Hawes Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Hawes, a charming town nestled in the heart of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales National Park in England, is a haven for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. With its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality, Hawes offers a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Surrounded by rolling hills and lush green valleys, Hawes is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The town is a gateway to numerous hiking trails, including the famous Pennine Way, where visitors can explore the rugged beauty of the Yorkshire Dales. From gentle strolls along the River Ure to challenging climbs up the nearby peaks, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

One of the town's highlights is the iconic Wensleydale Creamery, where visitors can learn about the art of cheese-making and indulge in the award-winning Wensleydale cheese. A visit to the creamery is a sensory experience, with the enticing aroma of freshly made cheese filling the air. The interactive museum takes visitors on a journey through the history of the cheese, from its humble beginnings to its popularity today.

For those interested in history, a visit to the Hawes Museum is a must. Housed in a former railway station, the museum showcases the rich heritage of the town and the surrounding area. From exhibits on traditional Dales life to displays on the famous Yorkshire Dales railway, the museum offers a fascinating insight into the region's past.

To truly immerse yourself in the local culture, a visit to the Hawes Market is highly recommended. Held every Tuesday, the market is a vibrant hub of activity, where locals and visitors come together to buy fresh produce, handmade crafts, and local delicacies. It's the perfect place to pick up a unique souvenir or simply soak up the lively atmosphere.

As the day draws to a close, visitors can unwind in one of the town's cozy pubs or enjoy a traditional Yorkshire meal in one of the charming restaurants. With its welcoming atmosphere and hearty cuisine, Hawes offers a taste of true Yorkshire hospitality.

Alternative names: Population: ~890 pplElevation: 794 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 54°18'15"N, 2°11'55"W

Location

EnglandUnited Kingdom

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Hawes Top Attractions

Hawes Attractions - What to See and Explore

Hawes offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Hardraw Force, Gayle Mill, Wain Wath Force, East Gill Force. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Natural attraction • Waterfall • Park
Hardraw Force
Hardraw Force is a waterfall on the Hardraw Beck in Hardraw Scar, a wooded ravine just outside the hamlet of Hardraw, 0.9 miles north of the town of Hawes, Wensleydale in the Yorkshire Dales. The Pennine Way long distance footpath passes close by.
Historical and heritage tours • Classes and workshops • Museum
Gayle Mill
Gayle Mill, dating from about 1784, is thought to be the oldest structurally unaltered cotton mill in existence. It is located in the Wensleydale hamlet of Gayle, England, 1 mile south of the market town of Hawes. It lies within the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Nature • Natural attraction • Waterfall
Wain Wath Force
Wain Wath Force is a waterfall on the River Swale in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, North Yorkshire, England. The falls are at grid reference NY883015, 0.6 miles upstream from the hamlet of Keld which has three other waterfalls in its vicinity.

Nature • Natural attraction • Waterfall
East Gill Force
East Gill Force is a waterfall in Swaledale, 330 yards east of the hamlet of Keld, in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, North Yorkshire, England.
Nature • Natural attraction • Waterfall
Kisdon Force
Kisdon Force is a series of waterfalls on the River Swale in Swaledale, England. The falls are situated within the Yorkshire Dales National Park in the county of North Yorkshire, 500 metres downstream from the small hamlet of Keld at grid reference NY898010.
Gothic Revival architecture • Church
St Mary and St John's Church
St Mary and St John's Church, Hardraw is a Grade II listed parish church in the Church of England in Hardraw, North Yorkshire.
Specialty museum • Museum
Dales Countryside Museum
The Dales Countryside Museum is a local museum for the Yorkshire Dales National Park in Northern England. Run by the National Park Authority, it tells the story of the people who have lived and worked in the Yorkshire Dales for over a 1,000 years.
Natural attraction • Waterfall • Park
Cotter Force
Cotter Force is a small waterfall on Cotterdale Beck, a minor tributary of the River Ure, near the mouth of Cotterdale, a side dale in Wensleydale, North Yorkshire, England.
Church • Gothic Revival architecture
St Margaret's Church
St Margaret's Church is a Grade II listed parish church in the Church of England in Hawes, North Yorkshire.
Landmark region with moors and mountains
Wensleydale
Wensleydale is the dale or upper valley of the River Ure on the east side of the Pennines, one of the Yorkshire Dales in North Yorkshire, England.
Nature • Natural attraction • Waterfall
Catrake Force
Catrake Force is a waterfall on the River Swale in North Yorkshire, England. It is not visible from the road but is accessible via a campsite in Keld.
54°18'9"N • 2°11'23"W
Carrs Billington
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54°18'11"N • 2°11'23"W
Chapel Gallery
Museum
Mountain pass • Nature
Buttertubs Pass
The Buttertubs Pass is a high road in the Yorkshire Dales, England. The road winds its way north from Simonstone near Hawes towards Thwaite and Muker past 20-metre-deep limestone potholes called the Buttertubs.
54°19'41"N • 2°8'6"W
Low Abbotside
Low Abbotside is a civil parish in the Richmondshire district of North Yorkshire, England. It is a rural parish on the north side of Wensleydale. There is no village in the parish. The population was estimated at 110 in 2012.

Day trips

Hawes – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Hawes, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Gordale Scar (Malham), How Stean Gorge (Nidderdale AONB), Fountains Abbey (Ripon).

16 milesS
Natural attraction, Nature, Canyon
Gordale Scar, Malham
Gordale Scar is a dramatic limestone ravine located near the village of Malham in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, United Kingdom. Carved out by water over thousands of years, this imposing natural wonder is a magnet for tourists, hikers, and geology enthusiasts.
17 milesSE
Canyon
How Stean Gorge, Nidderdale AONB
Nestled in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, How Stean Gorge offers a natural spectacle that beckons the adventurous spirit. This dramatic limestone ravine, carved out over thousands of years by water erosion, is located in the scenic area of Nidderdale AONB, United...
28 milesSE
, Gothic architecture, Monastery
Fountains Abbey, Ripon
Nestled in the scenic valley of the River Skell, Fountains Abbey is a breathtaking historical gem located near the city of Ripon, in North Yorkshire, United Kingdom. This majestic monastery, which dates back to the 12th century, is one of the largest and best-preserved...
16 milesS
Unique rock formation and scenic views
Malham Cove, Malham
Nestled in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, Malham Cove is a breathtaking natural limestone formation that has been a magnet for tourists in the United Kingdom. This majestic cliff, with its sheer face rising about 80 meters high, is a testament to the power of water...
32 milesNE
Museum
Locomotion, Shildon
Locomotion, nestled in the historic railway town of Shildon in County Durham, England, is a must-visit destination for train enthusiasts and history buffs alike. This captivating museum celebrates the rich heritage of the railways, which played a pivotal role in the...