Forming part of Yorkshire Dales National Park, Grassington is a historic market town in the valley of Wharfedale. It provided the setting for the fictional village of “Darrowby” in the 2020 television adaptation of “All Creatures Great and Small”, based on the books of Alf Wight about a Yorkshire-based veterinarian.
Things to do in Grassington
Spend an afternoon strolling the atmospheric streets of Grassington, which centre around a cobblestone square lined with historic pubs, cosy cafes and independent stores. Check to see what exhibitions are currently being presented at the Wishbone Gallery and admire the Grade II-listed stone building of the Grassington Congregational Church.
In the heart of town is the Grassington Folk Museum, which was established by the Upper Wharfedale Museum Society in 1975. It occupies a historic stone residence that dates back to 1728 and is believed to have been constructed as a miners’ cottage. The museum’s exhibits explore the lead mining history of Grassington and its traditional crafts, while period costumes and vintage farming tools are also on display.
Grassington makes a charming base for exploring Yorkshire Dales National Park, which encompasses spectacular river valleys and moors in the Pennines. Marvel at the 12th-century monastery ruins of the Bolton Abbey Estate, hike to the tumbling Aysgarth Falls or explore the limestone ravine of Gordale Scar. In the village of Burnsall is a famous five-arched bridge spanning the River Wharfe.
Getting around Grassington
Grassington is around an hour’s drive from the centre of Leeds and 45 minutes from Leeds Bradford Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Regular buses connect from Skipton to Grassington and the town is small enough to explore on foot. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around Yorkshire Dales National Park.