Nidderdale AONB At the heart of Nidderdale lies the picturesque market town of Pateley Bridge, with its traditional mix of independent retail shops that populate it’s steep little High Street.
Here you’ll find national award winning butchers, the Guinness accredited World’s oldest sweet shop, cosy cafes, tearooms and pubs, all offering a warm Dales welcome that has been the appeal for generations of visitors alike. It’s also a mecca for walkers, cyclists and those keen on a multitude of activity based pursuits like water sports, fishing, pot-holing and rock climbing and with a safe and enclosed children’s play area within it’s Recreation ground, it’s also an ideal location for those with younger families to cater for. Linger a while on a summer Sunday afternoon and you may well be treated to the strains of music in the air, drifting over from the town’s handsome bandstand.
Take a wander around the cobbled streets which you may recognize as they are frequently featured on TV soaps and drama and browse our independent shops: antiques, unique gifts, art, jewellery and lots more. Wash down award-winning pork pies from our excellent butchers with real ale in historic pubs that pre-date the English Civil War.
Otley, discover the town’s rich history, home of the country’s first interior designer Thomas Chippendale, the Wharfedale press that revolutionised the printing industry and quarries that helped build the very foundations of our democracy at the Palace of Westminster.
Hike to the top of the Chevin for breathtaking views over Wharfedale, bring your bike and cycle in the tracks of the Tour de France and Tour de Yorkshire, or walk your dog through scenic woods.
Picnic on the banks of the River Wharfe; see salmon leap over the weir, search for otter swimming upstream and marvel as Daubenton’s bats skim the surface in search of insects on a summer’s eve.
Harrogate is a beautiful Victorian spa town perfect for an elegant weekend away from it all. With majestic buildings housing art galleries and fine antique shops, a morning can easily be whiled away hunting out some treasures to take home before relaxing over lunch in one of the many brasseries or opt for the traditional Betty’s tea room in the heart of the town.
It’s a perfect place for garden lovers with RHS Harlow Carr close by, even in winter the garden comes to life with its Glow Winter Illuminations bringing the garden to life after dark with stunning light displays.
Exploring
- Pateley Bridge – 11 miles
- Malham Cove – 28 miles
- Brimham Rocks – 9 miles
- Bolton Abbey – 13 miles
- Fountains Abbey – 17 miles
- Skipton – 17 miles
- Swinsty Reservoir – 2.5 miles
- Harrogate – 10 miles
- Ilkley for lovely restaurants and shopping on the Grove – also Betty’s! – 12 miles
- Grantley Hall for afternoon tea, spa, eat out – 14 miles
- City of York – 31 miles
- Settle – 33 miles
- Ripley Castle – 10 miles
- Knaresborough for boating and nice pubs – 11 miles
Railway stations / Airport
- Leeds mainline station – 17 miles
- York mainline station – 35 miles
- Harrogate station – 10 miles
- Leeds Bradford Airport – 10 miles
