This Yorkshire dale is famous for its limestone scenery. Walkers, potholers and climbers, as well as families on holiday, are attracted to the area in all seasons. This distinctive landscape, with its limestone, dry stone walls, offers a terrific break for anyone wanting a taste of the great outdoors. Welcoming tea rooms selling local produce cheer the soul if the weather is mixed and local crafts make terrific gifts for the folks back home.
Find somewhere of a good quality to stay in Malhamdale to make the most of your holiday without additional travelling. There are plenty of self-catering cottages, log cabins and similar holiday accommodation to rent in the Yorkshire Dales.
The small village of Malham is a popular tourist destination. A pretty stream runs through the middle of the village. One of the most famous geological wonders in Britain, nearby Malham Cove is a cliff formation, hewn from limestone rock and formed after the last Ice Age. This is topped off with a very distinctive and large limestone pavement, which has been much photographed and filmed. It featured in the film, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in the scenes where Harry and Hermione set up their tent. It’s said by Tolkien experts that Malhamdale was the inspiration behind Helm’s Deep, which featured in Lord of the Rings.
Many climbers come to Malham Cove for the challenge. There may be climbing restrictions in place during the bird-nesting season. Peregrine falcons are annual visitors every summer. Less challenging but just as enjoyable is the circular walk, which goes round Malham village and takes about an hour.
For a fun walk for all the family, there is the annual Safari Trail. With proceeds going to local charities, it’s a kind of animal treasure hunt and quiz. Mountain biking is also a popular pursuit in this part of the world with several routes set up in the area. During the annual Malham Show, there is the Trailquest Mountain Bike Orienteering event. It’s also possible to rent out bikes during your holiday for the day or by the week.
Malham Tarn is a remote and windswept spot and an important one for local rare animals and plants. It’s a national nature reserve and is owned by the National Trust. Visitors can follow the circular walk round the tarn and there is also a family cycle trail. Orchid House, on the north shore of the tarn, has a walk-in exhibition on the conservation work in the area and visitors are welcome to observe from the bird hide. At 1,237 feet above sea level, this glacial lake is the highest lake in England. From the tarn, it’s possible to walk to Janet’s Foss waterfall and pool, a local beauty spot, where families like to take a dip.
One of the most spectacular limestone gorges, Gordale Scar cuts into the hillside and was created over millions of years by melting glaciers. The sheer size of it is wonderful to behold and the waterfall flowing through it adds to its beauty. It’s usually possible to climb up the waterfall via a path from Malham Tarn unless there has been particularly heavy rainfall.
A stone chimney stands all alone on the moors not far from the road that leads from Malham Tarn down to Malham Cove and the village of Malham. This is an industrial 18th Century relic which tells of mining in the area.
Malham Show is a traditional annual country show held on the August bank holiday, which has taken place for many decades. Previous shows have featured show jumping events, vintage tractors, trade stands, falconry displays, handicraft exhibits, tug of war, children’s fancy dress, farmers’ markets and the much anticipated but tough fell race.
Malham Smithy, in the centre of Malham village, is an unusual and entertaining attraction. This historic smithy is open to the public (on most days – ring first), giving visitors the chance to see artfully created ironwork in the form of ornaments for the garden and candlesticks etc. Part workshop and part gallery, it’s a marvellous showcase for traditional skills and an opportunity to buy a gift or bring back a souvenir.
Malhamdale inspired J. M. W. Turner to paint it and William Wordsworth to write poetry about it. Today, it’s the inspiration for outdoor pursuits and relaxing family self-catering holidays alike.
A section of Malham limestone pavement is shown below.
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