A mini guide to
Yorkshire Dales: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Busy car parks
The park authority says its Malham, Horton-in-Ribblesdale and Aysgarth Falls car parks tend to be the busiest; have a back-up plan.
Use the train
Settle–Carlisle line stations such as Horton-in-Ribblesdale, Ribblehead, Dent and Garsdale are the start of many walks.
Malham in one walk
Janet's Foss, Gordale Scar and Malham Cove are all within a short distance of Malham village and can be linked on foot.
Step-free walks
The park publishes 'Miles without Stiles' routes for wheelchair users and people with pushchairs.
Caves need care
White Scar Cave and Stump Cross Caverns are show caves; leave wild caves to experienced, equipped groups.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is Yorkshire Dales?
Yorkshire Dales is in Yorkshire, England. Limestone country: Malham, Wharfedale, Wensleydale and the Three Peaks. Nearby stops and stations include Skipton station, Settle station, Ribblehead station.
How long do I need in Yorkshire Dales?
Two to four days. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Malham Cove, Gordale Scar, Janet's Foss. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Skipton station (Northern from Leeds and Bradford on the Airedale line); Settle station (Northern on the Settle–Carlisle line); Ribblehead station (Northern on the Settle–Carlisle line); DalesBus (All-year buses Skipton to Grassington and Buckden; Saturday and summer extras). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 28 places to eat and drink in and around Yorkshire Dales, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 17 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is Yorkshire Dales accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in Yorkshire Dales
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Malham Cove
Curved limestone cliff a kilometre north of Malham, formed by a meltwater waterfall after the last Ice Age, with limestone pavement on top.
Ribblehead Viaduct
Midland Railway viaduct carrying the Settle–Carlisle line across Batty Moss, the longest structure on the line.
Whernside
The highest of the Yorkshire Three Peaks and the highest point in North Yorkshire.
Yorkshire
More areas to explore
Whitby & Robin Hood's Bay
Harbour town at the mouth of the Esk, with the abbey, Captain Cook and Dracula
Open the mini guide →
Scarborough
Two sandy bays, a castle headland and the resort that grew from a spa
Open the mini guide →
Harrogate & Knaresborough
Victorian spa town with gardens and baths, and the Nidd gorge at Knaresborough
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Grassington: Pauline E, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Malham Cove: Raymond Knapman, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Ribblehead Viaduct: Andy Beecroft, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Whernside: The original uploader was Cyberdemon007 at English Wikipedia., CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Whitby & Robin Hood's Bay: ianpudsey, CC BY 3.0, source
- Scarborough: derek dye, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Harrogate & Knaresborough: David Rogers, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- North York Moors: JThomas, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring Yorkshire