Wensleydale in the north of the Yorkshire Dales national park is a very beautiful part of England. Natural and unspoilt, people have lived in harmony with nature over the centuries, farming sheep and making the most of the land. Typical of this part of the world, limestone outcrops and boulders are strewn across the hillsides and sweeping valleys. The same material is used in building the myriads of dry stone walls that divide up the countryside in an attempt to fence in the wayward sheep.
The River Ure runs through Wensleydale and reputedly is one of the best places in England for fly fishing. Day licences are not available for the most part but there are brown trout and grayling to be caught.
Tourism plays a big a part of the life of Wensleydale and the Dales today. The small towns and villages dotted about depend on day trippers and holidaymakers using the pubs and tea shops, buying souvenirs at the gift shops.
It's perfect walking country, offering great views, open countryside and plenty of places for refreshment. Aysgarth falls and Hardraw Force waterfalls are an attraction for many.
Visitors to Wensleydale will find a traditional way of life, well-preserved buildings and communities.
Things to do in Wensleydale
Go back in time
Ride 1960s trains, mostly diesel carriages. Wensleydale Railway for train rides on 1960s railcars travelling from Leeming Bar to Redmire on the edge of the Yorkshire dales National Park. Redmire is a convenient stop for walkers who might want to visit medieval Bolton Castle and gardens in Wensleydale.
There is also a 1960s single decker bus that ferries passengers between the Dales towns of Ripon, Leyburn, Redmire, Hawes and Garsdale. View the Daelbus vintage bus timetable.
Events
- Brass band competition in September