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Dales Countryside Museum

4.5
·1k reviews·, United Kingdom

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit

CrowdLow
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View from the bridge

Dales Countryside Museum

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.5
(1k reviews)

"A very well laid out and thoroughly enjoyable experience, a lovely walk back in time."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 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

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Train Station Exhibits

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

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

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

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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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience

Consider visiting during weekdays to avoid peak crowds, especially if you're traveling with family. The museum is housed in a former train station, offering a unique historical context for your exploration. Check their opening hours, as they can vary seasonally.

Making the Most of Your Day

The Dales Countryside Museum is a great starting point for exploring the Yorkshire Dales. Combine your visit with nearby natural wonders like Aysgarth Falls or Gordale Scar for a full day of adventure. Remember to wear comfortable shoes for exploring the outdoor exhibits and any surrounding walks.

Best Times

When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit
Crowd
Low
When
Spring/Autumn mornings
Why
Pleasant weather for exploring
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

autumn walks, colourful leaves, pumpkin shopping, afternoon tea by the fireplace, cooler weather, and warmer clothes. 📍Castle Combe, Cotswolds & Yorkshire Dales, UK. #autumnvibes #cozyaesthetic #englishcountryside
@a.calm.walk
23K likes • 106K views

🚗 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

See three Yorkshire natural wonders in just under 5 miles #yorkshire #yorkshirewalks #Hiking #yorkshiredales #malham #malhamcove #janetsfoss #gordalescar #yorkshirecountryside #hikinguk
@yorkshirefi
15.8K likes • 468.4K views
We’d say this museum’s work to become more family friendly is paying off by the look of these smiles 🥰 Dales Countryside Museum in Hawes @yorkshiredales has introduced lots of great new things for families this year, including a new family map, mascot and web page - as well as these sensory backpacks for families and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. The museum was ...
kidsinmuseums
45 likes • 1K views

🚶‍♀️ 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

Last weekend, we welcomed members of the Wensleydale Longwool Sheep Breeders Association to the Dales Countryside Museum in Hawes to demonstrate hand shearing. 🐑 Wensleydale sheep are a rare breed - The fleeces are too long for modern wool manufacturing in the UK, so often they are exported to Eastern Europe for doll hair and Santa beards or the US for crafts.
yorkshiredales
647 likes • 17.5K views

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

4.5
(1k reviews)

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

Well-laid-out exhibits
Informative for all ages
Friendly and dedicated staff

What People Dislike

Art exhibitions felt out of place

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. TikTok 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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. Instagram

Yes, there are electric car charging points available at the National Park visitors centre near Aysgarth Falls, which is a popular nearby attraction. TikTok

🎫 🎫 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. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit+1

Yes, the museum is very informative and great for children. They particularly enjoy the old train and the interactive mining exhibit. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

Yes, there's a pleasant outdoor nature walk around the museum grounds, offering a chance to enjoy the countryside. Reddit

The museum has informed and friendly staff, as well as dedicated volunteers who contribute to its top-notch presentation. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

The cafe offers good food and coffee. It's noted as being cycling-themed, suggesting it might cater to cyclists with hearty options. Reddit

Hawes, being the main town in Upper Wensleydale, has 'lots of places to eat' in addition to the museum cafe. Instagram

Information on whether outside food is permitted is not available, but the on-site cafe provides a convenient option for visitors. Reddit

While not explicitly mentioned at the museum, the surrounding Yorkshire Dales countryside offers numerous scenic spots for picnics. TikTok

📸 📸 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. Reddit

Photography is generally permitted in museums, but it's always wise to check for any specific restrictions, especially regarding flash photography. TikTok

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. TikTok+1

Sunrise and sunset often provide the most dramatic lighting for landscape photography in the Yorkshire Dales. TikTok+1

The Wensleydale Longwool Sheep are a unique subject, with their fleeces being too long for modern manufacturing. Instagram The dramatic gorges and waterfalls are also iconic. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Dales Countryside Museum is a fantastic stop for families. Kids will be captivated by the old steam train and the interactive mining exhibit, which even includes a candle to light the way! InstagramReddit The museum has introduced new family-friendly features like a mascot and sensory backpacks to enhance the experience for all children. Instagram

Combine your visit with nearby natural attractions like Aysgarth Falls for a day of exploration. TikTok Remember to take advantage of the car park refund when purchasing museum tickets to save a little extra. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts

For those who love to hike, the Dales Countryside Museum is perfectly situated within the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Use it as a starting point or a resting spot after exploring nearby iconic gorges like Gordale Scar and Malham Cove, or the stunning Aysgarth Falls. TikTok+2 Many TikTok videos showcase the incredible hiking routes and natural beauty of the Dales, offering inspiration for your adventures. TikTok+1

Consider visiting during spring or autumn for pleasant hiking weather and beautiful scenery. TikTok Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared for varied terrain. Reddit

📚 History Buffs

The Dales Countryside Museum offers a rich historical narrative, particularly focusing on the history of the former railway line that served Hawes. Instagram Explore exhibits housed within the original train carriages and learn about the impact of the railway on the region's development. Reddit The museum also delves into the broader social and rural history of the Dales, covering aspects like mining, farming, and daily life through the ages. Reddit

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of the Hawes Railway Line

The Dales Countryside Museum is uniquely situated in the former Hawes railway station, a testament to the region's past transportation networks. The station was part of a branch line that connected to the famous Settle-Carlisle line. Instagram This railway played a crucial role in the development and connectivity of the Yorkshire Dales, facilitating the transport of goods and people. Exploring the exhibits within the old train carriages allows visitors to step back in time and understand the impact of this line on local life before its closure. Reddit

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. Reddit

Exploring the Yorkshire Dales' Natural Wonders

The Dales Countryside Museum serves as an excellent gateway to the breathtaking natural beauty of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Visitors often combine their museum trip with excursions to iconic natural landmarks. Aysgarth Falls, with its three stunning waterfalls, is a popular choice, especially in autumn when the foliage adds vibrant colors. TikTok+1 The National Park visitor centre nearby offers amenities like toilets and a cafe. TikTok

For the more adventurous, exploring gorges like Gordale Scar and Malham Cove offers dramatic landscapes, with some even venturing into wild swimming. TikTok+1 These areas are recognized for their rugged beauty and are frequently featured in hiking and nature videos. TikTok+1 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. TikTok

Family-Friendly Experiences in the Dales

The Dales Countryside Museum is actively working to become more family-friendly, with new initiatives like a family map, mascot, and sensory backpacks designed for families and young people with special educational needs. Instagram The museum's exhibits, particularly the old train and the interactive mining exhibit, are a big hit with children, making it an engaging educational experience for younger visitors. InstagramReddit

Beyond the museum, the Yorkshire Dales offer numerous activities suitable for families. Exploring waterfalls like Aysgarth Falls provides a fun and accessible outdoor adventure. TikTok 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. TikTok Many visitors recommend combining the museum visit with other local attractions to create a full day of family fun in the Dales. TikTok

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