5 unmissable sights in York
01/07/2015 · By Sukie Chapman
York is an ancient city brimming with history and beauty, we’ve selected the 5 unmissable sights of the city. Experience them for yourself on UK rail tours.
Read moreWith narrow streets, traditional stone houses and a cobbled
central square contributing to its charm and good looks,
Grassington is the epitome of a rural village at the heart of the
beautiful Yorkshire Dales.
Granted a Royal Charter in 1282 which gives Grassington the right
to hold its own market and fair, some that would argue that
Grassington is actually a town, but that doesn't seem to be the
view of those who live in this small and friendly community. The
Royal Charter is put to good use, however: the village hosts an
excellent farmer's market on the third Sunday of each month.
Grassington also manages to pack a good selection of independent
shops, some hospitable hostelries and restaurants and even a small
museum - the Grassington Folk Museum - into its relatively compact
space. Delightful as its attractions are, the main reason visitors
are drawn to this picturesque village is its idyllic location in
the Upper Wharfedale region of North Yorkshire.
Grassington is the perfect base from which to explore and enjoy
the many outdoor pursuits offered by the breathtakingly-scenic
moors, woodlands and limestone crags which lie on the village's
doorstep. Walkers are particularly spoiled; the 80-mile Dales Way
passes through Grassington, but there are also opportunities for
cycling, fishing, climbing and horse-riding.
Six miles directly east of Grassington, Stump Cross Caverns is a series of limestone caves formed up to a million years ago. Explorations of the caves have discovered animal bones up to 90,000 years old, some of which are displayed in the visitor centre. Visitors can tour the caverns to admire their spectacular ancient stalactites, stalagmites and rock formations.
A favourite challenge of rock climbers, Kilnsey Crag, situated three miles north of Grassington, is a limestone cliff 180 feet high with an imposing 40-foot overhang. The area is good for walking and from the top Kilnsey Crag provides excellent views of the River Wharfe.
A mile and a half from the village centre, Grass Wood covers almost two hundred acres and is one of the largest areas of broadleaved woodland in the Yorkshire Dales. Footpaths traverse the woods giving visitors the chance to spot local birds including tawny owls, chaffinches and green woodpeckers along with various woodland plants, flowers and wildlife.
This small but fascinating museum in Grassington's centre explores Wharfdale's geology, its limestone quarrying heritage and life in the Dales from medieval times to the present day.