Start from 42 curated places around Yorkshire Dales, GB, then choose the recommendations that fit your guests.
Restaurants & cafés
The Angel at Hetton
A centuries-old stone inn near Skipton that holds a Michelin star under chef Michael Wignall, serving modern British tasting menus in a low-beamed dining room. This is the Dales' destination meal, more refined than a gastropub but still rooted in a country inn. Best for a special occasion or a long, unhurried lunch.
The Lister Arms
A handsome stone coaching inn on the green at Malham, serving generous modern pub food and a long list of cask ales to a steady stream of walkers. It sits a short stroll from the Cove, so it is where most people refuel after the big Malham loop. Reliable rather than fancy, with a proper fire in winter.
Trails & outdoors
Malham Cove and Gordale Scar Circular
The signature Dales day walk, a roughly 7 to 8 mile loop from Malham village taking in Janet's Foss waterfall, the towering Gordale Scar ravine, Malham Tarn and the limestone pavement on top of the Cove. It packs the area's best geology into one route. Moderate, with one steep section and an optional scramble at Gordale.
Ingleton Waterfalls Trail
A 4.3-mile circular through ancient woodland and gorges on the western edge of the park, passing a string of waterfalls including Thornton Force and Pecca Falls. It is a well-made private trail with a modest entry fee, family-friendly but with plenty of steps. One of the most reliably scenic shorter walks in the Dales.
Things to do
Wensleydale Creamery Visitor Centre
The home of Wensleydale cheese in Hawes, with a viewing gallery over the working dairy, a cheese-making experience, tastings and a big shop. Cheese has been made in this dale since the 1100s and the centre tells that story while letting you sample your way through. A reliable indoor option and a fun stop with kids.
Skipton Castle
A near-complete medieval castle at the top of Skipton's market street, freely explorable from dungeon to watchtower and centred on an ancient yew in the courtyard. Over 900 years old and a Civil War siege survivor, it is the town's headline attraction and an easy rainy-day visit. Engaging for children, who get a tour sheet.
Landmarks & sights
Malham Cove
A curving 80-metre limestone amphitheatre above Malham village, with a maze of weathered limestone pavement across the top that featured in the Harry Potter films. A steep stone staircase climbs the left side to the clints and grikes up top, where the views run down Malhamdale. The single best short walk for anyone who wants the drama of the Dales without a full day out.
Ribblehead Viaduct
The 24-arch Victorian railway viaduct striding across boggy Ribblehead moor, carrying the Settle-Carlisle line beneath Whernside. Built in the 1870s by navvies who lived in shanty camps on the moor, it is the postcard image of the western Dales. Trains still cross it, so time a visit and you can watch one rumble over.