Holiday rentals in Grassington

Set in the southern part of Yorkshire Dales National Park, the small market town of Grassington is the perfect base for exploring the region’s natural wonders. The village is located in the heart of the valley of Wharfedale, with the River Wharfe running through it, complete with a footpath and bridge to witness the mighty Linton Falls cascading across limestone blocks. Picturesque open countryside surrounds the town, offering a variety of walks, including the Grassington Lead Mining Trail, where you can head to the moor and discover the history of the industry that once powered this town, including remains of some of the old mine workings.

At the heart of the community is the cobbled square, where ancient markets once stood. Most of the buildings here are made from the same traditional grey stone, giving the village a sense of uniformity, making it a fitting location for films and TV shows. The main street running down the slope through the heart of Grassington is narrow and features an array of independent shops, traditional pubs, and tempting tea rooms.

Grassington’s peak season is in the summer months, when days tend to be warmer and longer. Many people rent cottages in Grassington at this time of year as a base or stop-off point when visiting Yorkshire Dales National Park. May and September are quieter months when temperatures are still mild, although the town will be busy during the two public holidays in May. Note that some attractions are not open year-round. As the village often doubles as a film and TV location, it is advisable to check whether any filming is happening if you come here in the low season. Grassington also hosts different festivals, including the Grassington Festival in June, a Grassington 1940s Weekend in September, and a Dickensian Festival in December.

Skipton Castle

With a history dating back more than 900 years, Skipton Castle is one of the best-preserved castles from this era. You’ll discover many stories hidden within the walls of this gatekeeper to the Yorkshire Dales as you can head down as far as the dungeons before climbing up to enjoy the views from the watchtower.

Stump Cross Caverns

Follow the illuminated trail through Stump Cross Caverns underneath the Yorkshire Dales to witness a story that’s been 300 million years in the making. The caves were discovered in the 19th century by miners looking for seams of lead; instead, they found a labyrinth of natural caverns, with captivating stalagmites and stalactites, and fossils of prehistoric animals, such as wolverines and bison.

Gordale Scar

To the west of Grassington is a breathtaking gorge in the Malham National Park, sculpted by nature over thousands of years through glacial meltwater. This one-mile ravine has steep limestone cliffs rising more than 300 feet on either side, with tufa deposits and a waterfall rushing through its centre.