Situated in the north of England, the Yorkshire Dales is one of Britain's most stunning areas and it encompasses the 680 square miles of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, as well as a further 233 square miles that form the Nidderdale Area of Natural Beauty. Its attractive landscape contains many fascinating natural features such as high fells, heather moors and waterfalls, intersected by the network of dry stone walls that is such a part of the Dales landscape. It has huge drawing power, bringing in more than thirteen million visitors every year and is particularly popular with walkers and cyclists. The Yorkshire Dales is rich with history and tradition and there are many ancient market towns and stone-built villages to visit. There are many different types of Dales hotels available to the visitor, including establishments in towns, villages and those in much more remote settings.
Depending on the length of time available to the visitor, it's possible to cover a multitude of activities and sight-seeing here. From the dramatic architecture of Fountains Abbey to the equally impressive Bolton Castle, or from Harlow Carr gardens to the fascinating Ripon Workhouse Museum, there is always something to see. Skipton, Middleham, Richmond and Knaresborough all have castles where visitors can soak up the history. Many towns hold regular market days and often local produce is available at Farmers' Markets such as those in Grassington, Thirsk and Settle.
The Dales has a rich cultural programme. Harrogate's International Centre plays host to some exciting classical music events and the town's theatre has a regularly changing programme of drama and entertainment. There's something a little different in the town of Richmond, where Britain's most complete Georgian Playhouse dates from 1788. Tours of the building are available and the 18th century auditorium is well worth a visit. A full programme of performance events takes place here as well, since the theatre was restored and reopened in the 1960's.
The visitor will find that in the Dales hotels offer a variety of services and facilities to meet their needs. In keeping with the tradition and history of this area, many provide accommodation in old and interesting buildings. Traditional inn accommodation is available in many locations across the Dales and as well as the comfort and charm long associated with this type of establishment, there's also the chance for a relaxed evening in the bar where visitors can enjoy home-cooked meals in a less formal atmosphere.
For those visitors looking for something a little more out of the ordinary when they visit the Dales hotels here have much to offer. It is possible to stay and enjoy the grandeur and luxury of a former stately home, or take in the wonderfully relaxing atmosphere of a country house hotel. Boutique hotel accommodation is also available for a stylish and romantic stay.
Full English or Continental breakfasts are offered according to taste and appetite and often special dietary requirements can be catered for, especially when advance notice is given. In the larger establishments, evening dining facilities will be available, with a variety of cuisines. Many hotels pride themselves on making use of locally sourced produce and the Yorkshire Dales can certainly provide that, from succulent lamb to seafood caught off the East Coast and cheese from the famous Hawes creamery in Wensleydale.
Dales hotels are often full of character, reflecting the history of these parts, but at the same time guests expect high standards and modern facilities. Free parking is often available, which will be especially valuable to the self-drive visitor and hotels now offer non-smoking rooms as standard. Many family rooms are charged at a flat rate rather than per person, which can make booking a stay more economical when a number of children have to be accommodated. Wi Fi internet access is usually available at hotels and although sometimes a charge is levied for this, it is also often included as part of the accommodation charge. Most rooms in Dales hotels will offer complementary features such as television and tea and coffee making equipment, along with en suite facilities and toiletry supplies.
Catering to guests from Britain and abroad, Dales hotels have a wealth of possibilities for the visitor and all establishments will be happy to provide information and advice on suitable activities and places to visit.
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