Yorkshire Dales Recommendations for a rainy day

Going for 4 days in the Dales tomorrow, staying in the Bainbridge area. Don't mind the mixed weather to be honest, got a few things planned - Walks at Ingleton, Ribblehead, White Scar Caves etc, but the forecast is pretty poor on Tuesday.

In view of that, has anyone got any recommendations of places to visit, things to do that aren't entirely outdoor and will keep a wife, 19 year old son and 16 year old daughter happy? Our last proper visit there was in 2016 and the weather was stunning.

Thanks for any replies and advice.

 

pop to Hawes and drive over buttertubs to Thwaite

 

For our family a visit to the Dales is incomplete unless we visit two places. We always spend a few
hours looking round Kirkby Lonsdale's shops and take time out to call in at one of the many cafes
and restaurants on the Main Street. You can park near the cross in the square and if that's full there
is overspill parking up the hill leading out of town on the main road.

After leaving Kirkby Londsdale we call in at Settle and enjoy Fish Chips and mushy peas from the
chippy opposite the main car park, before heading over the tops past White Scar caves to Hawes
where we usually stay. Plenty of food outlets and things to do in this quaint little market town.

https://www.kirkbylonsdale.co.uk/

 

In Hawes , we always stay at the pet friendly Stone House Hotel. It's not cheap
but it's first class and offers good food and several excellent hand pulled beers that
are very moorish. Can totally recommend the place having stayed there around five
times now.


https://stonehousehotel.co.uk/

 

If the visibility is ok, go for a trip on the Settle - Carlisle railway.

If the weather isn't too bad, head for a place called Surrender Bridge and from there walk up the track on the Coast to Coast walk. Great industrial lead mining relics on that track.

 

Some nice things to do in Hawes.
Wensleydale cheese factory , if it's open. The best bit is the shop where you can sample all their cheeses, all for nowt. I always emerge like a stuffed pig !!!!
Hardraw force waterfall.
The old railway station.
The railway line from Hawes to Garsdale head, where the Settle Carlisle line runs, is now subject to being relaid and run by British rail, or whatever it's called. It is one of the local lines that was closed in the 50s/60s and could be reopened.
Aysgarth falls.
Semerwater.
Askrigg.

 

Erm, it dunt rain int Pubs

 

Understand they have Covid 19 at the Hawes Creamery.

https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/18661300.coronavirus-four-cases-wensleydale-creamery/

 

Hope that the weather stays fine. If you like a scramble head for Malham to visit the Cove, Tarn and Gordale Scar. Some fine examples of limestone pavement on the hill side as well as some fantastic views.

 

If the weather forecast is correct then Tuesday looks a bit of a washout - rain and wind, not an ideal combination. I'd agree with Stahlrost, even if the visibility is a bit iffy, and take a (return) ride on the Settle -Carlisle line from Ribblehead. Carlisle Castle and Tullie House Museum in Carlisle are open but numbers are restricted and you may need to book.
Failing that why not consider White Scar Caves on Tuesday morning (cave caveat - tours may not be on if there is too much water underground); lunch/afternoon tea at Yorbridge House in Bainbridge and whatever is open in Hawes (creamery?; Rope works; old station) for late afternoon.

One suggestion for your walk at Ribblehead - the old packhorse bridge over Thorns Gill is a little gem, close by is Katnot Cave and the old, now deserted, hamlet of Thorns. Fascinating history of cattle droves, monks and packhorses laden with silk which trod those paths and passed over the old bridge at Thorns Gill.

Whatever you choose, enjoy the stay. It's a beautiful part of the world.

 

Afternoon tea in the Burgoyne Hotel in Reeth.

 

You could visit the Black Sheep brewery.

https://www.blacksheepbrewery.com/visit-us/

 

Malham’s unbelievably busy, spoils it IMO. Must have been over 500 cars in what is a tiny village. Stay away until after the holidays are over would be my advice. We carried on past Malham Cove to Arncliffe and then on to Littondale, super quiet and lovely, get out the car and walk.

 

Pot oyling.

 

Tan hill tavern not far from Hawes get there for 12 ish great food not expensive log fire.1/2 hour drive.
tanhillinn.com
Hawes has several pubs and wensleydale cheese factory tours and cheese sampling and cafe.
the forbidden corner
got to book on line
time slot imperitive
outdoor /indoor victorian crystal maze with modern twists. allow 2 hours.near leyburn.

 

Forbidden corner, that’s a good call. It needs booking in advance but great spot to take kids

 

Forgotten about that. My kids loved it there.

 

Wensleydale creamery in Hawes
Aysgarth falls
Malham Tarn (& Cove)
Ingleton Waterfalls Walk
The village stocks (on bainbridge village green - got to take a photo in the stocks!

 

Perhaps not the safest suggestion in heavy rain. You might find yourself swimming back...

 

There’s a lot of sound advice on here - if the Weather’s fine - which doesn’t seem to be the case tomorrow. The Dales doesn’t really do ‘indoor’ so you’ve a bit of a problem. I’d suggest stuff in the Hawes area then further afield in the following days. Dales Countryside Museum, the Ropeworks and the Wensleydale Creamery (ignore the COVID scaremongering) all in Hawes.

If you get a break in the clouds the waterfall at Hawdraw (a mile north of Hawes) will be spectacular as will the Falls at Aysgarth.

When the weathers better get to the Forbidden corner if you can but the highlight would be; get up to the Bike Centre at Grinton (just south of Reeth run by the brilliant Stuart and Brenda Price)hire 4 bikes and do the new ‘family friendly’ Swale Trail. (Grinton to Keld). It will blow your mind away. If you want a bit of help, hire the ebikes. Might be one of the ‘family memories’ you treasure forever.
Enjoy.