Hawes, a charming market town in the Yorkshire Dales, offers stunning landscapes, Wensleydale cheese, cobbled streets, and rich history. Find out about all the incredible things to do in Hawes.
Hawes, Yorkshire Dales, England | UK
You have probably seen a photo of Hawes on Instagram as it is one of the prettiest villages in the Yorkshire Dales. Surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of the Yorkshire Dales, the tiny village of cobblestones and traditional stone houses is straight out of a picture book. Rolling green hills criss-crossed by dry stone walls, dramatic limestone formations, and lush valleys add to the beauty of Wensleydale, one of the dales that make up the Yorkshire Dales. Its name, derived from the Old Norse word “hals,” meaning “neck” or “pass between mountains,” reflects its strategic location at the head of Wensleydale.
We decided to visit Hawes on a whim, so enchanted we were by the photos we saw on the internet. The fact that it had a YHA only sweetened the deal! We absolutely loved spending two days in Hawes and finding out about all the things to do in Hawes; it has retained its historic charm, with its winding streets, traditional buildings, and picturesque surroundings. Despite the number of travellers passing through, we distinctly felt that Hawes has a very strong sense of a community and a certain pride in it’s slower pace of life. We took the hint and didn’t do much, just explored the village, went on leisurely walks, spent cosy evenings at local pubs, and marvelled at sunsets that painted the old stone walls in bold strokes of crimson and gold. It reminded us so much of our trips to the Lake District and our wonderful stay at the YHA in Borrowdale. Hawes was a dream, and we’re already thinking of our return to unwind in its peaceful atmosphere for a much longer stay.
Things to Do in Hawes
- Where is Hawes
- How to Reach Hawes By Public Transport
- Where to Stay in Hawes
- Top Things To Do in Hawes
- Explore the Market Town of Hawes
- Visit the Wensleydale Creamery
- See the Red Squirrels at the Snaizeholme Red Squirrel Viewing Area
- Visit the Mill at Gayle
- Soak in the Scenic Beauty of Wensleydale
- Walk Sections of the Pennine Way
- Visit the Dales Countryside Museum
- Go Chasing Waterfalls in Wensleydale
- Shop for Antiques in Hawes
- Go on a Pub Crawl in Hawes
- Try Local Yorkshire Food
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Where is Hawes
Hawes is a picturesque market town in North Yorkshire, England. At 850 feet above sea level, it is said to be England’s highest market town. It is located in Wensleydale, one of the forty dales that make up the scenic Yorkshire dales.
How to Reach Hawes By Public Transport
Hawes is easily accessible by public transport.
BY TRAIN | The easiest way to reach Hawes is by train. The nearest station is Garsdale on the scenic Carlisle – Settle route. Direct services to Hawes are available from Leeds and Carlisle daily and a weekly service to Manchester on Saturdays. You can plan a long weekend to spend some time in Hawes and 36 hours in Manchester. The local bus company, Little White Bus, runs connecting services between Hawes and Garsdale daily.
BY BUS | On Sundays, Hawes turns into a hub of buses from different parts of the dales. There are direct services to Swaledale, Ribblehead, Leeds, York, and Northallerton. Daily buses connect Hawes to other parts of the dales including the market town of Richmond.
VISITING HAWES ON A TOUR: If you are short on time but would absolutely love to experience the Yorkshire Dales, consider joining a tour such as this Full-Day Yorkshire Dales Tour from York or this Yorkshire Dales Tour from Windermere.
Where to Stay in Hawes
There are lots of places to stay in Hawes and these are some of the best.
- YHA Hawes: Undoubtedly, one of the best YHAs we have stayed at is YHA Hawes! We stayed in a private room which had lovely views of the dales. Steve, the manager, is a wonderful person and takes great care of the property and of guests. Like all YHAs, they also serve breakfast but the best part is the home-cooked dinners that are made to order and are very, very tasty.
- The Fountain Hotel: Situated in the heart of Hawes, this charming hotel offers lovely views of the dales and comfortable rooms with flat-screen TVs. The hotel features a bar with a selection of cask ales and a traditional bar menu, as well as on-site activities like pool and darts. While we didn’t stay at The Fountain Hotel, we went to the pub and loved it!
- 1 Rose Cottage: If you are looking for a self-catering stay in Hawes, look no further than this traditional 3-bedroom stone cottage in the heart of Hawes. The property offers tastefully decorated rooms and gorgeous views of the dales.
- Simonstone Hall Hotel: If you are seeking a luxurious break, look no further than Simonstone Hall Hotel, 4-star hotel is located a few miles from Hawes. It offers 18 individually designed en-suite rooms with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The in-house restaurant prides itself on freshly-prepared food using locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients.
Top Things To Do in Hawes
There are lots of lovely things to do in Hawes!
Explore the Market Town of Hawes
The pretty village of Hawes enchanted us! Ringed by the rolling green hills of the Yorkshire Dales, Hawes is a market town that is recognised as the region’s highest market town. We arrived on a chilly but clear autumn morning when the town was still awakening from slumber. The season’s first hoar frost covered the ground and a bright blue sky glowed overhead. The bus dropped us off at the centre of town, next to the Co-op where staff was just starting to stock the outdoor produce shelves. Yorkshire-grown beetroots and carrots were piled in all their fresh vibrance. We loved wandering through the cobbled streets of Hawes and exploring its quaint shops and antique stores. We popped into cafes and pubs, and admired the traditional stone buildings characteristic of the north of England. At Elijah Allen & Sons, the local grocery store, we spent hours browsing the wonderful selection of locally made products. We also bought locally-made cakes and cookies to take home.
Hawes Farmers Market: Held every Tuesday, the Hawes Farmers Market draws locals and tourists from the dales and beyond. It is where you can find the best of local produce including seasonal fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and freshly baked goods. There are also craft stalls where you can buy locally-made knitwear, jewellery, and more. There’s no better way to support the local economy and independent producers than at markets like these!
Visit the Wensleydale Creamery
A trip to Hawes isn’t complete without visiting the famous Wensleydale Creamery. Wensleydale Creamery offers guided tours, if you want to learn about the process of cheese-making, and the on-site shop is perfect for picking up some tasty souvenirs. We sampled quite a lot of cheese from the iconic oak-smoked Wensleydale and Original Yorkshire Wensleydale to their more creative offerings such as Blueberry Wensleydale and Mango and Ginger Wensleydale. The gift shop is perfect for picking up a souvenir especially if you are a fan of Wallace and Gromit whom the company credits for saving them from bankruptcy. For the best experience, visit early to avoid the crowds. Don’t forget to snap a photo with the iconic Wensleydale sign and the scenic views from the factory’s café which offers excellent breakfast and lunch options. Their in-house restaurant, Calvert, serves dishes cooked with local Yorkshire produce.
See the Red Squirrels at the Snaizeholme Red Squirrel Viewing Area
No doubt that one of my favorite activities in Hawes is visiting the Snaizeholme Red Squirrel Viewing Area. This tranquil spot lies at the heart of the Widdale Red Squirrel Reserve and offers a rare chance to see these charming creatures in their natural habitat. We took the Little White Bus from the museum to Snaizeholme. The bus dropped us at the entrance and then we had about 2 hours to complete the loop and return to the entrance from where they picked us up again. The viewing area is accessible via a scenic walk and we saw lots and lots of red squirrels. They were adorable. We loved watching them hop and run across the forest floor and up and down the trees! If you stand still, you will see at least one red squirrel! Although we didn’t see one, our bus driver mentioned that deer can wander by. The path, though clearly marked, can be boggy in parts, so make sure to wear appropriate footwear. Don’t forget to bring a good camera with a zoom lens to capture these elusive animals! You can also stay here: the Red Squirrel Haven is a self-catering cottage that offers you a chance to spend a few days with red squirrels and silence for company.
HOW TO VISIT THE SNAIZEHOLME RED SQUIRREL VIEWING AREA WITHOUT A CAR: You can either bike or walk to the entrance but be warned that it is a steep uphill walk the entire way. The Little White Bus offers a daily service from the Dales Countryside Museum to the red squirrels viewing area. Buses run once a day at 11:15 am and cost £9.35 (2024). Make sure that you book in advance to avoid disappointments.
It is recommended that you take the bus even if you have access to a car because parking has to be pre-booked and spaces are very limited.
Visit the Mill at Gayle
A short walk uphill from Hawes is the picture-postcard village of Gayle surrounded by the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales. The idyllic village, with its traditional stone houses reminiscent of English children’s books, straddles the serene Gayle Beck. We walked to Gayle one morning and were mesmerised by the beauty: dappled sunshine on the foliage, clouds floating languidly over hills and dales, birdsong and the gurgling water of the beck as it gently flowed downstream. It isn’t easy to believe that this tranquil village was once a centre for lead mining and textiles. Gayle mill, which dates back to 1784, stands as the sole reminder of Gayle’s industrial past. It started its life as a cotton mill, then was converted to a linen mill where sails and sacking were made. The end of the Napoleonic wars was the death knell for this industry and the mill was given a new life for wool production in 1820. It was converted to a sawmill in 1860. You can visit the mill to see the turbines and learn about the region’s industrial past. The mill is open to the public every Thursday between 10 am and 4 pm.
Soak in the Scenic Beauty of Wensleydale
Wensleydale’s landscapes are breathtaking! The rolling green mountains criss-crossed by caterpillar-like drywalls are absolutely breathtaking. There are gurgling becks and stunning waterfalls at every bend. Picture charming villages like Hawes and Askrigg, with their cozy stone cottages and vibrant gardens that feel like a scene from a storybook. You can almost hear the laughter coming from the local pubs and the gentle bleating of sheep in the fields. In spring, the valleys come alive with colourful wildflowers, while autumn wraps the landscape in warm, golden hues. The air is fresh and crisp, filled with the sounds of babbling streams and chirping birds. Wensleydale isn’t just beautiful; it’s a peaceful retreat where you can soak in the natural beauty and experience the warmth of its welcoming communities.
Walk Sections of the Pennine Way
The Pennine Way is a famous long-distance walking trail in England, stretching 268 miles (431 km) from Edale in the Derbyshire Peak District to Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders and it runs through the Yorkshire Dales. You can walk sections of the Pennine Way on your trip to Hawes. For a relaxing walk, you can follow the Pennine Way from Hawes to Gayles. This stretch may be very short but the scenery is picturesque: you can see the rolling green hills of Yorkshire Dales above the Gayle Beck and the pretty stone houses of Gayle. If you are looking for a more strenuous walk, consider the 15-mile stretch from Hawes in Wensleydale to Thwaite in Swaledale over the summit of Great Shunner Fell. Note that there are limited public transport services between Thwaite and Hawes along the Buttertub Pass. Buses ply on Sundays, or you can pre-book a transfer with Little White Bus on weekdays. A long bus route to return to Hawes is available via Richmond and Leyburn.
Visit the Dales Countryside Museum
One of the best things to do in Hawes is to visit the Dales Countryside Museum. If you want to learn about the local history and regional culture, this museum is the best place to start. There are exhibits showcasing and interpreting the development of the Dales from prehistoric times to the present day. The museum is housed in a converted railway station, adding to its charm, and you can see an old railway carriage here too. It’s open daily, and there’s ample parking on-site. Don’t miss the chance to photograph the historic artefacts and the scenic surroundings.
Go Chasing Waterfalls in Wensleydale
One of the best things to do in Hawes is chasing waterfalls! Wensleydale is home to some stunning waterfalls, and there are at least four waterfalls that you can easily visit either on walks or by using public transport.
- Hadraw Force (40 minutes walk from Hawes or Little White Bus to Green Dragon Inn one way)
- Cotter Force (60 minutes walk from Hawes or Little White Bus to Green Dragon Inn, then 40 minutes on foot one way)
- Aysgill Force (1.5 hours from Hawes round trip)
- Aysgarth Falls (Little White Bus to Aysgarth, then walk to the falls)
Aysgarth Falls and Hardraw Force are must-visits, offering dramatic cascades and serene surroundings. Hadraw Force, England’s largest single-drop waterfall, has a 100-foot drop and is a must-visit! It is a short 45-minute walk from Hawes and is set within the grounds of the historic Green Dragon Inn. Note that there is a £4 entry ticket (2024) to visit the waterfall. Also nearby is the Cotter Force waterfall which is wheelchair accessible and the beautiful Aysgill Force. Aysgarth Falls Park is located in a beautiful woodland park with three waterfalls. It takes about 40 minutes to walk to all the three waterfalls. The best time to visit is after a rainfall when the water flow is at its peak. Bring a tripod for long-exposure shots to capture the silky-smooth water effect!
Shop for Antiques in Hawes
For such a tiny village, Hawes has at least three antique shops! Shopping for antiques in Hawes is a charming adventure that feels like stepping back in time. As you stroll down the picturesque streets, you’ll find delightful shops like The Old Barn Antiques and Wensleydale Antiques, both packed with unique treasures. From vintage furniture to quirky ceramics, each item has its own story, and the friendly shopkeepers are always eager to share.
Go on a Pub Crawl in Hawes
If one is planning for a destination in the Dales, one must also plan for the weather. If the rain is pouring down on Hawes, it’s the perfect excuse for a cozy pub crawl at the town centre. Most of the pubs are situated right next to each other, bringing down the logistical difficulties of a pub crawl to zero. Start at the White Hart, a historic inn with a warm and inviting atmosphere. After a pint or two, head over to the Crown Hawes for a hearty meal by the fire. Next up is the Board Inn, where one can relax and chat with the locals and their canine friends. To finish off the evening, stop by the historic Fountain Hotel (and probably our favourite pub in Hawes) for a nightcap and some more lively conversation. Wensleydale Pantry gets the honourable mention, for you to sneak in the cheeky cocktail!
Try Local Yorkshire Food
We always try local food when we are travelling and this trip to Hawes was no different. A must-try is the famous pies and pasties– we tried the mince and onion pie and it was delicious– from J.W Cockett & Son. If you like something sweet, the Cockett fruitcake is the bestselling item here! If you are staying longer, this is the place to buy meat and sausages to cook a meal. For a hearty Sunday roast, head to the Wensleydale Pantry, known for its comforting dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. They also serve breakfast and we totally regret not ordering their bread and butter pudding because it looked absolutely delicious! For a treat, head to the Green Dragon Inn, a historic pub in nearby Hardraw that offers a warm atmosphere and a fantastic selection of ales paired with traditional Yorkshire fare.
What are your favourite things to do in Hawes?
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