Grassington

With 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.

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.