Nearby Attractions
Nestled in the heart of Middleham in picturesque Wensleydale, The Wensleydale Hotel is the perfect base to explore the best attractions in the Yorkshire Dales, whether you’re visiting to see sites of natural wonder, or looking for family-friendly activities nearby.
Middleham Castle
Middleham is an excellent surviving example of a medieval castle, with substantial 12th-century remains. Just as important for its stunning remains are the many personalities associated with it, particularly the Neville family, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, and later Richard III.
Best known as one of the childhood homes of Richard III, Middleham Castle looks over the North Yorkshire town of Middleham. It’s been called the ‘Windsor of the North’ and is now open to the public with tickets available to purchase online.
Yorkshire Dales National Park
The Yorkshire Dales National Park was designated in 1954, in recognition of its extraordinary natural beauty, the diversity of its wildlife habitats, its rich cultural heritage and its fantastic opportunities for outdoor recreation. Covering 2,179 square kilometres (841 square miles), the Yorkshire Dales National Park straddles the central Pennines in North Yorkshire and Cumbria and also includes a small part of Lancashire. It is a living, working environment, home to 24,000 people.
It attracts thousands of visitors a year to explore its incredible waterfalls, dark sky reserve, walks like the Three Peaks, and many attractions.
Muddy Boots Guided Discovery Walks
Get the most out of your time in the Yorkshire Dales with a private guided walk tailored to your requirements. Our Partner, Muddy Boots, arranges bespoke guided walks starting and ending at The Wensleydale Hotel, or anywhere in the local area, which can be a length and difficulty to suit you.
Whether it’s your first time in the Dales, you’re looking to get off the beaten track, are new to hiking, or simply want to learn a bit more about the area, they can plan a guided walk to suit you. All of their guided walks are led by Muddy Boots’ co-founder, Matt (a qualified hiking guide), who can plan the route to fit in with your requirements for distance, difficulty and location and with your interests.
Middleham Trainers
The art of training thoroughbreds has survived for more than two centuries at Middleham, thanks mainly to the excellent facilities that have been developed on the local moorland that surrounds the town.
Middleham has established itself as one of the best training centres in the country with its extensive grass and all-weather gallops, along with its therapy centre. Having had more than 400 winners each year for the past 38 years, Middleham Trainers produce, on average, a winner every single day of the year.
Brymor Ice Cream
Brymor is the home of real Yorkshire ice cream, making their ice cream on site with milk from their own herd of Pedigree Guernsey Cows, with a genuine passion for their craft and the quality of their creations. You can sample their hard work at the ice cream parlour and cafe on the farm in Wensleydale, with over 35 different varieties of ice cream and sorbets.
The parlour and cafe is located just a short distance from the ancient Jervaulx Abbey (making it a perfect day trip from The Wensleydale Hotel), and even offers both an indoor and outdoor children’s play area and a ‘pets corner’ where you can meet the onsite animals.
Theakston Brewery & Visitor Centre
Established in 1827 and located in the scenic market town of Masham. Theakston Brewery has been passed down through six generations of the Theakston family, with direct descendants of founder Robert Theakston still at the helm today.
You can visit ‘The Black Bull in Paradise’ Visitor Centre year-round. Soak up their history with artefacts and items relating to nearly two hundred years of Theakston brewing tradition on display, whilst sampling their varied beer selection. Shop from their wide range of high-quality branded goods.
Wensleydale Brewery & Taproom
Wensleydale Brewery was born in 2003 at the Foresters Arms in Carlton. Today, you will find Wensleydale Brewery and Taproom in Leyburn serving their latest brews and old favourites. Their taproom is open every weekend throughout the summer, with guest food vendors arriving each weekend with a selection of tasty meals.
Wensleydale Creamery
The Wensleydale Creamery, based at Hawes in Wensleydale in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, is home to the famous Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese and a popular Visitor Centre.
Alongside its on-site cheese shop and cafe with dishes crafted from their very own cheese, you’ll find the Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese experience on site, which starts with a cheesemaking demonstration and continues into a self-guided tour. It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon in the Yorkshire Dales, no matter your age – especially if you’re a Wallace and Gromit fan.
Boatfield Fly Fishing
Boatfield Fly Fishing, predominantly on the Rivers Nidd, Wharfe & Cover, works with anyone from total novices to experienced anglers looking to refine their approach.
Guides Oscar and Tom offer fly fishing experiences in North Yorkshire, choosing the perfect location for you and practising catch and release. You’re in good hands, with both guides having represented England at a World Championship level, and Oscar also being a Euro Nymphing technique expert, co authoring an award-winning book on the subject. They provide an all-inclusive experience, even arranging for transportation if needed.
