Local Attractions - Swaledale & Wensleydale...
...places to visit, things to see and do...
Bainbridge | Thwaite | Other
sites of interest
Bainbridge, Wensleydale
Set
in the heart of Wensleydale, Bainbridge is a very attractive Dales village,
built around a large village green, complete with stocks. It has a village
shop, post office and garage.
The famous 15th century Rose & Crown Inn (pub and restaurant) is a two
minute walk from Riverdale Cottage. A regular bus service runs to Leyburn
(14 miles) and to Hawes (4 miles).
The village is an excellent centre for walking holidays. Many well
known walks start in the village, taking in:
- Askrigg, known throughout the world as James Herriot's "Darrowby"
- Semerwater, the largest natural lake in the Dales, with public
access for fishing and water sports
- Cam High Road, the old Roman road over the fells to Virosidum,
the Roman fort at Bainbridge
- River Bain, said to be the shortest river in England, which passes
through the village over the Bainbridge Falls before joining the River
Ure.
| Views of Wensleydale |
Aysgarth Falls |
Bainbridge Falls on
the River Bain |
Semerwater |
Scar Top, above Bainbridge |
Thwaite, Swaledale
"Thwaite hides itself away at the upper end of Swaledale as
though it were trying to shelter from the rush and madness of twentieth-century
life, and I can't say that I blame it".
Mike Harding: Walking the Dales
(with his kind permission)
Thwaite
is a small village of traditional stone built cottages near the head of Swaledale,
considered by many to be the most beautiful of the Yorkshire Dales. With its
origins in Viking times, most of the village dates back to the 18th and 19th
century.
Thwaite is surrounded by stunning walking country. The Pennine
Way passes through the village on the way from Great Shunner Fell
to the falls at Keld.
Walks to Muker pass through flower-filled hay meadows, or along higher
paths with stunning views across the dale.
The famed Buttertubs Pass links Swaledale and Upper Wensleydale at
the bustling market town of Hawes (6 miles).
There is a licensed restaurant, bar lounge and tea rooms at the Kearton Hotel
in Thwaite, and a village shop and pub at Muker (1 mile). It is on the bus
route from Keld (2 miles) to Richmond (18 miles).
| Views of Swaledale |
Dry stone walls in Swaledale |
The famed wild-flower
meadows of Swaledale |
Swaledale in the snow |
A typical Swaledale view |
Other sites of interest
We provide below links to other sites which you may find useful when planning
your holiday in the Yorkshire Dales. Please note that these links are provided
for the convenience of visitors to our web site, and we accept no responsibility
for the content of these third-party web sites. Each link opens in a new browser
window - close that window to return to this page.
- Beckfisher Fly Fishing
School
All levels from beginners to those wishing to improve their existing skill
level. As seen on TV in Luke Casey's Dales Diary, Roger Beck specialises
in teaching fly-fishing as an aid to stress management.
- Daelnet's Guide to
the Yorkshire Dales
A useful and informative site about "The Jewel in the Crown of Northern England"
- Eagle Intermedia's
Yorkshire Dales
Useful information about the Yorkshire Dales, including history, places
to visit throughout the Yorkshire Dales, and photographs.
- Hawes Ropemakers
- Wensleydale
W R Outhwaite & Son, Ropemakers was established in 1905 and manufactures
barrier ropes, bannister ropes, church bell ropes, dog leads, skipping ropes,
clothes line, equestrian ropes and candlewicks.
- Hazel Brow Farm
- Swaledale
A 200 acre, family run, organic farm in the heart of Swaledale - famous
for its beautiful Herriot scenery and only 1 mile from the picturesque 'watersplash
' ford featured in the BBC series 'All Creatures Great And Small'. This
diversified farm offers a wide selection of activities for all the family:
Visitor centre; Cafe & shop; Supervised animal handling sessions; Walks;
Farm produce; Seasonal demonstrations; Souvenirs & Gifts; Children's play
area. A great day out for all the family. Note: dogs are not allowed
on the farm.
- Mid-Wensleydale
Information about the villages of Castle Bolton, Redmire, Preston-under-Scar,
Wensley and West Witton in mid-Wensleydale.
- Settle to
Carlisle Line
Magnificent, scenic Pennine railway route.
- The Smithy Gallery & Gift shop, Kettlewell
A traditional, quality gallery & gift shop set in the beautiful
village of Kettlewell in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. They offer the artwork by local artists, quality outdoor clothing, maps and guide books, camera films and batteries, quality sheepskins, Kettlewell landmark souvenirs, Yorkshire confectionery, children's toys, games and much more.
- Swaledale
Outdoor Club
Swaledale Outdoor Club is based in Richmond, North Yorkshire. The club encourages
and provides facilities for outdoor activities in the Yorkshire Dales and
further afield. The membership is mainly from the North Yorkshire / South
Durham / Teesside area, but there are also members throughout the UK and
around the world. Club activities consist of Canoeing, Caving, Climbing,
Cycling, Mountain - Biking, Skiing and Walking. In all activities standards
range from novice to expert; beginners are especially welcome. In addition
to the main activities there are members who enjoy Orienteering and Fell
Running. New outdoor activities will be promoted and supported by the club
wherever possible.
- Swaledale
Woollens, Muker
Fine woollen garments knitted by hand in the area around Muker.
- Swaledale
Festival
The festival takes place in May and June each year, and includes classical,
jazz, folk and world music from local, national and international artists
as well as walks, exhibitions and workshops.
- Swaledale Mountain
Rescue Team
Team of unpaid volunteers who provide a search and rescue service for the
Swaledale and Wensleydale area of North Yorkshire.
- The Tan Hill Inn
At 1732 ft the famous Tan Hill Inn is the highest pub in Great Britain!
- Upper Wensleydale
Information about Upper Wensleydale, including tourist attractions, shops
and services etc..
- Wensleydale Creamery
- Hawes
See Wensleydale cheese being made.
- Wensleydale
Railway
Recently re-opened stretch of railway running from Leeming Bar to Redmire
- "great views, great destinations, a great day out".
- Yorkshire
Country Wines - Glasshouses, near Harrogate
Fruit wine producer - winery tours, riverside tea rooms and antiques showroom
- great place to visit on a day out touring some of the other dales.
- Yorkshire
Dales National Park Authority
Official Site of the National Park Authority - lots of useful information
and photos.
