THE AREA

Aysgill camping barn is perfect for exploring the Yorkshire dales National Park special qualities. There are dozens of spectacular waterfalls in wensleydale. One of the most well-known is, Hardraw Force with the longest un broken drop in England. Aysgill Force on your doorstep and cotter force is just a short drive away.

Some of the finest tourist destinations include, Ribblehead viaduct. Aysgath falls and Snaizhome red squirrel sanctuary.

 Plenty of cycling and walking

The dales offer some of the greatest cycling in the country. Whether it be gravel riding to mountain biking, challenging climbs over the buttertubs or a gentle route via the bridal ways. The barn offers secure storage for bikes and equipment. Bike fixing and maintenance kit and wash facilities. Check out the cycle the dales website. 

Why not pop in to stage one cycles in Hawes, they offer regular off – road bikes, trailers, junior bikes and even have the option of electric bikes to suit to most inexperienced rider to professionals. They offer guided tours and lessons. Alternatively, the very popular dales bike centre in Swaledale offers trails, events and is also at the heart of ARD Rock enduro festival. Cycling options from the door. Just over the hill lies Fleet moss, cam high road and the Old roman road to Semerwater. 

The dales are an amazing place to enjoy walking weather you’re looking for Guided walks, short walks, hiking, long distance trails, walking with dogs in the dales or Access for all there is something to suit everyone.  Why not download the free walking app with walks in Hawes and wensleydale. An option for an inspiring challenge is just a short drive away the famous Yorkshire three peaks, amongst the highest in the country.

Please always follow the countryside code.

Nature and climate are at the forefront of our barn ethos.

We provide a nature rich habitat to promote biodiversity and support nature friendly farming to aid nature recovery. And manage priority habitats. Wildlife and bird watching are popular in this area. We have bird boxes to support safe and secure nesting for birds such as owls. 

Semmerwater (second largest natural lake in north Yorkshire) nature reserve is 11 minutes’ drive away with spectacular sights of overwintering birds. Keep an eye out for osprey, Yorkshires first breeding pair in centuries, nested in wensleydale recently. Why not visit the red squirrel reserve at Snaizholme. 

The countryside has become increasingly important for maintaining mental wellbeing and providing the perfect activities to fore fill this.

The Nature prescription! Yorkshire dales national Park have partnered up to develop a nature calendrer featuring local and accessible activities that will unlock senses and help improve mental and physical health and wellbeing. Connecting with nature is a proven way to improve your health and wellbeing helping to be more calm and less nervous to spark joy, creativity and happiness. And help aid confidence communication and concentration.

The barn is a perfect place to appreciate each season. enhancing Sensory experience’s, including scenery, sounds, colour, temperature, smells. Forest bathing, cold water swimming, and water meditation are just a few things on offer.

The certified Yorkshire dales National Park dark skies reserve is the perfect place to enjoy the dark skies. The barn was converted with this in mind providing sensor down lights and shutters to keep light pollution to a minimum.

You have the option of Multiple Organised events in the area. or just enjoy what’s on offer from the comfort of the barn. We offer use of the dark skies hamper including deck chairs, binoculars, warm blankets, and books and information packs to gain a real understanding and knowledge about the unique sights to be seen. Take a look at the Yorkshire Dales National Park website for more information on events and activities in the area.  Including alerts when and where the best time to see the Aurora Borealis. (As seen from the camping barn) 

The camping barn is sustainable, in respect to both characteristics of the building and lifestyle. Its eco-friendly insulated to a high specification, benefiting from its own spring fed water supply, a wood burning stove with baking oven to heat the building and cook on, gas shower and hobs, solar panels providing energy. which is advantageous in the barns rural location and is very attractive to those who would like to reduce their environmental impact and take it back to basics.

we encourage sensible, sensitive, sustainable tourism. Energy conservation, recycling, waste minimisation and go green incentive when arriving on a bike or on foot. Customers who show increased awareness for environmentally friendly practises, sustainable living, and mental wellbeing, would be the ideal guest.

Activities for the children

Dales countryside museum in Hawes offers various family activities, with a focus on local crafts and culture. 

This environment gives the opportunity for children to gain a deeper understanding of where their food comes from and develop a stronger connection to the environment and learn about their role in its preservation through eco-friendly practices.

Outdoor activities naturally involve physical activity, contributing to children's overall health and well-being

Stone House Hotel - Enjoy a tipple or two in the beautiful refurbished bar, a superb hearty lunch by the roaring fire, a 3-course dinner in the private dining room or a classic afternoon tea in the beautiful restaurant.

The wensleydale pantry – Hosting a vast menu from a full breakfast to Sunday lunch there is something for everyone. If you prefer a sweet treat their home-made dessert selection is hard to resist.

The wensleydale Heifer – further afield, the award-winning sea food restaurant offer top notch lunch or dinner options. 

The chippie – A family run fish and chip shop and café serving the crispy gooey delight deep fried Wensleydale cheese.  

Elijah Allen’s - A fabulous, family-owned grocers shop, showcasing lots of local produce.

JW Cocketts and son – A family Bakers and Butchers home of the best fruit cake in the world! (in our opinion)

Whites of Wensleydale – An independent retailor, stocking a wide range of quality clothing and footwear.

Feather and Fern – share some love and joy with some fabulous flowers from this independent florist. 

The old sweet Shop Hawes – a traditional sweet shop selling sweets by weight, elegant truffles and award-winning ice cream

Traditional Market indoor and out – Every Tuesday

The Chapple Gallery – A contemporary art gallery in a converted Chapple offering delicious hot drinks and cakes whilst taking in the delights of locally made arts and crafts.

Stage One Cycles, Fire box café – take a pit stop and refuel whilst having your bike serviced. 

Penny Gath Café – Grab yourself a large mug of tea and a bacon butty. This café is popular with motor cyclists, cyclists and walkers.

Stacey Moore Art Gallery Hawes – A self-taught artist who specialises in detailed wildlife and landscape prints. Escape to the tranquil Yorkshire dales through coloured pencil art. 

The Wensleydale creamery –Take an interactive journey through the art of cheese making, watch the cheese being crafted from the viewing gallery and enjoy tasting a specialist selection of award-winning cheeses. There is a café and restaurant and a fantastic cheese and gift shop.

Dales Countryside Museum and tourist information centre – A fascinating story of the Yorkshire dales and the people who have lived and worked here and shaped the landscape for thousands of years. There is always a packed events list, offering interesting exhibitions, workshops and talks from an array of knowledgeable people.  Dry stone walling demonstrations prove to be very popular.

Richard Fawcett working Sheep Dog demonstrations and international trialist -  Take place on Thursdays. Introductory talk on local farming history with the opportunity to watch Richard and his dog in a working environment.    

Red Squirrels - The sanctury at Snaizholme

Buttertubs pass – A spectacular road with incredible scenery crossing high moorland between Wensleydale and Swaledale. You can continue on to the world-famous Tan Hill Inn it is Britain’s highest public house at 1,732 feet above sea level.

Hawes Auction Market – offering a fascinating insight into the Dales farming life.

Community feels – The Hub, book shop, community office and library the petrol station 

Forbidden Corner - A family run attraction with unique buildings unusual statues and a mystical adventure for the family. 

Traditional Agricultural Shows - in the heart of the community

Soak up the atmosphere and fill your day. Taste home produce whilst listening the silver brass band, take part in the tough fell race or watch live stick carving or the competitive livestock class competitions. 

August – Lunesdale show, Gargrave Show, Wensleydale Show, Malham Show, Reeth Show, Kilnsey Show.

September – Hardraw Scarr brass band festival, Nidderdale show, Moorcock Show, Muker Show Masham Sheep Fair.

Yorkshire dales food festival – indulge in a weekend of culinary delights.

Walking and book festival – guided walks and outdoor activities.

Swaledale Festival – music arts and walking events

Sedbergh eco market – selling natural and sustainable products recycled and upcycled arts and crafts and eco-friendly foods.

Farfield mill – craft gallery and Events.

White Scar Caves 

Visit Bolton castle – Tudor weekend

Brewery Kendal

Richmond - Home of The Station, Richmond Castle and The Georgian theatre 

Our Favourite time on the farm everything comes to life, trees full of leaves, flower meadows growing. The sound of the returning curlews is fascinating and the dance of the courting lapwings. There is nothing better than being in the dales and taking a walk in the woods listening to the birds and seeing the trees, plants and flowers come to life.  A very busy Lambing time just ahead. The weather may provide a chance to wall gaps dislodged by the livestock. Also, a time to Prepare for making hay.

Birds and animals hard at work feeding their young. Owl’s hunting over the heather moorland bursting with colour. The livestock out on the higher ground where its slightly cooler. Glorious meadows in full flower.

Summer is time to prepare and make hay and silage for the winter. Mowing, dashing out (turning grass over) ready for baling. Weather dependant. Time to Sheer the sheep.

Playing in the river. Spoilt for choice with the local agricultural shows giving the opportunity for farmers to showcase their livestock and produce. Wildlife at night can be memorising bat spotting and birds calling. 

The nights draw in the days are shorter. Time to prepare for tupping time. Gathering all the sheep in. If the ground is suitable muck spreading is a must to give the grass nutrients to help it grow, also contributing to the eco systems Insects and birds. The colours are changing. Why not take a drive to Stainforth Foss to see the leaping salmon.

Tups go out with the ewes. Winter weather may provide some tricky conditions on higher ground when feeding the livestock. Rain in the dales is not always a negative, seeing the waterfalls in full flow is amazing! frozen snowy winter scenes really show off the dramatic landscape. A walk in the cold can be rewarded by warming up by the stove.

But you can Enjoy the early snow drops peeping through in the coldest weather. Take part in the Dark skies’ festival with an abundance of activities and events.