Holiday rentals in Hawes

Stepping into the streets of this North Yorkshire market town is like stepping back in time. A market was first recorded here in 1307, and Hawes still has a distinctly antiquated air, with chocolate-box cottages and winding cobbled streets. The town is nestled in the valley of the River Ure and surrounded by the staggering beauty of the Yorkshire Dales. Both the headquarters of North Yorkshire Dales National Park and the Dales Countryside Museum are situated in the town, making it the ideal place to start your exploration of the falls, fells, and valleys that lie within walking distance.

But before you head off anywhere there’s one item that you can’t, and mustn’t, ignore: cheese. Hawes is the centre of the world’s Wensleydale cheese supply. In fact, legally, you can only make Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese in this area. A visit to the creamery where this delicious delicacy is manufactured is an essential part of the Hawes experience. Once fuelled up on fromage, then hit the Pennine Way, the 267-mile route that travels from the Peak District to the Scottish Borders.

Unless you are an extreme hiker, you probably won’t enjoy traipsing around the Yorkshire Dales during the depths of winter. There’s a pretty good chance you might see some inclement weather whenever you stay in one of the area’s holiday cottages, so make sure your waterproofs are always handy. Spring and autumn are great times to visit, but during the summer, you’ll experience the Dales in all their glory, albeit also at their busiest. Every second Sunday in September you’ll encounter the Hardraw Scar Brass Band Festival, which takes place in a gorge just outside of town, providing the perfect acoustical surroundings. And every Tuesday throughout the year, you’ll discover the local market, a bustling trading post for artisanal food producers and craftspeople from neighbouring towns offering the finest fare.

Wensleydale Creamery

Whether you’re a cheese fanatic or a mere nibbler, a visit to the orbiting centre of the Wensleydale universe is a must. Dairy products have been made in the area since 1150. You can watch your favourite creamy delight being created by experts, stock up at the gift shop, or dive into some cheesy gastronomic treats at its award-winning restaurant.

Dales Countryside Museum

Discover the history of the region and the people at its heart at this fascinating museum, located next to the town’s former railway station. Artefacts from the area’s history (and prehistory) are on display, from Bronze Age weaponry to fell running equipment. The building also contains the Hawes National Park Centre, where you can find helpful resources on walking routes and local attractions.

Squirrel Spotting

No indoor attraction in the Yorkshire Dales is going to top the gorgeous, bucolic countryside that surrounds it. But if you want to add some purpose to your ramblings, then set out to see the delightfully cute, but quite mysterious, red squirrels that are slowly starting to thrive in the area after years of decline. In Snaizeholme, just outside of Hawes, there’s a dedicated red squirrel viewing area where you might just catch a glimpse of these elusive beasts.