Location
Valemount sits on a three thousand acre estate less than ten minutes from Skipton, a fabulous gateway to the Yorkshire Dales. With its famous nine hundred year old castle, romantic ruined priory and historic cobbled High Street, the town is endlessly rich in history and outstanding natural beauty. The grand Skipton Castle forms a dramatic centrepiece of this bustling market town, overlooking a colourful maze of quaint streets, ancient woodland and famous waterways. Many of the town’s attractions are linked by the Millennium Walk route. You can stroll along the Springs Branch canal to Skipton Woods and relax on a Leeds to Liverpool canal cruiser.
The incredibly romantic Bolton Abbey Estate is just a stone’s throw away from Valemount. At the heart of the estate is the Priory Church and Ruins of an Augustinian Priory in a beautiful riverside setting. It is the perfect location to sit back and admire the stunning views. Also famous are the sixty stepping stones over the river that offer a fun and challenging experience. North of the stepping stones is a large beach area and lovely picnic spot.
Other Yorkshire Dales highlights include a lovely rewarding walk along the Valley of Desolation to Barden Fell and Simon’s Seat where the views are breathtaking. Strid Wood boasts one of the largest collections of sessile oak trees in the Yorkshire Dales. It hugs the banks of the River Wharfe inviting visitors to walk its shaded paths. The woods are famous for bluebells and wild garlic. Strid Wood is also home to a myriad of wildlife including roe deer, otters, kingfisher and greater spotted woodpecker.
For an extra special treat you could take to the skies or the water. A hot air balloon trip over this wonderful Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Nidderdale with a bird’s eye view of Skipton Castle, Bolton Abbey and many other attractions is wonderful.
For a grand day out, you can visit Parcevall Hall Gardens which were laid out by the late Sir William Milner and planted with exotic specimens from as far away as China and the Himalayas. The gardens have appeared in ‘Escape to the Country’ and ‘Hairy Bikers’.
Ripon is an atmospheric, charming cathedral city steeped in history and long observed traditions. It is home to numerous magnificient buildings including its 7th century gothic cathedral and a trio of award winning museums. Foodies will enjoy the delicious fine dining available and the whole family will be delighted with the entertainment provided. The city boasts a buzzy market place and reaching from the market place are a collection of narrow streets that are home to charming, eclectic independent shops and cafes. The city’s history is entwined with the church due to the cathedral and the city’s proximity to Fountains Abbey. One of the long observed traditions is the hornblower who has blown the horn at 9pm for 1100 years to ‘set the watch’. Visitors also enjoy Ripon’s outstanding racecourse and children in particular love the theme park. Ripon is a wonderful city to explore and enjoys lovely riverside and canal walks.
The wonderful City of York offers fabulous shopping opportunities and delicious meals in its many gastronomic restaurants. York’s beautifully preserved medieval city walls are the longest complete medieval town walls in England. York Minster is Europe’s largest gothic cathedral. Visitors enjoy climbing the two hundred and seventy five steps of its central tower to take in the fabulous panoramic views of the city. At the York Castle Museum, visitors go back in time in the streets of York and learn about the fascinating history of this incredible city. The Shambles have been voted the most picturesque street in Britain. You shouldn’t miss this ancient shopping street! One of the favourite York attractions is the Jorvik Viking Centre where visitors learn how the Viking-age streets looked one thousand years ago. The annual Viking Festival hosts many events in the streets and on the river. Every trip to York must include an afternoon tea stop at the famous Betty’s Tearooms. It was founded in 1919 and serves delicious cakes and teas. There are also nightly ghost walking tours in York, supposedly the most haunted city in Europe! Shoppers will delight in the many boutiques and designer stores plus there is an excellent Designer Outlet. Harrogate is a gorgeous Victorian spa town with wonderful shops, eateries and spa heritage.
Getting to and around
- Nearest Town/City
- Skipton (6.1km)
- Nearest Restaurant
- The Bull, Broughton (500m)
- Nearest Supermarket
- Tesco Superstore, Skipton (5.6km)
- Nearest Golf
- Skipton Golf Club (5.6km)
- Nearest Beach
- Lytham St Annes (80km)
