Nestled peacefully along the upper reaches of the River Ure, this charming village stands as an ideal haven for food fans..

Whilst Wensleydale’s renowned cheese often springs to mind, this delightful Yorkshire settlement offers far more attractions and activities to explore.

Uniquely, Wensleydale is among the rare dales not christened after its waterway, deriving its title instead from the historic market town of Wensley.

The village resides within the stunning Yorkshire Dales National Park, home to the celebrated Wensleydale Creamery, located in the Hawes district. Those who venture here can experience the acclaimed Flagship Cheese Experience and Visitor Centre, honouring a rich legacy of nearly 1,000 years of traditional artisan  cheese production.

The recipes, refined across generations and utilising fresh regional milk, follow customs harking back to when Cistercian monks introduced cheesemaking to the locality. The landscape proves particularly suited to dairy farming – a spacious, open valley carved by ancient glaciers, with its expansive river providing ideal conditions for grazing cattle.

One recent guest at the creamery described their visit as a “cheese lover’s dream”. They remarked: “The cheese is delicious, and you can taste a huge variety both in the tasting room and in the cafe!”.

“Especially enjoyed the traditional Wensleydale cheeses with added dried fruits, including apricots, blueberries and cranberries. Next time we’d definitely do the cheese experience and eat in the restaurant too!”

The unique terrain of Wensleydale is what gave birth to the beloved cheese cherished by Brits, and its stunning natural surroundings continue to enrich the area every single day.

Among its most captivating attractions are the Aysgarth Falls, a natural wonder that enchants numerous visitors who explore the area on foot. A recent visitor to the location described it as “Beautiful. Unspoiled. Not commercialised.”

They shared on TripAdvisor: “It had rained heavily overnight, and the falls were spectacular. Ignore what AI says about the distance from the visitor centre car park – it’s a gentle stroll through woodland to the middle falls.”

While exploring Wensleydale, you’re also likely to discover “the strangest place” in the world, better known as The Forbidden Corner. This attraction features an extraordinary maze of tunnels, concealed pathways, sculptures, water installations and numerous curiosities nestled within its mysterious gardens.

The Yorkshire Dales destination is packed with peculiar features including the temple of the underworld, a glass pyramid, and sculptures depicting various historical periods. It makes for a perfect family excursion that keeps you immersed in nature whilst providing a far more fascinating experience.

With its compelling heritage, excellent culinary options and vast countryside, it delivers an ideal combination of tradition and charm in the Yorkshire Dales. Who would have thought that so much could be tucked away in the valleys, right on your doorstep, whether it’s for a day trip to one of its numerous attractions or a staycation to discover everything?