The Yorkshire Dales offers a stunning backdrop for a day of exploration and adventure, home to breathtaking landscapes made special with dramatic limestone cliffs, rolling green hills and charming villages steeped in history.
From leisurely strolls along babbling brooks to challenging hikes up rugged peaks, this picturesque National Park is a destination for nature-lovers and thrill-seekers alike. Here, we share our perfect day in the Dales to help make this winter a one to remember
9am – Step into history in Grassington
Drive down winding country roads until you arrive at the historic market town of Grassington.Made famous by Channel 5’s All Creatures Great and Small, this village has plenty to offer, including a charming bookshop – The Striped Badger– and the Grassington Folk Museum, which tells the story of life in Upper Wharfedale over the centuries.
10am – Scenic strolls at Linton Falls
One of the key draws for visitors to Grassington is the countless walks that stretch far into the Dales. Park up at the Visitor Centre and meander down to Linton Falls – an impressive waterfall on the River Wharfe – or head to the Dales Way and embark on a renowned 80-mile walk that runs from Ilkley to Bowness.
11am – Wildlife and fun at Kilnsey Park
Just outside of Grassington is the popular Kilnsey Park, part of a larger estate that offers family fishing, a nature trail and even pony trekking. Grab a coffee from the café and watch the red squirrels and red kites surrounded by some of the Dales’ most stunning scenery.
1pm – Lunch at The Devonshire
Head back into Grassington and enjoy a delicious lunch at The Devonshire in the town’s market square, used as a filming location for All Creatures. Enjoy the pub’s famed ‘hole on the toad’ by the roaring fire and enjoy a well-earned tipple after hours spent stretching your legs. Dogs are welcome and a full doggy menu is provided for your four-legged friends.
2pm – Explore Kettlewell
Take the minibus, or drive, to Kettlewell, a grey stone village deep within the Dales. Previously a transport hub, the village is now a gateway to the Dales Way, with many walkers stopping for a bite to eat in one of the village’s three much-loved pubs. Take a stroll by the river and enjoy the scenery, tranquillity and local wildlife.
3pm – Marvel at Malham Cove
One of the most famous natural sites in the Dales is Malham Cove – a huge curving amphitheatre shaped cliff formation of limestone rock. Featured in countless television series and films, Malham Cove has been attracting visitors for centuries. Park up in the village of Malham and follow the footpath to the top of the cove for stunning views down Malhamdale and beyond. Look out for Peregrine Falcons and Little Owls who call the cove their home.
4pm – Canal cruising in Skipton
The canal boats of Skipton have long been a staple of the cobbled town and visitors can take a trip down the Leeds-Liverpool Canal on one of the brightly painted narrowboats that once transported wool from the nearby farms to larger cities along the canal network.
5pm – Unwind at The Coniston Hotel
After the adventures of the day, head to The Coniston Hotel near Skipton. Set within a 1,400-acre estate, the hotel is the epitome of luxury and promises a stay to remember. Check in and relax in one of the 70 bedrooms, or opt for a country cottage for a weekend bolthole. Each room provides stunning views across the estate and includes access to the hotel’s spa, which boasts two outdoor infinity pools with lake views, a bubble pool, an experience shower, ice fountain and mud rasul.
7pm – Dine in style
Head down to dinner at one of the hotel’s three restaurants, serving up Asian fusion dishes, relaxed, bar-friendly classics and fine dining-style plates. All of the restaurants celebrate local ingredients and produce and are inspired by the rolling countryside that surrounds the estate. Enjoy a tipple afterwards or head to your lakeview room for the perfect end to a day in the Dales.