Contact Yorkshire Dales National Park by calling the reception line on 0300 456 0030 for help regarding the attractions of the area.
About Yorkshire Dales National Park
Yorkshire Dales National Park covers almost 850 square miles of land across North Yorkshire, with the boundaries extending into Cumbria and Lancashire. The park does not actually include all of the Yorkshire Dales, but does include Airedale, Arkengarthdale, Coverdale, Dentdale, Ingleton Glens, Littondale, Lune Valley, Malhamdale, Mallerstang and the Eden Valley, Nidderdale, Rawthey Valley, Ribblesdale, Swaledale, Wensleydale, Wharfedale, and Widdale. Each of these locations is an area of natural beauty, with its own historical and cultural attractions for visitors from all over. Any part of the Dales is great for a getaway, with plenty of outdoor activities and local food and shopping to enjoy.
The National Park was established in 1954, with the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority taking over management as an independent body in 1997. It aims to conserve and enhance the wildlife and cultural heritage of the Dales, and also to support the local communities within the National Park. In 2016, the boundaries of the park were expanded westward, increasing it by almost a quarter in size. The Dales feature some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, including woodland, waterfalls, meadows, moors, and an abundance of picturesque villages and market towns. From rolling hills to underground caves, there is so much to explore. It is the perfect place for walking, hiking, and cycling.
Visiting Yorkshire Dales National Park
For visitors to the Yorkshire Dales, there is a variety of places to go. It depends on your group’s interests and abilities, but there are a lot of sights to see and activities to do in each place. The Forbidden Corner folly garden in Coverdale makes for a unique family adventure, but it might not be suitable for everyone. Try the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail to take a circular route through the Peak District, taking in more than four miles of geological wonders. Visit Lower Wensleydale for some arts and crafts workshops and breweries, or have a day out at Lightwater Valley theme park. Malham Cove and Gordale Scar are of interest for climbers or hikers, with their towering rock faces and limestone cliffs.
If you fancy a long-distance walk, the popular routes Lady Anne’s Way and Pennine Bridleway go through Eden Valley. Ribblesdale is home to the famous Three Peaks, offering various walk lengths and intensities across the summits of Ingleborough, Pen-y-ghent, and Whernside. The Settle-Carlisle Railway also traverses the historic Ribblehead Viaduct. Nidderdale is a good place for bird-watching or mountain biking, with the Way of the Roses cycle route passing through there. Wensleydale is famous for its cheese from Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes, as well as beautiful spots such as Aysgarth Falls. Sedbergh in Rawthey Valley is the only “book town” in England, with many antiquarian bookshops serving as a draw for collectors. For animal lovers, the conifer woods in Widdale are one of the last strongholds of native red squirrels. Many of the towns in the Yorkshire Dales host local festivals through the year.
Contacting Yorkshire Dales National Park
The opening times and admission prices for sights and experiences in the Yorkshire Dales will vary, as they will for local businesses like shops and cafes. When planning a visit to anywhere in the Dales, it would be best to call 0300 456 0030 so that the reception team can transfer you to the right place or person to answer your questions. You can e-mail general enquiries to info@yorkshiredales.org.uk, or contact one of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority offices, which you can find at either of the addresses below. They are open to assist the public on weekdays from 8.30am to 5pm, but close earlier at 4.30pm on Fridays.
Yoredale
Bainbridge
Leyburn
North Yorkshire
DL8 3EL
Colvend
Grassington
Skipton
North Yorkshire
BD23 5LB