Visiting the museum
The ability to book in advance is still open and if you prefer to buy your tickets in advance you can do this by calling 01969 666210 or emailing hawes@yorkshiredales.org.uk. Otherwise, you can buy your tickets when you visit.
The Museum is FREE for children and also offers a range of educational activities.
About the museum
See opening times for the museum here.
This fascinating museum, owned and managed by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, shares the story of the people and places 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 archaeology, local crafts and industry, lead mining, textiles and knitting, farming, school days, home life, leisure time, religion, transport, communication and tourism. A selection of events, workshops, demonstrations and temporary exhibitions run throughout the year. There is also a research room if you wish to delve a little deeper into the history of the area or your family.
You can explore the Dales Countryside Museum on its own dedicated website.
Want to know what to expect when you visit the museum? 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 fully accessible for wheelchair users and a wheelchair can be borrowed on site. The Museum has many interactive and hands-on exhibits and offers a range of educational activities. Object handling sessions and other experiences can be arranged for pre-booked groups. The site is coach friendly and on-site catering can be arranged for large groups.
Hawes National Park Centre can be found in the same building as the Museum, providing advice on how to make the most of your visit. The shop features Distinctly Dales products created by local artists and makers as well as maps, books and all you need for your trip to the Yorkshire Dales.
We also have a range of facilities for hire including a meeting and training room – visit our museum facilities page for details.
The Firebox Cafés offers high quality light refreshments made where possible from ingredients sourced from local supplies based in the Yorkshire Dales. You can enjoy lovely Wensleydale Ice-cream and for those on the move they provide Grab and Go Bags. Dogs are very welcome in the outside area. The Firebox Café is a perfect place to recharge, refuel and recharge. It is part of Stage 1 Cycles bike shop offering bike hire, repair and activities
How to find the Museum
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.
To help protect the special qualities of the National Park, we would ask visitors to consider using public transport to visit the Museum.
Contact details
Dales Countryside Museum
Station Yard
Hawes
North Yorkshire
DL8 3NT
Tel: 01969 666210
Email: hawes@yorkshiredales.org.uk