See & Do

There is so much to see and do in the Yorkshire Dales that we can’t talk about everything. So here is a selection of must-see places and attractions.

Following upon the huge success 2014’s Grand Depart stages of the Tour de France, the Yorkshire Dales will once again be extremely busy with the second year of Le Tour Yorkshire. Le Tour pedals off with stage 1 on Friday 28th April and will end on Sunday 30th April. More information and route maps can be seen on the Le Tour Yorkshire website. All stages will be within easy car journeys of Meadowcroft.

Leyburn is the closest market town, only a few miles away. Leyburn has plenty to enjoy, a drink in one of its pubs, mooch around the shops and even watch chocolate being made at the Little Chocolate Shop! The Wensleydale Railway passes through Leyburn on its way to its termination at Redmire, just up the Dale a little way. The railway exists between Leeming Bar and Redmire and is part of a project to restore the rail links between North Yorkshire and Cumbria. The line will eventually be a 40 mile route between Northallerton and Garsdale, on the Settle-Carlise Railway. The trains are usually formed of heritage diesel railcars from the 1960s but they also have a steam train too, providing a steady meandering trip through Lower Wensleydale.

Wensleydale is of course the home of Wallace & Gromit Wensleydale Cheese and the Wensleydale Creamery provides an enjoyable trip, particularly on a very wet day! Located in beautiful Upper Wensleydale, the visitor centre offers a museum, viewing gallery to watch the cheese making process, specialist cheese shop and licensed restaurant.

Richmond is the next nearest market town, over the hill into Swaledale. Richmond boasts an authentic Georgian Theatre, 11th century Norman castle, cobbled market place and georgian streets. There are a few lovely walks starting from Richmond and there’s a few quaint cafes and pubs to quench your thirst. The old railway station, aptly named The Station, has been re-developed to house numerous artisan shops, Seasons Cafe and 3 cinema screens.

Wensleydale, Swaledale, Bishopdale and Wharfedale and are home to numerous other attractions, such as Kilnsey Park, Bolton Abbey, Hardraw Force, Bolton Castle, Aysgarth Falls, the Buttertubs and The Forbidden Corner, which can be incorporated into a days walk. Whatever you do with your days you can be sure to thoroughly enjoy your stay in The Yorkshire Dales and Meadowcroft Cottage.