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Dales Countryside Museum

Dales Countryside Museum The Museum tells the fascinating story of the Yorkshire Dales and the people who have lived and worked here for thousands of years. With loads of fun and interesting things for visitors of all ages.

Need to know

Address: Dales Countryside Museum, Hawes
Grid ref:
w3w: ///lentil.buying.teacher A three word address provided by our friends at ///what3words.

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Closed during January and reopening in February 2023.

01969 666210

dcm@yorkshiredales.org.uk

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Dales Countryside Museum

Visiting the museum 

You can purchase your tickets when you arrive at the museum or you can book in advance by calling 01969 666210 or emailing hawes@yorkshiredales.org.uk

The Museum is FREE for children and also offers a range of educational activities.

Opening Times

We are open daily, 7 days a week

  • 10am to 5pm, February to October
  • 10am to 4pm November and December
  • Closed in January
  • Last entry is one hour before closing
  • We are closed Christmas Eve to Boxing Day and reopen on Wednesday 27 December to Sunday 31 December 2023

About the museum

This fascinating museum, managed by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, tells the story of the people and landscape of the Yorkshire Dales past and present and stimulates visitors to think about its future. Displays interpret the development of the Dales from prehistoric times to the present day. Themes include school days, home life, leisure time, religion, transport, communication and tourism, farming, local crafts and industries.

You can also explore the Dales Countryside Museum on its own dedicated website.

We have put together a PDF document which you can download which visually shows what you might expect when you visit the Dales Countryside Museum.

The Museum itself is housed in an exciting and imaginative conversion of the Hawes railway station in Wensleydale in the north of the National Park. It is designed to be fully accessible for wheelchair users and a wheelchair can be borrowed on site. The Museum has many interactive and hands-on exhibits and object handling sessions can be arranged for pre-booked groups.

See the loco, climb aboard the carriages and get crafty in our Creation Station – there are loads of things to do all round the Museum and step back in time and wonder at beautifully crafted objects like our Bronze Age spearhead and gold Viking ring or have fun on the outdoor trail – take a woodland wander, see how many animals you can find and invent your own stories in our special storytelling chair!

As well as the museum there is a networked tourist information centre, a shop and Research Area in the centre and inspiring galleries showcasing objects from the weird to the wonderful. There is also a programme of special exhibitions that offer something new to see, and a selection of exciting events, activities, workshops and demonstrations that run throughout the year; giving you the chance to roll up your sleeves and try something different! There is a range of facilities for hire including a meeting and training room.

Firebox Cafe, situated within the National Park Centre, is a contemporary coffee shop with high quality light refreshments made, where possible, from ingredients sourced from local suppliers based in the Yorkshire Dales. It is a perfect place to refuel, recharge and relax. Dogs are very welcome in the outside area. In addition the cafe is an integrated part of Stage 1 Cycles, a cycling hub, offering affordable hire, repairs and supported tours. 

How to find the Museum

To help protect the special qualities of the National Park, we would ask visitors to consider using public transport to visit the Museum. Find out how.

The Dales Countryside Museum is housed in the old railway station at Hawes, just off the main A684 in Wensleydale. Its grid reference for sat nav is SD 875 899.