3 Free Things To Do In Hawes: Exploring Yorkshire Dales on a Budget
Nestled in the heart of Yorkshire Dales National Park, Hawes offers visitors a charming blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. This quaint market town, known for its stunning landscapes and traditional attractions, provides an ideal destination for those seeking memorable experiences without spending a penny.
Visitors to Hawes can enjoy several free activities that showcase the area's magnificent scenery and rich history, making it a perfect destination for budget-conscious travellers.
From picturesque waterfalls to fascinating art galleries, this Yorkshire gem delivers authentic Dales experiences that cost nothing but time and appreciation for the surrounding beauty.
1) Dales Countryside Museum
The Dales Countryside Museum offers visitors a captivating journey through the rich heritage of the Yorkshire Dales.
Housed in a converted Victorian railway station in Hawes, the museum showcases the fascinating story of the Dales and its people throughout history.
While adults pay an admission fee, children can visit completely free of charge. This makes it an excellent option for families looking to explore the cultural heritage of the area without breaking the bank.
The admission tickets remain valid for seven days, allowing visitors to return and explore at their leisure.
The museum features family-friendly galleries and an outdoor trail where visitors can discover how people have lived, worked and played in the Dales over the centuries.
The regularly changing exhibitions and diverse events programme ensure there's always something new to experience with each visit.
After exploring the exhibits, visitors can relax at the Firebox Café or browse the museum shop, which features Distinctly Dales products created by local artists and inspired by the museum's collections.
Rating: 4.5 (1106 reviews)
Location: Station Yard, Burtersett Rd, Hawes DL8 3NT
Contact: 01969 666210
Website: Visit Website
2) Aysgarth Falls Yorkshire Dales National Park Visitor Centre
Aysgarth Falls is a stunning series of cascading waterfalls set within the picturesque Yorkshire Dales National Park.
The visitor centre serves as an excellent starting point for exploring this natural wonder and the surrounding countryside.
The centre provides helpful displays about the local area and friendly staff who can assist with planning your visit.
You can get information about walks, activities, and recommendations tailored to your interests, making it easy to make the most of your time in the Dales.
While the visitor centre offers maps, guidebooks and souvenirs for purchase, access to the falls themselves is completely free.
You can enjoy lovely walks to the upper, middle and lower falls, meandering through woodland paths and taking in the spectacular scenery.
The site is dog-friendly, cycle-friendly and even offers an all-terrain wheelchair (tramper) that can be booked in advance for those with mobility issues, ensuring everyone can experience the beauty of the falls.
Rating: 4.7 (6396 reviews)
Location: Aysgarth Falls National Park Centre, Church Bank, Aysgarth, Leyburn DL8 3TH
Contact: 01969 662910
Website: Visit Website
3) Hardraw Force
Hardraw Force is England's highest single drop waterfall, situated within fifteen acres of scenic woodland. This natural wonder offers visitors a captivating experience as water cascades dramatically from the cliff above.
The waterfall is part of a heritage site that includes pathways dating back to the late 1800s. Lord Wharncliffe constructed these routes, some paved with local stone, connecting the Inn, waterfall, upper Shaw Gill Falls and Simonstone Hall Shooting Lodge.
The recently developed Hardraw Force Heritage Centre opened in 2014, featuring exhibitions of local photography and art.
Built using local materials and craftsmanship, the centre received recognition from the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority for its architectural merit.
Visitors can explore the restored woodland paths that wind through the property, offering different perspectives of the waterfall and surrounding Dales landscape.
The site provides a perfect combination of natural beauty and historical interest.
Rating: 4.5 (1319 reviews)
Location: Hardraw, Leyburn DL8 3LZ
Contact: 01969 667572
Website: Visit Website
Exploring Local History
Hawes offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into Yorkshire Dales history without spending a penny. The town's historical significance dates back centuries, with well-preserved structures and dedicated preservation efforts making it an excellent destination for history enthusiasts.
The Rich Heritage of Hawes
Hawes developed as a market town in the 18th century, receiving its market charter in 1699. The town's name derives from the Old Norse word 'hals', meaning 'neck' or 'pass between mountains', reflecting its strategic location in Wensleydale.
The Dales Countryside Museum offers free entry on select days throughout the year.
The museum showcases the social and economic history of the Yorkshire Dales through interactive exhibits and authentic artefacts.
Located in the former Hawes railway station, the museum provides a compelling narrative of how the railway transformed this rural community.
Visitors can explore exhibits on traditional farming practices, lead mining, and cottage industries that sustained the local economy for generations.
Significant Historical Sites
The town centre features numerous historic buildings that can be admired via a self-guided walking tour. The Market Place, with its distinctive cobblestones, has remained largely unchanged for centuries and continues to host markets on Tuesdays.
St. Margaret's Church, dating from the 15th century, offers free entry and showcases remarkable architectural features. Its bell tower provides a striking landmark visible throughout the town.
Gayle Mill, just a short walk from Hawes, represents one of Britain's oldest water-powered cotton mills.
While interior tours carry a fee, visitors can view the impressive exterior and waterwheel mechanism at no cost.
The former railway line has been converted into a walking path that reveals the engineering marvels of Victorian railway construction, including viaducts and station remnants. These structures tell the story of how this remote area connected to the wider world.
Nature and Scenic Vistas
Hawes offers breathtaking natural landscapes and picturesque vistas that captivate visitors year-round. The surrounding Yorkshire Dales provide stunning backdrops for exploration and photography without costing a penny.
Natural Landscapes
The area around Hawes boasts several impressive waterfalls that are completely free to visit.
Aysgill Force offers a spectacular cascade nestled in a wooded ravine, creating a serene environment perfect for quiet contemplation. The short walk to reach it follows a pleasant woodland path alongside the River Ure.
Cotter Force is another magnificent waterfall just outside Hawes that deserves a visit. Its multi-tiered drops create a picturesque scene in any season, though it's particularly impressive after rainfall.
For those seeking more challenging terrain, hiking up Great Shunner Fell rewards visitors with panoramic views across the dales.
This prominent peak stands at 716 metres and offers far-reaching vistas that showcase Yorkshire's natural beauty.
Photographic Opportunities
The market town's position within the Yorkshire Dales National Park provides endless photographic possibilities throughout changing seasons.
Morning mist rising over the valleys creates ethereal scenes that photographers treasure.
Semerwater, the second largest natural lake in North Yorkshire, offers stunning reflections of the surrounding hills and constantly changing light conditions that make each visit unique.
The ancient glacial lake provides sweeping views that capture the essence of the Yorkshire landscape.
The rolling hills around Hawes feature distinctive dry stone walls and barns that epitomise classic Yorkshire Dales scenery. These architectural elements create leading lines perfect for compelling landscape photography.
During spring and summer, wildflower meadows burst with colour while autumn brings golden hues to the hillsides. Winter often transforms the landscape with frost or snow, creating a completely different photographic experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hawes offers a variety of free attractions that cater to diverse interests, from family outings to cultural experiences and scenic natural landscapes throughout the Yorkshire Dales.
What are the top free attractions to visit in Hawes for families?
Families visiting Hawes can enjoy several cost-free activities together.
The Dales Countryside Museum offers free entry to its outdoor exhibits. Children can learn about local history and rural life.
The Cotter Force waterfall provides a perfect spot for a family picnic. The gentle walk is suitable for most ages, and children particularly enjoy spotting wildlife along the path.
Walking through the town centre allows families to watch traditional rope-making demonstrations through the windows at Hawes Ropemakers. This provides a fascinating glimpse into local craftsmanship without any cost.
Can you suggest any pet-friendly activities in Hawes that don't cost anything?
The market town of Hawes welcomes four-legged visitors with several free pet-friendly options.
The public footpaths around Hawes offer excellent dog walking opportunities. Routes vary in length and difficulty.
Semerwater, a natural lake near Hawes, allows dogs on leads and provides beautiful scenery for a walk. Many of the local riverside paths are also suitable for dogs.
The town centre itself is dog-friendly, with water bowls often provided outside shops. There are also many outdoor seating areas where pets are welcome while you rest.
Where can one find scenic spots in the vicinity of Hawes that are accessible without a fee?
Aysgarth Falls Yorkshire Dales National Park Visitor Centre provides access to stunning viewpoints of the stepped waterfalls, all completely free to visit.
The three-tiered falls offer different perspectives along various walking paths.
Hardraw Force waterfall, while typically requiring a small fee through the Green Dragon Inn, occasionally offers free access during special community days. The waterfall is England's highest single-drop waterfall.
Aysgill Force is a less-visited but equally magnificent waterfall that can be accessed via a free public footpath. The short walk offers breathtaking valley views.
What cultural experiences in Hawes can be enjoyed free of charge?
The Chapel Gallery showcases local artists' work with free entry throughout the year.
The exhibition space regularly rotates displays, featuring everything from photography to textiles.
Similarly, the Stacey Moore Art Gallery offers free admission to view captivating artwork inspired by the Yorkshire Dales landscape. The gallery provides insight into how local scenery influences regional artists.
Window-shopping at Cellar Antiques offers a glimpse into Yorkshire's past through historical artefacts. Browsing provides a cultural education about local heritage.
On market days, what free activities are available in Hawes for visitors?
Hawes Market operates every Tuesday, transforming the town centre into a lively hub of activity.
Visitors can enjoy free entertainment from street musicians who often perform during market hours.
Food sampling is frequently available at various market stalls, particularly those selling local cheeses, preserves and baked goods. This offers a taste of Yorkshire produce without spending.
People-watching from the Market Place benches provides insight into local life and traditions. The market has operated since the 18th century and continues to be central to community interactions.
Are there any natural landmarks or outdoor activities in Hawes that are free of cost?
The extensive network of public footpaths around Hawes provides free access to spectacular natural landscapes.
The Yorkshire Dales National Park offers clearly marked trails suitable for all abilities.
Birdwatching opportunities abound at Cotter End Tarn, where visitors might spot curlews, lapwings and other moorland species.
The changing seasons bring different wildlife viewing opportunities.
Stargazing is exceptional in this remote area with minimal light pollution. On clear nights, the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye, offering a free astronomical experience rarely available in more populated areas.
