Written by: Andrew Forrest
Updated: July 2025
While the hills and dales attract hikers and most tourists, the villages and market towns of the Yorkshire Dales are an absolute delight to explore, each showcasing its own character, history, and a warm welcome for visitors. Scattered among the valleys, these settlements are often constructed from the same local stone as the surrounding walls, creating a pleasing harmony between town and countryside.
You'll discover cosy pubs with crackling fires, independent tea rooms serving Yorkshire curd tarts and scones, and shops offering everything from walking gear to local cheese.
Below, we profile some key towns and villages you might encounter, including pubs or cafés where you can refuel after a day's walk.
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Settle is a vibrant market town nestled in the south-western corner of the Dales, often regarded as a 'gateway' for those travelling from Lancashire or West Yorkshire. It sits below limestone hills at the end of Ribblesdale. With its attractive three-story buildings and historic marketplace (complete with a Victorian era market cross), Settle has a somewhat larger feel than some other Dales towns while still retaining plenty of charm.
The town's Tuesday market has been running since medieval times by the market cross, and you'll discover a variety of independent shops on the narrow streets, from an old-fashioned ironmonger to bakeries and outdoor gear stores.
The cross in the market square at Settle
One thing Settle is renowned for is the Settle-Carlisle Railway, often celebrated as one of the most picturesque train lines in England. The line was a Victorian engineering marvel, and Settle serves as one of the main stations on the route (in fact, it is the very start for north-bound travellers). If you're a rail enthusiast or simply appreciate breathtaking views, consider taking a ride; perhaps even indulge yourself with a journey on a steam train.
Just north of Settle, the train crosses the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct, a breathtaking 24-arch stone bridge spanning a remote valley, with the Three Peaks providing a stunning backdrop (more on that viaduct later). Even if you're not on board, the sight of steam specials occasionally chugging out of Settle is a joy to behold.
Whernside and the Ribblehead Viaduct
Settle itself warrants exploration. In the town centre, keep an eye out for Ye Olde Naked Man Café, a café-bakery whose amusing name belies its long history (local legend claims it's one of the oldest cafés in England, dating to 1663!).
The seating outside Ye Olde Naked Man Café in Settle
It's an excellent spot to grab a sandwich or a generous slice of cake - and yes, you can purchase a souvenir Naked Man mug if you're so inclined. The town is also home to the Gallery on the Green (a tiny art gallery housed in a former phone booth - possibly the world's smallest art gallery!) and the Settle Victoria Hall, which hosts music and events.
For walkers, although Settle lies on the Pennine Bridleway - a 205-mile national trail from Derbyshire to Cumbria - it also features its own 10-mile loop that starts and ends in Settle. Additionally, it serves as the starting point for many popular walks, such as the Attermire Scar loop and Castleberg Crag, the limestone cliff that towers above the town, providing a quick climb and stunning panoramic views of Settle's rooftops and the surrounding fells.
Further afield, you are only a short drive from the start of the Three Peaks or enjoy some walks in the neighbouring Malhamdale.
Settle boasts a variety of options for dining and drinking. You might start your day at Ye Olde Naked Man Café for breakfast. Later, for a pint or dinner, consider The Golden Lion on Duke Street - a charming coaching inn that has been welcoming travellers for centuries. It features a cosy fireplace, locally brewed ales, and serves a delightful Yorkshire pudding with gravy.
The Golden Lion Pub in Settle
If you fancy something lighter, The Folly Coffee House (situated in a 17th-century Folly building) offers homemade soups, sandwiches, and excellent coffee in a delightful atmosphere. For a more comprehensive view of places to eat and drink in Settle, check out the end of our Attermire Scar video from Settle. Whether you're celebrating the completion of the Three Peaks or simply unwinding, Settle's hospitality is sure to impress.
The Folly Coffee House in Settle
Hawes is a lively little market town at the head of Wensleydale, renowned as the home of Wensleydale cheese and for its lofty elevation. Standing at approximately 850 feet (260 m) above sea level, Hawes proudly ranks among the highest market towns in England. Its name fittingly means 'pass between mountains', and indeed, as you arrive, you're surrounded by fells on all sides.
Despite its small size, Hawes boasts a bustling Tuesday street market, as well as numerous shops and eateries catering to both locals and visitors alike. The town's stone buildings line a charming main street, while the River Ure flows alongside. Wensleydale, the dale in which Hawes resides, is the only major Yorkshire dale not named after its river (the Ure), but the valley takes its name from the village of Wensley.
Hawes is perhaps best known for its cheese heritage. This is where the famous Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese is made, at the Wensleydale Creamery. You can visit the creamery's museum to learn how this creamy, crumbly cheese is produced and even watch cheese being made (yes, free samples are available!).
Wensleydale cheese was once in decline in the early 1990s, but it was saved in part by a boost in popularity after being featured repeatedly in the Wallace & Gromit animations. Don't leave Hawes without tasting some fresh Wensleydale, possibly with a slice of fruitcake (a traditional local combination). The Wensleydale Creamery Visitor Centre has a lovely café where you can enjoy cheese-inspired dishes and cheesecakes.
Aside from cheese, Hawes features the Dales Countryside Museum, located in a converted railway station, which provides insight into Dales life, farming, and crafts. A short walk from the town leads to Hardraw Force waterfall, which is behind the Green Dragon Inn in Hardraw village. Hawes serves as an excellent base for walking - the Pennine Way runs directly through the town, with paths radiating out into the stunning Wensleydale and neighbouring Swaledale.
For a hearty meal or pint, The Crown Inn on the main street is a popular traditional pub (one of several in town) offering local ales and classic pub grub - just what you need after a day on the fells. Also, don't miss the chance to have tea and cakes at the Wensleydale Creamery café, or grab fish and chips from Hawes Chippie to enjoy by the river. Hawes truly gives you a 'taste' of the Dales in every sense.
Malham may be small in size, but it's huge in terms of natural attractions and popularity. This little village sits in Malhamdale and is essentially a base camp for exploring two of Yorkshire's most spectacular geological marvels: Malham Cove and Gordale Scar.
It's no exaggeration to say these sights are among the most impressive in the National Park, and Malham village is conveniently located right for both of them.
The Yorkshire Dales National Park Centre at Malham
The village itself is a picture postcard place: just a handful of stone houses, a couple of pubs, a tearoom or two, and a stream (Malham Beck) running through the middle crossed by an old clapper bridge. Surrounded by limestone dry-stone walls and gentle green hills, Malham looks idyllic.
However, on weekends and holidays, it can be bustling with walkers, as the Pennine Way long-distance trail passes through, and the car park fills with those coming to see the famous sights.
From Malham, a simple 1-mile walk along a gravel path takes you to Malham Cove, a magnificent curved limestone cliff. Approaching from below offers an unforgettable view of the cove's sheer face, occasionally adorned by peregrine falcons soaring overhead. Stone steps (thankfully equipped with a handrail) allow you to ascend to the top of the cove, where you can discover the limestone pavement and enjoy stunning views across the dale.
Malham Cove in the Yorkshire Dales
Another footpath from Malham leads to Gordale Scar, a hidden gorge where you can scramble up beside a waterfall (if you're adventurous and careful) to emerge above the cliffs. A short detour takes you to Janet's Foss, a charming little waterfall in a wood believed in folklore to be home to a fairy queen (Janet). To see all three - Cove, Gordale, Foss - is a popular 7-8 km circular walk from the village.
Gordale Scar at Malham
Malhamdale is also home to Malham Tarn, a rare limestone lake situated about 2.5 miles north of the village (accessible by a path or a short drive). It's one of the highest lakes in England, at an elevation of 377 m, and it is designated as a National Nature Reserve, surrounded by wetlands and plant life unique to the alkaline water. Charles Darwin even visited Malham Tarn to study its flora. If you have time, it's worth a visit for a change of scenery, as there is an easy trail around the tarn.
The Lister Arms at Malham
After a day of exploration, relax at The Lister Arms, Malham's renowned pub. This 18th-century coaching inn overlooks the village green and features stone floors, oak beams, and a reputation for outstanding food and ales. In fact, it was awarded Yorkshire's Favourite Pub in 2019. You can savour a hearty homemade pie or some locally sourced lamb, paired with a pint of Black Sheep or Theakston (Yorkshire ales).
The Buck Inn at Malham
The Buck Inn is another pub across the road, offering good meals and a welcoming patio for summer days. For a quick snack or coffee, The Old Barn Tearoom serves lovely tea and scones. There is also a National Park Visitor Centre located in the pay-and-display car park. Malham may be small, but it caters wonderfully to its steady stream of hungry hikers - you'll feel right at home.
Grassington is often called the 'jewel of Wharfedale', and it's easy to see why. This vibrant village in Upper Wharfedale combines scenic charm with a hint of upscale polish. Centred around a cobbled market square, Grassington features a variety of independent shops, cafés, and pubs, creating a livelier atmosphere than many other Dales villages.
It serves as a hub for the surrounding farming community as well as for tourism, hosting events such as the Grassington Festival (arts and music) and a popular Dickensian Christmas market. Recently, Grassington has also gained screen fame, serving as the fictional town of 'Darrowby' in the new All Creatures Great and Small TV series (2020-present). If you've watched the show about the Yorkshire vets, you might recognise Grassington's streets adorned in 1930s attire!
Fans of All Creatures Great and Small can spot 'Skeldale House' (the veterinary surgery) in Grassington's main square. During filming, the town's shopfronts are temporarily transformed into 1930s grocers and ironmongers, before being returned to normal. The production even installs a fake grass market area in the square. Once you know, you'll notice Grassington whenever you watch the show!
Folk Museum in Grassington
As you stroll around Grassington, you'll notice its handsome stone buildings, many of which date back to the 17th and 18th centuries when the village prospered from lead mining in the nearby hills. The area's rich mining history can be explored via a trail on Grassington Moor, featuring interpretive signs among the remains of mine shafts and smelters - a great walk for history buffs.
However, if you prefer cream teas to industrial heritage, simply enjoy the contemporary offerings: boutique shops selling local crafts and outdoor gear, the quaint Grassington Folk Museum, which exhibits artefacts of rural life, and numerous places to sit and observe village life as it unfolds. There is also a National Park Visitor Centre located in the pay-and-display car park.
Grassington serves as an excellent base for walks in Wharfedale. A short stroll down to Linton Falls takes you to a charming waterfall on the River Wharfe, complete with an old packhorse bridge.
You can also follow the Dales Way along the river for a leisurely stroll amidst beautiful scenery, featuring lush riverside woods, stepping stones, and possibly a heron or dipper bird in the water. For those seeking a challenge, hike up to Gregory Scar or Grassington Moor for broader views. Just outside the village, you'll find Grass Wood, a nature reserve boasting ancient limestone woodland abundant in wildflowers and birdlife.
Linton Falls at Grassington in the Yorkshire Dales
Grassington boasts several inviting pubs - a local favourite is The Devonshire, a family-run inn situated right in the main square. It serves well-kept local ales and classic pub meals made with Yorkshire produce in a cosy interior; on colder days, the fireplace will be a welcome feature. Another option is the Black Horse Hotel, an inn dating back to the 17th century, known for its excellent food.
The Devonshire pub in Grassington, which doubles as the Drovers Inn, in All Creatures Great and Small
If you are after afternoon coffee or tea, head to The Corner House Café or The Retreat Tearoom & Bistro, both of which serve cakes and snacks (you may need the sugar after those walks!). And yes, The Stripey Badger - an adorable combination of a bookshop and a coffee shop - is perfect for book lovers to sip a latte while perusing Yorkshire literature. With its blend of rustic charm and a vibrant community, Grassington often becomes a visitor's favourite village.
The Stripey Badger bookshop and café in Grassington
Continuing up Wharfedale from Grassington, you arrive at Kettlewell, a smaller but equally charming village further into the hills. Kettlewell sits at the confluence of several hills and near the head of Wharfedale, making it a popular stop for walkers (the Dales Way passes nearby as it heads toward Cam Head).
The village is postcard-pretty: stone cottages with colourful flower gardens, a babbling brook, and steep green hills rising all around. It feels peacefully tucked away, yet it's cherished by those in the know - partly due to a certain quirky festival.
Kettlewell is renowned for its Scarecrow Festival, which has occurred every August since 1994. During this week, the villagers create dozens of imaginative scarecrows and display them throughout the village - on rooftops, benches, and peeking out from bushes - often themed around or parodying famous characters.
Visitors come to follow the 'scarecrow trail', solving clues along the way. It's great fun (especially for families), and the creativity on display is astounding, ranging from amusing scenes to intricate life-sized figures. Even outside festival time, a few scarecrows occasionally remain, lending Kettlewell a whimsical charm year-round.
Festival aside, Kettlewell provides excellent walking opportunities. From here, you can ascend Great Whernside (one of Yorkshire's taller peaks at 704 m) or embark on the more moderate hike up to Starbotton Fell for stunning views of Wharfedale.
A lovely half-day walk is a loop from Kettlewell to the nearby hamlet of Starbotton and back along the River Wharfe - you will experience valley scenery one way and higher vantage points on the return. In summer, the riverside near Kettlewell is a delightful spot for a picnic or even a paddle in the clear water.
Kettlewell also served as a filming location for the 2003 movie Calendar Girls - eagle-eyed viewers may recognise the village scenes. It appears Wharfedale villages cannot escape the spotlight!
The Blue Bell Inn, the oldest inn in Kettlewell (est. 1860), boasts a reputation for hearty food and a warm welcome. The Blue Bell serves home-cooked classics - think steak & ale pie or fish & chips - and pours a superb pint of real ale. Its low-beamed ceilings and rustic decor create a quintessential Dales pub experience.
Another option is the Racehorses Hotel, which boasts a lovely riverside beer garden for warm days. For a caffeine fix or a sweet treat, Zarina's Tea Room is a charming little café renowned for its indulgent cakes and proper pots of Yorkshire tea. Whether you're sharing trail stories with fellow hikers at the pub or enjoying a quiet morning coffee while watching village life unfold, Kettlewell's hospitality will leave you smiling.
At the western edge of the national park lies Ingleton, a village famous for its waterfalls and caves. Ingleton rests at the foot of Ingleborough (one of the Three Peaks) and exudes a strong outdoorsy vibe - it's popular with cavers, climbers, and walkers. The limestone geology in this area has endowed Ingleton with some of the Dales' most dramatic underground and overground scenery.
The Twin Falls that form part of the Pecca Falls on the Ingleton Waterfall Trail
Always voted one of the best walks in the UK, the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail starts right from the village. Expect to spend 2-3 hours on this circuit, enjoying waterfall after waterfall - a must-do if you're in the area.
Thornton Force on the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail in the Yorkshire Dales
Another major attraction is White Scar Cave, located just a couple of miles from the village centre. Visiting White Scar feels like stepping into another world: you'll walk through caverns adorned with thousands of stalactites, squeeze through tunnels (hard hat on!), and eventually stand in an immense chamber known as The Battlefield, which is nearly 100 feet high. It is the longest show cave in England and definitely worth the guided tour if you have an hour or two to spare.
Ingleton itself boasts a quaint 19th-century appearance, having developed during the Victorian era, partly due to quarrying and the railway. There are several cafés, pubs, and restaurants, making it perfect for a post-walk treat - we run through most of these towards the end of our Ingleton Waterfalls video.
If you require any gear, the renowned Inglesport shop is here, particularly catering to cavers and climbers. It even boasts a café upstairs, Inglesport Café, which is something of an institution - serving hearty breakfasts, sandwiches, and mugs of tea to adventurers gearing up or winding down.
Due to the extensive cave networks in the hills around Ingleton, such as the Three Counties System and Gaping Gill mentioned earlier, the village has gained a reputation as the caving capital of the Dales. There's even a yearly cavers' folk festival along with a fell race up Ingleborough. However, you don't have to be a spelunker or an athlete to enjoy Ingleton - anyone can appreciate the natural beauty that is accessible here.
The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge walk path heading through some limestone on the way to Ingleborough
A great all-around pub in Ingleton (well, actually Thornton-in-Londsale) is The Marton Arms, on the edge of the village. It's cosy with an eclectic beer selection (over 50 gins too, they boast!) and serves quality meals made from local ingredients. It's dog-friendly and walker-friendly, as you'd expect.
The Wheatsheaf at Ingleton in the Yorkshire Dales
In the village centre, the Three Horseshoes and Wheatsheaf are two other traditional pubs where you can unwind with a pint of Theakston's or Tim Taylor Landlord ale.
The Three Horseshoes pub in Ingleton
For a quick lunch or tea, check out Inglesport Café as mentioned, or Country Harvest, a farm shop/café on the A65 at the edge of town, known for its delicious homemade goods and gifts. After a day exploring caves or conquering Ingleborough's 724 m summit, Ingleton will gladly cater to your hunger and thirst.
Country Harvest at Ingleton
Venturing into the northern Dales, Reeth is the principal village of Swaledale, one of Yorkshire's most stunning and characteristic valleys. Nestled among hills and perched on a broad terrace above the River Swale, Reeth provides sweeping views and a rich tapestry of Dales life. Once a lead mining hub, it is now celebrated for its expansive village green, weekly market every Friday, and as a centre for crafts (there are several artisan shops and studios here).
Reeth's broad green serves as a natural gathering spot - on a sunny day, you'll see people relaxing on benches, children playing, and perhaps even an impromptu cricket match. Surrounding the green are pubs, cafés, and the occasional shop, like the Swaledale Woollens shop, selling garments made from the wool of those curly-horned Swaledale sheep and now in its 50th year. It's easy to envision market days of yore when farmers would bring their sheep and butter to trade here. This unspoiled, laid-back atmosphere makes Reeth a favourite base for walkers exploring Swaledale and Arkengarthdale.
Speaking of walking, from Reeth, you can embark on gorgeous walks such as the Swale Trail, a family-friendly riverside path featuring wildflower meadows and the sound of curlews. A more challenging trek leads up Fremington Edge, the long limestone ridge behind the village - a steep climb that rewards you with unrivalled views over the patchwork of fields below, which are especially lovely in June when the hay meadows blaze with buttercups. The Coast to Coast walking route, soon to become a National Trail, and the Herriot Way both pass through Reeth.
History enthusiasts can explore the nearby remnants of lead mine hushes and caves on Calver Hill or stroll to the hamlet of Grinton, which boasts an ancient church and a youth hostel that was formerly a medieval hunting lodge.
Reeth boasts several fine establishments encircling the green. The Buck Hotel, located at the top of the village, is a friendly pub known for its hearty food and local ales. It's family-run and offers a cosy interior, along with outdoor seating that overlooks the green. Another option is The Black Bull, hailed as Reeth's oldest inn, which also serves home-cooked meals.
If you fancy tea and cake, Overton House Café and Bakery will entice you with its homemade bakes and light lunches crafted from local produce. For a delightful treat, there's a charming toffee shop selling fudges and sweets. After a day of exploring Swaledale's wild beauty - perhaps visiting picture-postcard villages like Muker and Gunnerside further up the dale - returning to Reeth for a relaxing evening at the pub, watching the sunset hues over the surrounding fells, is sheer bliss.
If you're coming specifically for the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, you will likely pass through (or start from) Horton in Ribblesdale. This tiny village in Ribblesdale is the traditional starting point for the classic 24-mile loop that covers Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough.
Don't expect a large town - Horton is essentially a hamlet featuring a train station, a car park, a church, a few farms, a couple of pubs, and a café - yet it has gained almost legendary status among walkers and fell-runners.
Pen-y-ghent's distinctive tiered shape
Horton sits at the foot of Pen-y-ghent, which rises dramatically to the east. There's an undeniable buzz here on summer weekends as groups set off at dawn, attempting to conquer the Three Peaks in under 12 hours. Historically, challengers would clock in at the Pen-y-ghent Café on Horton's main street, which featured an old Victorian clocking-in machine to stamp their start and finish times. That café sadly closed in 2018, but its legacy endures - many still take a photo by its sign, and it holds a place in Three Peaks folklore.
The now closed Pen-y-ghent Café at Horton in Ribblesdale
For those not in a rush, Horton is a delightful place to linger. The local church, St. Oswald's, features a graveyard that holds the resting places of some of the navvies (railway workers) who perished while constructing the nearby Ribblehead Viaduct in the 1870s - a touching bit of local history.
The Settle-Carlisle Railway stops at Horton station, making it easily accessible by train and enhancing its charm. Several shorter walks also begin here.
Horton in Ribblesdale train station, which is on the Settle to Carlisle railway line
A popular one is the loop to Hull Pot, a massive collapsed cavern on the flank of Pen-y-ghent that forms an open pit - quite impressive, especially after rain when a waterfall cascades into it. Besides being part of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, many people just walk the shorter loop, taking in Pen-y-ghent and Hull pot, before returning to Horton.
Hull Pot near Pen-y-ghent
Horton in Ribblesdale thankfully has sustenance for weary hikers. The Golden Lion is a classic 17th-century inn right in the village, offering simple rooms and hearty food and drink. It's a perfect walker's pub - dog-friendly, muddy-boots-friendly, with a drying room and a well-earned pint always waiting.
Another pub in Horton is the Crown Hotel, which similarly caters to the outdoor crowd with hearty meals and local ales. There is also the Blindbeck tea room, and just outside Horton is Middle Studfield Farm tearoom, which offers some outdoor seating with a view. We look at these at the end of our Pen-y-ghent from Horton in Ribblesdale video.
Of course, there are many other villages we could mention - each dale has its gems. There's Muker in Swaledale, small but renowned for its incredible hay meadows and a craft shop selling the distinctive hand-knitted Swaledale wool sweaters. There's Dent in Dentdale, with its cobbled streets and the birthplace of geologist Adam Sedgwick (Dentdale actually lies in the part of the park that's in Cumbria).
Sedbergh, just outside the park's western edge, is England's official book town, featuring numerous second-hand bookshops and a grand school - a delightful stop if you're heading toward the Lake District. And on the fringes of the southern Dales, Skipton ('Gateway to the Dales') is a bustling market town with a splendid medieval castle and canal boat trips. Each place has its own stories and charms - part of the fun is discovering them as you go.
The common theme is that wherever you roam in the Dales, you're sure to find a warm welcome, a bit of history, and a spot for tea or a pint when you need it!