Nidderdale National Landscape
Nidderdale in one of the most accessible dales in Yorkshire, as it lies so close to Harrogate, Otley and is easily accessible from West Yorkshire. It remains oddly unknown to many, so there are plenty of quiet corners to explore. Located just outside the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Nidderdale is also a protected landscape, now known as Nidderdale National Landscape (formerly the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). Nidderdale runs along River Nidd from Great Whernside towards the Vale of York, a wild gritstone landscape and moorland to the west and a pastoral landscape to the east.
Gouthwaite and Scar House Reservoirs are a distinctive feature of the dale: their stories are told at the Nidderdale Museum in Pateley Bridge. Sandstone crags and tors punctuate the landscape. Visitors love to marvel at the curious shapes of Brimham Rocks.
Spectacular almost 360-degree views reward those who take the short walk up to the Coldstones Cut, Yorkshire’s largest public artwork. Don’t miss the fascinating remains of Toft Gate lime kiln on the way.
Nidderdale is an important habitat for internationally important species of bird such as red grouse, golden plover and merlin.
Nidderdale is home to the World Heritage Site at Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, a vast historic estate comprising the largest abbey ruins in the country, a deer park and a Georgian water garden designed by John Aislabie.
The Aislabie connection continues at magical Hackfall wood where his son William designed a woodland garden complete with follies, waterfalls and gushing fountain.
Traditional hamlets and villages, such as Middlesmoor and Lofthouse, are scattered throughout Nidderdale, some on old drovers’ roads snaking over the moor.
At Nidderdale’s heart is the small town of Pateley Bridge which winds its way up the hill and is renowned for shops selling local produce and The Oldest Sweet Shop in England! The town is a great place to stop and buy delicious local foods before a trip 'updale'. Towards the top of the Dale you’ll find some remarkable attractions: How Stean Gorge, Nidderdale Llamas and the Studfold Adventure Trail, on land farmed by 16 generations of the same family.
Find out more about Nidderdale and its attractions
