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Yorkshire Dales Holiday Guide

Highlights of the Yorkshire Dales for Luxury Self-Catering Holidays

The Yorkshire Dales National Park is a place of stunning natural beauty, grandeur, tranquillity and refreshment. Situated in the North West of England, below the Lake District National Park and beside the North York Moors the Yorkshire Dales stretches over 680 miles boasting a wide range of diverse wildlife, spectacular sights and evening skies as well as remarkable geology. The park is a charming place for a luxury cottage break, home to a rich cultural heritage as well as perfect conditions for many recreational outdoor pursuits.

Straddling the central Pennines, the country rises in the Millstone Grit-capped three peaks to over 700 metres and delves into deep cut river valleys. The south of the park displays one of the best examples of classic limestone scenery in Britain. You can also discover some spectacular waterfalls in the Yorkshire Dales such as the Hardraw Force which has a 90ft single drop as well as the famous Aysgarth Falls and the Cautley Spout which has a broken drop of 600ft. With so much to see and do on a luxury self-catering break in the Yorkshire Dales what are you waiting for?

Click to discover Luxury self-catering cottages in the Yorkshire Dales

Top Tips on Food and Dining in the Yorkshire Dales

With so much to explore and look forward to you will need to make sure that you are starting and finishing your days in the Yorkshire Dales with a full stomach. Once you have experienced the wonderful foods and culinary treats on offer in the park you may just want to spend your luxury cottage holiday eating! The Limestone present throughout the Yorkshire Dales enriches the green pastures which in turn help to produce succulent beautiful beef and lamb which you can find throughout the county in fabulous farmers' shops, independent stores and farmers' markets. Jacksons of Cracoe is one of the first farm shops to open in the Yorkshire Dales and the owners have over 20 years experience in offering the best quality locally produced foods and gifts but of course there are plenty of shops to choose from. If you're lucky enough to visit this wonderful area of England at the beginning of May you can even enjoy the Dales Festival of Food and Drink and get your hands on some beautifully fresh and organic produce to enjoy during your luxurious holiday.

On the other hand if you would prefer not to be stuck in the kitchen whilst on your luxury cottage break then there are also plenty of brilliant restaurants for you to enjoy. The Crag Restaurant, The Devonshire Arms, the award winning Wensleydale Heifer and The Burlington Restaurant in Bolton Abbey are just a few of the delicious restaurants you have to choose from. Experience the delight of the famous and classic Yorkshire pudding with your Sunday roast in the local pub or try one our winning Yorkshire sausages, a Wensleydale Yorkshire curd Tart is also sure to make your mouth water.

Kilnsey Trout farm also produces the finest fresh trout and local game and McKenzies smokehouse is popular for its traditionally oak smoked fish, poultry and cheese. Yorkshire tea, ice cream and Swaledale Cheese are also fantastic delicacies that should be experienced whilst staying in Yorkshire on a luxury self-catering holiday. There are also plenty of tea rooms, cafes and coffee shops for you to grab a bite to eat whenever needed in the day.

Places of Interest and Tourist Attractions to Discover on a Luxury Cottage Break in the Yorkshire Dales

Once you have fed your appetite for the local produce you may want to get stuck into the amazing attractions and wonderful things to see in the Yorkshire Dales. With such a rich culture and heritage its no wonder that the area is abundant with historical sights and attractions such as Sawley Abbey, Richmond Castle, Markenfield Abbey or Middleham Castle. These beautiful historical houses and forts provide you with endless interest and will keep you engaged day after day if you wish to visit such sights on your luxury self-catering break. Also you will find a great selection of caves and caverns just waiting to be explored such as White Scar Cave, Ingleborough Cave and Stump Cross Caverns and Tea room where you can finish off your exploration with a delicious cake, meal or drink. If history isn't your thing but you are a nature enthusiast or a gardening fanatic then attractions like Barrowfields Nature reserve, Grimwith reservoir and Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden will keep you entertained.

Families can also find plenty of choice for attractions to keep the whole family happy, of all ages. The York Dungeon, Falconry and Birds of Prey Centre and Cluesgo Treasure hunts are bound to keep everyone entertained, and for kids that have a lot of energy and need to be worn out then how about Aerial Extreme, a treetop adventure course for the whole family to enjoy.

Activities on Offer in the Yorkshire Dales

If spending your holiday visiting old buildings and museums is part of your itinerary then may be getting stuck into the landscape and taking part in some great activities and outdoor pursuits is more your thing. The Yorkshire Dales offers a lot to the outdoor enthusiast and you can enjoy your luxury holiday taking part in a variety of recreational activities such as cycling, horse riding, fishing, golfing, sailing and walking. However if you're a thrill seeker looking to get the most out of your trip then potholing, climbing, microlighting, off roading and windsurfing may be more up your street. A gentle canoe ride in the fast flowing rivers and beautiful natural lakes is also an option for people not looking for anything too extreme but who would like to experience the Yorkshire Dales from a different view point.

Add an extra touch of luxury to your Yorkshire Dales Holiday...

If you're self-catering luxury accommodation is just not quite enough to give your holiday the most memorable and special feel possible then why not try something new and take a relaxing hot air balloon ride over the Yorkshire Dales and experience the park from a fantastic bird's eye view. You can also have private microlight lessons right in the National Park or enjoy a relaxing spa day. A helicopter tour of this beautiful area of England may also be an option.

More Places of Interest and Tourist Attractions in the Yorkshire Dales:

There are a good number of attractions in the Yorkshire Dales including Bantham Pottery, Abbot Hall Art gallery, Egglestone Abbey, The Settle- Carlisle Railway, Snaizeholme red Squirrel trail, Kilnsey Pony trekking, Newby hall and Gardens, Lightwater Valley Theme Park and Nidderdale Museum. Whether you pack in visits to numerous attractions or spend your time at your luxury self-catering accommodation just taking it easy, have a fantastic time.

Stunning landscapes in the Yorkshire Dales