Yorkshire Dales Road-Trip: A 2-Day Adventure 🚗
Ready to swap city stress for stone villages, cheese tasting, and the kind of views that make you want to chuck your phone and just be? This 2-day Yorkshire Dales road trip is exactly what your soul ordered.
We’re talking rolling green hills, dramatic limestone cliffs, cobbled market towns, and the occasional sheep jam on a narrow country lane (adds to the charm, promise). Whether you’re after a bit of hiking, history, or just fancy grazing your way through the Dales with a wedge of Wensleydale in hand, this little weekend adventure has got it all.
So pack your snacks, queue up your cosiest playlist, and let’s hit the road — Yorkshire’s calling. 🧀🚗🌿
Yorkshire Dales Road-Trip
Spend the weekend exploring the Yorkshire Dales, where rolling hills, quaint hamlets, and rich local culture create the perfect getaway. 🌳🍴
Day 1
📍 Bolton Abbey – Kick off your journey near Skipton at the evocative ruins of Bolton Abbey, steeped in history and surrounded by serene landscapes.
📍 Grassington – Wander the cobbled streets of this charming market village, brimming with cozy cafes and timeless Yorkshire charm.
📍 Malham Cove – Marvel at this stunning limestone amphitheater, a natural gem offering a rewarding hike with sweeping views across the Dales. Fun fact: it’s a iconic spot featured in Harry Potter! 🪄
Day 2
📍 Ribblehead Viaduct – Admire the grandeur of this 24-arch masterpiece, a historic railway viaduct set against dramatic moorland.
📍 Wensleydale Creamery (Hawes) – Dive into cheesy goodness at this renowned creamery, where you can savor the famous Wensleydale cheese, beloved by Wallace & Gromit fans! 🧀
📍 Hardraw Force – Discover England’s tallest single-drop waterfall, a breathtaking cascade tucked away in a scenic gorge. 💧
📍 Buttertubs Pass – Cruise along this thrilling mountain road, soaking in jaw-dropping vistas of the Dales. 🛤️🏍️
📍 Thwaite – Wrap up your adventure in this idyllic village, a perfect spot to relax amid stone cottages and tranquil surroundings. 🏘️
Total Distance: 🚗 60 miles
Recommended Time: ⏰ 2 days
Access to the map
No sign up required and totally FREE. Literally just using Google Maps to plot your route! Saves you messing! We don't gatekeep here! Enjoy.
Map will be located under "YOU" and then under "MAPS".
ℹ️ Add the map to your Google Maps app.
After opening Google maps, click YOU and then scroll down to MAPS. It should be located there. Any issues, just get it touch, it’s no problem!
Additional Information & Highlights
Grassington
A picture-perfect market village with cobbled streets, cosy tea rooms and proper old-school Yorkshire charm.
🗺️ Things To Do:
- Stroll the cobbled high street and browse the local shops
- Grab a scone (or two) from one of the cute cafés
- Visit the Grassington Folk Museum
- Walk down to the River Wharfe for a scenic riverside amble
💡 My Top Tip: If you’re visiting in December, don’t miss the Grassington Dickensian Festival — think mulled wine, carol singers and festive cheer in full Victorian dress. Pure magic.
Wensleydale Creamery (Hawes)
A cheese lover’s paradise in the heart of the Dales — and home to the cheese Wallace & Gromit made famous.
🗺️ Things To Do:
- Taste ALL the cheeses in the tasting room
- Watch cheese being made in the viewing gallery
- Explore the Cheese Museum (yes, really!)
- Shop local goodies in the gift shop or grab lunch at the on-site café
💡 My Top Tip: Try the Yorkshire Wensleydale with cranberries — trust me on this one. Oh, and bring a cooler bag if you’re planning to take any cheese home!
Malham, North Yorkshire
A picture-perfect spot for lovers of natural drama, waterfalls, cliffs, and lush countryside.
🗺️ Things To Do:
- Hike to Malham Cove
- See Gordale Scar and Janet’s Foss
- Walk the circular Malham Tarn trail
- Grab lunch at a cosy local pub
💡 My Top Tip: Arrive early — it’s popular, especially on weekends. And wear good shoes, the limestone paths can be slippery when wet.
Ribblehead Viaduct
An epic railway viaduct with serious wow factor — especially if you catch a train crossing over it.
🗺️ Things To Do:
- Snap some photos of the viaduct with the moors as a backdrop
- Walk the footpaths around the base for different vantage points
- Learn a bit about the Settle–Carlisle railway and how the viaduct was built
- Stop for a drink at The Station Inn nearby
💡 My Top Tip: If you’re into trains, check the timetable for the steam train route — watching it puff across the arches is a proper moment.
Recommended Tours and Tickets From Get Your Guide
Access to the map
No sign up required and totally FREE. Literally just using Google Maps to plot your route! Saves you messing! We don't gatekeep here! Enjoy.
Map will be located under "YOU" and then under "MAPS".
Travel Planning Resources
Ready to book your next trip? These trusted resources have been personally vetted to ensure a smooth travel experience.
Book Your Flights: Kick off your travel planning by finding the best flight deals on Trip.com. Our years of experience with them confirm they offer the most competitive prices.
Book Your Hotel: For the best hotel rates, use Booking.com . For the best and safest hostels, HostelWorld.com is your go-to resource. Best for overall Hotel ratings and bargains, use TripAdvisor.com!
Find Apartment Rentals: For affordable apartment rentals, check out VRBO. They consistently offer the best prices.
Car Rentals: For affordable car rentals, check out RentalCars.com. They offer the best cars, mostly brand new.
Travel Insurance: Never travel without insurance. Here are our top recommendations:
- EKTA for Travel Insurance for all areas!
- Use AirHelp for compensation claims against flight delays etc.
Book Your Activities: Discover walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more on Get Your Guide. They have a vast selection of activities to enhance your trip. There is also Tiqets.com for instant mobile tickets.
Book The Best Trains: Use Trainline to find the most affordable trains or Rail Europe for rail passes!
Travel E-SIMS: Airalo Worldwide! Use your mobile phone anywhere!
Need More Help Planning Your Trip? Visit our Resources Page to see all the companies we trust and use for our travels.
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Author
Nick Harvey
Hi, I am Nick! Thank you for reading! The Travel Tinker is a resource designed to help you navigate the beauty of travel! Tinkering your plans as you browse!
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