FURTHER INFORMATION Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway

WHERE TO STAY Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa

Set within the picturesque Bolton Abbey Estate, this charming country house hotel offers 40 individually designed en-suite rooms, some with four-poster beds, as well as award winning dining, pool and spa.

Situated about five miles from Skipton, it makes the perfect base for exploring all the Yorkshire Dales have to offer, or just enjoy the Estate’s own 30,000 acres of spectacular countryside.

Bolton Abbey Estate, Bolton Bridge, Skipton BD23 6AJ. 01756 718100; devonshirehotels.co.uk/devonshire-armshotel-spa

The Bailey Skipton

Visitors to The Bailey in the centre of Skipton may choose from two boutique Bed and Breakfast rooms or a spacious dog-friendly cottage. Alternatively, for a different experience why not try the quirky Shepherd’s Hut situated in the property’s peaceful cottage garden? Its interior is surprisingly spacious and luxurious, is fully heated and includes its own plush bathroom and kitchen.

2-3 The Bailey, Skipton BD23 1AP. 01756 799237; thebaileyskipton.co.uk

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK The Angel At Hetton

Originally dating back to the 15th century, The Angel became well known during the 1980s as one of the first gastropubs in the country. These days it boasts a Michelin starred restaurant, which offers a tempting menu of dishes showcasing the best of local produce accompanied by fine wines. For a special treat enjoy the tasting menu and then stay overnight in one of The Angel’s nine luxurious en-suite bedrooms.

Back Lane, Hetton, Skipton BD23 6LT. 01756 730263; angelhetton.co.uk

Theakston & Black Sheep Breweries, Masham

The small market town of Masham in Wensleydale has not one but two independent family-owned breweries which both produce highly rated beers. Theakston has been in business since 1827 and is still run by direct descendants of its founder, Robert Theakston. Brewery tours take place most weekdays with the opportunity to sample six different beers. Black

Sheep was established much more recently by another Theakston family member and also offers brewery tours; alternatively enjoy a home-cooked meal in the popular Black Sheep Bistro.

Theakston Brewery Visitor Centre, Masham, Ripon HG4 4YD

01765 680000; theakstons.co.uk Black Sheep Brewery, Wellgarth, Masham, Ripon HG4 4EN

01765 689 227; blacksheepbrewery. com

A journey on this five-mile-long heritage steam railway line near Skipton is a memorable affair, but why not make it even more special by combining it with one of the dining experiences on offer? The railway offers a full programme of events including fish and chips specials, afternoon teas, curry experiences, Sunday lunches and much more besides.

Bolton Abbey Station, Bolton Abbey, Skipton BD23 6AF

01756 710614 embsayboltonabbeyrailway.org.uk

GETTING AROUND

Skipton has excellent public transport links with regular bus services connecting to the town from across the north. Dales Bus operates a number of bus routes in the Yorkshire Dales, which are supplemented by extra weekend services during the summer and the Little White Bus runs from Hawes to the start of the Red Squirrel Trail. 01969 422050; littlewhitebus.co.uk Trains run from Skipton on the famous Settle-Carlisle line and on the equally scenic Bentham Line to Lancaster and Morecambe. In the other direction there are good rail connections to Leeds and Bradford. For visitors arriving in Skipton by car there are several car parks around the town including the high street car park behind the town hall.