T

he Yorkshire Dales: brooding, rugged, and dramatic. Explore this ancient, unspoiled landscape on foot, or by biking around its crags, peaks and valleys. Whichever you decide, you’ll be inspired.

History and Heritage
Beyond the fascinating geological history of the landscape, there are a number of historic market towns around the Yorkshire Dales to investigate, as well as the spa town of  Harrogate . And if castles are your thing, then Ripley and Skipton’s are well worth a visit. 

Must See Attractions
The Knaresborough forest is home to the Petrifying Well , whose mineral-rich waters turn items to stone (including Agatha Christie’s handbag, which is still hanging there). Nearby you’ll find Mother Shipton’s  Cave, the birthplace of England's famous prophetess. And if you fancy sampling a pint of Old Peculier fresh from the cask, then the Theakston Brewery in Masham is the place to quench your thirst. 

Food and Drink
Nothing inspires an appetite quite like an afternoon up on the Moors. After all that fresh air, you’ll need a hearty feast - and Bizzie Lizzies’  fish and chips are locally renowned. For a gastronomic extravaganza head to the Michelin-starred The Burlington in Bolton Abbey . Or raise a pinky at  Betty’s Tea Rooms  in Harrogate.

Shopping
Search out aome hidden gems in the region’s independent shops.Harrogate  offers plenty of hopping opportunities, especially the Montpellier quarter , where you’ll find boutique and designer stores. 

Key events
A trip to the Dales isn’t complete without taking in an agricultural show – you can see show jumping, sheep shearing and the cattle parade at the Great Yorkshire Show  in July. Horticulturalists should sharpen their secateurs for the Flowers of the Dales Festival  , which celebrate the area’s many wildflowers. And there’s not a crow for miles around the idyllic village of Kettlewell during their annual Scarecrow Festival   

Famous People
If you fancy yourself as an artist, take a sketchbook to the 60 different locations that inspired the great JMW Turner. Alternatively, you can sit on one of the Turner Trail  benches and simply enjoy the tunning views. 

Family Fun
Take to the award-winning fairytale world of the Forbidden Corner  , where a labyrinth of tunnels makes for a fascinating day out. Or for a white-knuckle experience, the Lightwater Valley Theme Park  has the Raptor Attack and Twister rides. And how about heading out into the Dales and trying to spot the brown long-eared bat?