Yorkshire Dales property: Where to buy
Home buyers often seek Yorkshire Dales property for its serenity and picturesque surroundings.
The Yorkshire Dales is an area of the Pennines in North Yorkshire. For the most part, they are within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, characterised by sprawling pasturelands broken up by long-standing dry-stone walls.
The Yorkshire Dales is a rural area still largely used for agricultural purposes. Each of the dales has its own characteristics and attractions; Wensleydale is perhaps best known for its cheese and Malhamdale for Malham Cove which attracts visitors year-round.
Yorkshire Dales property is primarily found in villages or small clusters of historic properties known as hamlets. The area appeals to both those seeking a main residence and many who are looking for a holiday home.
Villages in the Yorkshire Dales
The Yorkshire Dales boasts many pretty villages, with picture-perfect stone-built homes and historic buildings within the many villages and hamlets dotted across the region.
Finding the ideal village to suit your lifestyle and requirements can feel overwhelming. Here are some stand-out locations we’d include when searching for a Yorkshire Dales property.
Property for sale Swaledale
Within Swaledale, one of the most northern dales, there are many picturesque villages.
Reeth, Fremington, and Grinton are neighbouring villages in the Yorkshire Dales. They benefit from proximity to the market town of Leyburn and the historic town of Richmond.
These towns offer an excellent selection of amenities, including independent and artisan shops, and a weekly outdoor market. Additionally there are essential services such as a filling station, dentist, and schools ranging from primary to sixth form.
Another benefit of Swaledale villages is their proximity to Scotch Corner and thus easy access to the A1(M).
Here is a little more about some of Swaledale’s villages:
Reeth
Reeth is affectionately known as the ‘capital of Swaledale’ due to its prominent role in the UK’s lead industry.
Situated in a natural amphitheatre, it offers residents breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
The village green forms the centrepiece of Reeth, encircled by charming period homes.
Amenities include a village shop, post office, GP surgery, and bakery. There is a range of dining options, from cosy cafés to traditional pubs and restaurants.
A local primary school and nearby outdoor activities make it an attractive choice for both families and nature enthusiasts looking for Yorkshire Dales property.
Fremington
Fremington is a pretty hamlet a short walk from the amenities and village green of Reeth.
This peaceful settlement is divided into High Fremington, a cluster of homes surrounded by scenic farmland, and Low Fremington, which sits along the B6270.
Low Fremington offers easy access to the renowned Dales Bike Centre, an ideal spot for cycling enthusiasts exploring the area’s numerous trails.
Grinton
Just across the River Swale from Fremington, Grinton is a picturesque village offering a collection of quaint cottages and a tranquil village atmosphere.
Grinton is home to the welcoming Bridge Inn, a traditional pub popular with locals and visitors, and the ancient St. Andrew’s Church, affectionately known as the ‘Cathedral of the Dales’, with roots dating back to medieval times.
A gentle, scenic path connects Grinton with Reeth, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy the natural beauty along the river.
Gunnerside
Gunnerside sits between the River Swale and Gunnerside Beck. Known for its lovely cottages and welcoming community, this attractive village offers a primary school, a tearoom, and the popular Kings Head pub.
Numerous walking routes lead to highlights like the historic mining ruins at Gunnerside Gill and riverside trails to nearby Muker.
Despite its secluded appeal, Gunnerside benefits from good connections to larger centres. Reeth and Hawes are just 7 and 11 miles away, and historic Richmond is around 18 miles to the east.
For those travelling further afield, Darlington mainline station is approximately 31 miles away. The station offers convenient access to London Kings Cross in about 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Muker
Muker is one of the most sought-after villages for those looking for a Yorkshire Dales property in the Swaledale area.
Positioned along both the Coast-to-Coast route and the Pennine Way, Muker is a popular stop for walkers.
The village has a store and tearoom, a traditional pub, a craft shop, a gift shop, and a gallery. Surrounded by Swaledale’s iconic hay meadows and field barns, Muker captures the essence of Yorkshire’s rural beauty.
Families have access to primary schools in nearby Gunnerside and Reeth, with secondary options in Leyburn and Richmond. Private schooling is available at Sedbergh, Barnard Castle, and Aysgarth Prep in Newton Le Willows.
Property for sale Wensleydale
Wensleydale is on the east side of the Pennines. The valley is well known for its cheese, the main production of which is at Hawes.
Aside from the lower part of the dale which is within the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the majority of Wensleydale is within the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It is a very attractive area to focus your search for Yorkshire Dales property.
The villages of Bainbridge and Aysgarth are particularly popular and sought-after places to live.
Bainbridge
Bainbridge is one of the oldest established villages in the Yorkshire Dales, known for its thriving community and picturesque setting around expansive village greens.
This charming village offers a village shop with a post office, a butcher, Metcalfe’s Garage, and the welcoming Rose & Crown Inn. Families are well-served with a primary and nursery school within the village.
Much of Wensleydale’s property is period in style. The characterful stone-built cottages and houses attract many discerning buyers seeking a Yorkshire Dales property.
Bainbridge residents also benefit from the amenities of nearby market towns; Hawes is just 4 miles away, while Leyburn and Richmond are 13 and 20 miles distant.
Aysgarth
Aysgarth is a quaint village set amid the striking landscape of green rolling hills and ancient drystone walls.
One of Wensleydale’s most renowned features is the series of stunning waterfalls at Aysgarth Falls. This captivating three-step cascade along the River Ure winds through the heart of Wensleydale.
The falls are a highlight for visitors and residents, offering a scenic natural attraction that showcases the unique beauty of the Yorkshire Dales.
Aysgarth has day-to-day amenities within the village whilst the town of Leyburn is only 7 miles to the east for a wider selection of shops and facilities.
Living in the Yorkshire Dales
The southern part of the Yorkshire Dales is an attractive prospect for those who commute to the nearby towns and cities. The villages within a short distance of Skipton are particularly popular as the Skipton train station offers services to Leeds, Bradford, and London.
Those seeking Yorkshire Dales property within this southern section have many sought-after villages to consider.
Hetton
Hetton is a highly desirable village in the southern Yorkshire Dales, celebrated for its picturesque setting and excellent accessibility to the nearby market town of Skipton, just 5.5 miles to the south.
Known as home to The Angel Inn, an esteemed restaurant now under the culinary leadership of two Michelin star chef Michael Wignall, Hetton has become a destination for those seeking both fine dining and a quintessential rural lifestyle.
Properties in Hetton benefit from stunning countryside views.
Skipton provides excellent amenities, from high street brands to independent shops, alongside numerous dining options and sporting facilities. Regular train services from Skipton connect to Leeds, Bradford, and onward to London Kings Cross, enhancing Hetton’s appeal for commuters.
Just a short drive from Hetton, the larger villages of Gargrave (4.5 miles) and Grassington (5 miles) offer a variety of everyday conveniences.
Cracoe and Rylstone
Also near to Hetton are the small villages of Cracoe and Rylstone offering local amenities which include a farm shop, primary school and village hall.
The village of Rylstone is known to be the home of the Rylstone & District Women’s Institute who created the calendar which inspired the film Calendar Girls.
Grassington
Grassington is situated around 9 miles north of Skipton. It is a quintessential Yorkshire Dales village with timeless charm and a vibrant community. Grassington comprises cobbled streets and traditional stone cottages, recently gaining additional fans as the fictional “Darrowby” in the popular series “All Creatures Great and Small”.
With a selection of shops, schools, cosy pubs, and cafés, Grassington is well-equipped for both residents and visitors.
There is a reliable local bus service connecting to neighbouring villages and Skipton. Grassington’s location also makes it accessible for those commuting to major business centres in West Yorkshire and East Lancashire, while its surroundings present a variety of outdoor pursuits.
Residents and visitors can explore scenic trails, mountain bike along rugged paths, or venture into limestone caves. If you are looking for a Yorkshire Dales property Grassington is considered one of the best places to live in Yorkshire.
Holiday Homes in the Yorkshire Dales
The Yorkshire Dales has much to offer holiday-goers; with those taking a break here enjoying the quaint villages, open landscapes and the fabulous walks on offer along with the many culinary delights to be found across the region.
For this reason many search for holiday homes in the Yorkshire Dales year-round.
Malham
One of the most sought-after spots in the Yorkshire Dales to own a home as your main residence or as a second home is undeniably Malham. This small, unspoiled village is set in an impressive limestone landscape.
At the source of the River Aire, Malham is surrounded by some of England’s most impressive geological features, including the famous Malham Cove—an 80-metre-high limestone cliff popular with climbers and walkers.
The village is also home to two other natural landmarks: Janet’s Foss, a charming waterfall and pool, and Gordale Scar, a dramatic limestone gorge believed to have inspired Helm’s Deep. A scenic footpath connects these attractions, forming one of the UK’s top walking routes.
Malham offers a close-knit village lifestyle with local amenities including two beloved pubs, the Buck Inn and the Lister Arms.
For families, Malham has a primary school located between Malham and Kirkby Malham, and it lies within the catchment for secondary and grammar schools in Skipton, as well as Settle College. The esteemed Giggleswick School is also a short 20-minute drive away.
Property in Yorkshire
If you’re looking for a Yorkshire Dales property or a home in wider Yorkshire and would like help finding the perfect property in the ideal location our local team of professional property finders would be delighted to assist.
To learn more about our services and to discuss your requirements in greater detail please contact us.
