Hawes lies at the head of Wensleydale in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, which makes it the perfect launching point for any number of scenic walks in the area. Even in winter the dales here are breathtaking; while wet weather brings out the best of the local waterfalls, the most spectacular is Hardraw Force, said to be England’s highest unbroken overground fall at around 30m (100ft).
There are plenty of walks for hikers and birdwatchers – the Pennine Way passes through Hawes – but try take in the Buttertub Pass if you can, where your reward will be some stunning limestone potholes 20m (65ft) deep.
If the weather keeps you in Hawes itself, you’ll find plenty to keep you occupied: the Dales Countryside Museum is situated in the town’s old railway station, and also houses the local tourist information office. Also check out Gayle Mill and the Ropemakers, while no visit to Hawes would be complete without a visit to the Wensleydale Cheese Visitor Centre to partake in the cheese so beloved of Wallace and Gromit.

 

Herriots Guest House and Gallery offers rooms in the heart of Hawes from £37.50 per person per night for an en-suite room with full breakfast.

 

Chaste offers everything from tea and cakes to light lunches and full evening menus, with the emphasis on locally sourced, home cooked food based on seasonal menus.

 

Hadraw Falls were used in the movie Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves in the scene when Mary Elizabeth Manstrantonio’s Marian catches Kevin Costner’s Robin bathing naked in the pool below the falls.