To make your visit to the Yorkshire Dales one not to forget, why not try one or many of some of these wonderful experiences, iconic to the Dales… Develop a traditional craft skill, hone your creative talents and learn from great local artists, photographers, food producers or outdoor providers.
There are also many opportunities to learn an outdoor skill such as caving or navigating. Have a look at our ‘Call in the experts’ page for details.
Here are a few ideas for developing your creative side…
If you’re looking to do something that you have never done before, that offers a unique opportunity, learn key basic techniques and forge your own personal work of art, then check out the businesses below who offer a range of crafts and creative courses with professional artists and makers.
Get away from the distractions and stresses of everyday life and be inspired by the peace, tranquillity and beauty of the Yorkshire Dales whilst you learn a new skill.
Here are just some of the many activities you can take part in: pottery making, painting, printing, woodcarving, ceramics, jewellery making, stained glass making, photography classes, creative writing, blacksmithing, willow weaving, spoon carving and workshops revolving around fabric and material.
Arts and crafts courses
There are so many ways to experience the Yorkshire Dales, but one the best ways is through taste.
The Yorkshire Dales provides some of the very best local produce; explore the local cuisine by booking on to courses run by local food and drink producers: learn how to carry out pork butchery, make sausages, curing or charcuterie or find out how about to make your own cheese through tasting rooms and demonstrations.
Book on to hands-on, practical courses tailor-made to your requirements and celebrate the finest ingredients produced within the Dales on cookery classes from game and baking to foraging courses.
Call in to local breweries to sample tempting tipples, try your hand at making your own gin or even do the full brewery tour to see how it is produced.
Find out about the rich history of these businesses and their products by learning from the best and gain insight into their wealth of local knowledge.
Food, drink and cookery courses
Bring your senses alive through these unique and personal outdoor experiences… Slow down and let local experts take you truly back to nature and see the hidden gems of this incredible landscape.
Explore the local wildlife and take in the breath-taking views on alpaca walks and horse trekking, or perhaps book onto a course and try your hand at fly fishing.
There is no better way to understand the Yorkshire Dales farming life, than to actually have some truly hands on experiences. Be a farmer for the day and learn traditional art of drystone walling, animal husbandry, and the importance of farming for the area.
Interested in what farmers are doing to protect the environment in the Yorkshire Dales National Park? Then come along to one of our ‘Farm Events’ to learn more about the ways farming can work with nature and have a chat with a local farmer.
Wildlife, nature and outdoor experiences
The Yorkshire Dales provides the most stunning landscape to explore – both over ground and under ground; by foot, by bike or by water… But if you’re not sure where to start or looking for a guide with the knowledge and expertise of the area to help you get the most out of your trip then there are many experienced providers and outdoor specialists to help.
You can choose from self-guided walks, guided walks, navigation training and even combining photography tuition with walking to explore the area.
You can find a list of all the outdoor activity providers and walking specialists in the Yorkshire Dales here.
Outdoor activity providers and walking specialists
The National Park Experiences Collection
If you’re looking to try something different, learn a new skill and enjoy unusual experiences that you can only find here in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, then take a look at our specially created National Park Experiences which brings the stories of our National Parks to life. Each bookable experience offers an authentic insight into the landscape and special qualities of a National Park. A proportion of the booking fee will be reinvested into sustainable tourism initiatives in UK National Parks.