Surrounded by the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, The Blue Lion is the perfect base to explore the countryside
For lovers of walking, birdwatching and history, Wensleydale has it all, and a lot more! Waterfalls, iconic Yorkshire Dales stone walls, old churches, ancient drovers tracks, craft shops and hidden gems. There’s something to see and do for all ages within easy reach of The Blue Lion.
From a family day out to the Wensleydale Creamery, home of Wallace and Gromit’s favourite Yorkshire cheese, to exploring the iconic Dales you’ll never be short of entertainment. Why not take a ride on the Wensleydale heritage steam railway which offers a fantastic day out for all the family?
If you like exploring times past then the heritage site of Jervaulx Abbey is within walking distance along the River Ure footpath or just across the valley is Bolton Castle, which bears the scars of over 600 years of history. Alternatively, we are only a stone’s throw from the outstanding English Heritage run Middleham Castle, childhood home of King Richard lll. Should you fancy some activities closer to home, why not enjoy a spot of fishing on The Blue Lion beat?
The River Ure is well know for its salmon and is the ideal spot for fishing enthusiasts. There’s every reason to remember to bring your camera and binoculars with you. Spotting Red Squirrels at Snaizeholme, enjoying the architecture of the Dales’ famous market towns such as Hawes or Leyburn is a must.
Plus, the natural beauty of the Dales landscape will leave you with memories you’ll not find elsewhere.
After the Dissolution of the Monasteries, Jervaulx Abbey was passed down through numerous families who owned Jervaulx Hall, after years of pillage and then excavations the abbey was turned into a romantic garden for the Hall before being opened to the public. Jervaulx Abbey is open all year round.
Wensleydale Creamery is situated in the market town of Hawes, in Wensleydale, in the heart of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales National Park. The artisan creamery is steeped in heritage and provenance, and home to the iconic creamy, crumbly classic Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese; a cheese that’s as timeless, traditional and universally loved as the beautiful Dale from which it comes. As well as a Visitor Centre and Cheese Shop, guests can enjoy Cheese Making Experiences.
Bolton Castle was a luxurious family home as well as a defensive fortress and, despite being partially ‘slighted’ by Cromwell’s’ men during the Civil War siege, the Castle is preserved in outstanding condition with many interesting rooms and features to discover. These include the Old Kitchens, Dungeon, Solar, Nursery, Armory, Great Chamber and Mary Queen of Scots’ bedroom. About one-third of the rooms are fully intact and the rest of the Castle is almost completely accessible giving visitors great insight into its turbulent past. The castle, gardens and shop are open daily. Plus, visitors can enjoy Falconry experiences.
Black Sheep Brewery was established in 1992 by Paul Theakston when the brewery run by his family for five generations was sold to a national brewer. Paul, fiercely independent, took his own path, becoming the ‘Black Sheep’ of the family by setting up his own brewery in the very same Yorkshire town, Masham. The brewery tours will take you on a journey from the beginning of Black Sheep’s history, right through to the present day. You’ll also get a full insight into how the beers are made, and, of course, enjoy some beer tasting. There’s also an on-site shop where you can pick up beers, gifts and merchandise – as well as Black Sheep Gin and Vodka.
No day out in the Yorkshire Dales would be complete without a visit to Middleham Castle. Once the childhood home of Richard III, you can relive the castle’s illustrious history and unlock the deeds of its great owners. Although roofless, extensive remains of the fortified palace still survive, making Middleham a fascinating castle to explore. Middleham Castle is an English Heritage site and tickets can be purchased via the castle’s website.
