Yorkshire Dales National Park: Our most recommended tours and activities

Skipton: 2-Hour Afternoon Tea Cruise

1. Skipton: 2-Hour Afternoon Tea Cruise

Climb aboard a luxury canal boat and enjoy a relaxing afternoon cruise. Start your cruise at the wharf, then sit back and enjoy the beautiful scenery outside your window. There is a fully-licensed bar onboard, serving alcoholic and soft drinks, including local beers. During the 2-hour cruise on the Leeds and Liverpool canal, afternoon tea will be served at your table. Savor delicious selection of sandwiches, fruit scones with strawberry jam and cream, and decadent desserts. Enjoy unlimited tea and coffee along with your food.

The Yorkshire Dales Tour from York

2. The Yorkshire Dales Tour from York

Escape the crowded streets of York for a full-day sightseeing tour of the Yorkshire Dales, and discover one of England’s most dramatic landscapes. Departing York in the morning, trave; to Yorkshire Dales national park, well known for its beautiful rolling hills and lazy rivers which flow down the dales (or valleys). The first stop will be in the market town of Masham in Lower Wensleydale. Famous for its family-run breweries, steam engines, and annual sheep fair, its thriving market (Wednesdays and Saturdays) is still going strong 762 years since its 1st charter. Continue towards Middleham, nestled between 2 rivers. Travel through the gently sloping Dales towards Castle Bolton, where you will see some of the best scenery Yorkshire has to offer. Admire one of Britain’s best-preserved medieval castles at Castle Bolton, built by Sir Richard Le Scrope to rival the most luxurious homes in the land. See the scars of its 600-year history, including its involvement in the Pilgrimage of Grace, Mary Queen of Scot’s imprisonment, and a Civil War siege. Afterward continue the journey through the stunning landscapes of Yorkshire traveling towards Aysgarth Falls on the River Ure. Here you will have the chance to view the famous waterfalls, which drop over three major falls in less than one mile. An amazingly scenic stop, the falls are a showcase of the beauty of nature. For lunch, head to the charming market town of Hawes. Nestled in Upper Wensleydale in North Yorkshire this beautiful place is surrounded on all sides by scenery the Yorkshire Dales is famous for. Travel over the Buttertubs pass which connects Hawes and the hamlet of Thwaite with spectacular views over the surrounding valleys and fells. In recent days, the pass was featured as the second King of the Mountains climb of the 2014 Grand Depart of the Tour de France. Hawes is also home to the Wensleydale Creamery, famous for its array of cheeses which are much loved by fictional, animated characters, Wallace and Gromit. Hawes marketplace was first recorded in 1307 and still has a lively market every Tuesday. Enjoy the delights of Wensleydale Creamery including the visitors center and cheese tasting room. Explore the creamery and have a taste of the real Dales in their sample room. There is plenty of time to shop for your favorite cheeses and marvel at the beautiful surroundings. Finally, follow the Dales scenic route back to the medieval city of York, driving through picturesque villages and classic Dales villages, with stops along the way so you can photograph the memorable landscapes.

From York: Full-Day Yorkshire Dales Tour

3. From York: Full-Day Yorkshire Dales Tour

Discover the wonders of Yorkshire Dales National Park on a guided tour from York. Travel by air-conditioned coach to highlights like Bolton Castle, Kettlewell, Pateley Bridge, and more. Enjoy free time to explore local sights and foods in Hawes. Leave York to explore the memorable landscape of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Stop at the 14th-century Bolton Castle, the former home of Mary Queen of Scots, to enjoy sweeping views over Wensleydale. Next, enjoy free time in Hawes. Sample the cheeses at the world-famous Wensleydale Creamery, visit the Dales Countryside Museum, or explore the quaint shops and cafes (costs not included). Move on to the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Pass through the picturesque villages on the way to Kettlewell, the main filming location for the Calendar Girls movie. Explore the village, learn more about the true story behind the movie, or relax with the locals in one of the pubs and cafes. Before heading back to York, stop in the charming town of Pateley Bridge and see the oldest sweet shop in the world.

From York: Herriot and Yorkshire Dales Day Trip

4. From York: Herriot and Yorkshire Dales Day Trip

Start your tour from York city center. Stop at the traditional market town of Masham in Lower Wensleydale, which gained its market charter over 700 years ago in 1251. Here you can learn some of the Town’s history from your guide and see the remains of an Anglo-Saxon cross shaft, thought to be around 1300 years old, at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, explore the quaint shops or just enjoy a leisurely Yorkshire brew and some cake in one of the cafes on the square – the choice is yours! Head out across Masham Moor where the sheep roam freely amongst the Heather and vast open landscape on our way over the tops to Nidderdale. The fantastic views and scenery over Gouthwaite Reservoir and miles of drystone walls make it perfect for some great photo stops. Arrive in the picturesque town of Grassington, famous for its role as the fictional town of ‘Darrowby’ in the new ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ television series, first aired in 2020. Here you will have 1.5 hours free time to explore the shops, Cafes and filming locations or even pop into the Devonshire Arms pub (The Drovers in All Creatures Great and Small) for a drink with the locals! We make our way to the beautiful Linton Falls. It is only a very short drive away so, if you prefer, you have the option to take the short walk from the Visitor Centre car park down the old stone path to the falls at Linton and meet your guide on the bridge over the river Wharfe. We follow the meandering route of the River Wharfe passing through the village of Burnsall and stopping at the historical ruin of Barden Tower, a 12th Century hunting lodge, once the seat of administration for Barden hunting forest and the residence of Henry Clifford, the Shepherd Lord. Arriving at Bolton Abbey home to the 12th Century ruins of Bolton Priory an Augustinian Monastery founded in 1154 and destroyed in 1539 during the Dissolution of the Monasteries under the reign of King Henry VIII. Today it looks extremely picturesque situated on the edge of the river Wharfe and for those of you feeling brave enough you can attempt to cross the river on the famous stepping stones… just don’t fall in! We depart Bolton Abbey and make our way back to York and say our goodbyes.

From Manchester: Yorkshire Sightseeing Day Trip

5. From Manchester: Yorkshire Sightseeing Day Trip

Get a taste of Yorkshire on a full-day minibus tour from Manchester. Explore the county's history and cuisine, admire feats of Victorian engineering, and see the picturesque Hardraw Force waterfall. Make your way to the National Express Coach Station near Manchester Airport Railway Station to meet your driver for the day. Then, board your minibus and travel along roads inaccessible to normal buses throughout the day. After a partially-narrated 2-hour journey, arrive in Haworth to discover the stories of the Bronte Sisters — Anne, Charlotte, and Emily. From there, head to the stunning limestone feature of Malham Cove, formed by melt-water from glaciers over 12,000 years ago. See the impressive Ribblehead Viaduct, a masterpiece of 19th-century engineering, and take a stroll to get a closer look at its 1.5 million bricks. A stop at the must-visit Wensleydale Creamery follows. Sample some of its famous cheeses, made originally by Cistercian Monks. Next, visit the pretty village of Hawes, a honeypot boasting shops, cafes, pubs, and locals sipping John Smith's while munching a Yorkshire Pudding. Once you have explored Hawes, head to Hardraw Force, the UK's highest single-drop waterfall (30 meters/100 feet). Enjoy the splash pool and the breathtaking natural “amphitheater” before beginning your journey back to Manchester. Please note that the Hardraw Force entrance fee is not included in the tour price, but is available as an optional add-on for £2.50.

From Leeds: Yorkshire Dales Emmerdale Locations Bus Tour

6. From Leeds: Yorkshire Dales Emmerdale Locations Bus Tour

Although the current Emmerdale TV soap is now filmed on a closed set this tour will take you to the original locations dotted around West Yorkshire. You will visit the market town of Otley and the beautiful village of Esholt in West Yorkshire, used as Hotton and Emmerdale Village in the long-running TV show. Here, you can have a drink at the inn that was once used as the fabled Woolpack, site of many of the popular TV series most memorable scenes. You’ll also drive past the farm near Leathley where Emmerdale farm was originally shot. During the tour take the opportunity to get off the bus at several occasions. Stretch your legs, take pictures of the recognizable buildings and landmarks, and see the locations from one of Britain's longest-running TV soaps.

From Liverpool: Full-Day Yorkshire Sightseeing Adventure

7. From Liverpool: Full-Day Yorkshire Sightseeing Adventure

Get a taste of Yorkshire on a full-day minibus tour from Liverpool. Explore the county's history and cuisine, admire feats of Victorian engineering, and see the picturesque Hardraw Force waterfall. After a partially-narrated 2-hour journey, arrive in Haworth to discover the stories of the Bronte Sisters – Anne, Charlotte, and Emily. From there, head to the stunning limestone feature of Malham Cove, formed by melt-water from glaciers over 12,000 years ago. See the impressive Ribblehead Viaduct, a masterpiece of 19th-century engineering, and take a stroll to get a closer look at its 1.5 million bricks. A stop at the must-visit Wensleydale Creamery follows. Sample some of its famous cheeses, made originally by Cistercian Monks. Next, visit the pretty village of Hawes, a honeypot of a town boasting shops, cafes, pubs, and locals sipping John Smith's while munching a Yorkshire Pudding. Once you have explored Hawes, head to Hardraw Force, the UK's highest single-drop waterfall, which is over 100 feet tall. Enjoy the splash pool and the breathtaking natural “amphitheater” before beginning your journey back to Liverpool.

From Chester: Full-Day Yorkshire Sightseeing Day Trip

8. From Chester: Full-Day Yorkshire Sightseeing Day Trip

Get a taste of Yorkshire on a full-day minibus tour from Chester. Explore the county's history and cuisine, admire feats of Victorian engineering, and see the picturesque Hardraw Force waterfall. After a partially-narrated 2-hour journey, arrive in Haworth to discover the stories of the Bronte Sisters — Anne, Charlotte, and Emily. From there, head to the stunning limestone feature of Malham Cove, formed by melt-water from glaciers over 12,000 years ago. See the impressive Ribblehead Viaduct, a masterpiece of 19th-century engineering, and take a stroll to get a closer look at its 1.5 million bricks. A stop at the must-visit Wensleydale Creamery follows. Sample some of its famous cheeses, made originally by Cistercian Monks. Next, visit the pretty village of Hawes, a honeypot boasting shops, cafes, pubs, and locals sipping John Smith's while munching a Yorkshire Pudding. Once you have explored Hawes, head to Hardraw Force, the UK's highest single-drop waterfall, which is over 100 feet tall. Enjoy the splash pool and the breathtaking natural “amphitheater” before beginning your journey back to Chester.

3-day Yorkshire Dales and Peak District Tour from Manchester

9. 3-day Yorkshire Dales and Peak District Tour from Manchester

Day 1: Travel to the Peak District. In the late morning, you will arrive in Castleton. This quaint old town attracts travelers from all over the world for its quintessential English charm. Nearby, there are caves, a beautiful view up a valley, and an insightful information center. Venture to the beautiful valley at Monsal Head. There’s an old rail line viaduct that emerges from the green hills. It’s a gorgeous structure with an impressive history. If you’re hungry, then you’re in luck, because you’re stopping for lunch in Bakewell. Not only is this town delicious to look at, but it’s also the home of one of England’s most famous desserts, the Bakewell Pudding. After savoring every last crumb, head over to Chatsworth House. This luxurious stately home is incredible; you can admire the architecture, get lost in a massive maze, or praise precious art. Finally, head off in the early evening to your overnight stop in York. Day 2: Full-day Tour of York Spend your morning in York. Visit a chocolate museum, find out about the Vikings, or just stroll around the ancient walls. Around midday, leave York and head to Goathland. This town was used in the Harry Potter movies and is situated in one of the largest expanses of heather moorland in the UK. Your next stop is Whitby. This is the type of town everyone dreams of retiring in. There’s a beautifully-located, ruined abbey; old stone steps curving around viewpoints; and a lovely little beach to play about on. After exploring all the nooks and crannies of Whitby, travel to Robin Hood’s Bay. They doubt if the real Robin Hood ever came here, but there are still plenty of smugglers tales dotted around this remarkable harbor village. Finally, arrive back in York in the early evening. Day 3: Touring, Lunch, and Returning to Manchester Take the road to Fountains Abbey. This is one of the largest ruined abbeys in England and part of an important UNESCO Heritage site. Then find yourself surrounded by some of England’s most lovely waterfalls at AysgarthEnjoy a delicious lunch of Wensleydale's famous cheese and crackers. After lunch, travel past the epic Ribblehead railway viaduct before having a short snoop around the old castle-topped town of Clitheroe. In the evening, arrive in Manchester.

From Lake District: Full-Day Yorkshire Dales Tour

10. From Lake District: Full-Day Yorkshire Dales Tour

Choose from a pickup point in Windermere, Bowness, or Ambleside and begin your drive to the quaint village of Sedbergh. head up to see the famous Settle to Carlisle Railway and the spectacular viaducts. Later, venture down into Wensleydale and Hardraw before descending into Swaledale through the valley to the small market town of Reeth for lunch. After lunch visits Bolton Castle, where Mary, Queen of Scots was held as a prisoner. Take a journey up the valley to the spectacular Aysgarth Waterfalls. From the waterfalls head to Hawes, where you’ll stop before continuing on to the lovely village of Dent, famous for the Dent knitters and brewery. The return trip to Windermere takes a different route, traveling via Kirkby Lonsdale.

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Things to do in
Yorkshire Dales National Park

Yorkshire Dales National Park
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What people are saying about Yorkshire Dales National Park

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 692 reviews

T’was a lovely day of sightseeing! Tim and Gillian did a great job of getting us there safe and had great commentary along the way. Would recommend to anyone with a literary background, or who wants to learn more about the Brontë’s and see a traditional Yorkshire village and moor.

We booked this trip last minute not sure what to expect, but it was a lovely few hours well spent . Very Relaxing watching the world go by enjoying the afternoon tea that was provided served by a lovely young lad . Would do it a again.

Fantastic day out with Mark. We loved all the history he shared and we can't stop thinking about all of the amazing places we saw that day. His food recommendations for lunch were spot on. Overall, we had a glorious time!

Gorgeous scenery. Mark was very knowledgeable. Thoroughly recommend it - even with the rain.

Delivered as advertised. Driver very knowledgeable. Beautiful trip.