Attractions & Places Of

Interest

The Village of Aysgarth

Aysgarth is an attractive village in the heart of Wensleydale and is situated between the market towns of Hawes and Leyburn in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Aysgarth is best known for its breathtaking triple flight of waterfalls carved out by the River Ure. The three waterfalls (upper, middle and lower falls) make a dramatic spectacle after heavy rain as the river tumbles furiously over the limestone shelves. The Upper Falls were the setting for the fight scene between Robin Hood and Little John in the 1991 film, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves starring Kevin Costner. Located approximately half a mile from Cornlee Bed & Breakfast, the waterfalls may be accessed on foot either by a surfaced footpath or a pleasant walk across open fields. For those who prefer to drive to Aysgarth Falls, the National Park Centre, located between the upper and middle falls provides a wealth of information for visitors together with a large car park, shop and café. A well- defined footpath in the woodland links the waterfalls, and in spring and summer the area is carpeted with wild flowers. High above the waterfalls stands the imposing St Andrews Church, which is surrounded by the one of the largest churchyards in England. At the western end of the village is the Edwardian Rock Garden, commissioned in 1906 by wealthy local entrepreneur Francis Sayer-Graham who also built the building of Cornlee B&B in 1899.

Bolton Castle – 3 Miles

Built in the 14th century, this 'castle' was initially built as an impressive home. Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned here in 1568 and visitors can see the bedchamber in which she is thought to have stayed. Climb to the top of Bolton Castle for splendid views across Wensleydale.

Hardraw Force – 9 Miles

This has the highest single drop of any waterfall in England. Located in the hamlet of Hardraw, visitors pass through the Green Dragon pub to access a footpath leading through woodland to the waterfall. Charles Blodwin once walked over Hardraw Force on a tightrope, stop half-way to cook and omelette.

Wensleydale Railway – 3 Miles

This runs from Redmire to Leeming Bar stopping at Leyburn and Bedale en route - a total distance of 17 miles through scenic countryside. Wensleydale Railway was reopened in 2003 and runs passenger services and special events from April to December.

West Burton – 2 Miles

This is a delightful village boasting one of the largest village greens in England. The village is a throwback to a bygone era - watch the locals play quoits on a summer evening. A short stroll from the village centre is the majestic waterfall known as Cauldron Falls

Hawes – 9 Miles

This is a popular tourist market town with a good range of facilities and places of interest. Watch real Wensleydale Cheese being made at the Wensleydale Creamery and enjoy the free samples at the visitor centre. The Dales Countryside Museum, housed in the former railway station, tells the stories of the people and landscape of the Yorkshire Dales both past and present. Market day is Tuesday.

Askrigg – 4 Miles

This is a pretty village famous for its setting as the fictional ‘Darrowby’ in the television series, All Creatures Great and Small based on the books of James Herriot.

Middleham – 9 Miles

This is a centre for racehorse training with a dozen separate stable yards (the number of stabled horses equals approximately half the population of the village). The village is dominated by its castle, which was built in 1170 and was once the home of a young Richard III. Farther afield, the towns of: Richmond (15 miles), Ripon (20 miles), Harrogate (25 miles) and Skipton (25 miles) offer good shopping facilities together with a host of historical features and places of interest.