
Dales Countryside Museum
Discover the rich rural heritage of the Yorkshire Dales in this charming museum housed in a historic train station.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit

Dales Countryside Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the rich rural heritage of the Yorkshire Dales in this charming museum housed in a historic train station.
"A very well laid out and thoroughly enjoyable experience, a lovely walk back in time."

🚗 Park & Ticket Refund
Get your car park cost refunded when you buy a museum ticket. :parking :ticket
🚂 Kids Love the Train
Children are particularly drawn to the old train and interactive exhibits. :child :train

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Train Station Exhibits
Inside the former Hawes railway station
Explore the history of the Dales' closed railway line and life in the region, with exhibits inside old train carriages.

Interactive Mining Exhibit
Main museum building
A fascinating reproduction of a mine, complete with a candle to light the way, perfect for engaging younger visitors.

Outdoor Nature Walk
Museum grounds
Enjoy a pleasant stroll around the museum grounds, offering a glimpse of the local countryside and a breath of fresh air.

Wensleydale Creamery Proximity
Hawes town
Located in the heart of Wensleydale, the museum is a stone's throw from the famous Wensleydale Creamery.
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Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Park & Ticket Refund
Get your car park cost refunded when you buy a museum ticket. :parking :ticket
🚂 Kids Love the Train
Children are particularly drawn to the old train and interactive exhibits. :child :train
🚶♀️ Accessible & Clean
The main building is very clean and accessible for all visitors. :wheelchair :sparkles
☕ Cafe Onsite
A separate cafe managed by a cycling company offers good coffee and food at reasonable prices. :coffee :food
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Park & Ticket Refund
Get your car park cost refunded when you buy a museum ticket. :parking :ticket
🚂 Kids Love the Train
Children are particularly drawn to the old train and interactive exhibits. :child :train
🚶♀️ Accessible & Clean
The main building is very clean and accessible for all visitors. :wheelchair :sparkles
☕ Cafe Onsite
A separate cafe managed by a cycling company offers good coffee and food at reasonable prices. :coffee :food
🎁 Quality Gift Shop
The gift shop features a selection of quality local items. :gift :shopping
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Dales Countryside Museum to be a very well-laid-out and thoroughly enjoyable experience, offering a great walk back in time. It's praised for being informative and engaging for both adults and children, showcasing the history of life in the Dales from mining to farming. The repurposed train station setting and friendly staff are frequently highlighted as positive aspects.
"Hada lovely trip out from our holiday cottage in Bainbridge to Hawes. Popped into the Dales Countryside Museum, a very well laid out and thoroughly enjoyable experience. Thank you."
Andy Beaumont
"We visited on Thursday 03rd October 2024. Having visited Hawes several times this was our first visit to this Museum. Based at the old station, the museum details not just the history of the closed railway line but also the history of the dales both from a formation perspective as well as its human history. It includes art exhibitions which seemed a little out of place and a more appropriate and interesting reproduction of a mine inc a little candle to light the way. Refund of car park cost when you buy a ticket. 2 main aspects of the museum, with one being formed inside the train carriages and the other the main building. A separate cafe on site but managed by a different company associated with cycling."
Jeffrey Soley
"Very informative, great for adults and children. Shows the history of life in the Dales region, from mining to farming and daily family life."
Sue Davies
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Hawes, North Yorkshire. Many visitors arrive by car, and there are parking facilities available. Some visitors also explore the Yorkshire Dales via road trips, with locations often pinned in videos.
Public transport options may be limited, so checking local bus routes is advisable.Yes, there is parking available. A great tip is that the cost of parking can be refunded when you purchase a museum ticket.
Absolutely! The museum is a fantastic stop on a Yorkshire Dales road trip, offering insights into the region's history and culture. Many TikTok videos showcase various Dales locations, including the museum.
The museum is in Hawes, which is the main town in Upper Wensleydale. It's a central point for exploring the wider Yorkshire Dales region.
Yes, there are electric car charging points available at the National Park visitors centre near Aysgarth Falls, which is a popular nearby attraction.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum's opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information, as they may have specific closure periods, such as the end of January.
While specific pricing isn't detailed in the provided content, reviews suggest that purchasing a ticket can lead to a refund of your car park cost.
There's no mention of needing to book tickets in advance, but it's always a good idea to check their official channels, especially during peak seasons.
Yes, the main building of the museum is described as very clean and accessible for all visitors, including those with mobility needs.
The refund of car park costs with a ticket purchase is a notable benefit. Information on other potential discounts for seniors, students, or families is not provided but could be inquired about directly.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum offers a deep dive into the history of the Dales, from its formation to human history, including mining and farming life. You can explore exhibits inside old train carriages, a reproduction mine, and enjoy an outdoor nature walk.
Yes, the museum is very informative and great for children. They particularly enjoy the old train and the interactive mining exhibit.
It's a reproduction of a mine, and visitors can even use a little candle to light their way, making it an engaging experience for kids.
Yes, there's a pleasant outdoor nature walk around the museum grounds, offering a chance to enjoy the countryside.
The museum has informed and friendly staff, as well as dedicated volunteers who contribute to its top-notch presentation.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on-site, though it's managed by a different company associated with cycling. They offer good coffee and food at reasonable prices.
The cafe offers good food and coffee. It's noted as being cycling-themed, suggesting it might cater to cyclists with hearty options.
Hawes, being the main town in Upper Wensleydale, has 'lots of places to eat' in addition to the museum cafe.
Information on whether outside food is permitted is not available, but the on-site cafe provides a convenient option for visitors.
While not explicitly mentioned at the museum, the surrounding Yorkshire Dales countryside offers numerous scenic spots for picnics.
📸 📸 Photography
The repurposed train station itself, the old steam train, and the outdoor nature walk offer good photographic subjects. The mining exhibit can also be atmospheric.
Photography is generally permitted in museums, but it's always wise to check for any specific restrictions, especially regarding flash photography.
Yes, the Yorkshire Dales are renowned for their stunning landscapes. Nearby attractions like Aysgarth Falls and Gordale Scar offer incredible photo opportunities, especially during autumn.
Sunrise and sunset often provide the most dramatic lighting for landscape photography in the Yorkshire Dales.
The Wensleydale Longwool Sheep are a unique subject, with their fleeces being too long for modern manufacturing.
The dramatic gorges and waterfalls are also iconic.For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Combine your visit with nearby natural attractions like Aysgarth Falls for a day of exploration. Remember to take advantage of the car park refund when purchasing museum tickets to save a little extra.
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
Consider visiting during spring or autumn for pleasant hiking weather and beautiful scenery. Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared for varied terrain.
📚 History Buffs
This is an ideal destination for anyone interested in local heritage and industrial history. The museum's setting in a repurposed station adds an authentic layer to the historical experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the Hawes Railway Line
The repurposing of the station into a museum is a thoughtful way to preserve this piece of local heritage. It not only tells the story of the railway but also uses the unique setting to house broader exhibits on the Dales' rural life. The museum's connection to the railway is a key part of its identity and a significant draw for visitors interested in industrial and social history.
Exploring the Yorkshire Dales' Natural Wonders
For the more adventurous, exploring gorges like Gordale Scar and Malham Cove offers dramatic landscapes, with some even venturing into wild swimming. These areas are recognized for their rugged beauty and are frequently featured in hiking and nature videos. Whether you're seeking gentle walks or more challenging hikes, the Dales offer a diverse range of outdoor activities that complement a visit to the museum.
Family-Friendly Experiences in the Dales
Beyond the museum, the Yorkshire Dales offer numerous activities suitable for families. Exploring waterfalls like Aysgarth Falls provides a fun and accessible outdoor adventure. The region's vast open spaces and picturesque villages, often featuring sheep grazing in fields, create a charming countryside experience that families can enjoy together. Many visitors recommend combining the museum visit with other local attractions to create a full day of family fun in the Dales.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit