Local Area
We want to help you to get the most out of your visit to Grassington. Surrounded by the magnificent limestone scenery of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, we know we are very privileged to be located here in the beautiful heart of Wharfedale. There is so much to do here you will be spoilt for choice, so we’ve selected a few of our top tips for things to do and see while you’re here, depending on what you enjoy.
Heritage Sites
The picturesque market town of Skipton is just 10m away, with its magnificently preserved medieval fortress, Skipton Castle. Open every day for visitors, you can explore the banqueting hall, kitchen, bedchamber and privy, discover the dungeon and climb to the top of the watch tower, Visit the Website.
Bolton Abbey offers 30 000 acres of stunning countryside surrounding the Priory riverside ruins, Visit the Website.
Grassington Folk Museum in the centre of the village offers exhibits of lead mining, minerals, craft tools, lathes, Dales farming, period costumes, domestic accoutrements, World War II memorabilia, folk lore and the days of the Yorkshire Dales Railway recalled. Visit the Website.
Yarnbury lead mining trail From the Bunk Barn turn left and keep going until the road peters out and you will come to Yarnbury, the fascinating site of Grassington’s industrial heritage, Visit the Website
Local Attractions
Yorkshire Dales National Park Visitor Centre in Grassington provides general visitor information and displays about the special qualities of this special area.
Malham Cove A fifteen minute drive away, the spectacular 260ft high cliff of Malham Cove with its magnificent limestone pavement above is truly stunning, It was great even before Harry Potter discovered it in his Deathly Hallows adventure. malhamdale.com
Kilnsey Trout Farm – is a working trout farm. Popular with families, attractions include fly fishing lakes, nature trails and a farm shop. kilnseypark.co.uk
Royal Oak Furniture – Subject to their schedules, Paul will take you on the tour of his cabinetmaking workshops next door, where handcrafted furniture is made which graces homes up and down the country. royaloakfurniture.co.uk
Lightwater Valley – If you are are looking for theme park thrills, discover 175 acres of rides and adventure at lightwatervalley.co.uk
Railways
Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway, including Thomas the Tank Engine at certain events. Keighley & Worth Valley Railway. Heritage steam and diesel trains through Bronte country. The breathtaking Settle-Carlisle Railway can be experienced from Skipton railway station, just 10 miles away
Horse Racing
Yorkshire’s Garden Racecourse is a picturesque 20m drive from Grassington, at Ripon, with racing between April & September
Shopping
Grassington is full of unique independent shops – galleries, artist’s studios and boutiques offering original gifts. On the third Sunday of every month we have a Farmer’s Market in the Square selling a wide range of fresh local produce from game to cakes.
Shortlisted by Google in 2011 for Best Street and voted Best High Street of the Year in 2009, nearby Skipton has more independent shopping plus many of the High Street chain shops, a Victorian indoor shopping arcade and a busy market every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
Local Activity & Tour Providers
Browse our list of organised activities in the Yorkshire Dales. Further information on each activity and details of prices can be found by visiting the website of each activity provider and contacting them directly.
Yorkshire Adventure Company – We are an adventure company based in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, famous for its beautiful scenery, 3 peaks hike, world class climbing and Mecca of caves and potholes. Visit this provider/
Team Walking – Guided Walks, Hill & Mountain Skills, Map Reading Courses, Corporate Team Events and Outdoor Adventure weekends. Visit this provider/
Yorkshire Dales Guides – Fancy trying something adventurous and different with your group during your stay? Why not consider one of the range of activities led by our friends at Yorkshire Dales Guides. Visit this provider/
Yorkshire Trails – The Grassington Treasure Trail, Explore Grassington with a Murder Mystery Treasure Trail! This self-guided walk provides directions to follow and clues to solve, taking you around the main sites and some hidden gems in Grassington. You’ll discover lots about Grassington and solve a mystery as you follow the Trail, solve the clues and see the sights! Visit this provider/
Think Adventure – The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge is a quick car journey from Grassington Bunk Barn. The 25-mile loop walk is a popular hiking challenge in the Yorkshire Dales and involves climbing the summit of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. Most challenge seekers aim to complete the challenge within 12 hours. Visit this provider/
Events
Grassington 1940’s Weekend
Saturday 21th – Sunday 22th September 2024 The annual 1940’s weekend sees the village and visitors dressed in 1940’s style with music, events and displays taking place throughout the weekend. Visit this website
Grassington Christmas Festival
Saturdays 30th November and 7th December 2024. The annual Christmas Festival brings the real spirit of Christmas to the village. From hot chestnuts to traditional entertainment, a nativity procession with a real donkey and of course, Father Christmas, the festive atmosphere is magical. Visit this website
Get Outdoors
Walks – Grassington is on the Dales Way and you can head off from the Bunk Barn on foot and discover fabulous footpaths everywhere. Suitable for every ability, you can take a gentle riverside wander down to Linton Falls and the C12th church or don your hiking boots for some strenuous hill walking with magnificent views, amazing limestone pavements and ancient woodland. – yorkshiredales.org.uk > Walking
Cycling – Bring your bike and experience the beauty of the Dales by pedal power. A perfect starting point for the best bits of the Tour de France Grand Depart day one or for exploring the hidden gems of Upper Wharfedale, Littondale and Coverdale. It’s also the perfect stopping off point on the Way of the Roses a coast to coast route. – yorkshiredales.org.uk > Cycling – cyclethedales.org.uk
Caving – Head out of Grassington and enjoy a picturesque drive up to Stump Cross Caverns to find the spectacular show caves open to the public or if you are an experienced potholer, find out about the caving in this area from Craven Pothole Club – yorkshiredales.org.uk > Caving
Climbing – One of Britain’s best known climbing challenges is just 3m from Grassington. Kilnsey Crag’s famous over hang is a great way to test your ability – yorkshiredales.org.uk > Cilmbing
Fishing – Day Tickets for fishing on the River Wharfe can be purchased by Rod Fishing Licence Holders at the Post Office or from Robert Bunney’s Menswear, both situated in Grassington Square. There are also Fly fishing lakes at Kilnsey Trout Farm.
Golf – You can play a round, less than 10 miles away at Skipton Golf Club
Rides – Beginners and experienced horse riders are welcome for hacking and trekking at Kilnsey Riding
Birds, botany, archaeology and geology – The ancient woodland of Grass Woods, the Iron Age remains on Lea Green and the lead mining remains at Yarnbury are all rich with interest for enthusiasts. In fact the whole area is covered with the tell tail remains of ancient tropical seas, glaciation and abandoned farmsteads and villages. The poor soil has also led to less intensive farming allowing flora and fauna to flourish with rare flowers, birds and animals hiding round every corner. ywt.org.uk