A Day in the Dales

Your first stop in the Yorkshire Dales is the idyllic village of Hawes, famous for being the home of Wensleydale Cheese.
What better way to start your tour of the Dales than at the Dales Countryside Museum? This is your chance to learn about the people and places that have shaped this wondrous part of the country.
You can purchase a ticket in advance online. If you purchase a car park ticket here, then you'll get £1 off museum admission.
Opening Times February - October: 10am - 5pm November - December: 10am - 4pm Last entry is one hour before closing.

Did you know that the world-famous Wensleydale Cheese originates from this very village? The Wensleydale Creamery has an on-site restaurant, coffee shop and gift shop.
It also a popular visitor centre where you can learn about the history and art of cheese-making in the Dales. There are live demonstrations throughout the day where you can see for yourself how Wensleydale cheese is made, and you'll also get the chance to taste some for yourself. Yum!
Visitor Centre Opening Hours Open 7 days a week.
Cheese & Gift Shop: 9am - 5pm 1897 Coffee Shop: 9am - 4:30pm Calvert's Restaurant: 11am - 4pm Visitor Centre: 10am - 4pm Daily Demonstrations: 10:15am | 12:15pm | 1pm | 1:45pm | 2:30pm | 3:30pm | 4pm

Since all this talk of cheese is probably starting to make you feel hungry, it might be a good idea to stop for some lunch. Caffè Curva is located just around the corner from the creamery and offers freshly-ground coffee, Yorkshire Tea (what else?) and a range of cold drinks, sandwiches and savoury treats.
Opening Hours Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm Saturday - Sunday: CLOSED

The Dales are packed full of hidden waterfalls like this. Located towards the eastern edge of the park, Cauldron Falls look more like something you would see in North America rather than North Yorkshire.
There is free on-road parking nearby and if the weather's nice, you can even have a dip in the pool to cool off!

As you wind down the eastern border of the Dales you'll arrive at the fascinating village of Masham. This was said to be one of Lewis Carroll's favourite places to visit as a child, and that creative spirit persists today, with the village hosting a thriving community of artists, writers and creatives. It's also famous for being home to not one but two famous family-owned breweries.
The first of those breweries is Theakston. Their visitor centre is open between 10:30am and 4.30pm from Monday - Saturday. You'll learn more about the art of brewing and the storied history of this famous brewery.
You don't need to book in advance to visit the brewery, but you can arrange a guided tour in advance by ringing 01765 684333.

The other brewery in the village is the Black Sheep Brewery. It was actually founded by Paul Theakston in 1992, who had previously been the Managing Director of the Theakston Brewery just down the road.
The brewery has an on-site bottle shop and bar-restaurant along with a visitor centre offering tours of the brewery.
Opening Hours
Bar Monday: 11am - 4pm Tuesday: 11am - 4pm Wednesday: 12pm - 8pm Thursday: 12pm - 8pm Friday: 12pm - 10pm Saturday: 12pm - 10pm Sunday: 12pm - 5pm
Shop Monday: 11am - 4pm Tuesday: 11am - 4pm Wednesday: 11am - 4pm Thursday: 11am - 4pm Friday: 11am - 5pm Saturday: 11am - 5pm Sunday: 12pm - 4pm
Tours Wednesday - Saturday: 11:30am, 1:00pm, 2:30pm and 4:00pm. Sunday: 11:30am, 1:00pm and 2:30pm

From a current brewery to a former brewery. The White Bear is located a couple of minutes from the Black Sheep Brewery and seems like the perfect place to refuel after a long day in the Dales.
It's open every day from 7.30am - 11pm, though food is only served at certain hours. You can ring them on 01765 689 319 to check in advance if they will be serving food, as the services times are subject to change.
Food Service Times
Wednesday - Friday: 12pm – 3pm: Lunchtime menu. 6pm – 8:30pm: Evening Menu. Saturday: 12pm – 8:30pm Sunday: 12pm - 7pm Sunday: 12 noon – 7pm

Walk off all of the cheese, beer and food you've had today by taking a stroll around the gorgeous Masham riverside area. This is a relaxing oasis hidden away in the village and always a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.

To cut down on a long drive tomorrow you can head to the nearby town of Wetherby to stay over. The Swan and Talbot is a clean, comfortable and traditional inn in the town centre with free parking for hotel guests.