Jo's Favourite Places in Yorkshire Guidebook
Sightseeing - Within 0 minutes drive
Thought to be the site where, in 1387, glass was made for the nearby Fountains Abbey (World heritage site), Glasshouses Mill was officially documented as a corn mill from 1812 and later converted to hemp spinning and rope making. It is the local understanding that the mill made rope for the infamous RMS Titanic.
In a designated AONB, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Nidderdale and the other Yorkshire Dales are fantastic areas to explore and for activities such as walking, cycling, fly fishing, golf and gorge walking. Or simply enjoy the history and views at a relaxed pace.
Glasshouses Mill
28 Glasshouses MillThought to be the site where, in 1387, glass was made for the nearby Fountains Abbey (World heritage site), Glasshouses Mill was officially documented as a corn mill from 1812 and later converted to hemp spinning and rope making. It is the local understanding that the mill made rope for the infamous RMS Titanic.
In a designated AONB, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Nidderdale and the other Yorkshire Dales are fantastic areas to explore and for activities such as walking, cycling, fly fishing, golf and gorge walking. Or simply enjoy the history and views at a relaxed pace.
The mill is set beside the River Nidd and a foot path runs beside it. Fly fishing is possible, but by permit only. Walk downstream and within 1 mile, there is a footbridge to cross to return back along the other side of the bank to Glasshouses. A short but beautiful walk, where a pair of Kingfishers can often be seen fishing. Also Dippers.
The walk upstream to the shops and conveniences of Pateley Bridge is just over a mile, within 2km. This walk could be continued to Lofthouse and beyond on the Six Dales Way.
For nearby refreshments, Harefield Hall, hotel bar, is less than a mile upstream on the way to Pateley Bridge. Take the uphill footpath by the bench off to the right to gain access. Check opening times.
River Nidd
The mill is set beside the River Nidd and a foot path runs beside it. Fly fishing is possible, but by permit only. Walk downstream and within 1 mile, there is a footbridge to cross to return back along the other side of the bank to Glasshouses. A short but beautiful walk, where a pair of Kingfishers can often be seen fishing. Also Dippers.
The walk upstream to the shops and conveniences of Pateley Bridge is just over a mile, within 2km. This walk could be continued to Lofthouse and beyond on the Six Dales Way.
For nearby refreshments, Harefield Hall, hotel bar, is less than a mile upstream on the way to Pateley Bridge. Take the uphill footpath by the bench off to the right to gain access. Check opening times.
Guise Cliffs and Heyshaw Moor lie directly south of the Mill across the river Nidd and can be accessed fromthe Six Dales Way. See the guide at the property for the walk. It's a must do. PLEASE NOTE, DANGEROUS CLIFF PATH & CREVICES, KEEP DOGS ON LEADS AND CHILDREN CLOSE
Heyshaw
Guise Cliffs and Heyshaw Moor lie directly south of the Mill across the river Nidd and can be accessed fromthe Six Dales Way. See the guide at the property for the walk. It's a must do. PLEASE NOTE, DANGEROUS CLIFF PATH & CREVICES, KEEP DOGS ON LEADS AND CHILDREN CLOSE
Nidderdale Way
Nidderdale WayNidderdale AONB
Sightseeing - Within 5 minutes drive
Just over a mile's walk along the river, upon the river path, is Pateley Bridge, a Yorkshire Market town that's been on The Times' list of the best places to live in the UK, on three occasions. It has a museum, galleries, two award winning butchers, independent shops, numerous Cafés, two mini supermarkets, a fuel station, a leisure centre with a swimming pool and 'the oldest sweetshop in the world'! See my Food Scene section for more about Pateley Bridge.
67 locals recommend
Pateley Bridge
Just over a mile's walk along the river, upon the river path, is Pateley Bridge, a Yorkshire Market town that's been on The Times' list of the best places to live in the UK, on three occasions. It has a museum, galleries, two award winning butchers, independent shops, numerous Cafés, two mini supermarkets, a fuel station, a leisure centre with a swimming pool and 'the oldest sweetshop in the world'! See my Food Scene section for more about Pateley Bridge.
A llama trek is a memorable and fun activity for adults and older children. Pre booking essential.
18 locals recommend
Nidderdale Llamas
A llama trek is a memorable and fun activity for adults and older children. Pre booking essential.
Sightseeing - Within 15 minutes drive
Just 15 minutes drive this World Heritage Site is the is the finest Cistercian monastic ruin in Europe with an elegant Georgian water garden and medieval deer park.
185 locals recommend
Fountains Abbey
Just 15 minutes drive this World Heritage Site is the is the finest Cistercian monastic ruin in Europe with an elegant Georgian water garden and medieval deer park.
Brimham Rocks
Just 15 minutes drive, this is Yorkshire’s latest and largest free visitor attraction. Its a short uphill fromthe free carpark to see the sculpture with magnificent views and a super surprise vista.
30 locals recommend
The Coldstones Cut
Just 15 minutes drive, this is Yorkshire’s latest and largest free visitor attraction. Its a short uphill fromthe free carpark to see the sculpture with magnificent views and a super surprise vista.
Stump Cross Caverns
Within 15 minutes drive.
Sightseeing - Within 20 minutes
A homely castle set in beautiful grounds with lakeside walk, deer park and greatkids playground. Entry only £5 pp apx. A visit to Ripley village is the icing on the cake with its world famous ice creams and gastropub.
65 locals recommend
Ripley Castle
A homely castle set in beautiful grounds with lakeside walk, deer park and greatkids playground. Entry only £5 pp apx. A visit to Ripley village is the icing on the cake with its world famous ice creams and gastropub.
Ripon Cathedral
Minster RoadLocated in a tranquil and picturesque setting steeped in history, Parcevall Hall Gardens are the largest and the only RHS and English
Heritage registered gardens open to the public in the Yorkshire Dales
National Park. The 24 acres consists of colourful and intricate formal
terraces, specimen trees and shrubs collected from Western China and the Himalayas, a natural rock garden considered to be the finest of its type in Northern England, historic rose garden displaying around 200 varieties and an orchard containing old and unusual apple varieties. Rhododendrons thrive and there are also Woodland Trails, the Herb Garden, Camellia Walk and Chapel Garden to enjoy. A pure delight for lovers of gardens and a wonderful place to visit for a peaceful stroll in glorious surrounds.
Opening times: 10am until 6pm daily. 1st April to 31st October. Last admittance 5pm. Dogs on a leads are welcome in the gardens.
Adults: £8
Senior Citizens: ₤7
Children under 12 years of age admitted free.
Please note only card payment for admission is accepted.
RHS members have free access to the gardens during August, Dogs on a lead are welcome in the gardens with steps and uneven paths throughout.
14 locals recommend
Parcevall Hall Gardens
Located in a tranquil and picturesque setting steeped in history, Parcevall Hall Gardens are the largest and the only RHS and English
Heritage registered gardens open to the public in the Yorkshire Dales
National Park. The 24 acres consists of colourful and intricate formal
terraces, specimen trees and shrubs collected from Western China and the Himalayas, a natural rock garden considered to be the finest of its type in Northern England, historic rose garden displaying around 200 varieties and an orchard containing old and unusual apple varieties. Rhododendrons thrive and there are also Woodland Trails, the Herb Garden, Camellia Walk and Chapel Garden to enjoy. A pure delight for lovers of gardens and a wonderful place to visit for a peaceful stroll in glorious surrounds.
Opening times: 10am until 6pm daily. 1st April to 31st October. Last admittance 5pm. Dogs on a leads are welcome in the gardens.
Adults: £8
Senior Citizens: ₤7
Children under 12 years of age admitted free.
Please note only card payment for admission is accepted.
RHS members have free access to the gardens during August, Dogs on a lead are welcome in the gardens with steps and uneven paths throughout.
Set in a deep Gorge this ancient woodland was transformed in the 18th century with the addition of grottos and follies. The Woodland Trust purchased the land in 1989 and created several designated walks which enable you to explore the wood's best features. From a 30 minute ramble to 3 hour options. There's a few uphill sections but nothing too strenuous.
Close to the pretty market town of Masham which I recommend for a cuppa or visit the Black Sheep Brewery.
The route to Hackfall from the mill via Laverton is delightful. Crossing moor and passing beautiful countryside.
24 locals recommend
Hackfall
Set in a deep Gorge this ancient woodland was transformed in the 18th century with the addition of grottos and follies. The Woodland Trust purchased the land in 1989 and created several designated walks which enable you to explore the wood's best features. From a 30 minute ramble to 3 hour options. There's a few uphill sections but nothing too strenuous.
Close to the pretty market town of Masham which I recommend for a cuppa or visit the Black Sheep Brewery.
The route to Hackfall from the mill via Laverton is delightful. Crossing moor and passing beautiful countryside.
Sightseeing - Within 30 minutes drive
Harrogate
Beautiful spa town. Home of Betty's Tea Shop
Bettys Café Tea Rooms
1 Parliament StTurkish Baths Harrogate
Parliament StreetAka Darrowby in All Creatures great and small, this gorgeous tiny village has cottages, cafes, shops and pubs, a handy car park (£5 all day) and excellent walking routes along the River Wharfe from Linton Falls Cascades.
87 locals recommend
Grassington
Aka Darrowby in All Creatures great and small, this gorgeous tiny village has cottages, cafes, shops and pubs, a handy car park (£5 all day) and excellent walking routes along the River Wharfe from Linton Falls Cascades.
Ilkley, Sunday Times, 'best place to live in the North and Northeast 2021'.
Perched between Leeds and the Yorkshire Dales National Park, its handsome stone houses tumble down to the river from the edge of the moor
But forget its craggy good looks, this former spa town’s appeal is more than skin deep — it is also mindful of its carbon footprint and all things eco: there’s a climate action group that has secured funding for a fleet of electric cargo bikes; and the Ilkley Clean River Campaign to help to keep the River Wharfe clean (the beautiful outdoor lido is always wonderfully fresh).
82 locals recommend
Ilkley
Ilkley, Sunday Times, 'best place to live in the North and Northeast 2021'.
Perched between Leeds and the Yorkshire Dales National Park, its handsome stone houses tumble down to the river from the edge of the moor
But forget its craggy good looks, this former spa town’s appeal is more than skin deep — it is also mindful of its carbon footprint and all things eco: there’s a climate action group that has secured funding for a fleet of electric cargo bikes; and the Ilkley Clean River Campaign to help to keep the River Wharfe clean (the beautiful outdoor lido is always wonderfully fresh).
Bolton Abbey
The Strid Ancient Woodland
Oakdale is associated with Dr Alister MacKenzie, the legendary architect of golf courses the world over, famously including Royal Melbourne, Cypress Point and Augusta National, home of The Masters. Dr Mackenzie designed the course at Oakdale in 1914. Although modified over the past 100 years, much of the original design remains unaltered.
7 locals recommend
Oakdale Golf Club
OakdaleOakdale is associated with Dr Alister MacKenzie, the legendary architect of golf courses the world over, famously including Royal Melbourne, Cypress Point and Augusta National, home of The Masters. Dr Mackenzie designed the course at Oakdale in 1914. Although modified over the past 100 years, much of the original design remains unaltered.
Knaresborough Castle
Castle YardKnaresborough Viaduct
River NiddMother Shipton's Cave
Harrogate RoadLime Tree Observatory
Hutts LaneBe surprised by the exotic Sub Tropicana garden, connect with nature in the Arboretum and visit the Alpine House for year round colour and texture.
Wander along Streamside and take hidden paths through the Woodland. A range of seasonal, family-friendly events make this a colourful day out for everyone. New seating areas by the Sun Border give panoramic views of the main borders and a new bridge over the Queen Mother’s Lake will open up
new routes in 2022.
138 locals recommend
RHS Garden Harlow Carr
Crag LaneBe surprised by the exotic Sub Tropicana garden, connect with nature in the Arboretum and visit the Alpine House for year round colour and texture.
Wander along Streamside and take hidden paths through the Woodland. A range of seasonal, family-friendly events make this a colourful day out for everyone. New seating areas by the Sun Border give panoramic views of the main borders and a new bridge over the Queen Mother’s Lake will open up
new routes in 2022.
Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park - Closed until Sat 5th October 2019
It takes about 25 minutes to drive to Masham and the route via Laverton from the mill is delighful, passing moorland and beautiful countryside.
Masham pronounced Mass Am is a small, ancient market town with an emormous town square. At one point, 10,000 sheep a day were bought and sold in the market place. Now it provide ample of parking for a donation via an honesty box. There are cafes, pubs, galleries, a friendly community hub, cashpoint and The Black Sheep Brewery. Turner visited along with many other artists and academics. Evidence of a 7th century Anglo-Scandinavian Christian graveyard was found in the town.
43 locals recommend
Masham
It takes about 25 minutes to drive to Masham and the route via Laverton from the mill is delighful, passing moorland and beautiful countryside.
Masham pronounced Mass Am is a small, ancient market town with an emormous town square. At one point, 10,000 sheep a day were bought and sold in the market place. Now it provide ample of parking for a donation via an honesty box. There are cafes, pubs, galleries, a friendly community hub, cashpoint and The Black Sheep Brewery. Turner visited along with many other artists and academics. Evidence of a 7th century Anglo-Scandinavian Christian graveyard was found in the town.
A great cinema with sofa seats, food and drink service to seat and a pleasant foyer bar.
43 locals recommend
Everyman Cinema
Station ParadeA great cinema with sofa seats, food and drink service to seat and a pleasant foyer bar.
Sightseeing - Within 1 hour
Has it all. A cathedral to equal Nortre Dame, medieval streets adorned with independent shops, The Shambles, Eateries on every corner. Nothing more to be said. A must see.
Tip. If you can walk 20 minutes into the town, there is free roadside parking at The Racecourse.
409 locals recommend
York
Has it all. A cathedral to equal Nortre Dame, medieval streets adorned with independent shops, The Shambles, Eateries on every corner. Nothing more to be said. A must see.
Tip. If you can walk 20 minutes into the town, there is free roadside parking at The Racecourse.
York Minster
DeangateA UNESCO world heritage site, Saltaire, West Yorkshire, is a complete and well-preserved industrial village of the second half of the 19th century. Its textile mills, public buildings and workers' housing are built in a harmonious style of high architectural standards and the urban plan survives intact, giving a vivid impression of Victorian philanthropic paternalism.
78 locals recommend
Saltaire
A UNESCO world heritage site, Saltaire, West Yorkshire, is a complete and well-preserved industrial village of the second half of the 19th century. Its textile mills, public buildings and workers' housing are built in a harmonious style of high architectural standards and the urban plan survives intact, giving a vivid impression of Victorian philanthropic paternalism.
A splendid geological wonder.
Malham Cove is a huge curving amphitheatre shaped cliff formation of limestone rock. The vertical face of the cliff is about 260 feet high. The top of the cove is a large area of deeply eroded limestone pavement, of a strange pattern rarely seen in England.
156 locals recommend
Malham Cove
A splendid geological wonder.
Malham Cove is a huge curving amphitheatre shaped cliff formation of limestone rock. The vertical face of the cliff is about 260 feet high. The top of the cove is a large area of deeply eroded limestone pavement, of a strange pattern rarely seen in England.
Food Scene
Just a stroll up the river path, Harefield Hall has a stylish, warm and friendly bar and restaurant. Check for opening times.
7 locals recommend
Harefield Hall
Ripon RoadJust a stroll up the river path, Harefield Hall has a stylish, warm and friendly bar and restaurant. Check for opening times.
A 40 minute walk down river and across fields with views of the valley gives access to Whittaker's gin distillery and whisky bar where Toby and his a cosy room will tempt you to sit and sip his award winning local gin and extensive collection of whisky. We have to wait another two years for his whisky. I'll be there eager to try when it's ready!
6 locals recommend
Whittaker's Gin (Whittaker's Distillery Ltd)
A 40 minute walk down river and across fields with views of the valley gives access to Whittaker's gin distillery and whisky bar where Toby and his a cosy room will tempt you to sit and sip his award winning local gin and extensive collection of whisky. We have to wait another two years for his whisky. I'll be there eager to try when it's ready!
Just ten minutes drive.A pub with a fantastic restaurant serving seasonal, local, fine food. Book ahead. Reservations essential.
26 locals recommend
The Sportsman's Arms
Wath RoadJust ten minutes drive.A pub with a fantastic restaurant serving seasonal, local, fine food. Book ahead. Reservations essential.
Booths, Ripon
Marshall WayMy favourite local supermarket
H Weatherhead & Sons Butchers Ltd
9 High StAward winning local Butcher. Fine food.
Fish With A Twist
40 High StLocal Fish Monger
The Boar's Head
Honest pub grub in delightful French inspired Ripley with its nearby castle!
The Angel at Hetton
Back LaneMichelin star
Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall
Michelin star Restaurant in 1600 mansion
The Oldest Sweet Shop In The World
39 High StRealitea, the tea room and indian bistro with a twist. Located in the historic city of Ripon just 20 minutes from the mill.
Beverages, cakes and Indian treats and lunches. Vegetarian and Vegan options.
Exceptional service.
Opening Times - please check
Tuesday: 10-3pm
Wednesday: 10-3pm
Thursday: 10-3pm
Friday: 10-3pm
Saturday: 10-4pm
Realitea
84 North StRealitea, the tea room and indian bistro with a twist. Located in the historic city of Ripon just 20 minutes from the mill.
Beverages, cakes and Indian treats and lunches. Vegetarian and Vegan options.
Exceptional service.
Opening Times - please check
Tuesday: 10-3pm
Wednesday: 10-3pm
Thursday: 10-3pm
Friday: 10-3pm
Saturday: 10-4pm
Small farm shop and barn cafe with views. Small but tasty menu.
Within ten minutes drive of the mill.
Check opening times but usually open daily 9 to 4.
Popular with cyclists.
Generally good service but can get busy so not best if you are in a hurry.
8 locals recommend
Toft Gate Barn Cafe
Small farm shop and barn cafe with views. Small but tasty menu.
Within ten minutes drive of the mill.
Check opening times but usually open daily 9 to 4.
Popular with cyclists.
Generally good service but can get busy so not best if you are in a hurry.
The Crown
19 High StreetA friendly local with warm stove for any chilly days.
A fine, traditional, country Yorkshire pub with friendly staff and good food. Check for opening and food serving times.
7 locals recommend
The Crown Hotel
A fine, traditional, country Yorkshire pub with friendly staff and good food. Check for opening and food serving times.
The Pancake House
1B High StA very popular choice especially for families.
My daughter's favourite. Real hot chocolate from all over the world. Who knew chocolate tasted so different. Loads of options. Try something different!
9 locals recommend
Cocoa Joe's
41 High StMy daughter's favourite. Real hot chocolate from all over the world. Who knew chocolate tasted so different. Loads of options. Try something different!
Pateley Pizza
2b High StGreat pizza from this local takeaway.