Summary
Situated at 260 meters above sea level, Hawes is recognized as the highest market town in England.
Surrounded by Wensleydale, a stunning valley encompassing the River Ure, it is also famous for its unique crumbly cow’s milk cheese exclusively produced in this region of North Yorkshire.
For cheese enthusiasts, a visit to the Wensleydale Creamery is essential. Here, you can observe the production of award-winning cheeses and sample over 20 varieties available at the shop.
The North Yorkshire Dales National Park has its base in Hawes, featuring the Dales Countryside Museum, which highlights the rich cultural heritage of the area. Furthermore, the Hawes National Park Centre is available to guide you to some of England’s most enchanting natural landscapes.
1. Wensleydale
In Hawes, you are ideally positioned to explore more of Wensleydale, the upper valley of the River Ure.
This picturesque region, largely contained within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, features a wealth of castles, waterfalls, and charming villages, including Bainbridge, Aysgarth, and Middleham.
A notable excursion is to Bolton Castle, a 14th-century fortress that has remained in the Scrope family since its construction.
The ruins of Middleham Castle are particularly captivating, being the birthplace of Richard III in the 15th century. Additionally, a nostalgic steam train ride can be taken from Redmire, approximately ten miles east, on the Wensleydale Railway through breathtaking countryside to Leeming Bar.
2. Wensleydale Creamery
Wensleydale cheese holds Protected Geographical Indication status within the European Union, indicating that only cheese produced in this dale can be labeled as “Wensleydale.” The cheese’s origins trace back to the Medieval era when Cistercian monks from the Roquefort-sur-Soulzon region of southern France brought their sheep’s cheese recipe to Wensleydale.
Since the 1300s, cow’s milk has been utilized instead, and the creamery in Hawes has been handcrafting cheese for over a century.
At the visitor center, you can learn about Wensleydale cheese through infographics and audio presentations, as well as watch master cheese-makers at work from the Viewing Gallery and the newly established Demonstration Room.
The cheese shop offers complimentary tastings of more than 20 varieties.
Afterward, you might consider enjoying a moment at the 1897 Coffee Shop, which provides panoramic views of the Yorkshire Dales.
3. Hawes Market Place
Most of the local businesses in Hawes are situated on Market Place, housed in quaint, rough-hewn stone cottages, and flanked to the west and north by towering hills.
You will find cafes, inns, and charming shops offering handmade gifts, traditional sweets, second-hand books, outdoor equipment, and collectibles.
Hawes has maintained its vibrant character, largely due to the efforts of the Upper Dales Community Partnership (UDCP). This non-profit organization has advocated for the preservation of services and amenities in smaller communities in the area, evident in the Hawes Community Office located on the northern side, which houses a small police station, library, post office, and provides free WiFi along with a coffee machine for residents.
A short stroll east leads you to Gayle Beck, where a small waterfall is crossed by an 18th-century rubble bridge.
4. Dales Countryside Museum
This museum, located in Hawes’ former railway station, provides insight into the human history of the Yorkshire Dales.
As the museum for the Yorkshire Dales National Park, it records traditional livelihoods such as shepherding, dairying, and constructing drystone walls.
A segment of the railway’s historic trackbed has been preserved, featuring a steam locomotive and vintage carriages.
Additionally, artefacts unearthed from the Yorkshire Dales, such as a Bronze Age spearhead and a noteworthy gold Viking ring, are on display.
Younger visitors can engage with the Creation Station, while an outdoor trail has been implemented through the surrounding woodland.
5. Hawes National Park Centre
Located within the same building as the Dales Countryside Museum, the Hawes National Park Centre serves as a valuable resource for Yorkshire Dales visitors, offering brochures and expert guidance on walking paths, cycling routes, attractions, natural landmarks, and more throughout the national park and Hawes.
You can contemplate your choices while enjoying a hot beverage or light meal at the trendy Firebox Café, which utilizes local ingredients and features an outdoor terrace.
The Firebox Café is connected to Stage 1 Cycles, where cycling equipment is sold, and bicycle rental and maintenance services are provided at its workshop.
6. Hawes Ropemakers
Hawes has been home to a rope-making facility for at least 300 years, a tradition upheld by W. R. Outhwaite & Son.
Their expansive 1,000-square-meter workshop has evolved into a local attraction, where you can observe the meticulous creation of barrier ropes, banister cords, dog leads, and more crafted from fine strands of yarn.
Live demonstrations occur regularly, and visitors can also watch automated rope-making through a glass partition, a surprisingly captivating sight.
The factory shop offers a diverse selection of dog leads available in a variety of colors, sizes, and styles.
7. Pennine Way
This National Trail traverses through Hawes along its 267-mile route from Edale in the Peak District to Kirk Yetholm, just beyond the Scottish border.
Traveling south from Hawes, you can reach Horton-in-Ribblesdale by crossing the peat moorland via the Roman Cam High Road, which transitions to a rugged limestone landscape after crossing the 16th-century Ling Gill Bridge.
Your journey continues through a landscape marked by unique rock formations featuring cave openings and deep potholes.
Heading north from Hawes towards Keld, you will encounter Hardraw Force and Great Shunner Fell, both of which will be explored further below.
Keld is set in picturesque farmland, characterized by drystone walls and dotted with traditional farm buildings, including unique two-level field barns particular to the Dales.
8. Hardraw Force
Located adjacent to the Pennine Way in the hamlet of Hardraw, this magnificent waterfall cascades over a 30-meter limestone overhang.
Hardraw Force is touted as the highest unbroken waterfall in England, featuring a slender spout that stands out beautifully against the dark layers of limestone and sandstone behind it.
The falls and surrounding gorge encompass 15 acres of woodland that belongs to the Green Dragon Inn.
To access the falls, visitors must enter through the inn, paying a nominal fee of £2.50 for adults and £1.50 for children.
These falls were showcased in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991), while renowned poet William Wordsworth and artist J. M. W. Turner both visited Hardraw Force, having stayed at the Green Dragon Inn.
9. Great Shunner Fell
Located about halfway to Keld on the Pennine Way, Great Shunner Fell is situated four miles north of Hawes.
At 716 meters, it stands as the highest peak in Wensleydale and the third highest in the Yorkshire Dales.
Despite its elevation, the ascent from Hawes is manageable due to its gradual incline, with steeper sections paved with stone slabs.
The Pennine Way traverses directly over its summit, offering breathtaking views north over Swaledale—an experience worth taking a moment to appreciate.
In the distance, you will likely catch a glimpse of Birkdale Tarn, recognized as the third largest body of water in the Dales.
10. Cotter Force
Located on Cotterdale Beck, a tributary of the Ure, Cotter Force is another waterfall easily accessible from Hawes.
This waterfall consists of six tiers, dropping a total of ten meters.
Cotterdale Beck expands from a four-meter width at the top of the gorge to 13 meters at the base of the falls.
One of the advantages of visiting Cotter Force is its excellent accessibility, featuring a trail designed to accommodate pushchairs and wheelchairs.
A bench along the path allows visitors to admire the entire waterfall, framed by the lush broadleaf forest surrounding the gorge.
11. Buttertubs Pass
One remarkable natural attraction that does not require hiking is Buttertubs Pass, a winding road featuring dramatic views connecting the small hamlet of Simonstone to the villages of Thwaite and Muker.
Buttertubs Pass receives its name from a series of 20-meter-deep potholes located alongside the roadway.
The term “Buttertubs” is believed to stem from farmers who once lowered their butter into these cool depressions while resting on their journeys to market in Hawes.
The moorland landscape along the route is stunning, sometimes making it challenging to keep your focus on the road.
Cyclists are particularly fond of Buttertubs Pass, which was featured as a King of the Mountains climb during Stage One of the 2014 Tour de France.
12. Aysgill Force
Another impressive waterfall can be found just off the Pennine Way to the south of Hawes.
If driving, you can park in the picturesque village of Gayle and follow a path southward to Aysgill Force, which produces a thunderous sound amplified by the surrounding gorge.
Although the waterfall can be heard from a significant distance before being seen, the height and force of the water cascading into the gorge, particularly after rainfall, is breathtaking.
The trail continues beside the river for a short distance, allowing visitors to gaze down into the ravine.
After your visit, take some time to explore Gayle, known for its historic 18th-century water-powered textile mill.
13. St Oswald’s Church, Askrigg
For those interested in history, a visit to the village of Askrigg, located five miles away, is worthwhile, particularly for its Grade I-listed St Oswald’s Church.
Most of the church dates back to the 15th century and exemplifies the Perpendicular Gothic style.
Within the atmospheric graveyard, you will notice distinctive features of the Perpendicular style, including clerestory windows, an embattled nave roof, and the impressive east window adorned with five transomed cinquefoil lights.
The earliest architecture in the nave is the south arcade, dated to 1460 or 1470, which features octagonal piers in contrast to the round piers of the north arcade.
Despite its small size, Askrigg is charming, surrounded by stunning landscapes.
Just across the street, the Syke’s House Tea Room offers a delightful respite.
14. Semerwater
This 100-acre lake is nestled within a smaller valley in Wensleydale, known as Raydale, surrounded by mature woodlands, drystone walls, and hillside fields dotted with sheep.
Aside from its undeniable beauty, Semerwater is also noted for the River Brain, which drains it to the north.
This river is believed to be the shortest named river in England, measuring just 2.25 miles before joining the River Ure at Bainbridge.
A watersports center is located at Low Blean Farm on the lake’s eastern shore, offering equipment for canoeing and windsurfing during the summer months.
Beyond that, Semerwater remains largely untouched by tourism, retaining the same charm it had when J. M. W. Turner sketched it in 1816.
15. Hawes Market
Tuesday serves as market day in Hawes, a weekly tradition that reinforces the community spirit. This event takes place in front of the Bull’s Head Hotel, located on the northern side of Market Place.
Residents from surrounding villages and hamlets gather to purchase local produce, including fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, eggs, jams, and fabrics.
This market has been held in this location since at least 1307.
For a genuine country experience, consider attending the livestock auction on Burtersett Road, which was founded in the early 20th century and mainly deals in sheep.
