A much visited market town in the Yorkshire Dales
Market days
Hawes in Wensleydale is known to have had a market from at least 1307. These days it’s held each Tuesday, attracting locals and visitors alike to browse the stalls full of local goods. Hawes is one of England’s highest market towns at 850ft above sea water.
Big cheese
The Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes makes cheese eaten and loved around the world. It’s well known as Wallace from Wallace and Gromit’s favourite cheese. The business has a great visitor centre.
A story to tell
Learn more about the Yorkshire Dales and those who live and work there with a visit to the Dales Countryside Museum. The varied collections tell the story of how people and farming practices have changed the landscape over thousands of years.
Hardraw Force
Marvel at England’s longest single drop waterfall at 30 metres (100ft) on Hardraw Beck in a wooded ravine. Oddly, public viewing (which is daily) means going through the bar of the Green Dragon Inn public house in Hardraw to reach the falls; an entrance fee is payable on the way through the pub. It is currently £2.50 per adult, £1.50 per child. Access behind the falls is prohibited. Go to www.hardrawforce.com to find out more.
Somewhere to stay
Gayle Mill was built in 1784 but over the years has regenerated to adapt to the latest technology. Complete with water turbines and working Victorian woodwork machinery, the mill is still used today. 01969 667320 www.gaylemill.org.uk
The Crown provides visitors with a beautiful view of Upper Wensleydale from their dual-level beer garden. Grab a drink and enjoy. 01969 667212 www.crownhawes.co.uk
Simonstone Hall a hotel now famed for the location of the punch-up that ended Jeremy Clarkson’s Top Gear career, but there’s always a friendly welcome. (01969 667255 www.simonstonehall.com
