Description
The Dales Countryside Museum is a local museum which also functions as a visitor centre for the Yorkshire Dales National Park in Northern England. Run by the National Park Authority, it tells the story of the people who have lived and worked in the Yorkshire Dales for over a 1,000 years.
Discover the incredible story of the Dales and the people who have lived, worked and played here. Share special times and make memories exploring our family-friendly galleries and outdoor trail. Changing exhibitions and an events programme means there’s always something new to see and do.
Price starts from £5.00 for Adults(18 years and over), Free for Children(Under 16s) and £33.00 for Family(1 Adults and up to 2 children). If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.
Detailed Inventory of Museum Collections
- The museum houses a wide range of significant regional artifacts:
- Bronze Age Spearhead: A core piece of the museum's archaeological collection.
- Gold Viking Ring: A rare example of early craftsmanship found in the region.
- Victorian Railway Carriages: Restored carriages that you can climb inside.
- Historic Agricultural Implements: A collection showcasing the evolution of farming in the Yorkshire Dales.
- Traditional Craftsman Tools: Specialized equipment used by local blacksmiths and wool workers.
- School Days Memorabilia: A display reflecting the reality of education in the Dales during the 19th and 20th centuries.
- Commemorative Religious Items: Artifacts detailing the history of worship in the rural landscape.
- Tourism Ephemera: Vintage posters and guides showing how the Dales became a popular holiday destination.
Beyond the Main Attraction
- The museum is situated in Hawes, providing easy access to:
- Wensleydale Creamery: Visit the home of world-famous cheese to see live demonstrations and explore the interactive visitor centre.
- Hawes Market Day: Experience the traditional bustling atmosphere of a classic Dales market town, held every Tuesday.
- Hardraw Force: Take a short trip to see England’s highest single-drop waterfall, a spectacular natural landmark located just nearby.
- Pennine Way Walks: Utilize Hawes as a base to start or finish sections of the iconic Pennine Way, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
New for 2026: Community Spotlight Programme
- Throughout 2026, the museum is hosting a series of expanded exhibitions focused on local heritage:
- Resident Research Series: Local volunteers have curated new displays showcasing deep dives into family trees and local industrial history.
- Living Archive Exhibits: Experience updated interactive stations where you can listen to recorded oral histories from Dales residents past and present.
- Temporary Archaeological Showcases: View never-before-seen finds from recent community digs across the National Park, including Roman and Iron Age pottery fragments.
- Craft Collective Displays: See new rotating exhibits of contemporary Dales crafts, highlighting traditional skills passed down through generations.
Events: For more upcoming events please visit here.
31.90 miles
