Preston
Discover Preston where at the heart of the city is a strong sense of history, from its famous Guild celebrations to landmarks like the newly renovated Harris Museum and Art Gallery, which now hosts a year-round programme of exhibitions, events and workshops. Along Fishergate, you’ll find a mix of high street favourites and independent shops, with Preston Markets offering fresh local produce and a wide choice of food and drink.
When you’re ready to step away from the busy streets, green spaces such as Winckley Square, Avenham and Miller Parks provide a change of pace right in the city centre, with riverside views and cafés to enjoy along the way. For those wanting to explore further, the Guild Wheel offers a 21-mile circular route linking the city to places like Brockholes Nature Reserve. With activities ranging from indoor attractions to live music, theatre and a growing food scene including well-regarded restaurants Preston continues into the evening with plenty of options to round off the day. Find out more here.
Lancaster
Discover Lancaster for a day out where history and culture come together in one of Lancashire’s most characterful cities. Overlooked by the impressive Lancaster Castle, the city’s streets are filled with historic buildings, independent shops and places to eat, all set alongside the River Lune. The castle itself offers a fascinating insight into centuries of history, while nearby museums and galleries add to the city’s cultural appeal.
Step a little further and you’ll find green spaces such as Williamson Park, home to the iconic Ashton Memorial and offering wide-reaching views across the surrounding area. The riverside provides an easy route for walking and cycling, linking the city to more open countryside and coastal surroundings. It’s a place where you can take your time, with plenty of different corners to explore as you go. Find out more here..
Skipton
Discover Skipton and explore the incredible charm of this historic Dales market town.The famous market runs four days a week and adds a whole new level of amazing shopping. On Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, traders set up their stalls along either side of the spacious High Street with a range of produce, clothing, crafts, and homewares. Be sure to explore the many ginnels and side streets to see all that the town has to offer.
Enjoying pride of place at the top of the High Street is the iconic Castle. Over 900 years old, this castle has withstood attack by the Scots, a three-year siege during the English Civil War and centuries of political turmoil to remain one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the country. Skipton Town Hall built in 1862 in home to the Craven Museum, housing 60,000 objects telling the history of this fascinating part of the Yorkshire Dales. This is complemented by an exhibition gallery, performance space and visitor centre. Make this your first stop when you arrive in the town.
Skipton Castle Woods Walk is a popular and accessible walk through tranquil woods just outside the heart of the town. You can also take a stroll along the Leeds-Liverpool Canal with pretty views and tranquil waters offering an escape from the town’s hustle and bustle. Find out more here.
Three Peaks Villages
On the western edge of the Yorkshire Dales you’ll find the iconic landscape of Ribblesdale and Yorkshire’s “Three Peaks”.
The area is perfect for those seeking an outdoor adventure, with a series of hiking trails passing through the area, from easy strolls to challenging walks all offering amazing views of the surrounding countryside.
Nestled between the Three Peaks are beautiful villages offering places to rest and grab a bite to eat, as well as being beautiful destinations for those looking for a more restful holiday.
Ingleton
Surrounded by breathtaking landscape featuring waterfalls and deep caves. This makes it an ideal location for climbers, walkers and cavers. Enjoy a stroll to take in the landscape on the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail or enjoy the underground beauty of the nearby caves.
Around Pen-y-Ghent
The beautiful village of Horton-in-Ribblesdale lies below the huge Pen-y-ghent, offering iconic views. It is a popular starting point for the Yorkshire Three Peaks Walk, a challenging hike taking in all three summits within 12 hours. It offers pubs and cafes to relax, as well as a variety of accommodation options from campsites to B & B’s.
Located to the east of the River Ribble is the village of Stainforth. Home to the waterfall Stainforth Force which offers a perfect photo opportunity, as well as pubs and holiday accommodation.
Around Whernside
Located at the far western border of North Yorkshire at the foot of Whernside you can find the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct, on the border to Cumbria. Constructed by hundreds of “navvies” in the nineteenth century, the viaduct is still in use today as part of the picturesque Settle to Carlisle line. Find out more about the history of the line at the nearby visitor centre and exhibition.
Settle
Settle is a bustling, traditional market town in the Yorkshire Dales, surrounded by fabulous landscapes, rich heritage and unspoilt villages. Sitting just below the Castleburg Crag, it’s a fantastic place to stay for those wanting to explore the dramatic hillscapes of the Yorkshire Dales.
A weekly market takes place every Tuesday with a broad mix of stalls and traders. Here you’ll find baked goods, fresh produce, fish, preserves, crafts, home goods and much more.
The streets of the market town are home to a thriving range of independent shops offer a choice of country wear and fashions, gifts and a host of delicious treats to enjoy or take home.
On your visit you will also find a range of delicious places to eat and drink. There are cosy cafes, bustling tea rooms, welcoming pubs and award-winning restaurants offering the perfect follow-up to a day exploring the fells.
See more places on our doorstop here
