Welcome to the Yorkshire Dales, an outstanding place to explore!
The Yorkshire Dales has many moods; it can be wild and windswept or quietly tranquil with valleys full of hay meadows, drystone walls and barns.
There’s always something to do in the Dales. Whether you’re coming for the day or staying longer, there’s lots going on.
To help plan your visit you can download a detailed map here.
Before you travel – Coronavirus restrictions
Following the implementation of new tier 2 local restrictions across North Yorkshire and Cumbria, the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority has updated its guidance for anyone planning to visit between now and Christmas.
National Park Centre’s at Aysgarth Falls, Grassington, Hawes and Malham will re-open at weekends – in line with winter opening hours. The Dales Countryside Museum will also re-open.
National Park Authority car parks and toilets are also open.
Finally, the safety of visitors and communities throughout the National Park remains our number one priority, so we would ask everyone to stick to the social distancing rules and to wear a face covering in local shops.
Our car parks
You can use the links below to navigate to our car parks using Google Maps or what3words
- Aysgarth Falls – ///acquaint.fairly.qualify
- Buckden – ///inhabited.gullible.trend
- Clapham – ///outnumber.swim.bravest
- Grassington – ///extend.paving.protected
- Hawes (Dales Countryside Museum) – ///bespoke.handrail.gripes
- Horton-in-Ribblesdale – ///limelight.sharp.pelting
- Kettlewell – ///control.handed.encodes
- Linton Falls – ///stooping.communal.wide
- Malham – ///strumming.offers.selects
- Stainforth – ///tribes.hardly.pounces
You can find out more about National Park Authority car parks and toilets here.
Information for new visitors
If you’re visiting the Yorkshire Dales National Park for the first time you’re very welcome! We’ve pulled together some really useful information and resources for you.
Things to do
- Discover our beautiful valleys and our delightful towns and villages.
- Find attractions, things to do with the kids and what to do in the great outdoors.
- Learn a new skill – from painting to butchery – or find a guide to take you on an outdoor adventure.
- Check out places to eat, drink fine local beers, or where to stay over in the Dales.
- Or just spend time taking in the view or admiring the host of stars in our dark skies.
Be sure that you check ahead to make sure that the places we’ve listed are open and what they are offering. Remember that it is mandatory to wear face masks in shops, takeaways and so on.
The Dales is famous for its wonderful scenery. Deep valleys, known as dales, with roads meandering between drystone walls and a patchwork of hay meadows and field barns. Up above is heather moorland and distinctive hills, such as the much loved Three Peaks. There is the historic Settle to Carlisle railway which cuts through the National Park using tunnels and viaducts, including the iconic Ribblehead.
Whilst here, most people will go for a short walk, or take to two wheels to go cycling or mountain biking. After working up an appetite, why not try some Wensleydale Cheese or go on a sampling tour at one of our breweries.
You can also get a local weather forecast, find the details of our National Park Centres and access information for those with limited mobility.
Please use your sat nav with caution! Sat navs don’t always work in the Dales, so if you think you are being sent in the wrong direction, you probably are!
Short walks
A walk in the Yorkshire Dales National Park is good for both your physical and mental wellbeing. There are around 60 short walk suggestions for people of all ages and ability on our short walks page. Each walk comes with a detailed map and some walks have an audio guide.
There are also some short walk suggestions leaving and returning to our National Park car parks.
There are also our ‘miles without stiles’ walks. If you find walking a challenge or your group includes a wheelchair or buggy then have a look in our Access for all section
If you are planning to walk with your dog please visit our Dogs and the Dales page for useful tips.
Wherever you walk, please take your litter home with you and always follow the Countryside Code.
The Countryside Code
While you’re out and about in the countryside it’s important to respect the Countryside Code, which has been updated for the summer of 2020. You can download a shortened easy to read copy of it here.
We’ve also prepared this useful infographic which has useful ‘at a glance’ information on how to stay safe in the countryside, including social distancing advice. You can download a copy of it here.
The Three Peaks
Finally, if you’re considering doing the Three Peaks challenge, we have lots of information to help you here. The Three Peaks challenge is a popular activity, and it’s important that social distancing is maintained on the hills.