Leyburn
Leyburn is an important market town close to the Yorkshire Dales where there are shops, hotels, inns and cafes, bed and breakfasts and holiday cottages offering places to stay with great views of the surrounding area. it is also home to one of the largest auction rooms in England, Tennants, which can be found on the the Bedale Road out of Leyburn. They have sales every week and there is usually a bargain to be had on quality antiques and furniture.
Middleham, only 2 miles away is well known for its horse racing stables and its 12th century castle; later in the 15th century it was a favourite of Richard III.. Mary, Queen of Scots has connections with the area as she was imprisoned in Bolton Castle on the A684 to Hawes. "Leyburn Shawl" is a limestone terrace 800 feet above sea level, it is said that Mary, Queen of Scots dropped her shawl here in her attempt to escape the Castle.
Other attractions around Leyburn, include Jervaulx Abbey, where it was said Wensleydale cheese was invented. The Forbidden Corner is a labyrinth of caves and mystery trails which has won a children's entertainment award in Yorkshire. Booking is recommended. Other natural attractions include Aysgarth and West Burton Falls.
Hawes is less than 20 miles west of Leyburn on the A684 with Bedale and the A1 11 miles east of it on the A 684; Richmond is 12 miles to the north.