The park
Snaking for thousands of kilometres across the National Park is an unmistakable patchwork of drystone walls. Over 8,000 kilometres of these ancient land boundaries traverse the dales, along with around 6,000 traditional farm buildings.
The area’s long history of livestock farming has given rise to its own livestock breeds, such as the Swaledale sheep, emblem of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Livestock sales and agricultural shows play an important part in the lives of local communities.
Today cheese-makers flourish, building on the traditions of the Cistercian monks who brought their fromage-making skills over from Normandy in the 11th Century.
The world-famous Settle-Carlisle railway runs through the National Park from north to south. Renowned for its evocative Victorian architecture, the line passes over huge stone viaducts, through long tunnels and past remote wayside station buildings.
Thirsty? The Dales has many inns with cosy bar areas, log fires and local ales, including the 17th Century Tan Hill Inn, Britain’s highest pub at 528 metres (1,732 feet) above sea level.
Heathrow 4.5 hours
Manchester 1.5 hours
Hull 2 hours
25%
of England’s remaining flower-rich upland hay meadows and pastures is in the Yorkshire Dales
The English National Parks Experience Collection Brochure
This guide provides you with a source of information on the wide range of contractable experiences available in nine of England’s National Parks.
The Yorkshire Dales National Park Overview
