The Yorkshire Dales has many pretty dales, villages and hamlets. Coverdale, at the eastern end of the Dales in North Yorkshire, is a particularly attractive location. This tributary valley of Wensleydale is a scenic mix of pastures, moors, meadows and heather with the River Cover flowing through it. The river is good for fishing for brown trout and grayling. Rent a holiday cottage nearby to enjoy a Dales holiday with good walks and a spot of fishing.
Staying in Coverdale affords easy access to the nearby market town of Middleham. Cobbled squares and Victorian and Georgian architecture make this an attractive town and it’s of historic interest too. Middleham Castle, where King Richard III lived as a child, is a fine castle and has sometimes been referred to as the Windsor of the North. Explore the castle and enjoy the Wensleydale views and learn the history of this fascinating fortification. The Middleham Jewel is a celebrated pendant from the 1400s, featuring a beautiful sapphire and was found near the castle. A replica of this treasured item is exhibited in the castle and the original can be found at the Yorkshire Museum in York. Enthusiasts of historic churches will be interested in visiting the St. Mary and St. Akelda 13th century church. Middleham is a good shopping centre, too with galleries and welcoming tearooms.
Middleham is well known in the horseracing world for its racing stables. Members of the public can see behind the scenes of this busy stables at the annual Middleham Stables Open Event. Racing tours are also organised in the town, with an opportunity to meet the racehorses and their trainers. If you join the guided tour, you can also watch the horses on the Middleham Gallops and the package also includes a visit to the races, if desired. The late Davy Jones, singer with The Monkees pop group, was an apprentice jockey before he found fame in the band and was based at the stables for a time.
Of the villages that can be found in Coverdale, West Scrafton is particularly interesting. This village of only around 40 houses boasts no less than ten Grade II listed ones. One of these is Manor House, built in the 16th century and expanded in the early 19th century, where husband to Mary Queen of Scots, Lord Darnley, is said to have been born. The Old Inn is another listed building, originally completed in 1590. Its function as an inn ceased in 1925. Nevertheless, it was filmed for episodes in the popular television series, All Creatures Great and Small, in which it bore the name of The Woolpack Inn.
For a really wonderful and unusual day out, Forbidden Corner in Tupgill Park is advertised as ‘the strangest place in the world’. Originally a private folly, its eccentricities were then put on show for the public. Visitors must book in advance to see four acres of gardens, featuring chambers, tunnels and intriguing follies, as well as a picnic area. Children love trying to navigate the various passageways that don’t lead to anywhere. Some of the items are quite mystifying, such as the pyramid made out of glass. Tupgill Park is a fascinating place in itself. The Herb Garden there contains more than a hundred different herbs, attracting butterflies and bees. In addition, there is a herd of red deer and the Fish Temple, where you will find ponds with chub and carp.
Coverdale may not be as well known as some of its neighbouring dales, but it is all the more unspoilt because of it. Any family coming here for a break will appreciate the space and time to breathe in the midst of such beauty and heritage. Do take a look at self-catering cottages to rent in the Yorkshire Dales for a very satisfying family holiday.
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