Holiday rentals in Leyburn

In the small North Yorkshire village of Leyburn, set among rolling Wensleydale countryside, Norman-style buildings and vine-covered facades line the cobblestone streets of town. People come here to wander along its meandering walkways and linger over Yorkshire tea at streetside cafes before strolling south to the nearby River Ure for a waterside picnic. This small community, which lies at the foot of the sprawling Yorkshire Dales National Park, serves as an excellent jumping-off point to explore the surrounding moors, wooded valleys, and gentle hills.

Aside from perusing the village’s boutique shops — Leyburn is home to one of the largest antique auction houses outside of London — history buffs will find much to interest them at the area’s many castles and historical sites. Middleham Castle, where Richard III grew up, is just minutes away, and Bolton Castle just outside the village is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in England.

Leyburn’s short, comfortably warm summers — interspersed with regular rains — stretch from June through September. Winter weather conditions reach their coldest and windiest between November and April, and in the darkest months snowfall often covers the village’s winding streets. Holiday cottages in Leyburn are popular during the summer — not just due to the pleasant weather but also for the area’s succession of seasonal festivals and events. The largest, a two-week celebration of music and the arts, brings a series of concerts and performances to venues scattered throughout the region’s rural spots. The shoulder seasons are also pleasant times to visit Leyburn, but be sure to pack a jacket and waterproof layers to stave off potentially brisk temperatures and sudden rains.

Yorkshire Dales National Park

Leyburn is right on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, where rolling moorland, stone viaducts, and shaded waterfalls draw visitors from far and wide. Hiking trails, mountain-biking tracks, and thousands of square kilometres of wilderness are waiting to be explored. The park is also a dark sky reserve, making it an excellent destination for stargazing.

Constable Burton Hall & Gardens

Less than 10 minutes outside the village, this 18th-century garden is filled with colorful swathes of roses and tulips, as well as alpine woodlands and wildflower meadows. Meandering streams and walking paths make their way through the estate, which also features an imposing 16th-century Elizabethan mansion.

Middleham Castle

The crumbling remains of Middleham Castle are remembered as the childhood home of Richard III. Dating back to the 12th century, this Norman stronghold has retained its towering stone walls, towers, and grounds, which are now available for exploration. An on-site viewing platform provides visitors with stunning vistas of the surrounding Wensleydale countryside.