Book a country cottage and stay in one of the loveliest places in the Yorkshire Dales. With its name coming from the 90km long River Nidd, the Celtic word for ‘Brilliant’, Nidderdale is one of the UK’s most spectacular Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and certainly lives up to its expectant nametag.
View holiday cottages in Nidderdale, Yorkshire
Holiday in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales
Nestled neatly in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, Nidderdale boasts some of the finest countryside and landscapes in the whole of Great Britain. This stunning scenery can all be visibly seen by The Nidderdale Way, a 53-mile-long circular walk that runs along the length of the whole area. Walkers and cyclists attempting to cover some if not all elements of the journey can stop off at local villages such as Glasshouses, Summerbridge and Small Mills. All of which provide the tourist in question that sparkling insight into what life is like as a Yorkshireman.
Visit Pateley Bridge
Pateley Bridge is another renowned place of interest along this famous green meadowed route. Although a small market town, it is monumental in history and culture. Along its High Street for example, you will find a traditional yet eclectic mix of independent retail shops which provide a spectacular setting for visitors of all ages. As well as having the Oldest Sweet Shop In England, which at 200 years old is accredited in The Guinness Book Of Records for exactly that, Pateley Bridge also boasts Weatherheads Butchers, awarded UK Champion Butcher as recently as four years ago.
Just across from High Street is another must visit for those wanting to delve more into Nidderdale life. Winner of a National Heritage Museum Of The Year award, the Nidderdale Museum showcases a vast collection of artefacts which reflect the lives of its local citizens through the ages. Its eleven renowned exhibits include an original Cobbler’s shop, a Victorian parlour and life in Nidderdale during World War 1 and 2. A museum lovers dream, this is a fantastic exhibition that’s not to be missed during your trip to God’s Own Country!
Nidderdale is as noticeably stunning above ground as it is underground. The Coldstones Cut, located on Greenhow Hill is Yorkshire’s latest, largest and highest free visitor attraction. Perched at an impressive height of 1375 foot above sea level, this exceptional sculpture created by English artist Andrew Sabin represents a series of platforms overseeing the spectacular and fully functional Coldstones Quarry. Wanting to grab a bite to eat after these heady heights? The Toft Gate Barn Café is situated just below The Cut. A popular stop off for walkers, cyclists and those appreciating the area’s idyllic views, the café is well known amongst the locals for its hearty cooked breakfasts and deliciously homemade selection of cakes. Likewise, the Stump Cross Caverns, discovered in 1860 by miners looking for lead seams in the Yorkshire Dales are well worth a visit during your time in Nidderdale. As you wander around the deep, dark depths of 20 metres below sea level admiring the incredible geological formations of stalagmites and stalactites, you will discover some amazing facts about the caves such as Geoff Workman’s 105-day world record for the longest time spent underground in 1963.
Find the gorilla, eagle and dancing bear in Nidderdale
If it’s weird and wonderful rock formations that you and your family love, then exploring nature’s playground at Brimham Rocks is an enjoyable day out. With its dramatic natural landscape and famously fresh Yorkshire countryside air, Brimham Rocks is a climbers’ paradise and one that you are actively encouraged to tackle. Will you be able to identify rocks like the Dancing Bear, the Eagle and the Gorilla as you bravely boulder? Whether you’re interested in Bouldering, Weaseling, Abseiling or Roped Climbing, climbing has become an activity that’s become increasingly popular with thrill seekers and those wanting to explore nature in the most adrenaline junkie way. Whatever floats your boat, local business Harrogate Climbing Centre can provide regular, professionally trained sessions to all capabilities and will strive to help you appreciate the Nidderdale scenery that little bit further.
Climbing isn’t the only activity that creates an active stir in Nidderdale life. How Stean Gorge in Upper Nidderdale is the number one place for all types of nail-biting adventure in the Yorkshire Dales. With diverse experiences such as Heli-Canyoning, High Wire Adventures and Gorge Walking among its amazing artillery as well as overseeing the spectacular surrounding limestone scenery, Nidderdale is one place where your bucket list could be all but ticked off.
A noticeable shining light in Yorkshire and at a vast size of 600km squared, Nidderdale really is one place that can’t be ignored by tourists that want to explore the greatness of Great Britain and to see the whole package of an interesting history and a plethora of engaging present-day activities. With the whole family catered for, who could resist a day, weekend or even a fun filled week in the heart of God’s Own Country?