart TVs and a Pool/Games Room Rowel House is the perfect destination for a family getaway within the beautiful backdrop of Dentdale. Accommodation comprises: GROUND FLOOR:- Charming Living Room which was once The Village Post Office and Shop looking out onto Main Street with comfy seating, electric fire and Smart TV with Netflix.- Pool Room with Games Cupboard, ample seating and Bluetooth Speaker.- Boot Room with Washbasin and indoor Storage for 2 bicycles.- Additional Shower Room and WC with Washbasin.- Dining Room with a Farmh
Located in Dent village within the Yorkshire Dales in Cumbria, Penny Bank Cottage is an excellent choice for couples and welcomes dogs. With pubs, cafes and shops on the doorstep, this is an ideal holiday home to use as a base for exploring the Yorkshire Dales, Cumbria (inc the nearby Lake District), a walking holiday or simply relaxing.
Welcome to our multi award winning, beautifully presented, Eco and pet friendly cottage. Situated just a short stroll from the lovely artisan village bars, restaurants, pubs and amenities in Ingleton. With a bespoke hand carved 4 poster bed in the master bedroom, and twin beds in the second bedroom, you will enjoy a perfect balance of high end quality features, and historical charm and character. There are two sun trap garden areas; with a choice of the raised mezzanine deck and views to the hills over Backgate, or a lower private barbecue garden. An abundance of local walks for every ability lead from the doorstep, including the famous waterfalls trail. Easy access to the wider Yorkshire Dales National Park, and local market towns, together with attractions such as the Settle to Carlisle railway and show caves mean you will never be at a loss for what to do. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
A large detached holiday home ideally placed in a peaceful position two miles from the cobbled centre of Dent village within the Yorkshire Dales in Cumbria - an ideal self-catering base for exploring both the Dales and also the nearby Lake District.
Two self catering cottages peacefully located near the Yorkshire Dales National Park at the head of the picturesque Ravenstonedale Valley. Ashley Cottage sleeps twelve and Beech Cottage sleeps up to four accommodating parties of sixteen together. Set in large wooded gardens with spectacular views over the Howgill Fells this is the perfect venue for large groups to escape to the country for a holiday together.
Bower Bank EcoBarn nestles amongst pure natural beauty in the sleepy hamlet of Gawthrop near Dentdale within the Yorkshire Dales National Park in Cumbria. Perfect for large parties who want to explore the Dales on the doorstep and also the Lake District within driving distance. A great choice for walkers and lovers of the great outdoors.
You can tell the owners of Green View love their holiday cottage. It exudes warmth and welcome from the kerb, with the interior featuring original beams, modern furnishings, and a contemporary kitchen for easy self-catering. The three-bedroom property is opposite the village green in Banbridge, a few miles from Hawes and close to popular walks and attractions like Aysgarth Falls and the Wensleydale Creamery. There is plenty of space for six people, and children and dogs are very welcome. Green View Cottage is in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and is ideal for short breaks and extended stays. Tourist board rating: 5 Star Gold
The Old Sunday School Cottage is ideally located in the cobbled centre of Dent village within the Yorkshire Dales in Cumbria. Well presented, this holiday cottage for four has pubs, cafes and a shop on the doorstep and is perfect for a self-catering holiday exploring the Dales, Cumbria (including the nearby Lake District), walking or simply relaxing.
Corn Close Barn is in an elevated position between Dent and Sedbergh, with jaw-dropping views of the Dentdale Valley from every angle. The former milking barn is now a spacious self-catering holiday home sleeping five people in three bedrooms with a huge open-plan living space and two bathrooms. It's ideal for families and friends who enjoy walking, mountain biking, fishing and spending as much time surrounded by beautiful scenery as possible. Kendal, Windermere and the southern Lake District is within easy reach, as is the long-distance Dales Way and the Howgill Fells.
Popular towns in and around The Yorkshire Dales:
AskriggCumbriaDentdaleGrassingtonHarrogateHawesHaworthIngletonKirkby LonsdaleLeyburnReethRichmondSedberghSettleSkiptonWensleydaleSome local suggestions:
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The vast Yorkshire Dales provide some of the prettiest, unspoilt scenery to be found in the UK. Whether you are looking for holiday cottages near major Dales attractions or want to get off the beaten track, our independent owners are here to share the savings of booking direct and provide a warm Yorkshire welcome.
The Yorkshire Dales is home to Wensleydale – a beautifully scenic area, with vast moorland, dotted with pretty waterfalls. Making a trip to see the Aysgarth Falls, in particular, will not disappoint. Those more interested in man-made creations should visit the fascinating ruins of Middleham Castle, built in 1190.
For those seeking a quaint, picturesque market town, staying in Skipton will do the trick. Known as the ‘gateway to the Yorkshire Dales’, this pretty little town offers some great eateries, alongside a market 4 days a week and many other little boutiques. A trip to the ancient Skipton Castle is also a great way to learn more about the town's history and heritage.
Moving closer to Cumbria is the quaint farming community of Dentdale. It is an area steeped in history, with remnants from the Vikings, who settled there in the 10th Century. Though home to only one village, there is plenty to see and do in this scenic spot. The Dent Brewery is well worth a visit for the guided tours and award-winning ales.
Depending on where you stay in the national park, cottages in the Yorkshire Dales can provide the perfect base for exploring the many attractions of this magnificent county.
Before booking your holiday cottage in The Yorkshire Dales, you can find all the information you need for your trip here. For more tips, check out our complete Yorkshire Dales guide.
The Yorkshire Dales offers a huge landscape, meaning there is something for everyone here. It displays untouched countryside and natural beauty and combines this with quaint towns and villages, alongside centuries of history.
Summers in the Dales often present mild to warm weather with the occasional hotter day. The days are longer providing visitors with more time to explore the great outdoors. Generally, the climate is overcast and humid with average temperatures of around 20°C. If you aim to visit the Yorkshire Dales when the weather is at its best, July or August typically have warmer days and more sunshine.
The Yorkshire Dales in spring offers a mix of sunny days and cooler, wet weather. This is a great time to visit for those who plan on getting active as the milder temperatures create the perfect environment for hiking, biking or other activities. For those looking to challenge themselves, a trip to Ingleton to attempt the climb up Mount Ingleborough means spring is the perfect time to visit. Between March and May, the temperatures average around 8°C to 15°C, with the occasional rain shower.
Many describe the climate in the Yorkshire Dales in winter as ‘moody’ with the changing weather consisting of rain, snow and wild, windy days. Temperatures average around highs of 9°C, making it a much cooler time to visit. With a chance of snow, this is a great time to see places like the beautiful North Yorkshire Moors dusted in white. It is also an excellent time to visit quaint villages such as Settle, Hawes and Leyburn as they display cosy Christmas markets.
Malham, in particular, is a must on the to-do list for visitors to the area. Known for its limestone cliffs, miles of ancient stone walls and lush green fields, it is a superb backdrop for fascinating walks. The area is so unique that it has been deemed a 'Site of Special Scientific Interest’.
The highly protected area is home to plenty of wildlife for those on the lookout. Visitors to Malham should also be sure to make their way to Malham Cove – an intriguing natural limestone formation that has been created over millions of years.
Visit Bronte Country, the North York Moors for a day by the sea or swap the coast for the Lakes with a trip to Windermere. If you prefer to be out in the fresh air exploring by bike, take part in the Yorkshire Dales Cycleway, the Coast to Coast challenge or follow the route of the Tour de Yorkshire.
If you are travelling from one of the major cities in the UK, below shows an average distance to the Yorkshire Dales, so you know what to expect when choosing to visit by car.
London: 223 miles
Birmingham: 149 miles
Glasgow: 147 miles
Liverpool: 78 miles
Bristol: 230 miles
Manchester: 55 miles
Leeds: 21 miles
Edinburgh: 157 miles
Newcastle: 62 miles
There are multiple ways to travel to the Yorkshire Dales. Its excellent public transport links in many of its towns and villages mean you can journey by train or bus from numerous major UK cities. If you travel by car, there are some great service stations to stop off and rest up whilst on your trip, as well as alternative routes depending on what roads you prefer to drive on.
The Yorkshire Dales has some of the best mountains in England, making it the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking to scale the Yorkshire Three Peaks or wander through its vast moorland, there is enough space here for all to enjoy.
With its limestone scenery and quintessential landscapes, the Yorkshire Dales is a must-visit for all types of holidaymakers. Whether you seek to explore the quaint towns of Skipton, Kirkby Lonsdale, Wensleydale, Richmond, Askrigg, Settle, Reeth and more or would prefer to be out in its raw, rugged nature, there are plenty of options for different itineraries.
Alongside its stunning scenery and picturesque towns and villages, the Yorkshire Dales also has a plethora of history. The valleys, rivers, hillsides and settlements have been shaped for over 12,000 years by the people who have lived here. With a vast amount of farmland, castles and ruins to explore, there is much to see and do in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales.
The Yorkshire Dales is best known for its vast outdoor space and spectacular scenery. With towering peaks, stretching moorland and rolling countryside, it is a true adventurer's paradise.
Many visit here to attempt the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge. This consists of climbing Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough in a specific time frame. The hike is made up of rugged mountains, alongside long strolls through the never-ending great outdoors.
There are so many great towns and villages in the Yorkshire Dales, it can be hard to narrow it down. Ancient market towns like Skipton offer a picturesque place to wander through shops and grab a bite to eat in mouth-watering cafes. Stunning Settle allows for the chance to visit a rural and remote village, with plenty of cosy pubs and small boutique shops.
There are many other excellent towns and villages throughout the Yorkshire Dales, but it is difficult to find the best one. One thing for sure is that no matter where you choose to visit, you will find towns encompassed by stunning natural scenery and quaint streets to wander.
Being a place full of natural scenery and rolling countryside means that you can wander much of the Yorkshire Dales without a car. Hiking, biking and public transport will get you to where you need to be without having to worry about driving from one place to the other.
