Though Askrigg in Wensleydale has shrunk from being a market town (it was granted its charter in 1587 by Elizabeth I) to a village of just 411 souls (at the 2001 census) it has grown in fame under the pseudonym of Darrowby, for it was here that much of the BBC series All Creatures Great and Small was filmed. Askrigg sits in the centre of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, just to the north of the A684 between Hawes and Leyburn, and makes a good base for exploring the Park. The falls as Aysgarth and Hardraw are just four miles east and west respectively. Askrigg is no problem to find in the car, the A684 leading almost directly to the village from either the M6 or the A1. The settlement here dates back to at least Viking times, Askrigg being derived from the Norse, meaning ash ridge, the ridge where the ash trees stand. The TV connection has given the place a new lease of life, and it has great facilities for a place of this size – no less than three pubs, as well as several shops and a restaurant. The church of St Oswald’s is in the perpendicular style, and dates from 1466. Fittingly given the history of the village, St Oswald’s has a clock in its embattled tower. The clock is fitting because the other great claim to fame of Askrigg is that it was the home of some of England’s great clockmakers, indeed the place was once a hive of clock-making activity, most especially in the 18th century. The three greatest names from that era will be well known to clock collectors: James Ogden, Mark Metcalfe, and Christopher Caygill, the later famed for decorating his clock-faces with images of Satan, though he did sprinkle the occasional angel or the four evangelists about to balance things out. In the following century the industry was still well established, with another three great makers working in the village then: James Pratt, John Skidmore, and John Stancliffe. Although this is very much a Dales village, there is still a feel of industry about the place, with its three-storey houses and little alleyways. In 1784 a cotton mill opened in the then town, but it metamorphosed into a woollen mill, supplying yarn to the local knitting industry – hand-knitting was an important craft and source of income in the area. This is a place that deserves time spent strolling and observing, with details like the ancient bull-baiting ring (also the scene of fist-fights) and the market cross to catch the eye.
Pub and Bar
Shops
Places to Stay near Askrigg
Stoney End (0.94 miles)
Wheatsheaf Hotel Wensleydale (3.67 miles)
George & Dragon Inn (3.71 miles)
Rowleth End (4.14 miles)
Relax in style at this 1920s residence in the heart of Upper Swaledale. Rowleth End is a 1920’s Art Deco styled residence of grace and charm. Each of its ... More
Aysgarth Falls Hotel (4.18 miles)
Stone House Hotel (4.41 miles)
The Stone House Hotel is a fine country house superbly located in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Its stunning location together with quality accommodation and delicious food ... More
White Hart Inn (4.88 miles)
The White Hart is friendly, family run Traditional Country Inn situated in the heart of Wensleydale in the Yorkshire dales National Park. Hawes is one of Englands highest Market towns ... More
Simonstone Hall Country House Hotel (4.95 miles)
Thorney Mire Barn (6.15 miles)
Wensleydale Heifer (6.91 miles)
Click for special and substantially discounted rates from Laterooms
Located in the heart of The Yorkshire Dales this traditional inn has been fully refurbished retaining the origional features whilst offering guests every modern comfort. The accommodation ... MoreBrit Quote: |
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