* medieval monasteries: Fountains Abbey, Rievaulx, Jervaulx, Bolton Abbey, Easby, Coverham Abbey etc;
* historic towns: Ripon, York, Barnard Castle, Durham;
* ancient castles: Middleham, Bolton, Richmond;
* rivers and waterfalls: River Cover and local waterfalls; Aysgarth Falls, Hardraw Force, High Force, Malham Cove;
* lively markets: Leyburn, Hawes, Richmond, Bedale, Ripon;
* traditional crafts on show include the making of cheese, beer, ropes, candles, ceramics, guitars and violins;
* sports: racing, golf, swimming, fishing, cycling etc.

Local farms: mainly meadows for dairy and sheep farming with high moorland and wooded valleys. Pets are welcome but dogs need to be fully controlled because of the local livestock. Pony trekking is sometimes available at local farms.

Local Dales: Wensleydale, Swaledale, and Wharfedale are within easy reach by car. Leyburn has a range of shops, chemists and medical services and a thriving market on Fridays. There are local markets most days of the week.

For Walkers: most walks begin at the front door, with varied routes through meadows and over hills, discovering waterfalls, hidden valleys, wild flowers and birds. We provide details of recommended local walks, most of which are circuits with opportunities to sample the food and beer of the local pubs.