Ruth

I'm planning a trip in the Yorkshire Dales. I'll be starting from Harrogate and would like to visit towns and villages such as Knaresborough, Stavely, Farnham, and in Swalesdale, areas such as Reeth, Grinton, etc. I understand there are craft people in the Swalesdale area as well as lovely countryside. I would prefer to stay in one or two places, rather than a different place each night. Are there one or two places that would be central enough to make day trips to these areas?

Gareth

Coming from the Dales, I can suggest that anywhere is OK. This is because its not all that large an area. Malham is central, as is Grassington. Harrogate and Knaresborough are not in the Dales but close. It all depends if you want to concentrate on one area over another or dont mind travelling alot in the day.

Gareth

I just thought, Skipton is a smallish town that would make a good base. It calles its self the 'Gateway to the Dales'. The roads are good and the connections to Harrogate fast. Just an idea!

janis

All of Gareth's suggestions are good. Instead of staying in two or more places, I would pick just one and use it as a base since everything is close by. It is great to settle in somewhere for a few days and really get to know the village/town. Coming "home" each evening after a busy day of sightseeing is very relaxing.

Linda

Oh, you are going to one of my absolutely favorite parts of the world. <BR><BR>I, too, recommend Skipton. Though not large, it is convenient to most of the area, which is not all that large. You should be within a one-hour drive of just about anywhere you'd want to go.<BR><BR>Have a good time on the Dales.

Jan

Hello, Ruth<BR><BR>Another suggestion...if you decide to stay in two places, and if you are considering some time further north and west in Wensleydale, I recommend the market town of Hawes. Lots of great walking in the area plus the Wensleydale Creamery and a well-done local museum. Nearby are Hardraw Force, Aysgarth Falls, Askrigg, Castle Bolton, etc. Plenty of little antique shops and places to wander about in town, plus fairly close to Swaledale Woolens, as you mentioned you were interested in local crafts.<BR><BR>I very much enjoyed my stay at the Stone House Hotel, set just outside of Hawes in Sedbusk with a fantastic garden and view over the town. Very comfortable and friendly country house hotel sort of place, run by the son and son-in-law of the owners. Their website: http://stonehousehotel.co.uk/index.shtml<BR><BR>I hope you enjoy your stay in the Dales!