The pretty market town of Leyburn sits just outside the eastern edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, but the boundary seems somewhat arbitrary - Leyburn is an archetypal Dales place. This is the start of Wensleydale, with the river Ure running by it in the valley below, the town itself full of typical grey stone buildings. Once this was just a clearing (Ley) by a stream (burn), but the efforts of the Duke of Bolton in the 17th century meant it overtook nearby Wensley in importance, winning a market charter – it still has a market on Fridays, and a monthly farmers’ market into the bargain. Leyburn is no problem to get to by car: it sits on the A684 that joins the A1 about ten miles to the east, and the M6 rather further to the west. As a town Leyburn has good facilities, the shops around the market square offering visitors some retail therapy if they happen to need a change from the beautiful countryside. The town is well endowed with pubs and eating places too: it is a sign of changing consumer requirements and of service providers being keen to meet them that one of these, the picturesque Wensleydale Heifer, is now a boutique hotel, though there are more traditional options around like the Blue Lion, an 18th century coaching inn in East Witton. Leyburn is on the restored Wensleydale Railway, running from Leeming Bar just by the A1 to Redmire six miles west of Leyburn, a great way to take in some of the scenery without having to watch the roads. Another option of course is walking, and the area has plenty of choice for those wanting a quiet stroll, or something more demanding. One short hike not to be missed is that to Leyburn Shawl, a long rocky outcrop that provides a great panorama of Wensleydale countryside. Other attractions in the area include Middleham Castle just a couple of miles to the south, once the home of Richard III and with a huge keep as befits a royal residence. There are the falls at Aysgarth a short drive away, and Castle Bolton closer still. For a change of flavour there are two diametrically different local attractions offering something perhaps unexpected in the Dales: Constable Burton Hall Gardens, with lovely displays of roses, alpines and tulips according to the season; and The Forbidden Corner in nearby Coverham, a modern folly of labyrinths, glass pyramids and strange statues that will fire children’s imaginations.
Attraction
Bolton Castle
Braithwaite Hall (NT)
Constable Burton Hall Gardens
Forbidden Corner
Low Mill
Middleham Castle
Teapottery Ltd (The)
Cottage
Carriage House at The Grange
Coach House at The Grange
East Paradise Cottage
In and Out Cottage
Stable Cottage at The Grange
The Barn
Dentist
Estate Agent
Brown Norman F
General Accident Property Services
Farmers Market
Holiday Park
Inn
Blue Lion (The)
The Queen's Head
Market
Leyburn Farmers Market
Wensleydale Country Market
Pub and Bar
Blue Lion (The)
Old Horn Inn
Sandpiper Inn
Street Head Inn
Wyvil Arms
Restaurant
Dragon Inn
Giovannis
Leyburn County Primary School
Old Horn Inn
Rowan Tree
Sandpiper Inn
Stable Door
Street Head Inn
Wyvil Arms
School
Self-Catering
Carriage House at The Grange
Coach House at The Grange
Stable Cottage at The Grange
Westholme Lodges
Solicitor
Taxi
G A Private Hire
M Y Taxis
Mikee Private Hire
Sports Clubs
Leyburn TC (Tennis)
Shops
Lamberts Florist
The Gluten Free Kitchen
R A Orkney
Well Heeled
Old School Arts
Periwinkle
Places to Stay near Leyburn
Golden Lion (0.02 miles)
Cross Keys Inn (1.43 miles)
As well as some very nice wines and top selling national beverages, the finest ales brewed just a few ... More | visit website
In and Out Cottage (1.91 miles)
Charming 'upside down' accommodation in a stone built 18th Century terraced cottage, next to the market square in the pretty village of Middleham. With outstanding views of the surrounding area, this lovingly restored holiday home ... More
Black Swan Hotel (1.98 miles)
Blue Lion (The) (3.46 miles)
Wensleydale Heifer (3.57 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 ... MoreThe Queen's Head (4.29 miles)
Elmfields Country House (6.18 miles)
Situated in the heart of Wensleydale, this 4-star family-run guest house provides the perfect base from which to explore the beautiful surroundings of the North Yorkshire Dales. Based in Arrathorne, adjacent to James Herriot Country and ... More | visit website
Aysgarth Falls Hotel (6.37 miles)
Wheatsheaf Hotel Wensleydale (6.44 miles)
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