What is the Yorkshire Dales famous for?

Simon Edward • September 11, 2023

Are you planning a visit to the Yorkshire Dales? Learn a little about the history and mystery of this gorgeous part of North England.

Yorkshire has a little bit of everything. Beautiful green dales. Dramatic waterfalls. Heather-blanketed moors. Dramatic caves… Not to mention Sean Bean and The Brontës.

And then there's the Yorkshire Dales. Stretching over the north of Yorkshire, this National Park is flush with picturesque villages, breathtaking landscapes and family-friendly things to do.

When you visit the Dales, you can step back in time, be transported to otherworldly places and catch your breath with its awesome beauty.

Let's take a whistle-stop tour of the Dales to discover some of its most famous sights, people and industries.

Lead mining

Remarkably, there is evidence of lead mining in the Yorkshire Dales dating back to Roman times.

Lead extracted from the mines of Yorkshire was sent to the Roman Empire to be used in building projects – mainly to make roofs and paint. In the Middle Ages, meanwhile, lead was mined and used in stained glass windows, weapons and pipes.

Mining for lead was a dirty, hazardous job. For centuries, men, women and children would all join in toil for the grey stuff.

However, the industry declined in the late 19th century. The last lead mine shut for good in 1912, two years before Europe went to war.

Evidence of the former lead mining industry can be found on Grassington Moor and on the road between Grassington and Greenhow near Stump Cross. You can also spot clues in numerous locations around Swaledale and Arkengarthdale, such as the Old Gang Smelt Mill and Surrender Mine.

The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge

Calling all hikers! If you want to put your boots to the test, The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge is for you.

The Challenge dares hikers to climb the three highest peaks in Yorkshire: Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-Ghent. But be warned: at 24 miles long, it will really test your fitness.

It's not all sore feet and sweat, though. The route rewards hikers with breathtaking views of rolling hills, rocky paths and picturesque valleys.

Most contestants aim to complete all three peaks in a day. This usually takes around 12 hours.

Brimham Rocks

Do you want to feel like you've travelled to another world? Head to Brimham Rocks. Here, you'll find weird and wonderful moorland rock formations sculpted over centuries by ice, wind and rain.

Brimham Rocks is free to enter. However, you must pay for parking – unless you're a National Trust member.

This famous Dales beauty spot is great for climbers, families and those who love the outdoors.

Rudyard Kipling

Rudyard Kipling is considered one of the greatest writers in English literature. His poem "If" is consistently voted as the nation's favourite.

Kipling was born more than 150 years ago in India. But it may surprise you to learn that he had links to the Yorkshire Dales too. In fact, if fate had rolled a different dice, he might have been born in Skipton – a charming town that's just 10 miles away from Stump Cross Caverns.

His father, John Lockwood Kipling, left Skipton in 1865 after marrying and obtaining a well-paid job in India. Rudyard was born nine months later. Oh, what could have been!

Kipling stayed in touch with his Yorkshire roots, however. He often visited Skipton as a child – and his knowledge of the Dales is reflected in his writings.

In "On Greenhow Hill", a soldier looks over the Indian countryside. Reminded of his Yorkshire home, he says: "Ay… Rumbolds Moor stands up ower Skipton Town an' Greenhow Hill stands up ower Pately Brig".

Meanwhile, in a short story called "Pig", Kipling writes: "Now, a Dalesman from beyond Skipton will forgive an injury when the Strid lets a man live…"

Spectacular waterfalls

The Yorkshire Dales has a collection of picturesque waterfalls, many of which have been made famous by Hollywood.

Remember the famous shower scene from Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves? That was filmed at Hardraw Force near the sleepy market town of Hawes. This single-drop cascade captivates onlookers with its sheer power.

The three-tiered Aysgarth Falls is featured in the same film – you'll catch it in the scene where Little John fights with Will Scarlett.

Want to see some of our best falls in one fell swoop? The Ingleton Falls Trail offers a treat for hikers, revealing a series of mesmerising falls along its path.

Ripon: the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales

"Stay a while amidst its charms" is the mantra of this picture-postcard city. Known as the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales, Ripon is, as its website claims, a little city that packs a big punch.

Steeped in history, it boasts a Gothic cathedral and award-winning museums. Picturesque streets trail from its market square, delighting visitors with eclectic shops and fabulous pubs, cafes and restaurants.

But probably the most unique reason to visit Ripon is its famous Hornblower. This is one of the oldest traditions in the world – and still going.

Every evening at 9 PM, you'll meet people from across the globe who gather to see the Hornblower set the "watch" for the city. In years gone by, everyone had to be tucked up in bed by 9 PM or face a fine!

But don't worry. The setting of the watch is just for tradition, these days. (Still, it's well worth a watch.)

Stump Cross Caverns

Last but not least is this subterranean world of wonder. Stump Cross Caverns is one of the best-preserved prehistoric cave systems in the UK.

Millions of years in the making, our caves will mesmerise old and young. Delicate stalactites hang from the ceilings like frozen teardrops, while stalagmites rise majestically from the ground. Who knew that the underground could be so beautiful?

Are you looking for a family day out in Yorkshire? Old and young will enjoy this underground adventure, whatever the weather. Plus, we have a host of fun activities and events – including a working gem sluice, inspired by the lead miners of yore.

It's quick and easy to book your tickets online.

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