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Escape the city and immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes and charming villages of the Yorkshire Dales National Park on a private day trip from Manchester. Travel in comfort with your private driver-guide, who will bring the region’s rich history, captivating folklore, and stunning scenery to life.
Our journey begins with a visit to Aysgarth Falls, one of the Yorkshire Dales’ most stunning natural wonders. Next, step back in time at Bolton Castle, a magnificent medieval fortress that once held Mary, Queen of Scots prisoner, and where you can find incredible views across Wensleydale.
Continue to the charming market town of Hawes, home to the famous Wensleydale Creamery, where you can sample the region’s iconic cheese and explore the traditional stone-built streets. A scenic drive then takes us to the Ribblehead Viaduct, an awe-inspiring feat of Victorian engineering set against the dramatic backdrop of the Yorkshire Three Peaks.
The final stop is the spectacular Malham Cove, a towering limestone amphitheater formed by glaciers thousands of years ago. For those feeling adventurous, climbing to the top reveals panoramic views over the Dales. Before returning to Manchester, enjoy a relaxing afternoon tea in the picturesque village of Grassington, with its quaint stone cottages and charming market square.
Private Tours England offers fully bespoke tours tailored to your personal preferences, whether you have specific locations in mind or would like recommendations from our expert guides. To give you an idea of how your private tour could look, we’ve created this sample itinerary for a one-day private trip from Manchester to the Yorkshire Dales.
Highlights of Yorkshire Dales Trip:
What's Included:
- Private Driver-Guide
- Luxury Tour Vehicle
- Expert Insight
- 15+ Years Experience
Yorkshire Dales Private Tour Itinerary
Your private driver guide will collect you from your Manchester accommodation on the morning of your private tour. As your day trip to Yorkshire begins, sit back and relax in our luxury air-conditioned vehicles on the scenic drive through the Pennines. Spend your journey listening to your guide share stories of the region’s rich history, from Viking settlements to the rise of the wool trade.
Aysgarth Falls
Your first stop of the day is Aysgarth Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfall formations in the Yorkshire Dales, nestled along the River Ure. You may recognize them from the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the riverside paths. Your driver guide will take you to the most scenic viewpoints of the upper, middle, and lower falls, each offering unique photo opportunities.
During your time at the falls, you can visit the Aysgarth Falls Visitor Centre to learn about the area’s history and wildlife and purchase locally made crafts and souvenirs.
Bolton Castle
A short drive brings you to Bolton Castle, a well-preserved 14th-century fortress that once imprisoned Mary, Queen of Scots. This medieval stronghold is steeped in history and offers incredible views over Wensleydale.
Explore the great hall, dungeons, and medieval kitchens to get a feel for daily life in the Middle Ages. You can walk through the beautiful gardens and climb the castle battlements, where you’ll find stunning panoramic views of the Dales.
Hawes & Wensleydale Creamery (Market Town & Cheese Tasting Experience)
Next, journey to the bustling market town of Hawes, known as the highest market town in England. Surrounded by rolling hills and dry stone walls, Hawes is the perfect place to soak in the traditional Yorkshire atmosphere.
Visit the famous Wensleydale Creamery, home to the world-renowned Wensleydale Cheese.
Enjoy an exclusive cheese-tasting session, trying various local flavors, including Cranberry Wensleydale. You’ll then head to the visitor center, where you can learn all about the cheese-making process at the visitor center.
Travel from the cheese factory to Hawes town center with your guide, with opportunities to visit independent shops and historic stone buildings. Here, you can enjoy a traditional Yorkshire meal at a cozy pub or restaurant. Your guide will recommend authentic local restaurants where you can try local favorites like Yorkshire Pudding with Roast Beef or a Ploughman’s Lunch.
Ribblehead Viaduct
Journey with your driver guide along one of the most scenic roads in England toward Ribblehead Viaduct, an engineering marvel of the Victorian era. This dramatic 24-arch railway bridge, part of the Settle-Carlisle Railway, stands against a backdrop of the famous mountains known as Yorkshire Three Peaks.
Walk around the base of the viaduct to truly get a sense of its impressive scale and craftsmanship. Your guide will tell you about the history of its construction and the navvies (workers) who built it. This is a great opportunity to capture stunning landscape photos with the viaduct stretching across the Dales.
Malham Cove & Gordale Scar
Next, head to the famous Malham Cove, a spectacular limestone amphitheater formed by a melting glacier thousands of years ago. Harry Potter fans may recognize this natural wonder from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Take a short scenic walk from the car park to the base of Malham Cove, where you can admire the 70-meter-high limestone cliffs shaped over centuries. You can even climb the stone steps to the top for breathtaking views over the Dales.
Visit the nearby Gordale Scar, a dramatic limestone gorge with 2 waterfalls tucked between towering cliffs. It’s one of the most impressive natural features in the Dales and a popular area for walkers. You can explore Gordale Scar as part of a circular route that includes Malham Cove.
Grassington
On the way back to Manchester, stop in Grassington, a picturesque Dales village known for its cobbled streets and stone cottages. Stroll through the market square, home to boutique shops and craft stores. If you have built up an appetite from hiking limestone gorges, you can stop for a relaxing cup of Yorkshire tea and homemade cakes while soaking up the peaceful atmosphere.
Scenic Drive Back to Manchester
The return journey to Manchester takes you through the stunning valleys of Wharfedale, passing scenic villages such as Burnsall and Pateley Bridge. Reflect on your day as your guide shares final stories of the Dales as you approach your Manchester accommodation.
Step 1:
Fill out the form with the destinations & wish-list for your perfect trip. Our specialists will be happy to provide additional ideas & inspiration for your vacation
Step 2:
You will then receive a tailor-made tour itinerary which can be revised an unlimited number of times to ensure total satisfaction and the perfect vacation in England
Step 3:
Your guide will meet you at the pre-arranged starting point. You can count on us for 24/7 in-country support and everything else necessary for a wonderful & seamless tour
Get Your Custom Yorkshire Dale’s Itinerary
If you are happy with the itinerary above, our tour planners can book the exact private tour for you at a time and date of your convenience.
If there’s anything on the itinerary you would like to change, we are always happy to make bespoke itineraries to ensure you get exactly what you want from your private tour. If you fill out the contact form below, our tour planners will create a complementary bespoke itinerary for you.