Things to do around Nidderdale
Glasshouses
Brimham Rocks
Pateley Bridge
Agriculture has always featured heavily in Dales life, both before and after the many mills that have existed. The area is full of quaint old stone cottages and barns, surrounded by lush green fields and dry stone walls.
Previous industry involved lead mining and there are still lots of old mine shafts in the area. Potholing and caving can be enjoyed in several locations. For those who prefer to be above ground, there are wonderful landscapes to enjoy, with abundant opportunities for walking, cycling, climbing, photography, horse-riding, bird watching etc. There are books, maps and leaflets available in the cottage for your use, but here are a few suggestions to whet your appetite!
Days out near Pateley Bridge. Let's start with the immediate area....
𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗸𝘀
From short walks, to lengthy hikes, Nidderdale offers something for everyone. I have a list of walks, to suit all ages and abilities in the cottage, so here is just a ’taster:
Ascending the road from the mill, the village of Glasshouses appears. This is a typical Dales settlement of stone cottages, set around a village green, originally built to house the mill workers. Take a walk around the village and enjoy the views. Find 'The Flaggings', a flight of stone steps, used daily by the mill workers, on their way to and from the mill. Climb them and marvel at the views from the top (after you have got your breath back - they're steep!)
Outside of the village, there is an almost endless list of attractions and places to visit. Here are just a few in order of distance:
• 𝗡𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗺 in Pateley Bridge is highly recommended - immerse yourself in the history of the area, its people and industry. https://www.nidderdalemuseum.com/
• 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗱𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗖𝘂𝘁𝘀, a man made sculptural feat offering amazing views at the top of Greenhow hill. http://thecoldstonescut.org/
• 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗵𝗮𝗺 𝗥𝗼𝗰𝗸𝘀, now a National Trust site, features natural gritstone formations of magnificent proportions. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/yorkshire/brimham-rocks
• 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗺𝗽 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀 https://www.stumpcrosscaverns.co.uk/
• 𝗥𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗹𝗲, Ripley. One of the country’s few remaining privately owned castles, set in the most beautiful of villages. https://www.ripleycastle.co.uk/
• Fountains Abbey & Studley water garden, Ripon. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/yorkshire/fountains-abbey-and-studley-royal-water-garden
• 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗿, approximately 12 miles north of Pateley, takes you on a beautiful drive before arriving at the reservoir.
A lovely walking area with some interesting tales to tell from long ago! https://www.yorkshirewater.com/things-to-do/reservoirs/scar-house-reservoir/
• 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗚𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲, approximately 7 miles north of Pateley, specialises in outdoor pursuits. It has a glass fronted cafe overhanging the gorge! https://www.howstean.co.uk/
Events, local Shows & the local towns
Nidderdale Show
Charity Tractor Run
Ripon Cathedral in the background
𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐬 across the Dales take place through the summer months and are well attended. Pateley Bridge hosts the last show of the season at the Pateley Show Ground (across the bridge) in September. Other shows take place at Birstwith, Ripley, Otley and of course Harrogate - the most notable being The Great Yorkshire Show. Harrogate also hosts many other events such as the Spring and Autumn Flower shows, to name but two.
A yearly 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 run event held in March, raises money for charity and attracts 400+ tractors, old and new. Quite a spectacle, to see them all assembled prior to setting off, even if you have no interest in tractors!
𝐍𝐢𝐝𝐝 𝐀𝐫𝐭 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 in August showcases local artists work from all over the Dale and is well worth a look.. and maybe a purchase.
'Wilf' the sheep, who resides in the twin bedroom was painted by Judith Smithson who is based in Glasshouses. The turquoise vase on the windowsill was also made locally.
The country's smallest city, 𝐑𝐢𝐩𝐨𝐧, is only a half hour drive away. Many small shops and cafes, with a market held every Thursday. The magnificent cathedral is also worthy of a visit and hosts various events throughout the year. Nearby, a walk along the canal is a great place for birdwatching on the lakes between the canal and the race course. At dusk each evening, the Hornblower blows the horn in the market square. An age old tradition stretching back to 886AD.
In the opposite direction to Ripon, 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐞 is also only a half hour drive away by car. Here you will find shops to suit every pocket and a wealth of cafes, restaurants and tea rooms - the most famous of course being Betty's Tea rooms, which also has a cafe at nearby RHS Harlow Carr. Other attractions include The Royal Hall, Harrogate Theatre, The Pump Room museum, the Valley gardens, to name but a few! Harrogate sits within a large green parkland, protected from development, which gives a sense of space and identity to the town. Harrogate became known for its unique spring waters in the 19th and early 20th centuries, as visitors travelled to 'take the waters' to cure their ailments. Today, the town is known for hosting conferences and holidaymakers.
....... 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡, 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲!