Richmond
A town of unique character and beauty, which has changed little through the centuries. With the variety of shopping, its many pubs, hotels and restaurants, and its proximity to the most stunning scenery anywhere to be seen, Richmond remains one of the most beautiful and rewarding places to visit in the County.
The first of all Richmonds, founded by the Normans in 1071 the town grew up around the castle built on the ‘riche-mont’ or ‘strong-hill’ that gave the town its name and whose massive keep dominates all other buildings around.
Within five minutes of the town centre, Richmond can boast its Norman Castle, Georgian architecture, a cobbled market place (the largest in the country), monuments and abbeys, the River Swale, and last but not least breathtaking scenery.
Ripon
The Cathedral City and Gateway to the Eastern Dales. The magnificent Cathedral, a peaceful sanctuary for over 1300 years echoes the wonder of the pas. Explore historic Ripon with its award-winning Spa Gardens, its vibrant Market Place, its fine Georgian buildings, imposing 300 year-old obelisk and quaint medieval streets filled with fascinating shops and tearooms.
View the Hornblower Ceremony at 9 o’clock every night when the ‘watch is set’ at the four corners of the obelisk in the Market Place. Ripon is an ideal place to stay for a short break. You can tour Newby Hall set in 25 acres of award-winning gardens with its miniature railway and children’s adventure garden, take a thrilling rollercoaster ride at Lightwater Valley, or visit the World Heritage Site at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Gardens. Ripon captures your heart and imagination and welcomes your return.
Northallerton
Northallerton (the County Town of North
Yorkshire) is the largest market town in the district located
in the Vale of Mowbray between the North York Moors and the
Yorkshire Dales National Parks.
Northallerton is renowned for its twice weekly traditional
market held along both sides of the broad High Street, on
Wednesdays and Saturdays. It also offers a wide choice of
independent and national retailers.
Masham
Masham is a lovely, small market town in Lower Wensleydale. It was famous in medieval times as a centre for the Dales Sheep industry and was granted a market charter in 1250. Today Masham still hosts a market on Wednesday, Saturday and bank holidays in the impressive central market place.For the visitor Masham offers many attractions: splendid Georgian architecture and a fine church; a park ideal for families with tennis courts, golf and horse riding facilities all nearby. There are plenty of walks from gentle riverside strolls to moorland hikes and an extensive events calendar throughout the year. A highlight of the year is the Masham Steam Rally 16th - 17th July 2011
Masham has a variety of independent shops, welcoming pubs offering locally brewed ales -Masham is home to the Theakston's and Black Sheep Breweries - cafés, restaurants and a range of accommodation to suit all tastes. It is the perfect place to stay for exploring the Northern and Eastern Dales. |
|
Bedale
Bedale is a traditional Yorkshire market
town mentioned in the Doomsday Book. Its Georgian heyday is
reflected in the elegant buildings lining the historic market
square.
The gateway to Wensleydale,
Bedale nestles in some of Yorkshire's finest scenery. From the
town's station, the Wensleydale Railway offers regular
services up and down this well loved Yorkshire Dale.
Bedale is home to a host of unique shops
offering everything from jewellery and antiques to custom-made
furniture, women's fashion, china and gifts.
Foodies,
in particular, are well catered for. Wensleydale cheese is, of
course, a local speciality, as is real dairy ice cream from
dales herds and Yorkshire beers. The town's butcher is
locally renowned and there is a delicatessen, bakery and
greengrocer and a chocolate shop for those with a sweet
tooth.
Hawes
Hawes, is England’s highest market town and can be found at the western end of Wensleydale, the largest of the Yorkshire Dales. Hawes was first recorded as a market place in 1307, and its Tuesday market is still very busy. Hawes is home to the world famous Wensleydale Cheese and a visit to Wensleydale Creamery is not to be missed.
Much of the TV series ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ was filmed in and around the Hawes area, and the Farmers’ mart was featured as ‘Darrowby Cattle Mart’. Other local attractions include the Ropemakers of Hawes and the award-winning Dales Countryside Museum which explores how our ancestors survived in the beautiful but sometimes harsh environment of the Yorkshire Dales; The Pennine Way passes through Hawes, and England’s highest waterfall Hardraw Force is close by.
Leyburn
Welcome to Leyburn, a busy little market town located in mid-Wensleydale and on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The town can boast one of the highest market places in the country and one of the most scenic panoramic views across the Yorkshire Dales from the Shawl, only two minutes walk from the town centre.
Every Friday the main square is packed with stalls for the popular weekly market which attracts both visitors and locals. On the same day it is also worth a visit to the nearby Auction Mart, where you can watch the sales of livestock, predominantly sheep and lambs, which are at the heart of the local farming economy.
Leyburn has thrived over the last few years and its marvellous array of shops befits its position as the main market town of the dale.
|