Yorkshire Dales: Bolton Castle, Hawes & Sweet Shop Day Trip

Summary

Winding through yorkshire dales villages cheese tastings castle tea stops and old sweet shops

You’ll wind through Yorkshire Dales on a small-group day trip from York—exploring medieval Bolton Castle, sampling cheese at Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes, wandering storybook villages like Kettlewell, and finishing with sweets from Pateley Bridge’s famous shop. Expect friendly guides, local flavors, and views you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

You know that feeling when you open your eyes and everything’s just a bit greener than you expected? That’s how it started for me, rolling out of York with our little group—windows down, air smelling faintly of rain and sheep (in a good way). Our guide, Dave, had this habit of pausing mid-story to point out dry stone walls or a fox darting by. First stop was Bolton Castle—somehow both crumbling and proud at the same time. I wandered the chilly halls thinking about Mary Queen of Scots stuck here centuries ago. The tea room smelled like toasted scones and old books. I’m not sure what was more comforting—the warmth or the view over Wensleydale.

We zigzagged through Askrigg next (I didn’t realize it was “Darrowby” from All Creatures Great and Small until Dave grinned at my blank face). By Hawes, I was hungry—luckily, there’s Wensleydale Creamery right there. Free samples—yes please. The cheese is so creamy it almost squeaks between your teeth. I tried to chat with one of the cheesemakers but mostly just nodded along because his Yorkshire accent is thick as clotted cream. Lunch was pie from a bakery that looked older than my grandma’s house.

After that we drifted through more villages—Kettlewell (Calendar Girls territory), Grassington, all these places with names that sound like they belong in storybooks. In Kettlewell I sat outside a pub with locals who debated loudly about cricket scores while a dog snored under my chair. Last stop was Pateley Bridge and its ancient sweet shop—I bought liquorice twists that stuck my teeth together for half an hour. The ride back to York felt quieter somehow; maybe everyone was full or just letting it all sink in. There’s something about those rolling hills that stays with you longer than you expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Yorkshire Dales and local villages

• Visit Bolton Castle and Tea Room
• Drive through Askrigg village
• Spend time in Hawes Market Town
• Photo stops in Yorkshire Dales villages
• Explore Kettlewell village
• Pass Kilnsey Crag and Grassington
• Stop at Pateley Bridge sweet shop
• Return to York

Top questions

How long is the Yorkshire Dales day trip from York?

The tour lasts one full day, departing in the morning from York and returning in the evening.

Is lunch included on the Yorkshire Dales tour?

No set lunch is included, but there’s free cheese tasting at Wensleydale Creamery and time to buy lunch in Hawes.

Does the tour include entry to Bolton Castle?

You can explore parts of Bolton Castle but entry fees for extra exhibits may not be included; check with your guide on the day.

Is hotel pickup available for this day trip?

No hotel pickup; meeting point is centrally located near York Minster for easy access.

Are children allowed on this Yorkshire Dales trip?

Yes, children aged 5+ are welcome if accompanied by an adult; infants can join with their own seat or stroller.

How many people are on each mini-coach?

The tour uses comfortable mini-coaches limited to 16 passengers per group.

What should I wear for the Yorkshire Dales tour?

Dress for changeable weather—layers and waterproofs are recommended as conditions can shift quickly in the Dales.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off near York Minster, travel by comfy 16-seat mini-coach with air-con and WiFi, live commentary from your driver-guide, regular stops for photos or refreshments (and toilets), plus complimentary cheese tasting at Wensleydale Creamery before heading back to York as dusk settles over those green hills.