Middleham
Middleham is a great location to use for exploring the Yorkshire Dales, particularly if you are a horse racing fan. The town has been associated with training race horses for over two hundred years and there are over a dozen yards. Each morning you will see the horses and their riders taking the road to the various gallops that each trainer uses; you will need to be an early riser to catch them!
Middleham is in Wensleydale, nestling on the hillside between the River Cover and the River Ure just 2 miles from the busy market town of Leyburn. On the Leyburn road there is an early example of a steel suspension bridge, built in 1829.
Just off one of the two market squares are the substantial ruins of Middleham Castle, originally built in the 12th century, towering over the town's old grey stone cottages; it was once the home of Prince Richard, who later became Richard III after he married Anne, daughter of the powerful Richard Neville. It is said that Middleham was always his favourite home and the castle was once known as the ‘Windsor of the North’.
Other attractions around Middleham include the very popular Forbidden Corner. Located on the Hawes road out of Leyburn, this is a labyrinth of caves and mystery trails for all the family to explore; it usually takes a few hours to get round. It has previously been voted one of the best children’s attraction in Yorkshire.
Bolton Castle is also on the A684 to Hawes and is one of England's best maintained medieval castles with views over Wensleydale. It was built in the 14th Century by the then Chancellor of England Richard Scrope and has stayed in family hands ever since. The Leyburn Shawl is a limestone terrace 800 feet above sea level and it is said that Mary Queen of Scots dropped her shawl there in her attempt to escape the Castle.
Other attractions around Leyburn, include Jervaulx Abbey, where it was said Wensleydale cheese was invented. .
Lightwater Valley Theme Park isn't very far away on the other side of Ripon and offers a great day out.
Middleham has plenty to offer visitors with art and craft shops, cafes, hotels and pubs all serving meals and drinks. Accommodation varies from modest hotel to Bed and breakfast and pubs (try the Black Bull). Holiday cottages offer self-catering accommodation and camping and touring caravan sites are situated nearby.
Located just 2 miles south of Leyburn on the A6108, and less than 20 miles north of Ripon.
Where to stay? What to do?
