Hawes village at 850 feet above sea level stands as one of England’s highest market towns. This charming Yorkshire Dales settlement has kept its vibrant market tradition alive since 1307. The Tuesday market continues to attract visitors after 500 years.
The small community of 1,000 residents lies in the Yorkshire Dales’ heart and gives visitors an authentic glimpse into traditional British life. The town’s pride, Wensleydale Creamery, 125 years old, draws 250,000 visitors annually. The creamery has won prestigious awards and claimed the Supreme Champion title at The Great Yorkshire Show. Hawes combines natural beauty with cultural heritage through its historic Dales Countryside Museum and Hardraw Force, England’s tallest unbroken waterfall at 100 feet.
Hidden Treasures of Hawes Yorkshire
Away from the busy tourist spots, Hawes has amazing treasures that few people know about. The historic Appersett Bridge from the early 18th century is proof of architectural brilliance. Its single segmental arch and distinctive ashlar construction make it unique.
The Dales Countryside Museum sits in what used to be a railway station. Visitors can step back in time here and experience Yorkshire Dales’ rich mixture of life. The museum welcomes guests daily from 10 am to 5 pm between February and October.
Hidden gems you shouldn’t miss around Hawes include:
- The beautiful Aysgarth Rock Garden, a horticultural masterpiece by Frank Sayer Graham that features limestone blocks from Stephen’s Moor and spring-fed waterfalls
- The stunning Hull Pot, a collapsed cavern that stretches 91 meters long and drops 18 meters deep
- The picture-perfect Ribblehead Viaduct that sits between the Three Peaks
Nature lovers will enjoy Semer Water, one of just two natural lakes in the Yorkshire Dales. Archeologists found Bronze Age settlement remains under its waters in 1937. The area around it shows off a beautiful mix of moorland, valley grasslands and small woodlands.
People who want authentic experiences can visit Gayle Mill, which ranks among the oldest unchanged cotton mills still standing. The mill, among the town’s network of cobbled streets and traditional stone houses, shows glimpses of Yorkshire’s industrial past.
Beyond the Tourist Trail in Hawes Market
The cobbled streets of Hawes burst into life every Tuesday, continuing a tradition that goes back to 1699 when King William III gave the town its royal charter. More than just another tourist spot, the market square pulses as the beating heart of local commerce.
Elijah Allen & Son, Yorkshire’s best independent grocer, stands proud as a fifth-generation family business. The store and many more family-run businesses keep the town’s unique character alive, with national chains nowhere in sight.
The market displays an impressive selection of local goods and craftsmanship:
- Fresh fruits, vegetables and eggs from nearby farms
- Handmade jewelry and unique home décor items
- Local preserves and artisanal foods
- Traditional Yorkshire crafts
The indoor Market House buzzes with regular craft fairs and tabletop sales next to the outdoor market. Raydale Preserves, another family business, gives visitors a chance to explore their premises and taste their unique range of jams, chutneys and sauces.
The town’s self-sufficiency stands out, as independent shops provide almost everything residents need. Cocketts butchers, 169 years old, and the community-owned Wensleydale Creamery put local sourcing and personal service first. The butcher’s meat comes from specific areas – lamb from Ripon, beef from Wharfedale and poultry from Nidderdale.
This market town’s independence comes partly from its remote location – 27 miles from Kendal, 40 miles from Darlington and 35 miles from Northallerton. This isolation has helped create a resilient community of independent retailers who have adapted their businesses to serve both locals and tourists well.
Take the Pennine Way from Hawes.
Local’s Guide to Hawes Dining Scene
Hawes village welcomes food lovers with a mixture of dining spots ranging from historic coaching inns to family-run cafes. The White Hart Inn, a 16th Century Coaching Inn, uses local ingredients to create house-made dishes. This place maintains high standards with several cask ales and a great wine selection all day.
The Chippie makes the local favorite – deep-fried Wensleydale cheese. This family-run spot has become the life-blood of Hawes’ culinary scene with its classic fish and chips.
You’ll find Calvert’s Restaurant at Wensleydale Creamery serving bistro-style meals from beer-battered cod to hanger steak. The Penny Garth Cafe serves big portions of classic English dishes that attract walkers and cyclists.
Most places stay busy, so booking ahead is vital for dinner. Just outside the village center, Yorebridge House proudly holds three AA rosettes and creates special tasting menus with optional Champagne pairings.
Yorkshire’s culinary heritage comes alive through unique local combinations like Wensleydale cheese with traditional fruit cake. Hawes’ restaurants take pride in supporting local producers and create dining experiences that capture Yorkshire Dales’ rich food culture.
Enjoy Hawes Village
Hawes village shows Yorkshire’s lasting charm where old traditions naturally mix with modern business. This historic market town has much more to offer than its famous Wensleydale cheese, though cheese lovers still flock here.
Fifth-generation grocers and family-run preserves makers keep Yorkshire’s authentic spirit alive with their quality products and traditional methods. The town’s isolation has helped create an impressive self-sufficient community. Local shops flourish here, and regional produce dominates the market.
Hull Pot and Hardraw Force’s natural beauty pairs perfectly with architectural treasures like the Appersett Bridge, giving visitors plenty to explore. Historic coaching inns and traditional cafes define the local food scene. These establishments showcase Yorkshire’s best dishes and support local farmers.
This place is more than just another spot on the tourist map. Hawes captures Yorkshire market towns’ tough spirit, where history, community and natural beauty come together to create an experience visitors won’t forget.
FAQs
Q1. What makes Hawes Village unique among Yorkshire towns?
Hawes is one of England’s highest market towns, situated at 850 feet above sea level. It has maintained a vibrant market tradition since 1307 and is home to the famous Wensleydale Creamery, attracting 250,000 visitors annually.
Q2. Are there any hidden natural attractions near Hawes?
Yes, there are several hidden gems near Hawes, including Hull Pot, a collapsed cavern measuring 91 meters long and 18 meters deep and Semer Water, one of only two natural lakes in the Yorkshire Dales with Bronze Age settlement remains beneath its waters.
Q3. What can visitors expect at the Hawes market?
The Hawes market, held every Tuesday, offers a wide range of local produce, handmade crafts and artisanal foods. Visitors can find fresh fruits and vegetables, handmade jewelry, local preserves and traditional Yorkshire crafts from independent vendors.
Q4. What dining experiences are available in Hawes?
Hawes offers diverse dining options, from historic coaching inns like the White Hart Inn to family-run establishments like The Chippie, known for its deep-fried Wensleydale cheese. Many restaurants in Hawes pride themselves on using locally sourced ingredients and supporting local producers.
Q5. How has Hawes maintained its independence and local character?
Hawes’ geographic isolation has fostered a self-sufficient community of independent retailers. The town has very few national chains, with most businesses being family-run and locally owned. This includes fifth-generation grocers and community-owned enterprises like the Wensleydale Creamery, all prioritizing local sourcing and personal service.
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