After being recognised as a one of only a few truly unique areas in the UK, the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority was established in 1954 with the dual objectives of conserving and enhancing the Yorkshire Dales and helping people to enjoy it.

The Yorkshire Dales is famous for the inspiring scenery - deep valleys (dales), with roads meandering between drystone walls and a patchwork of meadows and golden field barns. Up high is unique heather moorland and characterful hills, such as the much loved Three Peaks. There is the Settle to Carlisle railway slicing through the Yorkshire Dales using tunnels and viaducts, including the iconic Ribblehead.

The towns and villages of the Yorkshire Dales are to be ticked off and revisited at least seasonally. Each has its own character, but all share the same friendly welcome. The boundary towns of Skipton, Leyburn, Richmond, Kirkby Stephen, Appleby, Sedbergh, Kirkby Lonsdale and our very own Settle are each wonderful in their own right. They are bustling communities, alive with activity; markets, events and a lovely mix of independent shops, boutiques, pubs and restaurants.

The villages are not to be outdone, with each providing the starting place for stunning walks, as well as refreshments and intriguing stories.

Attractions are peppered throughout this land, whether natural or built. Choose waterfalls, caves, high peaks, limestone coves, tarns and woods, or castles, viaducts, museums, railways, galleries, churches and farms. And more besides.

In terms of activities, walking and cycling dominate, but there are nature trails, shooting, falconry, mountain biking, pot holing and star gazing, as well as courses on photography, cheese making, painting, crafting and cooking. The list is endless – we don’t do boring in the Yorkshire Dales.