The market town of Leyburn, slotted into the gentle hills of Wensleydale, is the gateway town to the Yorkshire Dales. A walking holiday here is a must – although you might struggle to pick from the wealth of spectacular routes rising out of Leyburn!
Leyburn is also a great base for exploring the rich history of the area stretching from medieval times. And after your history lesson, why not indulge in some home-made sweet treats in one of Leyburn’s quirky cafes? Or return from an invigorating day’s hike and recharge with a hearty meal made with fresh local ingredients in one of the town’s superb restaurants.
One of the best attractions on Leyburn’s forested doorstep is the Forbidden Corner, just a few miles south of the town. Explore a unique walled garden with intriguing network of tunnels and tight hedged paths. Spot the fascinating wooden figures from myth and mystery – you’ll never have experienced anything quite so strange!
And there’s plenty more history to uncover in North Yorkshire’s atmospheric hills, with one must-visit gem being the medieval Bolton Castle. Wander the flowering St Mary’s Garden, or get lost in the maze. Inside, uncover the rich history of the castle and the aristocratic Scrope family that owned it. Why not sign up for one of their falconry experiences? Live a day fit for a king!
And if it will take a big event to draw you to Bolton Castle, the site hosts a number of all-costume Living History weekends. Actors create scenarios from different time periods and there’s a whole host of activities for kids to join in on.
Leyburn is the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales, so as you’d expect, there’s hundreds of walking routes to explore snaking around and up out of the town. We particularly love the hearty ten-mile hike to nearby Redmire and back. You’ll pass pretty churches and crest hills that open up to the sprawling and wild landscape of Wensleydale.
Or if you’d rather keep closer to your Leyburn home in your exploration of nature, visit the wondrous Leyburn Shawl for a circular walk. Your effort will reward you with glorious panoramic views of the surrounding hills!
And as if the scenery of this walk isn’t interesting enough alone, the story behind it will intrigue you beyond resistance. Legend says that when Mary, Queen of Scots was imprisoned in Bolton Castle, she made a frantic escape across Leyburn Shawl. . . perhaps across the very paths you follow.
Leyburn boasts the typical high standard of hearty English food that Yorkshire is known for. But no fear, there’s options beyond the basic here, too! The Wensleydale Heifer is a particular star, famous for its stunningly-prepared seafood straight out of the North Sea. And The Black Swan Hotel in the centre of Leyburn is well-regarded by locals, who sing the praises of the Shetland Ragu!
Fancy a sweet treat? There’s plenty of variety in Leyburn. Indulge in a fulfilling afternoon tea in the sophisticated Tennants Garden Rooms. Your pretty tea tray will come piled high with fresh sandwiches and a mouth-watering range of home-made cakes, as well as the option for a glass of bubbly.
Or would you prefer a little more choice in your dessert? The family-owned Inspired Chocolate factory boasts petite packages of chocolate bonbons and truffles, made with the personal touch of a local business.
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