Planning a road trip through God’s own country? The Yorkshire Dales are an area of exceptional natural beauty, heritage and charm. You won’t find many places better for rolling hills, fascinating rock formations and picturesque villages.
The area can cater to whatever type of trip you desire. Whether you’re after rock climbing, hiking or a pub crawl, it’s got a bit of everything. When’s the best time to visit and where should you add to your itinerary?
When’s the best time to visit the Yorkshire Dales?
The Dales provide a memorable experience all year round, but spring and summer really highlight the best they’ve got to offer. Keep in mind that these are peak seasons, so you’ll be sharing the roads with many more people. But if that doesn’t deter you, this is the time to come.
In spring, you’ll see fields of lambs and blossoming trees. A few months later you’ll hopefully enjoy the glorious Yorkshire sunshine with truly stunning landscapes around you. Doesn’t that sound good?
If you want to share driving duties during your road trip, cover drivers with temporary car insurance so everyone can enjoy the views along the way.
Where’s worth visiting in the Yorkshire Dales?
There are too many options to list when it comes to places worth visiting in the Yorkshire Dales, but we’ve done our best to narrow it down to a few excellent choices below:
Harrogate and Knaresborough
At the foot of the Yorkshire Dales lie Harrogate and Knaresborough, two towns renowned for their idyllic nature. These are good starting locations for any road trip through the Dales.
Harrogate is a spa town, home to famous companies such as Taylors of Harrogate which produces Yorkshire Tea. Knaresborough has an iconic viaduct that is well worth boating under and has a charming atmosphere to soak up for an afternoon.
Malham Cove and Gordale Scar
Less than a mile from the quaint village of Malham is an awe-inspiring limestone rock formation called Malham Cove. Carved during the end of the last ice age, it’s a sheer cliff almost 300 feet high that you can stand at the top and bottom of.
Not far from it is another geographical wonder called Gordale Scar, which is a ravine you’re able to traverse. These two attractions should be on any itinerary if you’re travelling through the Dales.
Skipton
If you want to come back to more populated areas, Skipton is a bustling market town steeped in history and heritage. It’s right on the doorstep of some of the most beautiful regions of the Yorkshire Dales and provides a nice mix of atmosphere and natural beauty.
Ingleton Waterfalls Trail
If waterfalls are a favourite of yours, you should walk the trails just outside of Ingleton. This trek provides so much outstanding beauty and rarely disappoints, with 4 waterfalls and even opportunities for a plunge if you’re feeling brave.
Tan Hill Inn
If you want to tick something peculiar off your list, you can say you’ve been to the highest pub in Britain if you drive on the road between Hawes and Richmond.
The Tan Hill Inn sits 1732ft above sea level and is surrounded by what can only be described as rugged moorland. But it’s an incredible adventure and a great opportunity for some quality food and drink.
A road trip through the Yorkshire Dales should be an extraordinary experience, no matter when or where you go. Work your way through the stunning landscapes and stop off at a few of the popular hotspots, but create your own journey with friends or family.
