If there was a 'capital of the Yorkshire Dales', where do you think it would be? Hawes would be a strong contender. Hawes is a perfect starting point for an exploration of the Yorkshire Dales. Dales Countryside Museum offers a great introduction to the area. It's run by Yorkshire Dales National Park and tells the fascinating story of the Yorkshire Dales and the people who have lived and worked here, and shaped the landscape for thousands of years.
Many visitors come to Hawes on a pilgrimage to Wensleydale Creamery - you can buy the famous cheese there, see it being made and learn more about its history. There are also plenty of independently-owned cafes, pubs and shops.
On market days the Hawes auction mart offers an insight into Dales farming life – if you can manage to understand a word the auctioneer shouts! Every Thursday from May through-out the summer, in one of the fields on the edge of Hawes you can watch farmer Richard Fawcett do a sheep dog demonstration.
From Hawes you can enjoy a trip from Hawes over the stunning Buttertubs Pass towards Swaledale, visiting Thwaite, Keld, Muker and Reeth.
The road in the opposite direction will take you towards Sedbergh through stunning countryside. You could also follow the Red Squirrel Trail through the woods at Snaizeholme.
Do you have a favourite cafe or pub, or something you love to do in and around Hawes?
Image by Guy Carpenter