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Located in the heart of the Yorkshire dales, Hawes is a peaceful little village of mellow stone buildings, shops and houses, linked by cobbled streets. A branch of the River Ure with its gushing waterfalls flows through the centre of the village.

Old Stone Cottages Huddle Along the Banks of the River Ure © TAB

The town is famous for the production of Wensleydale cheese, originally made by French Monks who settled here after the Dissolution of the Monasteries during the 16th-c. These fine cheese making skills have been handed down to local farmers over the years, leading to the industrial cheese production of today.

Hawes Market House © TAB

The town's magnificent market house, in the centre of the main street, holds indoor markets each week and furniture antique auctions. A regular street market is also held on Tuesdays.

There is plenty to see and do in the village, including the Dales Countryside Museum, Wensleydale Creamery, The Hawes Rope Makers and the recently restored Gayle Mill.

Hawes is ideally located in the heart of the Dales walking country. Visitors can also take the nearby Snaizeholme Red Squirrel Trail, at Widdale, to see many of these lovable creatures making a comeback in their natural habitat.

Places of interest to visit in Hawes

Dales Countryside Museum & National Park Centre

This informative little museum exhibits local social history and information on the Dales. Sited in the town's Victorian railway station (complete with a steam locomotive and carriages) it is packed with interesting displays. Fun for all the family with hands-on interactive exhibits for children, temporary exhibitions and special events. Don't miss the outdoor sculpture trail and woodland walk.

Opening times: all year, daily 10am to 5pm. Closed Xmas Admission Charge
Location: Station Yard, Hawes, DL8 3NT - Tel: 01969 666210 Website
Facilities: Parking, picnic area, shop

Hawes Rope Makers

Traditional twist rope making demonstrations provided. Visitors can purchase products made from Hawes rope, such as dog leads, in the gift shop.

Wensleydale Creamery Visitor Centre

Experience the craft of famous Yorkshire cheese making, learn about the origins of this famous cheese in the on-site museum. Wensleydale cheeses can be purchased in the cheese shop or samples enjoyed in the restaurant and coffee shop.

Gayle Mill

Fascinating Victorian sawmill with working turbine and woodworking machinery. Live demonstrations on selected days.

Hardraw Force

Located a just few miles north of Hawes is the famous 80 ft (25 m) drop of Hardraw Force - England's highest single drop waterfall. This impressive natural feature can be reached by a footpath located just behind the Green Dragon Inn in Hardraw.

Map of Hawes

North East England

Towns and Villages in Yorkshire

Attractions in Yorkshire