Where to Visit
There’s so much to discover right here on our doorstep. Whether you fancy a peaceful countryside walk, a scenic drive through the Yorkshire Dales National Park, or a fun-filled family-friendly adventure, New Thornber is perfectly placed for exploring the very best the region has to offer.
Spend your days wandering through charming Yorkshire Dales villages or discovering hidden waterfalls and picturesque picnic spots. With endless walking routes and natural attractions nearby, you’ll have endless opportunities to soak up the beauty of the great outdoors.
However you choose to spend your stay, New Thornber offers the ideal base for relaxing breaks, outdoor adventures and memorable Yorkshire Dales holidays. Its the perfect place to slow down, reconnect, and make lasting memories with family and friends.
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Malham Cove
One of the most impressive adventures you’ll find! Ideal for all ages, this route is simple to follow, making it perfect for families with young explorers. At the end, you’ll be rewarded with Malham Cove’s incredible limestone cliffs - a natural masterpiece offering breathtaking views. Malham Cove also appeared in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 — a must-see spot for any Potter fans!
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Ingleton Waterfalls Trail
A waterfall wonderland - this spectacular 4.5-mile circular route boasts some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the UK. The well-maintained path includes plenty of spots to pause for photos, snacks, or simply to admire the view. There are refreshments at the Falls Park kiosk. The Trail is a fantastic day out for families looking to experience the Dales at their most dramatic.
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Hawes
Hawes is a charming market town, known for its warm welcome and traditional Yorkshire character. It’s home to the famous Wensleydale Creamery, where you can watch the art of cheesemaking in action and taste delicious local favourites, then discover the area’s rich history at the Dales Countryside Museum, or stroll over the fields to visit Hardraw Force, England’s highest single drop waterfall.
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The Yorkshire Three Peaks
The peaks of Ingleborough, Pen-y-ghent and Whernside are among the most iconic landmarks in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Together they form the legendary Yorkshire Three Peaks - attracting walkers from across the country. Many walk the 24-mile route in a single day, whilst others prefer to tackle just one mountain and enjoy the wonderful scenery at a more relaxed pace.
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Bolton Abbey
A wonderful family destination with open countryside, riverside walks, and the historic ruins of the 12th-century priory, it’s perfect for all ages. Children love paddling in the River Wharfe, hopping across the famous stepping stones, and spotting wildlife along the woodland trails. With cafés, picnic spots, and plenty of family-friendly activities, Bolton Abbey offers a full day of adventure.
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Gordale Scar
A dramatic natural wonder! Gordale Scar is a huge limestone ravine near Malham, carved by ancient glacial meltwater. Its towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls make it a favourite spot for walkers, climbers, and photographers alike. The short walk from Malham leads you through breathtaking scenery to the base of the scar where you can appreciate the power of nature.
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Clapham
This picturesque village is beautifully quaint, with the river running through the centre and the prettiest cottages lining the streets. Clapham is a great starting point for adventure, from here you can climb Ingleborough, descend Gaping Gill, walk the nature trail and venture into Ingleborough Cave, scramble over boulders at Norber Erratics or just enjoy a hot chocolate at The Old Sawmill Cafe.
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Aysgarth Falls
The three-tiered waterfalls at Aysgarth have captivated visitors for over 200 years. Nestled within the beautiful woodland of Freeholders’ Wood, the middle and lower falls are especially stunning in late summer and autumn. Renowned for their natural beauty, these iconic falls have also featured on screen — most famously in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, alongside nearby Hardraw Force.
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Bolton Castle
This magnificent medieval fortress offers a glimpse into England’s past. Built in the 14th century, it’s one of the country’s best-preserved castles and once held Mary, Queen of Scots, as a prisoner. Families can explore the grand rooms, climb the towers, and enjoy activities such as archery, falconry, and costumed storytelling. With beautiful gardens, a tea room, and plenty of space for exploring.
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Ribblehead Viaduct
Ribblehead Viaduct is a breathtaking feat of Victorian engineering set amid stunning moorland scenery. Completed in 1875, the viaduct carries the Settle to Carlisle railway across the Ribble Valley on 24 soaring stone arches. Visitors can walk beneath the structure to appreciate its scale. It’s also the main starting point for the climb up Whernside, Yorkshire’s highest mountain.
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White Scar Cave
White Scar Cave is Britain’s longest show cave, offering a fascinating underground adventure. Guided tours take you deep beneath Ingleborough, where you’ll discover impressive caverns, stunning rock formations, underground waterfalls, and ancient stalactites and stalagmites. The highlight is the breathtaking Battlefield Cavern — a vast natural chamber over 330ft long and 100ft high.
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Janet’s Foss
Janet’s Foss is a beautiful woodland waterfall, known for its enchanting, fairy-tale atmosphere. The name “Foss” comes from the old Norse word for waterfall, and legend has it that Janet, the Queen of the Fairies, lived in a cave behind the falls. The short walk through the woodland leads to a crystal-clear pool - perfect for a refreshing paddle, or if your feeling brave, a swim, on a warm day.
Stargazing
With vast open landscapes and minimal light pollution, the Dales offer some of the clearest night skies in the country — making it a fantastic place to begin your stargazing adventure. Thanks to its official status as a Dark Sky Reserve, the Yorkshire Dales is now recognised as one of the best stargazing locations in the world. During certain times of year, it’s even possible to glimpse the Northern Lights (aurora borealis) dancing on the horizon — a rare and unforgettable sight.
Caving
There are over 2,500 caves hidden beneath the Yorkshire Dales, including The Three Counties System — the longest in Britain — and the incredible Gaping Gill, which has one of the largest underground chambers in the country! For a more family-friendly way to explore the Dales’ magical underground world, why not visit one of the local show caves? Both White Scar Cave in Ingleton and Ingleborough Cave in Clapham offer exciting, accessible tours that kids (and grown-ups!) will love.
Scenic Drives
The Yorkshire Dales are criss-crossed with high roads and mountain passes that offer breathtaking views of the valleys and fells below. Among them Buttertubs Pass is perhaps the most famous - a dramatic route linking the market town of Hawes with the charming hamlet of Thwaite. The pass takes its name from the deep limestone potholes that line the roadside - said to have been used by farmers to keep their butter cool.