Amazing Things To Do in the Yorkshire Dales England

Amazing Things to Do in the Yorkshire Dales, England

(For those who want to read)

The Yorkshire Dales had been on my list for a while—and when I finally made it there in late summer 2025, I completely fell for it.

It’s one of those places that just feels like everything I love about being in Europe.

Green valleys, windswept hills, sheep dotting the landscape and charming villages that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook.

If you’re looking for amazing things to do in the Yorkshire Dales, read on for some of my personal favorites — along with a few spots I’ve got my eye on for my next visit.

Where are the Yorkshire Dales?

The Yorkshire Dales National Park sits in northern England, not far from Leeds, York, and Manchester.

It’s made up of a series of valleys—dales—separated by rolling hills and moorland.

Each dale has its own character, so no two feel quite the same.

Malham & Malhamdale

I based myself in the just outside the wee village of Kirkby Malham which is not far from the village of Malham.

I stayed in a little holiday cottage that had a trail leading over to Malham.

I’d head out along a small path, follow a stream, climb over a stone stile, walk through a field of sheep and arrive in this charming village.

That’s the Yorkshire Dales in a nutshell.

This area is home to some of the best things to do in the Yorkshire Dales.

Malham Cove

The first time I walked out to Malham Cove, I could see it rising up in the distance before I even got there.

The walk itself is easy and scenic.

But the cove is what stops you in your tracks.

I did climb to the top — slowly, taking my time.

The views across the Dales were absolutely worth it.

Gordale Scar

On another day, I walked out to Gordale Scar, which feels a bit more hidden and rugged.

The walk here takes you through the fields and past a lovely waterfall.

Geology nerds will love this walk as the rock walls are super cool.

It’s one of those places where life gets put into perspective.

Village Moments

Malham itself is very small, but I loved it.

One afternoon I wandered into the pub, ordered some fish and chips, and just sat there watching whatever was on Sky Sports while people came and went.

Nothing fancy.

Just one of those simple travel moments that sticks with you.

If you want something with a bit more going on, Skipton and Grassington are both nearby.

Skipton is the bigger, touristy town while Grassington is smaller but quite well-known. (See below)

I loved staying where I did as it was quiet yet close to all I needed.

Grassington

I spent a few hours in Grassington one day.

It’s one of those places that’s easy to like.

I wandered through the village, then headed out for a walk along the river.

Nothing complicated — just an easy path, the sound of the water (and bleating sheep) and that feeling of not needing to be anywhere in a hurry.

It’s a great option if you want a bit more life than Malham, but still very much in that Yorkshire Dales feel.

Hawes, Bainbridge & Wensleydale

After Malham, I drove north into Wensleydale.

Even the drive itself was part of the experience.

Rolling hills and big open views.

I remember thinking, “I can’t wait to come back here.”

I stopped first in Hawes, where I did what any reasonable person would do — I went to the Wensleydale Creamery and sampled more cheese than I probably needed to.

If you are a cheese lover, be sure to put this stop on your list.

Bainbridge

From there, I drove the short distance to Bainbridge, where I stayed for a week.

Bainbridge is a tiny village, and I had a lovely holiday cottage overlooking the green — where kids played, people walked their dogs, and neighbors stopped to chat.

One day, I headed out on a walk that took me along what may have been an old Roman road.

Spectacular views, quiet trails, and that feeling of having space all around you.

Another day, I ended up walking part of the route with three women I met along the way — two of them originally from Yorkshire.

We finished with tea and cake in the village café.

Honestly, that’s the kind of thing I remember most.

Askrigg

I also had dinner one night in nearby Askrigg, in a pub that felt very local — in the best way.

People chatting, dogs hanging out, that warm, welcoming vibe.

This could make a good base to explore this part of the Dales as well.

Bolton Castle

The Yorkshire Dales aren’t just about the landscape.

I visited Bolton Castle, which is part ruin, part restored, and surprisingly easy to explore.

You can climb narrow stairways, wander through rooms, and imagine what it might have been like — especially knowing that Mary, Queen of Scots was once held there.

And the gardens?

Absolutely beautiful!

Don’t forget to climb up to the viewpoints.

Soft adventure in the Yorkshire Dales

One of the things I love most about the Yorkshire Dales is how easy it is to get outside.

You don’t need to be a serious hiker to enjoy the best things to do in the Yorkshire Dales.

A lot of what I did were simple walks — village to village, across fields and along ancient roads.

Sometimes I planned them.

Sometimes I didn’t.

And honestly, some of the best ones were the ones I just figured out as I went.

Logistics for getting around

Admittedly, a car makes things easier to get around.

But you can absolutely visit using trains and buses if you’re willing to plan a bit more.

However, if you want that flexibility to explore at your own pace, I’d go with a car.

Final thoughts on things to do in the Yorkshire Dales

I feel like England sometimes gets overlooked beyond London.

And it really shouldn’t.

The Yorkshire Dales offer that perfect mix of beautiful landscapes, charming villages, local culture, and just enough outdoor adventure.

It’s not flashy.

It doesn’t try to impress you.

But it quietly becomes one of those places you keep thinking about long after you’ve left.

And if you’re anything like me, you’ll be planning your return visit before you even leave.

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