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Yorkshire Dales Holiday Cottages
The Yorkshire Dales is an upland region that spans North Yorkshire and Cumbria. The landscape consists of wind-swept hills, remote limestone cliffs and upland moors which were carved out by the ice-age millions of years ago. Most of the region lies in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. See below for information regarding Yorkshire Dales holiday cottages.
There are over 20 dales, many of which take their names from streams or rivers. One notable exception is Wensleydale, which is named after the village Wensley. The Northern reaches, which consist of Swaledale, Coverdale, Arkengarthdale, Richmondshire and Bishopdale are sparsely populated and provide a vivid contrast to the busy industrial centres found further South. The National Park, which was created in 1954, covers an area of almost 2,000 square kilometres and is a wildlife haven. It boasts a dramatic landscape that features waterfalls, ravines and limestone scenery.
The Yorkshire Dales are a region with a rich cultural heritage - the valley slopes are peppered with monastic ruins, hill-forts and Castles, such as those at Ingleborough and Skipton. Many of the villages and hamlets feature sturdy greystone cottages and in some cases old Georgian houses - Middleham and its market square is perhaps the best example.
The lead and mineral industry was once prevalent in these parts and remains can still be found scattered around the landscape in the form of disused mines and old stone walls. Visit the link below for more details of Yorkshire Dales self catering cottages.
York self catering attractions and amenities
We've included details for a selection of popular outdoor activities and visitor attractions in the Yorkshire Dales region. There's also information regarding top restaurants and public houses.
Outdoor Activities
There are a number of trails that run through the region including the Dales Way, the Pennine Way, Nidderdale Way and Yorkshire 3 peaks. These public footpaths take visitors through nationally protected areas of outstanding national beauty and are among the most picturesque walking routes in the country. The purpose-built Pennine Bridleway is also renowned for its scenery and is used by horse-riders and ramblers - for those looking to experience the Dales on horse-back, see the
Yorkshire Dales Trekking Centre in Malham. There is also a selection of golf courses which can be found at Bedale, Silsden, Pannal and Settle.
Food and drink
Good pubs include
The Lister Arms, Malham, the Black Horse in Grassington, which serves a collection of local ales and the Queen's Head in Kettlesing - a popular destination for lovers of real ales. The Wensleydale Heifer, a one-time coaching inn,
offers traditional and modern seafood dishes from an a la carte menu - main courses are between £11 to £19.
Amerdale House Hotel in Littondale is also noteworthy and lies in AONB designated countryside. It serves British and European cuisine and is a former Victorian Manor House.
History and Culture
There's a selection of castles found throughout the Dales such as those at Skipton, Richmond, Bowes and most notably, Middleham which is the largest keep in England. Other important historical sites include Bolton Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden. Visitors will also find a number of stately homes and country houses like
Aske Hall. This 18th century property has a 13th century pele tower, a Jacobean tower and an ornately decorated interior that features a diverse range of 18th century furniture. Guided tours run at 10.00, 11.00 and 12.00 but it is advisable to book well in advance.