Towns and Villages.

 

Set in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, West Burton is close to many towns and villages to explore.

 

West Burton has a family run butchers, village store & tearooms, pub, antique shop, cat pottery and a new fabric of the fields arts and crafts shop. The village also has other amenities which include a post box outside the village store, a bus service, children’s play area, Methodist chapel and village hall. Cauldron Falls is the main attraction to this village, some people even dare to take a dip in the pools. Children love to build dams and paddle here! In 1816 the falls were visited and painted by J.M.W Turner. It was also the filming location for some of the scenes from the 1997 TV series Ivanhoe.

There are many small towns and villages close to West Burton that are all worth exploring but we have chosen a few of the most popular ones to include in our list.

  Aysgarth (1.5 miles) is a lovely little village with a visitor centre, St Andrew’s Church, yummy tearooms and the beautiful Aysgarth Falls. The Upper Falls at Aysgarth was featured in the popular film ‘Robin Hood The Prince Of Thieves’. The well-known scene where Robin fights with Little John in the water was filmed here.

  Leyburn (8 miles) - Market day is Friday.

Leyburn is our nearest market town. There are plenty of amenities, shops, tourist information and also a children’s play area right at the top of the town walking out into the fields. This is also the route to 'The Shawl’. The legend of the Shawl tells the story of tragic Mary Queen of Scots, who was incarcerated in Bolton Castle for two years. Fleeing from the castle for the safety of Leyburn, she dropped her shawl which betrayed her destination and was recaptured. There is an information board about the Shawl near the bus stops in the Market Place and another information board on the Shawl itself. The Shawl is only a few steps from the Market Place and the view is accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs.

  Hawes ( 11 miles) -Market day is Tuesday.

England’s highest market town. Home to Dales Countryside Museum, Rope makers Museum, Wensleydale Cheese Factory and Gayle Mill is also close by. Hawes is one of our favourite dales market towns. Plenty to see and do. Families will find lots of fun at the nice play area at the bottom of Hawes across from the rope makers. There is also a lovely walk to the next village of Hardraw. Hardraw force being England’s highest single drop waterfall. Featured in ‘Robin Hood The Prince Of Thieves’ with Kevin Costner, the famous clip where he showered naked under the waterfall was in fact Hardraw Force.

  Bedale (18.5 miles)- Market day is Tuesday.

There are many things to do in Bedale starting with Bedale Hall. Take a look around the hall and collect a trail leaflet before you begin the Bedale Heritage Trail. A great way to explore the whole town.

  Richmond (17 miles)- Market day is Saturday.

Richmond is such an interesting town to explore if you like your history. There is a Norman castle to see and St Agatha’s Abbey and Church, Easby just a short and leisurely stroll away. The path to Easby Abbey follows the route of ‘The Drummer Boy Legend’. The full ‘Drummer Boy Walk’ is a 5k circular walk. We are not going to tell you anymore about the legend on here take a visit to find out more. Experience the legend with a Richmond Ghost Walk.

The Ghost Walks last for approximately 1 hour 15 minutes and are suitable for all ages. The walks take place during August on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Please meet at the Turf Hotel or the Friary Gardens (both by the Georgian Theatre) at 6.30pm.Cost £3 Adult, £2.00 children

The Georgian Theatre in Richmond is the oldest working theatre in it's original form. This is definitely a must see for theatre lovers. Check out their website for the latest performances.

Richmond old Victorian railway station is also worth a visit. This lovely riverside building has now been transformed into a cinema, art gallery, cafe and other shops. There are also information points about the history of the station.

  Middleham (9 miles)- Middleham Stables Open Day-Good Friday

Middleham is noted for three outstanding features - its connection with King Richard the Third, its magnificent Castle (King Richard`s childhood home) with the largest keep in the north of England and in more modern times its horse-racing industry.  
There has been a settlement here since Roman times and Middleham is mentioned in the Domesday Book when its name was `Medelai`.  The town is close to the very popular Forbidden Corner. A fab day out for families!

  Masham (18 miles)- Market Day is Wednesday and Saturday.

The present square with its beautiful Georgian houses was created in the 18th century.  The huge market place would originally have been surrounded by thatched cottages and was the site for annual Sheep Fairs with over 80,000

head being sold some years, including animals from the flocks of nearby Fountains and Jervaulx Abbeys. Masham is one of our favourite towns in the area as it is where the Black Sheep ale is brewed. The Theakston Brewery is also situated here. The breweries are run by brothers and they both do brewery tours.

  Ripon (27 miles)- Market Day is Thursday.

The city of Ripon is located in North Yorkshire on the River Ure. Ripon is a beautiful market town that was founded over 1300 years ago, and is famous as an old Cathedral City where monasteries have stood since the 7th Century.
The old city of Ripon is filled with shops, cafes, restaurants, and pubs, and also boasts many historical buildings and museums, including Ripon Cathedral and the Wakeman’s House. The famous Ripon races is also a great day out!
A market is held every Thursday on the Ripon market square next to its 300 year old Obelisk, where the Hornblower will sound his horn at 9 o’clock every night.
Ripon is a wonderful place to visit.