Where to stay in the national park, by Mark Sutcliffe
COTTAGES
The Station Master’s House, Ribblehead
For the ultimate whistlestop tour of the Yorkshire Dales, hop aboard a train on the Settle-Carlisle Railway. Alight at Ribblehead beside the iconic viaduct and explore the towns and villages along the line at leisure. settlecarlisletrust.org.uk 01768 800 208
7 Queens Square, Kirkby Lonsdale
Stay in a traditional stone cottage with a cool contemporary interior in the heart of this elegant Georgian market town. This is the perfect base for the pubs and restaurants in the town, Ruskin’s View and the northern Dales. independentcottages.co.uk 01768 780 571
Mill Fosse Cottage, Hawes
An exquisite 17th-century cottage in a quiet corner of the quirky village of Hawes at the head of Wensleydale.
Flagstone floors, exposed beams and oodles of character. millfossecottage.co.uk 07885 966 935
Taitlands Barn, Stainforth near Settle
This charming stone-built barn conversion, with a wood-burning stove, countryside views and its own garden, is just 2.3 miles from Settle. Close by are the River Ribble, a local pub and walks to Scaleber Force Waterfall and Victoria Cave. sykescottages.co.uk 01244 356 666
Bluecaster Side, Sedbergh
This atmospheric, white-washed farmhouse (above) promises a roomy rural escape among the foothills of the Howgills just outside the book town of Sedbergh. The remote location is perfect for a digital detox. independentcottages.co.uk 07973 989 831
USEFUL INFO
• Get all the information you need for exploring at Malham National Park Visitor Centre, Malham BD23 4DA.
• Discover the history of the area at Dales Countryside Museum, Hawes DL8 3NT.
• Skipton Town Hall is home to the Craven Museum, and has a gallery and visitor centre. High Street, Skipton BD23 1AH
• Go to the Yorkshire Dales National Park website for where to eat, public transport, events, accommodation and more. yorkshiredales.org.uk
• For more things to do in the county, visit yorkshire.com
• For a slow-travel guide, try Yorkshire Dales by Mike Bagshaw (Bradt Guides).
HOTELS
The Traddock, Austwick
A boutique country house hotel in the pretty village of Austwick – the perfect base for exploring Crummackdale and the limestone terraces on the flanks of Ingleborough National Nature Reserve. thetraddock.co.uk 01524 251 224
The Devonshire
