You may not have heard of Hawes before, but you definitely will be aware of - and most likely have eaten - its famous cheese. This market town, located in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, is the home of Wensleydale cheese.
Today the Wensleydale Creamery produces the much-loved crumbly cheese (as featured in Wallace and Gromit), and has been doing so since 1897, employing more than 200 staff from the local area. Although cheese-making in the Dales dates back to 1150, when French monks settled in Wensleydale, and brought their cheese recipe with them.
Visitors can watch cheese-making demonstrations at the creamery and learn about this delicacy. There’s a well-stocked shop on site too, which features a vast selection of cheeses, chutneys and pickles which will tempt any foodie fan.
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But there’s more to Hawes than just Wensleydale cheese. This charming town features twisting streets lined with cafes, pubs and independent shops. Just over two hours' drive from Manchester, it's ideal for a day trip or a weekend away.
It’s surrounded by the stunning landscape of the Yorkshire Dales, with rolling green hills always visible in the distance. You don’t even have to venture far out of town to see what nature has to offer - flowing through Hawes is Gayle Beck, which tumbles over a waterfall in the centre of town.
On Tuesdays the town is a bustling hive of activity as the market springs to life. For a feel of authentic Yorkshire rural life, head to the farmers’ market which is held on the edge of town.
There’s plenty of places in Hawes to sample local produce. The White Hart Country Inn is a 16th century coaching Inn offering a selection of local ales and home cooked food, while The Wensleydale Pantry offers excellent light bites for lunch.
Thanks to its excellent location Hawes is the perfect base to explore the Yorkshire Dales from. Not far from the town is the spectacular Hardraw Force, reportedly the highest single drop waterfall in England at more than 100 feet.
This stunning waterfall is hidden in an area of woodland behind The Green Dragon Inn, a 13th century pub just a five minute drive north of Hawes. The falls were even featured in the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.
Head south from the town and you’ll come across Aysgarth Falls where the river Ure flows over limestone steps. It’s not as high as Hardraw but it does offer a lovely riverside walk.
Near to Aysgarth Falls is the Snaizeholme Red Squirrel trail where you can follow a two mile walking route through the woodland and hopefully spot a red squirrel or two. Another place which is worth visiting is Gayle Mill, which dates back to the 1780s and is thought to be the oldest unaltered mill building in the UK, it has regular guided tours.
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