Best Days Out in the Yorkshire Dales — 11 Ideas for All Weathers

The Yorkshire Dales is walking country first and foremost — but there's far more to a day here than a hike and a pub. Caves, waterfalls, steam railways and proper family attractions mean you can build a great day whatever the sky is doing. Here are eleven.

The natural showstoppers

Malham Cove & Gordale Scar

A vast curved limestone cliff with a "limestone pavement" on top that Harry Potter fans will recognise. The walk from Malham village takes in the Cove, the waterfall at Janet's Foss and the ravine at Gordale Scar in a superb 4-mile loop. Free, and the best day out in the Dales when it's dry.

Aysgarth Falls

Three sets of waterfalls over broad limestone steps, with easy, mostly-flat paths between them — the most family-friendly waterfall walk in the Dales, and a Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves filming location for the trivia fans.

Underground (perfect for rain)

White Scar Cave, Ingleton

The longest show cave in Britain — an 80-minute guided tour past underground waterfalls and a cavern the size of a cathedral. Bring a jacket; it's cold down there, which is exactly why it's a great hot-day or wet-day option.

Ingleborough Cave, Clapham

A gentler show cave reached by a lovely walk through the wooded Ingleborough Estate — a good option for younger kids who'd find White Scar's steps a stretch.

On rails and wheels

Settle–Carlisle Railway & the Ribblehead Viaduct

One of the great railway journeys in England, crossing the 24-arch Ribblehead Viaduct high over the moor. You can ride the line, or just walk to the viaduct from the Station Inn for the classic photo and a sense of the scale.

Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway

A restored steam line near Skipton — pair it with a day at Bolton Abbey (below) for a proper kids' day out.

For families

Bolton Abbey Estate

Stepping-stones across the River Wharfe, the ruined priory, riverside walks and the Strid (a dramatic — and genuinely dangerous, so hold hands — narrowing of the river). A whole day of low-cost outdoor fun for the price of parking.

The Forbidden Corner, near Middleham

A one-of-a-kind labyrinth of tunnels, follies, chambers and surprises built into a Dales garden — kids adore it. Pre-booking is essential; it sells out.

The rest of the eleven

10. Wensleydale Creamery, Hawes — cheese-making viewing gallery and unlimited tasting; yes, it's the Wallace & Gromit one.
11. Brimham Rocks (National Trust) — surreal balancing rock formations kids can scramble over for free.

Practical notes

Dales weather is changeable and the tops are exposed — pack layers and waterproofs even in summer. The show caves (White Scar, Ingleborough) and the Forbidden Corner need advance booking in peak season and school holidays. Mobile signal is patchy across the National Park, so download your route and check opening times before you set off.