Planning a visit?

What are you looking for?

Living & Working

expand

Visit the Dales

expand

What to do on rainy days

The River Ure in high water
The River Ure in high water
kilnsey-park-cafe
Photographer: Paul Harris
Kilnsey Park Cafe
kilnsey-park-cafe
the-station-richmond
Photographer: Paul Harris
The Station in Richmond
the-station-richmond

Things to do

Details of workshops, course and experiences

Handmade Dales goods

Local artists, shops and makers of Dales products

When you see the wonderful green colour of our hills and all those rivers and waterfalls it will come as no surprise to learn that we do have the odd rainy day. But this shouldn't dampen your enjoyment!

Explore castles, stately homes and museums

Not all castles are ruins! In fact we have some of the best preserved medieval castles in Britain. Bolton Castle in Wensleydale gives a real flavour of how things would have been, and Skipton Castle which is a joy to explore. Nearby stately homes give a great indoor option. Newby Hall near Ripon  was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and Kiplin Hall near Richmond is an intriguing Jacobean house . East Riddlesden Hall near Keighley is owned by the National Trust where friendly room guides share fascinating stories.

Homespun inside fun

There are many places in the Dales where you can watch things being made. Farfield Mill on the edge of Sedbergh has exhibits, craftspeople and galleries plus the delicious Weavers Cafe. In Hawes try Outhwaites Ropemakers, take in the Dales Countryside Museum, or watch cheese being produced at the famous Wensleydale Creamery .

In Reeth the Silver Street Studios include sculptor Michael Kusz and cabinet maker, Philip Bastow. Down the road in Richmond you can watch cheese makers, bakers and brewers at the Station, where you can also see a film, enjoy an art exhibition, a meal in the café or an ice cream from Archers.

At the Little Chocolate Shop, Leyburn (signposted Chocolate Factory) you will see chocolates being made, a film about chocolate and then have the chance to buy some chocolate stilletos! In nearby Wensley, the White Rose Candles workshop shows off what goes into candle production plus you can view the amazing variety of candles for sale.

Yet more chocolate action can be found in Orton at Kennedy's Chocolate Factory.

Masham has not one, but two, famous breweries where you can learn how to make beer from the experts. Take a tour of Black Sheep Brewery or Theakstons Breweries.

Wellies and waterproofs

Heading out in the rain can be spectacular. Waterfalls are at their most dramatic and there's a real feeling of adventure.

Haven't brought the right kit with you? Pop in to an outdoor shop to pick up some essentials. Our National Park Centres in Grassington, Malham, Hawes, Aysgarth and Reeth stock a wide range of clothing. In Ingleton there is Inglesports and Bernie's. In Settle you will find Castlebergh Sports and Cave and Crag whilst in Clapham there is Home Barn. There is The Mountaineer  in Grassington, in Hawes is Cunninghams and in Reeth take a look around Swaledale Outdoors.

Cafes and pubs

After being out and about you can't beat a steaming mug of tea and slab of cake, or a pint in front of a real fire. Take a look at where to find a great café or pub in the Dales.

Take the train

A train journey is the perfect way to see the Dales without getting wet. Sit back on the world famous journey from Settle to Carlisle as it finds its ways through the Dales using tunnels and viaducts. You could journey back in time on the Embsay to Bolton Abbey steam railway, Wensleydale line or the Stainmore Railway at Kirkby Stephen.

Things to do

Details of workshops, course and experiences

Handmade Dales goods

Local artists, shops and makers of Dales products

Cafes and tea rooms

Find a great cafes or tea rooms in the Yorkshire Dales

Telling the story of the Dales and the people who have shaped its landscape

Loading...