Grassington
Gem of Wharfedale
The popular Wharfedale village of Grassington and its surrounding area has quaint, cobblestoned streets and nature trails both easy and “not so easy”. Crowning an outcrop of limestone the village overlooks a majestic curve of the River Wharfe.
A stroll through the cobblestoned village square and main street takes in cozy restaurants, cafes and craft shops, offering you a wide selection of the best foods and unique gifts around. Stop in for afternoon tea with cakes or a lunchtime meal. Enjoy a quiet evening meal in the company of someone special in one of the romantic restaurants. Seek out one of the great pubs for an evening of entertainment featuring music and drinking.
Many of the tiny shops around the square sell their own handmade jewellery and ornaments and are happy for you to wander around “just looking” – though you’re sure to find bargains that are hard to resist! Clothing and household items all have their place and should you need something for your holiday, you’ll probably find it here. You’ll often find the square hosting colourful local market stalls offering locally grown fruit and vegetables, eggs and dairy produce, jams and preserves.
Music and all things arts make up the latter half of June. The Grassington Festival of Music and Arts – to give it its full title – features entertainment from jazz, classical and folk music to opera, poetry, lectures and outrageous comedy. Some of this is to be freely seen and heard in the streets and pubs. These all lead up to the final few days of the festival when lavish concerts are held in the Festival in the Field marquee. You’ll find full details at the Grassington Festival of Music and Arts. Alongside and amid all of this you’ll find that the serious business of shopping, eating and fun still goes on!
Sticking firmly to its farming heritage, Grassington hosts its own Agricultural Festival every August. Featuring sheep dog trials, horse jumping competitions, horse racing, crafts, food, and entertainment, it’s little wonder that folks from far and wide flock to see and be seen.
The Upper Wharfedale Museum is a great place to explore the history and heritage of Grassington. With the village’s roots in the lead mining industry, you will see great artifacts explaining and tracing its rise and decline.
A little way up the dale the River Wharfe flows past the tiny hamlet of Kilnsey and the spectacular Kilnsey Crag – very popular with climbers as they attempt to negotiate the overhang. Here you’ll find an entertaining and educational attraction. The Kilnsey Park and Trout Farm has trout fishing in the lakes for adults and children. The red squirrel conservation scheme is a great place to spot and learn about this endearing indigenous fluffy creature.
Choose from accommodation in ancient or modern buildings including bed & breakfast, farm houses, self catering holiday cottages and hotels. Some old places date back to the mid seventeenth century where you really are lodging in a piece of history!
Grassington offers wonderful places to view and be part of the scenery and take in the wild life in the area. It’s a terrific place for shopping and spending some leisurely time exploring the charm and history of the area.
