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Why the Yorkshire Dales is the ultimate road trip destination
The Yorkshire Dales is a quintessentially English beauty spot, its rolling green hills and iconic dry stone walls encapsulating all that is charming and beautiful about our countryside.
There are countless hiking spots to enjoy, as well as pretty villages and towns to explore, so you should definitely put the Dales on your bucket list!
We’ve designed a handy five-day itinerary for your Yorkshire Dales road trip, taking in some of the best attractions the area has to offer. We’ll assume you have a full week to spare, allowing you to spend two days travelling there and back.
Buckle up and get ready to be blown away by the awe-inspiring views and miles of lovely, unspoilt countryside!
Day One
The charming Victorian spa town of Harrogate is a great place to begin exploring this beautiful corner of England. You can learn all about the town’s rich history at the Royal Pump Room Museum.
Take a 20-minute drive out of Harrogate and you’ll find Knaresborough, another spa town. We recommend visiting Nidd Gorge, a beautiful wooded landscape where you’ll discover Mother Shipton’s Cave and the Petrifying Well! This cave is well-known as England’s oldest tourist attraction, having been open since 1630. It was the birthplace of famous prophetess Mother Shipton, who made her living telling the future. Just be aware that the main opening season runs from April to early November, then there are separate opening times over the Christmas period.
In the afternoon, travel to The Coldstones Cut near Pateley Bridge, about a 40-minute drive from Knaresborough. It’s an incredible viewing platform and public art installation where you can enjoy stunning vistas over the Coldstone Quarry and the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Where to eat: Bettys Café Tea Rooms, Harrogate
Where to stay: Bolton Abbey Estate Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite, Skipton
Day Two
One for the history buffs! We recommend kicking off your second day with a visit to the nearby Bolton Abbey. Founded by Augustinian monks in the 12th century, Bolton Abbey was once one of the largest monasteries in England. If you’re feeling adventurous, take the 60 stepping stones across the river, once used by workers at the abbey!
About a 12-minute drive away, you’ll find Skipton Castle. This magnificent structure has stood for more than 900 years and is one of the best-preserved and most complete medieval castles in England.
Next, take a 25-minute drive to the village of Malham. Here, you absolutely must do the Malham Cove, Gordale Scar and Janet’s Foss circular walk! This 4.5-mile scenic walk, just a short distance from the village, takes two to three hours to complete. It’ll guide you past the beautiful waterfall Janet’s Foss, before leading you to the dramatic cliffs and waterfalls of Gordale Scar. The route ends atop Malham Cove, which offers breathtaking views and was used as a filming location for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1!
Where to eat: The Secret Garden, Malham
Where to stay: Ash Keys Caravan Park, Skipton
Day Three
Catrigg Force waterfall is another must-see in the Yorkshire Dales. It’s a bit of a hidden gem, surrounded by traditional Yorkshire countryside and a beautiful woodland. The route starts in Stainforth, a half-hour drive from Skipton. The trail is only about a mile each way but the views are some of the best you’ll find in the Dales! After that, drive for another 30 minutes to Ingleton, where you must try the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail. The 4.3-mile trail is home to a series of spectacular waterfalls along the River Twiss and River Doe.
Where to eat: The Opo Bar, Ingleton
Where to stay: Holme Farm Campsite in Ribblesdale, Settle
Day Four
Next stop on the itinerary is Hawes, about a half-hour drive from Ribblesdale. Along the way there’s another must-see attraction – the Grade II-listed Ribblehead Viaduct! This iconic landmark stands at 104ft tall and features 24 colossal arches. It’s a brilliant photo opportunity and if you’re lucky you might even see a steam engine crossing over it!
Once you get to the town of Hawes, if you’re a cheese lover you must visit Wensleydale Creamery and try some of their handiwork. Wallace & Gromit would definitely approve! Hawes is also home to the Dales Countryside Museum, where you can learn all about the people who have lived and worked in the Dales.
Next, we recommend a drive through Buttertubs Pass, another must-see location about five miles out of town. This two-mile long pass rises to a height of 1,690 feet and offers superb moorland views.
Where to eat: The White Hart Inn, Hawes
Where to stay: Hawes Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite, Hawes
Day Five
Take a 20-minute drive to the village of West Burton and you can admire the enchanting Cauldron Falls. It gets its unusual name from the swirls in the plunge pool beneath the cascading water. Continue towards Leyburn, where you can discover the Wensley Waterfall tucked away off the A684, a real hidden gem. If you have enough time to spare, a couple of miles further along the road you can discover the equally well-hidden Harmby Waterfall!
Next, drive for another 20 minutes to Richmond Castle, one of the finest Norman fortresses in the UK, offering stunning views across the Yorkshire Dales. Be mindful that the castle is only open at weekends during the winter months.
The town of Masham is about a 35-minute drive from the castle and is well-known for its two family-run breweries – Theakston Brewery and Black Sheep Brewery, which both offer tours. There are also five art galleries to admire, if you fancy a bit of culture!
Where to eat: Where There’s Smoke, a Michelin Guide restaurant in Masham
Where to stay: Bedale Camping and Caravanning Park, Bedale
Want to read more?
Hopefully our Yorkshire Dales road trip itinerary has whetted your appetite for your next adventure! Feel free to mix it up, change it around and make it your own. If you’d like some more travel tips for this beautiful part of the world, check out our brilliant Road Trip Yorkshire guidebook. It’s packed with many more must-see attractions. It covers the whole county, including the Dales, North York Moors and coast, so you’ll never be short of inspiration. Order your copy today – and ensure your next road trip is one to remember!
