If your idea of a perfect holiday includes breathtaking countryside views in a calm and tranquil setting with plenty of cosy pubs and good food then the Yorkshire Dales needs to be added to your bucket list. The rolling hills and green valleys are the perfect backdrop to the numerous walking routes on offer where you will find stunning views around almost every corner. Discover charming villages and dramatic waterfalls, explore interesting landmarks and caves, or simply spend quality time with family or friends in this unique setting.
Whether you want an adventurous trip full of walking and exploring or simply a peaceful break surrounded by beautiful countryside, the Yorkshire Dales has something for everyone. Read more
A comfortable cosy holiday cottage in a lovely rural location within Cumbria & the Yorkshire Dales National Park near the unspoilt village of Ravenstonedale. Conveniently located for exploring the many attractions of both the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District, ideal for walkers and bird watching. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Sunnyside Cottage is 4 Star Visit England AA approved and is a welcoming holiday cottage in Grassington in the gorgeous Yorkshire Dales National Park. Sleeping up to six guests across three bedrooms, this comfortable barn conversion combines traditional character with modern convenience, including a spacious sitting room with a gas fire, a country-style kitchen, secure bike storage and a partially enclosed garden. Located just a short walk from Grassington’s lively square with its pubs, cafés and independent shops, the cottage offers easy access to walking, cycling and sightseeing across the Dales. This self-catering accommodation provides a relaxed base for exploring one of England’s most iconic landscapes and is ideal for families, friends, or couples who appreciate the extra space of a larger cottage..off road parking and lovely south facing garden . Tourist board rating: 4 Star Visit Engl
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.
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.
Welcome to Heart of Hawes, the highest rated Airbnb Holiday Cottage in The Yorkshire Dales National Park. All 85 reviews to date on Airbnb has been 5* maximum, and we are rated 9.6 'Exceptional' on Booking.com. We offer a a premium quality holiday cottage that is well heated / warm with parking for two cars set in a quiet / slightly elevated location in the centre of Hawes offering stunning views to countryside beyond. Sleeping five people (plus a baby) in three large bedrooms, we offer a large living room featuring a stunning inglenook fireplace / burner, kitchen diner, south facing cottage garden with patio area, and an annex laundry / bike / equipment store. Perfect for exploring All Creatures Great & Small country and the wider Yorkshire Dales. Guests love the quietly set back but incredibly central location with every amenity in the town within a couple of minutes walk, and The Pennine Way passing the cottage leading out to some amazing countryside and walks. We also have amazing housekeepers; Joanne and Chris who present a spotless cottage. And finally we love to offer out help and advice to you to find the best of the area. We take pride in what we do and work to old fashioned values of integrity and honour.
The Yorkshire Dales, especially Swaledale, has some of the most spectacular scenery in England. This terrace of three stone holiday cottages is in the village of Reeth with two acres of beautifully landscaped grounds bordered by the River Swale. Each cottage sleeps four people in two bedrooms and is comfortably furnished to provide 4-Star accommodation to couples and families with children over ten. Richmond, Barnard Castle and Leyburn are only a few miles away, and there are spectacular walks and bike rides from the door. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
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
Large Cumbrian Holiday Cottage sleeps 16 guests (or 20 using sofa beds), this 1794 grade 2 listed self-catering retreat is just perfect for large groups for milestone events, birthdays or anniversary celebrations & get togethers and is located within the Yorkshire Dales National Park and alongside the Lake District National Park with easy access to the attractions of both . Full of country charm, Fawcett Mill beautifully combines fabulous original features such as a old style range and log burner & open fires, wooden beams, & 4 poster beds with modern comforts including a sauna, seven bedrooms and internet access ensuring the whole party can relax in comfort. In a picturesque setting with water fall and a stream running through the grounds, this welcoming holiday rental for large groups is just perfect for celebrating milestone birthday, anniversaries, family events & for walking , cycling, relaxing and catching up with friends and family.
Fabulous 2 bedroom cottage in the centre of Skipton
For refined elegance and relaxed luxury, Elm Lodge is the cream of the crop of Cumbrian country houses. The Victorian villa is in the traditional English village of Ravenstonedale, less than half a mile from three excellent pubs and a nine-hole golf course. As the perfect holiday home for your group holiday, it comfortably sleeps up to 26 guests in 11 gorgeous bedrooms and boasts 15 acres of private grounds. The rural location is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts as you're close to the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North Pennines, and a wide variety of footpaths, bridleways and cycling routes cover the area.
The Reading Rooms was once the most important community building in Oughtershaw. It was built in the 1800s as a place where people could gather to share news, but it is now a gorgeous self-catering holiday cottage in the Yorkshire Dales. Rather than cover its rustic walls and humble origins, the owner has retained features like hand-hewn oak beams and the big stone fireplace, softening them with comfortable furnishings and attributes suited to 21st Century needs. There is a beck that runs along the bottom of the garden so children and pets should be supervised at all time.
Indulge yourself in the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales from the comfort of this 17th-Century manor house. Oughtershaw Hall is in a class of its own. Eight miles from Wensleydale, it sleeps 16 people in eight bedrooms and features four reception rooms, a games room, extensive grounds, and an indoor swimming pool and sauna. For all its pedigree and grandeur, the holiday rental feels like a home and is very well equipped for a group self-catering holiday with family or friends.
1 Teesdale Road is a comfortable and cosy holiday cottage with just a short walk over to the River Tees and into the market town of Barnard Castle and it's shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs, and traditional markets. We have been awarded 4 star Visit England Gold awards in 2023, 2024 and 2025 ! The accommodation is suitable for six people in three bedrooms - two on the ground floor - with an open-plan living area and a patio with lovely views. The location is perfect for a walking or cycling holiday, and the self-catering property has a lockable garage so you can store bikes, SUPs, kayaks and other equipment. Bookings are available all year round for families and friends.
Hazel Brow House provides luxury accommodation in the quiet village of Low Row for up to 16 people. With magnificent views overlooking the river Swale and marvelous walks from the doorstep, this historic residence has been carefully renovated to provide up to date, modern faclities. The house is well equipped for fine dining, has a really comfy sitting room and snug with books, games, piano and smart TV (ideal for entertaining the children). The downstairs bootroom has laundry and drying facilities with an adjoining wet room should you need to shower off the outdoors! We have a 'Gastro Pub' in the village and Reeth and Gunnerside villages with their pubs and cafes are a 2.5 mile walk. The house is ideal for getting together with your favourite people for a short break or celebrating a milestone birthday or anniversay. We are a licenced wedding venue so get in touch for a viewing if you're planning that special day. The grounds are secure and we welcome well behaved dogs but do ask guests not to allow them upstairs or on the furniture.
Wake up to spectacular views across the Yorkshire Dales, spend your days walking from the doorstep, and end the evening beneath brilliant dark skies. Just two miles from Grassington, Moorside Farm Holiday Cottage is a spacious Yorkshire stone retreat on our family- managed farm, sleeping up to 8 guests in four comfortable bedrooms. Perfect for families and friends, this dog-friendly holiday cottage combines breathtaking scenery with genuine Yorkshire hospitality. Whether you're looking for memorable walks, peaceful relaxation or quality time together, you'll find it here.
One of an impressive collection of luxury award-winning holiday homes ideally position on the outskirts of Richmond - the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales National Park. If you are looking for a little luxury whilst on holiday, with the convenience of amenities and places for a meal out within walking distance, then this stylish lodge is likely to be a perfect choice. Lovely walks and cycle routes from the front door and a wealth of attractions within easy reach.
Tucked away on a peaceful lane a short walk from the centre of High Casterton (with pub) and just 1.5 miles (20 minute walk) from cosmopolitan Kirkby Lonsdale with a great choice of pubs and shops, Norwood Cottage is a fantastic holiday home for couples or families who love spectacular scenery, great food and plenty of variety. There is good access to both the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District, with fantastic sights like Cragg Hill, Dentdale and Levens Hall all nearby. The flexible layout accommodates four people in two bedrooms, with the second bedroom being able to be configured as either a double or a twin, depending on your needs.
A delightful holiday cottage providing a peaceful rural retreat for couples. Surrounded by the stunning scenery of the beautiful Howgills Fells, Bluebell Cottage is close to Sedbergh in the Yorkshire Dales but also close to the Lake District National Park so plenty of attractions within easy reach. Tourist board rating: 5 Star Gold
Guests can make use of Wi-Fi throughout the cottage, and on arrival will find a thoughtful welcome hamper filled with local produce. A wood-burning stove, with logs supplied, adds to the cosy atmosphere. Entertainment is provided via a digital TV with DVD player and a separate sound system with radio. The cottage is stocked with quality bed linen, towels, and a selection of toiletries. The kitchen comes fully equipped for everything from a quick breakfast to a hearty Sunday roast, with appliances including a dishwasher, microwave, and fridge-freezer. An iron and ironing board are provided, while laundry facilities (washing machine and dryer) can be accessed in a nearby building if required. Families are well catered for, with a cot and highchair available on request. Four-legged friends are also welcome – either one large dog or up to two small/medium breeds.
Popular towns in and around The Yorkshire Dales:
AskriggDentdaleGrassingtonHawesIngletonLeyburnReethRichmondSedberghSettleSkiptonWensleydaleSome local suggestions:
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The Yorkshire Dales is home to some of the prettiest and unspoilt scenery in the UK. It is hard to narrow down just a few beautiful spots but here are our top few places to stay.
The traditional village of Grassington with its with stone buildings, cafés, shops and cosy pubs is always a popular choice. Surrounded by stunning countryside it is a great spot for walking and enjoying the spectacular views. Linton Falls, located on the River Wharfe is particularly dramatic after heavy rainfall, or just enjoy a gentle meander along the river.
Another great spot is Malham, close to Settle and Skipton, which is famous for its impressive scenery including Malham Cove and Malham Tarn. The picturesque market town of Skipton, known as the ‘gateway to the Yorkshire Dales’, offers some great eateries, alongside a market four 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.
Hawes is a great place to experience traditional Yorkshire Dales life, with local shops, cafés and walking routes. Visit the Wensleydale Creamery or be wowed by the impressive Aysgarth Falls.
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. The Dent Brewery is well worth a visit for the guided tours and award-winning ales.
The Yorkshire Dales offers a huge landscape, meaning there is something for everyone here all year round. Summers are usually mild to warm with the occasional hotter day. The days are longer giving you more time to explore the great outdoors at a leisurely pace. 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 it is the perfect temperatures for hiking, biking or other outdoor activities.
Many describe the climate in the Yorkshire Dales in winter as ‘moody’ with the changing weather consisting of rain, snow and wild, windy days. 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 host cosy Christmas markets.
If you enjoy the outdoors the Yorkshire Dales is the perfect holiday destination for you! The hundreds of footpaths and trails passing through beautiful countryside makes it a walkers paradise. Take a leisurely stroll along rivers, hike through valleys and across rolling hills, or trek up more strenuous peaks such as Mount Ingleborough near Ingleton. Malham Cove, Malham Tarn and Aysgarth Falls are all well-known for their impressive scenery, whilst the quiet country lanes around Grassington and Wharfedale are also perfect for a day out on the bike.
The Yorkshire Dales is also home to many charming villages and historic places that are worth exploring. The popular village of Grassington is a great spot to while away an afternoon, or explore the local shops and enjoy the surrounding countryside near Hawes. Visitors can also explore historic castles and museums as well as shops and restaurants in the market town of Skipton. Don’t forget to sample the local food – no trip to Yorkshire is complete without a cup of Yorkshire tea and a full roast including Yorkshire pudding!
Adventure seekers will have no problem getting their adrenaline fix here. Go climbing at Malham Cove, caving in Ingleton, canoeing on the River Ure and mountain biking in the Gisburn Forest. Whatever you choose to do on holiday in the Yorkshire Dales you can be assured of a warm welcome and an unforgettable experience surrounded by stunning scenery and beautiful countryside.
There are several 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. There are railway stations in towns around the Yorkshire Dales, including Skipton, which is an important transport hub for the area. From Skipton, visitors can use local buses, taxis or other forms of transport to reach villages and attractions within the Dales. Buses also connect several towns and villages, although services can be less frequent in more rural areas, so it is a good idea to plan your journey before travelling.
If you are travelling by car, the Yorkshire Dales is easy to reach from nearby cities such as Leeds, Bradford and York. Driving also gives you the flexibility to visit the many different villages and attractions spread across the national park, meaning you can travel between places at your own pace. The journey also gives you the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful countryside and scenic roads as you get closer to the Dales.
Once you arrive in the area, walking, cycling and local buses are useful ways to explore the countryside. Overall, travelling by car is probably the most convenient option for exploring lots of different parts of the Yorkshire Dales, while trains and buses can be a more environmentally friendly choice.
If you only have limited time then you can certainly get a taste of the Yorkshire Dales in three or four days. This gives you enough time to experience some of the area’s most beautiful scenery without feeling rushed. In three days, you could explore highlights such as Malham Cove, Gordale Scar the Ribblehead Viaduct and the charming villages of Hawes and Grassington. You’ll also have time to enjoy a few walks and stop at some of the traditional pubs and cafés along the way.
If you enjoy walking or prefer a slower pace a week would be ideal. This would give you enough time to explore more of the Dales and venture into quieter areas such as Swaledale and Wensleydale. It also gives you plenty of opportunities for longer hikes as well as time to relax and enjoy the scenery.
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.
Popular beauty spots include Malham Cove, Gordale Scar, Aysgarth Falls and the Ribblehead Viaduct, whilst places such as Hawes, Grassington, Reeth and Settle have a classic Yorkshire character, with stone cottages and historic buildings. Any cheese lovers shouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit the Wensleydale Creamery for the ultimate cheese experience!
Yes, you can get around the Yorkshire Dales without a car, although it does require a little more planning. The area is served by local buses connecting some of the main towns and villages, while trains provide access to places such as Settle and Ribblehead on the scenic Settle–Carlisle railway. Walking is also a great way to explore the Dales, with many villages and attractions connected by footpaths.
It is however worth bearing in mind that public transport can be limited in the more rural areas, particularly on evenings and Sundays, so you won’t have the same flexibility as you would with a car. For a car-free holiday, it’s best to base yourself in a well-connected village such as Settle, Skipton, Hawes or Grassington, and plan your walks around the available bus and train services.
Yes, the Yorkshire Dales is a great destination for outdoorsy families to visit. If you are looking to escape busy resorts in favour of a peaceful countryside holiday it is hard to beat the Yorkshire Dales. Younger children can enjoy exploring streams, spotting animals and playing outdoors, while older children and teenagers can try longer hikes, cycling and other outdoor activities. Family-friendly attractions such as Bolton Abbey, the Wensleydale Railway and the Forbidden Corner also provide alternative family friendly days out.
Yes, the Yorkshire Dales is a fantastic destination to take your dog on holiday. There are hundreds of miles of footpaths and trails to explore and many villages and towns also have dog-friendly cafés and pubs. Independent Cottages also has a large selection of dog friendly cottages for you and your four legged friends to stay whilst on holiday in the Yorkshire Dales.
