Pound Cottage

Wensleydale is a popular tourist location having been made famous by the television series "All Creatures Great and Small".

Familiar landmarks such as the vets' house and the "Drover's" pub (in reality the King's Arms) can be found in Askrigg, half a mile down the road. Askrigg also a small shop for basic food needs, a newsagent/post office and two other pubs.

Wensleydale's greatest attractions are those which have survived for hundreds and thousands of years – its rolling countryside, hills and waterfalls.There are also plenty of castles, abbeys, museums and other attractions within easy reach.

Read More about the Yorkshire dales at the sites of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and www.yorkshirenet.co.uk

Our suggestions:

Waterfalls

• Aysgarth Falls - three sets of falls, each with its own appeal. Also a café and "craft" shop.
• Hardraw - 100ft waterfall near Hawes (entrance through Green Dragon Pub in Hardraw - there is a small charge)..
• Mill Gill - a pleasant walk from Askrigg cross - bear to the right of the church. · Whitfield Gill - above Mill Gill - a little harder to find and tricky underfoot.
• Cotter Force - a short walk from the road from Hawes to Sedburgh. Park on right-hand side of road next to small bridge after Appersett.
• Ingleton - Waterfalls Walk - a six-mile circular (you don't have to do the whole thing!) featuring a good selection of falls and scenic walks (there is a charge).

Other Natural Features

• Don't miss Semerwater - the dale’s only lake - off the road to Hawes.
• The Buttertubs (deep holes in the ground), at the side of the road from Hawes to Thwaite, are well worth stopping at for a look, followed by a drive down Swaledale.
• There are some spectacular underground caverns at White Scar on the Hawes/Ingleton road and in Clapham (Ingleborough).
• Further afield, Malham Cove with its limestone "pavement" is worth a visit.
• The Lake District is near enough for a day trip.

Castles, Abbeys and Museums and Visitor Centres

• The nearest is Bolton Castle where Mary Queen of Scots was supposedly imprisoned during her "travels". Richmond and Middleham are also worth a visit.
• Jervaulx Abbey (on the Ripon road). Further away, the other side of Ripon, Fountains Abbey and its grounds make a pleasant day trip.
• The Dales Countryside Museum is in the old station building at Hawes. At the other end of the town, the Wensleydale Creamery (where the cheese comes from) has opened a visitor centre and museum.
• In Leyburn on the industrial estate is a Tea Pottery where a wide range of collectable teapots are made and decorated – you can take a free walk through the factory and read the information boards about each stage.
• Also free (although you might be tempted to spend) is The Little Chocolate Shop where, again, you can go in the back for a talk on chocolate making.
• At Masham, the Theakston's Brewery has a visitor centre (limited opening and restrictions for children).

For Children

Not to be missed for those who like a bit of a challenge and are not too easily scared is the Forbidden Corner just outsite Middleham. This is a cross between a maze, sculpture park and treasure trail. See if you can find all the things illustrated in the leaflet – you even get to go underground if you dare! Doors that open one way, dead ends and surprise squirts of water are par for the course. You need to book in advance via the Tourist Information Centre in Leyburn.

Aerial Extreme at Camp Hill, Kirklington near Bedale is a high rope course for all the family with bridges, zip wires, scramble nets, etc. Prebooking is essential 0n 01845 567100.

There are two good Farm Visitor Centres – Hazel Browat Low Row in Swaledale and Big Sheep and Little Cow at Bedale.

The Wensleydale Railway provides short trips from Leeming Bar through to Redmire. You can also catch the Settle-Carlisle Railway at Garsdale, Settle and Kirkby Stephen.

There is an interesting Falconry Centre on the A65 near Settle.

Swimming and Leisure

The nearest swimming pool is at Richmond.

For those who prefer theme parks and amusements, Lightwater Valley near Ripon is reputedly good.