Yorkshire attractions in Wensleydale and the Dales

Hawes is a small market town in idyllic Wensleydale, perhaps the most beautiful of all the Yorkshire Dales. Every Tuesday throughout the year there is an historic street market and also a farmers Auction Mart where you can experience a taste of real Dales life (if you don't get in the way too much!).  Although Hawes is  very rural and may seem remote  it has  easy access to all other attractions in the National Park each of which is within easy driving distance.  Hawes is surrounded by mile upon mile of ancient drystone walls which are the most remarkable feature of the Dales Countryside.

Although the town is small there is a comprehensive range of shops offering everything from basic food and clothes to antiques and specialist sports equipment.

Hawes is a paradise for outdoor enthuisiasts offering a base for amblers, ramblers, more serious fell walkers, fishermen, shooters, paragliders etc.  The many visitor attractions within the town itself include the Wensleydale Creamery with its Cheese Museum, where you can see the famous Wensleydale Cheese of Wallace & Gromit fame being made; the Dales Countryside Museum with its static steam engine; a Ropemakers, and art and craft workshops all of which are well worth a visit.

There are four pubs, each serving food; numerous restaurants, cafes, tea rooms and takeaways to suit all pockets. The Hawes Club has weekly membership and facilities include snooker and pool and Bingo fortnightly on Wednesday evenings.

For children there is a playground in the town with playing fields a short distance away.

Hawes is busy but not over-crowed even in the height of summer and is peaceful in the evenings. There is little traffic over-night and car parking is never a problem.  It is at the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and is the perfect centre for exploring by car for not only is it ideally placed for ready access to all of the Dales but also it is only 1 hour's drive away from the Lake District, and 1½ hours from the sea at Blackpool. 

There are some lovely walks in the locality, along the quiet river banks and across meadows or for the more adventurous by following the Pennine Way (which passes through the town) onto surrounding High Fells.  Other scenic attractions include Hardraw Scar only 1 mile away and Aysgarth Falls just 8 miles down lovely Wensleydale.