The Yorkshire Dales is a beautiful National Park in the north of England, with lots of picturesque villages, nature trails, and stunning countryside. As I used to live in York, this area was conveniently close by, and made for a perfect weekend trip.
- Fountains Abbey
- Malham Cove
- Hardraw Force Waterfalls
- Ribblehead Viaduct
- Bolton Abbey
- Grassington
- Knaresborough
- Aysgarth Falls
Fountains Abbey
Fountains Abbey, along with Studley Royal Water Garden, is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for it’s Gothic architecture, and beautiful landscapes. You can walk around the stunning estate, through the deer park, water garden, and past the Abbey. The full trail is 5 miles/8km, moderately difficult with mixed terrain.
Distance: 5 miles, 8 kilometres
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: gothic abbey, deer park, and water garden.
Best Time to Visit: Autumn is beautiful, with the changing leaves in the deer park, while spring brings blossoms and fresh greenery. Both seasons offer a quieter experience.
Malham Cove
Malham Cove is a stunning curved limestone cliff, formed by water erosion over thousands of years, with deep crevices that house rare plants. Fun fact: James brought me here for my birthday! There are multiple trails that you can follow, depending on time and difficulty.
Distance: 2 miles return from Malham town
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: 70 metre high cliff of white limestone
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon in summer for the best light and fewer crowds. Spring is lovely, with blooming plants along the limestone pavement.
Hardraw Force Waterfalls
Hardraw Force is the tallest single-drop waterfall in England, plunging 100 feet into a pool below. Be aware you have to pay for the pleasure to enter as the land is privately owned (£4). We went in autumn, and the foliage was absolutely stunning, and worth the entry fee for the peaceful and serene setting.
Distance: 1-2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: 100 foot drop waterfall
Best Time to Visit: Autumn offers beautiful foliage, while late winter or early spring has the strongest water flow due to rain.
Ribblehead Viaduct
The Ribblehead Viaduct was the top of my partner’s bucket list, and I was definitely a fan once we got to see it in real life. The viaduct spans 24 stone arches across the remote Ribble Valley. While you can visit here and admire the view, there is a trail in the area if you are that way inclined.
Distance: 4.2 miles
Difficulty: moderate
Highlights: the viaduct, countryside
Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer are ideal for clearer skies, but the viaduct also looks dramatic in winter against snowy surroundings.
Bolton Abbey
Bolton Abbey is a lovely day out, surrounded by beautiful countryside. You can cross the iconic stepping stones (if they are all in place). There are multiple walks and trails you can follow, with plenty of path markers.
Distance: 7.2 miles circular walk
Difficulty: easy/moderate
Highlights: Bolton Abbey Priory, countryside, history
Best Time to Visit: Summer offers the best conditions for walking trails and enjoying riverside picnics, while autumn is perfect for photography with its changing colors.
Grassington
Grassington is a perfect, idyllic, Yorkshire Dales village, with the cobbled streets and historic stone buildings giving it a timeless feel. My favourite memory is an old Scottish lady asking us where she could get a classic burger “like McDonalds”. Unfortunately, there is definitely no McDonalds, but there are plenty of cute cafe’s, pubs, bakeries, and shops.
From Grassington, you can walk along the riverside, through Grass Wood, and then loop back to Grassington for a perfect circular walk.
Distance: 5.3 miles via Grass Wood
Difficulty: easy
Highlights: woodland, riverside, farmland
Best Time to Visit: Summer is ideal for riverside walks, while the village’s Christmas market in December brings festive charm to the streets.
Knaresborough
Knaresborough is a town that we revisited about six times, and found it beautiful every time. The Castle offers panoramic views of the River Nidd, with stunning views of the viaduct. You can also visit Mother Shipton’s Cave, which is claimed to be England’s oldest tourist attraction.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring or summer offers the best views from the castle, and the town hosts a lively Bed Race in June, which draws crowds and adds a fun twist to a visit.
Aysgarth Falls
Aysgarth Falls consists of three tiers of waterfalls, cascading over limestone steps. The landscape can be a dramatic spectacle, especially after heavy rain. There are multiple walks and trails through the woods and waterfalls, which you can choose depending on difficulty.
Distance: 4 miles circular route
Difficulty: easy
Highlights: nature, waterfalls & wildlife
Best Time to Visit: After heavy rain for a powerful flow, or spring for a gentler experience with wildflowers blooming around the falls.
The Yorkshire Dales offer an incredible mix of historic landmarks, natural beauty, countryside charm, and quaint villages that make for unforgettable adventures. Whether you’re appreciating the powerful Aysgarth Falls, soaking up the tranquility of Fountains Abbey, or hiking up to Malham Cove, there’s something for everyone. Each season brings a unique twist to the landscape, so timing your visit can add a whole different dimension to your trip.
I hope this guide helps you plan your own special moments in the dales. Happy exploring, and thank you for reading! ❤
Love, Lydia x
LYD1A KERR 
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