NIDDERDALE NATIONAL LANDSCAPE
Things to do in
Pateley Bridge
From extraordinary rock formations and underground caves to award-winning museums and historic abbeys - Nidderdale punches well above its weight for things to see and do. Here is our pick of the best.
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48 places - our pick of the best
Fountains Abbey
UNESCO World Heritage Site, 12 miles away
The largest Cistercian ruin in Britain, set within the formal water gardens of Studley Royal. A full day out - the abbey, the deer park, the medieval mill and one of the finest garden landscapes in England. We have a dedicated guide.
National Trust - free for members
馃搷Fountains, Ripon HG4 3DY
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Brimham Rocks
Extraordinary millstone grit formations on the moor
A National Trust property 3 miles east of Pateley Bridge, where millions of years of erosion have left 50+ named rock formations balanced in seemingly impossible positions. Easy walking on well-maintained paths with sweeping Nidderdale views.
Free to explore with NT car park
馃搷Brimham Rocks, Summerbridge, Harrogate HG3 4DW
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How Stean Gorge
Yorkshire's Little Switzerland
An 80ft limestone gorge near Lofthouse, 10 minutes up the dale. Metal walkways and bridges cut into the rock face let you walk the full length of the gorge. Tom Taylor's Cave, the rope bridge and the on-site cafe make this a full half-day out. Thrilling for all ages.
Rope bridge and cave included in entry
馃搷How Stean Gorge, Lofthouse, Harrogate HG3 5SF
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Bolton Abbey
Priory ruins, riverside walks and the famous Strid
The ruined 12th-century priory sits beside the River Wharfe on the Duke of Devonshire's Bolton Abbey Estate, with miles of waymarked walks, stepping stones across the river and the notoriously narrow Strid gorge a little further upstream. One of the most popular beauty spots in the Dales.
Stepping stones across the Wharfe
馃搷Bolton Abbey, Skipton BD23 6EX
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RHS Garden Harlow Carr
58 acres in Harrogate with Bettys tearoom on site
One of the finest gardens in the north, 25 minutes from Pateley Bridge. Woodland, streamside planting, a kitchen garden and a rose garden - beautiful in every season. Bettys tearoom in a glasshouse on site makes this a genuinely special day out.
Bettys tearoom on site
馃搷Crag Lane, Harrogate HG3 1QB
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Malham Cove & Gordale Scar
Limestone drama and a Harry Potter filming location
A huge curved limestone cliff with a wild limestone pavement on top, made famous as a Harry Potter filming location, linked by a circular walk to the dramatic ravine of Gordale Scar and the waterfall at Janet's Foss. One of the most dramatic landscapes in the Dales.
Limestone pavement seen in Harry Potter
馃搷Malham, Skipton BD23 4DA
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Rievaulx Abbey & Helmsley
One of England's best-preserved Cistercian ruins
Set in a wooded valley on the edge of the North York Moors, Rievaulx is among the most evocative monastic ruins in the country, with the market town of Helmsley and its own castle a short drive away. Worth the longer trip for a full day among the moors.
Among the best-preserved abbeys in England
馃搷Rievaulx, Helmsley YO62 5LB
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York
A walled Roman and Viking city with a magnificent Minster
England's history in one city - a Gothic Minster, the most complete medieval walls in the country, the narrow overhanging Shambles, and JORVIK's ride-through Viking reconstruction built on a real excavation. Closer than you'd think, and easily a full day out.
One of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe
馃搷York, North Yorkshire
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Castle Howard
The grand baroque house behind Brideshead Revisited
A vast baroque stately home near Malton designed by Sir John Vanbrugh, famous as the filming location for both versions of Brideshead Revisited. Extensive gardens, a lake, temples and a mausoleum make this a full day out further afield.
Filming location for Brideshead Revisited
馃搷Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA
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Skipton
Medieval castle and great market
One of the finest market towns in the north with a magnificent medieval castle at its head. The castle is one of the most complete in England - open daily with free audio guide. The canal basin, cobbled High Street and market days make Skipton an excellent full-day destination.
One of England's most complete medieval castles
馃搷Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 1AQ
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Ripley Castle
Home of the Ingilby family for over 700 years
A fortified medieval and Tudor castle on the edge of the model village of Ripley, with a 60-acre deer park, walled gardens famous for their spring hyacinths, and a guided tour that takes in a priest's hiding hole and a fine armoury collection. Easy to combine with Harrogate or Harlow Carr on the same day.
Deer park grazed since medieval times
馃搷Ripley Castle, Ripley, Harrogate HG3 3AY
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Knaresborough
Castle ruins, a river gorge and a 17th-century cave
A handsome market town on the River Nidd with a ruined castle, the famous railway viaduct view, and Mother Shipton's Cave and Petrifying Well, said to be England's oldest tourist attraction. Hire a rowing boat on the river or browse the cobbled streets above the gorge.
Home to England's oldest tourist attraction
馃搷Knaresborough, North Yorkshire HG5
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Mother Shipton's Cave
England's oldest tourist attraction, open since 1630
Set in riverside woodland in Knaresborough, this is said to be the birthplace of the legendary 16th-century prophetess Mother Shipton, and has been open to paying visitors since 1630. Alongside the cave is the Petrifying Well, where dripping mineral-rich water slowly turns everyday objects to stone. A short, atmospheric visit that combines well with the rest of Knaresborough.
Open continuously since 1630
馃搷Prophecy Lodge, High Bridge, Knaresborough HG5 8DD
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Stump Cross Caverns
Half a million years underground
A remarkable cave system on Greenhow Hill, just 10 minutes from Pateley Bridge, with guided tours through passages of stalactites and stalagmites. The visitor centre tells the story of the prehistoric cave bears and hyenas whose bones were found here.
Guided tours, visitor centre and gift shop
馃搷Stump Cross Caverns, Greenhow Hill, Harrogate HG3 5JL
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Harrogate
Elegant spa town with Valley Gardens and the original Bettys
A handsome Victorian and Georgian spa town built around its sulphur wells, with the spring-fed Valley Gardens, the Royal Pump Room Museum telling the story of the town's spa heyday, and the original Bettys Caf茅 Tea Rooms on Parliament Street. The Montpellier Quarter adds antiques and boutique shopping into the mix.
Home to the original Bettys Caf茅 Tea Rooms
馃搷Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG1
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Harrogate Turkish Baths
A Victorian Moorish bathhouse, still steaming since 1897
A flamboyant Moorish-style bathhouse on Parliament Street, built in 1897 at the height of Harrogate's spa heyday, with a plunge pool, a sequence of steam and hot rooms, and richly painted vaulted ceilings virtually unchanged since Victorian times. Unlike most historic baths, it's still a fully working spa today rather than a museum piece, with regular timetabled sessions for visitors.
One of the few Victorian Turkish baths still in working use
馃搷Parliament Street, Harrogate HG1
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Ingleton Waterfalls Trail
Four waterfalls in two river gorges
A 4.5-mile circular walk through the gorges of the Rivers Twiss and Doe, past four spectacular waterfalls including Thornton Force - one of the most photographed falls in the Dales. About 45 minutes from Pateley Bridge via Skipton.
Walk behind Thornton Force waterfall
馃搷Ingleton Village Car Park, LA6 3DT
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Bolton Castle
The Wensleydale castle that once held Mary Queen of Scots
A 14th-century castle in Wensleydale, still owned by descendants of the family who built it, where Mary Queen of Scots was held for six months in 1568. There is a vineyard, a walled garden and a maze to explore alongside the castle itself.
Imprisoned Mary Queen of Scots in 1568
馃搷Bolton Castle, Castle Bolton, Leyburn DL8 4ET
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Aysgarth Falls
Three tiers of waterfalls on the River Ure
Upper, Middle and Lower Force tumble over limestone steps in a wooded stretch of Wensleydale, linked by an easy riverside path from the National Park visitor centre. The Lower Force was the setting for the famous fight scene in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.
Featured in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
馃搷Aysgarth Falls, Leyburn DL8 3SR
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Jervaulx Abbey
An unrestored Cistercian ruin grazed by sheep
A privately owned ruined abbey near Masham, founded in 1156 and left to settle gently into the landscape ever since. Wildflowers grow between the stones and sheep graze freely among the ruins. Honesty-box entry and one of the most atmospheric monastic sites in Yorkshire.
Honesty-box entry, rarely crowded
馃搷Jervaulx Abbey, Ripon HG4 4PH
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The Forbidden Corner
Unique labyrinth, tunnels and follies in Coverdale
A one-of-a-kind garden labyrinth with underground tunnels, water features, follies and theatrical surprises in a private estate in Coverdale. Pre-booking essential. One of the most original attractions in England and genuinely unmissable for families. 40 minutes via Masham.
Pre-booking essential - sells out in advance
馃搷Tupgill Park, Coverdale, Middleham DL8 4TJ
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Newby Hall & Gardens
A Georgian house with a miniature railway
An elegant Adam-style house near Ripon with gardens running down to the River Ure, plus a miniature railway and adventure gardens that make this a genuine hit with children as well as garden lovers. Open seasonally, spring to autumn.
Miniature railway through the grounds
馃搷Newby Hall, Ripon HG4 5AE
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Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park
45-acre garden with sculpture near Grewelthorpe
A stunning 45-acre garden in a wooded valley near Grewelthorpe, with Himalayan-inspired planting around an ornamental lake and a changing exhibition of contemporary sculpture. RHS Partner Garden. Open April to November, Thursday to Sunday. Dogs welcome.
RHS Members free in September and October
馃搷Grewelthorpe, Ripon HG4 3DA
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Theakston Brewery, Masham
Brewing legends since 1827 - home of Old Peculier
An independent family brewery in Masham's magnificent market square. Guided tours through Victorian brewing vessels, the chance to watch the last working cooper in Yorkshire, and the full Theakston range in the on-site tap room. 20 minutes from Pateley Bridge.
The last working cooper in Yorkshire
馃搷The Brewery, Masham, Ripon HG4 4YD
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Black Sheep Brewery
Masham's other famous brewery, founded in 1992
Founded in 1992 by Paul Theakston after the family firm was sold, Black Sheep brews traditional Yorkshire ales just down the road from Theakston in Masham. Brewhouse tours run Thursday to Saturday and finish with a free flight of beers, with a bar, kitchen and Sheepy Shop open daily.
Tours finish with a free beer flight
馃搷Wellgarth, Masham HG4 4EN
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Wensleydale Railway
Heritage railway through one of the finest dales
A heritage railway running from Leeming Bar through Bedale, Leyburn and Wensley to Redmire at the foot of Bolton Castle. Seasonal timetable with special services including cream teas on board. 45 minutes from Pateley Bridge to Leyburn.
Bolton Castle a 20-minute walk from Redmire
馃搷Leyburn Station, Leyburn DL8 5ET
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North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Steam trains from Pickering to Whitby via Hogsmeade
A heritage railway running 24 miles through the North York Moors from Pickering to Whitby, much of it steam-hauled. Goathland station doubled as Hogsmeade in the first Harry Potter film. Many trains run through to Whitby, making it easy to combine with a day at the seaside.
Goathland station - Hogsmeade in Harry Potter
馃搷12 Park Street, Pickering YO18 7AJ
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Settle & Ribblehead Viaduct
A Dales market town and a Victorian railway icon
Settle is the gateway to the Settle-Carlisle line, one of the great scenic railways of England, while the 24-arch Ribblehead Viaduct a few miles up the line is one of the most photographed sights in the Dales, especially with a steam excursion crossing it.
Gateway to the Settle-Carlisle railway
馃搷Settle, North Yorkshire BD24
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Bront毛 Parsonage Museum
The Haworth home of Charlotte, Emily and Anne Bront毛
The Georgian parsonage in Haworth where the Bront毛 sisters lived and wrote their novels, preserved with original furniture, letters and the tiny hand-written 'little books' they made as children. Combine with a wander up Haworth's steep cobbled main street and, if time allows, a walk to the Bront毛 Waterfall on the moors above.
Original manuscripts and the famous "little books"
馃搷Church Street, Haworth BD22 8DR
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Kiplin Hall & Gardens
Jacobean house built by the founder of Maryland
A beautiful Jacobean country house near Richmond with 35 acres of lakeside grounds. Built in the 1620s by George Calvert, who founded the American state of Maryland. Open April to October with guided house tours and peaceful lakeside garden walks.
American colonial history connection
馃搷Kiplin Hall, near Scorton, Richmond DL10 6AT
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Dalby Forest
World-class mountain biking and red squirrels
Three thousand acres of managed forest on the North Yorkshire Moors with purpose-built mountain bike trails (all grades), walking routes, Go Ape treetop adventure and one of the best chances in England to see red squirrels. About 1 hour 45 minutes from Pateley Bridge.
Red squirrels - one of the best spots in England
馃搷Low Dalby, Pickering YO18 7LT
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Ingleborough Cave
Show cave near Clapham, Yorkshire Dales
One of the finest show caves in the Yorkshire Dales, reached by a beautiful mile-long walk through Clapdale nature reserve. Guided tours through ancient stalactites and underground river passages. Dog friendly outside. 50 minutes from Pateley Bridge.
Ancient stalactites and cave pearls
馃搷Near Clapham, North Yorkshire LA2 8EE
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Lightwater Valley
North Yorkshire's biggest theme park
Home to The Ultimate, once the longest rollercoaster in Europe, plus a full programme of family rides near Ripon. A reliable choice for a big day out if the weather turns or the children want something faster than a nature walk.
Home to The Ultimate rollercoaster
馃搷Lightwater Valley, North Stainley, Ripon HG4 3HT
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Nidderdale Llamas
Llama and alpaca trekking just outside town
A family-run farm at Wilsill, 5 minutes from Pateley Bridge, home to around 90 llamas, alpacas and even a guanaco. Walk a llama on a lead through the lanes and fields, with shorter family sessions for younger children. Many of the animals here have been rehomed rather than bought. Pre-booking essential.
One of the top-rated attractions in Yorkshire
馃搷Kiln Farm, Wilsill, Pateley Bridge HG3 5EE
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Moorview Farm & Rescue
A genuine dog rescue and animal sanctuary in Bewerley
Tucked into the Nidderdale AONB just outside Pateley Bridge, Moorview has rehomed over 2,000 rescue dogs since 2009 and is a permanent home for rescued farm animals, including Monty the pig, Luna and Willow the goats, and Paddy and Oreo the donkeys. A working rescue rather than a ticketed attraction, so contact ahead before visiting.
Over 2,000 dogs rehomed since 2009
馃搷Moorview Farm, Peat Lane, Bewerley, Harrogate HG3 5JF
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Brimham Rocks Adventure Farm
Micro pigs, pygmy goats and soft play near Hartwith
A working family farm at Hartwith, a few minutes from the National Trust rocks, with micro pigs, pygmy goats, miniature donkeys and peafowl to meet, plus indoor soft play for wet days. Free entry to the farm and play areas makes this an easy add to a Brimham Rocks day out.
Free entry, indoor soft play for wet days
馃搷Fiddlers Green, Brimham Rocks Road, Hartwith, Harrogate HG3 3HB
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Nidderdale Museum
Award-winning local history, from cobbler to Victorian parlour
11 themed rooms on King Street tell the story of Nidderdale life across the centuries - a Victorian parlour, a cobbler's workshop, a schoolroom, and displays on lead mining, the railway and the dale's heritage. Free for children.
Free for under-16s
馃搷King Street, Pateley Bridge HG3 5LE
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Pateley Bridge Playhouse
Victorian theatre with year-round productions
The Playhouse on Church Street has been staging productions for over a century. Dramas, comedies and pantomimes run throughout the year - check the website for the current programme.
Pantomime every winter
馃搷Church Street, Pateley Bridge HG3 5LH
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Scar House Reservoir
A vast Victorian reservoir at the head of the dale
Up the dale past Lofthouse, Scar House and Angram Reservoirs were built by Bradford Corporation in the early 20th century and are now ringed by a superb 7-mile circular walking and cycling route. Look out for the remains of Scar Village, the temporary settlement that housed the workers who built it.
Free to visit, no booking needed
馃搷Scar House Reservoir, Lofthouse, Harrogate HG3 5SG
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Middlesmoor, Lofthouse & Ramsgill
Three of the prettiest hamlets at the head of the dale
Tucked into upper Nidderdale just beyond Pateley Bridge, these three tiny villages are some of the quietest and most scenic spots in the dale. Middlesmoor perches high on the hillside with a view down the full length of Nidderdale from the churchyard wall, Lofthouse sits beside How Stean Gorge, and Ramsgill overlooks Gouthwaite Reservoir from beside the celebrated Yorke Arms. Best explored slowly, by car or on foot.
Some of the best views in Nidderdale
馃搷Upper Nidderdale, Harrogate HG3
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Grassington
A proper Dales market town
The most visited village in the Yorkshire Dales and easy to see why - a cobbled market square, independent shops, galleries and cafes, with the moors rising above. Also the main filming location for the ITV drama set in Herriot country.
Famous cobbled market square
馃搷Grassington, Skipton BD23 5AD
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Masham
Home of Theakston and Black Sheep
A handsome market town on the edge of the Dales with a large market square and two famous visitor breweries - Theakston and Black Sheep. Both offer tours and have their own bars serving ales in historic surroundings.
Two brewery visitor experiences in one town
馃搷Masham, Ripon HG4 4EF
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Ripon
A cathedral city with a medieval market square
One of England's smallest cities, with a magnificent cathedral dating to 672 AD. The market square hosts markets several days a week and the city has excellent museums including the Prison and Police Museum. Worth combining with a trip to Fountains Abbey just outside.
Cathedral and Fountains Abbey in one trip
馃搷Ripon, North Yorkshire HG4 1BP
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Coldstones Cut
Land art with 360-degree Dales views
A large-scale land art earthwork on the summit of Greenhow Hill, made from local dry stone walling formed into sweeping curves and two circular spirals. Free to visit - a short walk from a roadside car park on the B6265, with one of the finest panoramic views across Nidderdale you will find.
Free entry, short walk from car park
馃搷Coldstones Cut, Greenhow Hill, Harrogate HG3 5JQ
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Gouthwaite Reservoir
World-class birdwatching in the upper dale
A Site of Special Scientific Interest renowned for wading birds and, in season, osprey sightings. The flat track walk along the old Nidd Valley Light Railway line follows the western shore for 3 miles - easy, peaceful and full of wildlife.
Osprey sightings in spring and summer
馃搷Gouthwaite Reservoir, Wath, Pateley Bridge HG3 5PS
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Bewerley Park Outdoor Education Centre
Adventure activities for groups and families
Set in the valley just outside Pateley Bridge, Bewerley Park runs activity days including canoeing, abseiling, orienteering and climbing for school groups and families. Worth contacting in advance to book.
Great for school groups and family activity days
馃搷Bewerley Park, Pateley Bridge HG3 5JB
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Cycle hire and family cycling
Gentle valley floor routes for all ages
The valley floor between Pateley Bridge and Glasshouses follows quiet lanes and the old railway track - flat enough for children on bikes and suitable for most family cyclists. Cycle hire is available in the area and several routes connect to the Nidderdale Greenway.
Flat, traffic-free sections suitable for young children
馃搷Starting from Pateley Bridge town centre
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River Nidd - paddling and picnics
The town's own paddling spot
The Recreation Ground stretch of the River Nidd is shallow, pebbly and perfect for paddling on a warm day. Pack a picnic, bring a blanket and let younger children explore the riverbank while dogs splash in the shallows.
Free, no booking needed
馃搷Recreation Ground, Pateley Bridge HG3 5LG
View our guideSELF-GUIDED AUDIO TOUR
See it all in a day, at your own pace
The Nidderdale Driving Tour app guides you past Fountains Abbey, Brimham Rocks, Pateley Bridge and Coldstones Cut with narration that plays automatically as you go.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Not sure how to get here?
Pateley Bridge is 14 miles from Harrogate via the B6165. Bus 24 runs from Harrogate bus station. We have a full transport guide.