Yorkshire Dales

The Yorkshire Dales is a living landscape that has inspired millions of people.

Set over 841 square miles, its people, landscape and wildlife are as iconic as any in the world.

The glaciated three peaks of Ingleborough, Whernside and Pen-y-ghent and the stunning Malham Cove and Gaping Gill are internationally recognised, while the fellsides and valley bottoms are home to vibrant communities that have traditional and social values at their heart.

Photo: Langcliffe Brow by Mark Butler

The Dales are an evolving and ever changing story; the land that has been worked by families for generations reveals a past that includes past lives – Neolithic, a strong Viking foundation, and medieval systems of farming that are still etched in the landscape.

People still have an influence on that today. At YDMT we have helped to plant 1.5 million trees to transform broadleaf cover across the national park. The wildflower meadows that were once prevalent in this area are being restored, and we have helped bring more than 700 hectares of them back from the brink.

We love the Dales and our work helps to enhance every facet of life here. Find out about What we do at YDMT to look after this special place, it's people, landscape and wildlife.  

Discover some of our favourite places in the Dales 

Each dale has a distinctive character and amazing landscape features and built heritage:

Swaledale and its glorious wildflower meadows; Ribblesdale and its breath-taking Ribblehead Viaduct; Clapdale’s famous Gaping Gill cave system; the dramatic Buttertubs Pass that links Wensleydale and Swaledale; Dentdale, home to the highest railway station in England; Mallerstang and the atmospheric ruins of Pendragon Castle; and much, much more – this place is very special!

Here's our Top 25 favourite places to visit in the Dales, what are yours?