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HomeRoad TripsEuropeWest EuropeGreat BritainEnglandYorkshire Dales
Yorkshire Dales Landscape Free Stock Photo - Public Domain Pictures

Yorkshire Dales Road Trip

Penrith - Kirkby Stephen - Hawes - Malham - Harrogate

Expect on your itinerary

Security Security
Landscape Landscape
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Wildlife Wildlife
Urban life Urban life
Historical sites Historical sites
Yorkshire Dales Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages4 km175 h/stage0.9

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Yorkshire Dales Road Trip in England?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 90EUR drive & more 25EUR sleep & more 154EUR eat & more 192EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 371EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 461EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 144EUR drive & more 38EUR sleep & more 319EUR eat & more 288EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 645EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 789EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 252EUR drive & more 38EUR sleep & more 451EUR eat & more 384EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 873EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,125EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 450EUR drive & more 50EUR sleep & more 110EUR eat & more 192EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 352EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 802EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
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Yorkshire Dales Itinerary

The Yorkshire Dales Road Trip is an exciting 109 mile journey through England, starting in Penrith and ending in Harrogate. The route takes in Kirkby Stephen, Hawes, and Malham, and offers a range of attractions to explore along the way. From the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales National Park to the limestone formations of Malham Cove, this road trip is sure to provide an unforgettable experience. The best time to take the trip is during the summer months, when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its best. The roads are generally in good condition, although some of them can be quite narrow. This road trip is suitable for all types of drivers and can be completed in two days. It is also possible to do it on a moderate budget, making it a great way to explore the region. With its stunning landscapes, fascinating attractions, and great value, the Yorkshire Dales Road Trip is sure to be a memorable journey.
number of days 2 number of days
route length 175 km route length
budget fair budget
good for tourist good for
traffic direction on the left traffic direction
accident level moderate accident level

START Penrith

Distance 175 km Driving time 3.8 h Pace: modest 45.4 kWh Airports NCL , CAX
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Penrith is the ideal starting point for the "Yorkshire Dales Road Trip". Located in the beautiful county of Cumbria, it is an ideal base for exploring the stunning surrounding countryside. Make sure to take in the impressive ruins of the 11th century Penrith Castle and the ruins of Brougham Castle. You can also visit the market square in the town centre, which is full of local shops and restaurants. The closest international airport to Penrith is Manchester Airport (MAN), located about 90 miles away. Here, you will find a wide range of car rental companies, so you can pick up a rental car and begin your road trip. The Yorkshire Dales Road Trip is full of beautiful scenery and interesting sights. You can explore the magnificent Yorkshire Dales National Park, with its rolling hills and stunning landscapes. Visit the market towns of Hawes, Sedbergh and Leyburn, and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys. Take a break from your journey and explore the historic city of York. Tour the ancient city walls and wander around the cobbled streets. Enjoy a day in the beautiful city of Harrogate, with its picturesque gardens and Georgian architecture. Penrith is the perfect starting point for your road trip through the Yorkshire Dales. With its beautiful landscapes, historic sites and charming towns, it is a great place for an unforgettable journey.

1 Penrith - Kirkby Stephen

Distance 41 km Driving time 0.6 h Pace: fast 12.2 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues junction of road trips accommodation options
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Embark on an exciting road trip through the stunning countryside of England, starting in the historic city of Penrith. Follow the road for 25 miles and less than 1 hour of driving and you will reach the charming town of Brough. Here you can visit the ruins of Brough Castle and take in the spectacular views of the Eden Valley. Continue your journey for another 25 miles and you will arrive in Kirkby Stephen. This picturesque market town is home to the stunning St. Stephen's Church, a 12th century Norman church. You can also visit the charming market square and the nearby Pendragon Castle. More information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, don't wait any longer, pack your bags and hit the road for an unforgettable experience!

2 Kirkby Stephen - Hawes

Distance 31 km Driving time 0.9 h Pace: slow 7.1 kWh View map Itinerary
not recommended for caravans dining venues scenic road sections of narrow road sections of steep road accommodation options
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Welcome to the Kirkby Stephen to Hawes road trip! This scenic 19 mile drive will take you less than an hour and will show you some of the most beautiful landscapes in England. Get ready to experience some steep ramps and narrow roads, but don't worry - the views will be worth it! Along the way, you'll get to see some of the most interesting places, like Kirkby Stephen, Soulby, and Hawes. Make sure to take your time to appreciate the views and take some photos. You can also find more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

3 Hawes - Malham

Distance 46 km Driving time 0.9 h Pace: modest 11.8 kWh View map Itinerary
not recommended for caravans dining venues scenic road sections of narrow road accommodation options
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Embark on a road trip from Hawes to Malham and experience the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales! This 28-mile journey can be completed in under an hour, and you’ll be able to take in some of the most stunning scenery in the area. As you drive, keep your eyes peeled for the narrow sections of the road, as well as the scenic views. Stop off at Hawes to check out the Wensleydale Creamery, or take a detour to see the spectacular Aysgarth Falls. Then, when you reach Malham, don’t miss the chance to explore Malham Cove and Malham Tarn. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the itinerary for this stage of your road trip!

4 Malham - Harrogate

Distance 58 km Driving time 1.3 h Pace: modest 15.0 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station not recommended for caravans dining venues scenic road sections of narrow road accommodation options
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Welcome to the Malham to Harrogate road trip! This scenic drive is just 36 miles and should take you less than 2 hours to complete. You'll be winding through some narrow sections of road, so pay close attention and enjoy the view. Along the way, you'll be able to explore some of the most interesting places in the area. In Malham, take time to appreciate the stunning limestone formations of Malham Cove, or take a walk up to the top of nearby Pen-y-Ghent. In Harrogate, you can explore the Valley Gardens and the historic spa town, or take a stroll through the Royal Pump Room Museum. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the Itinerary for this stage of the tour. Enjoy your journey!

  Harrogate

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Harrogate is the ideal end point to your Yorkshire Dales Road Trip. Located in North Yorkshire, England, this charming town is nestled in the stunning valley of the River Nidd. With its cobbled streets, quaint tea rooms, Georgian architecture, and beautiful parks, Harrogate is the perfect place to end your adventure. Start your visit at the Valley Gardens, a stunning collection of landscaped gardens and woodlands. Take a leisurely stroll through the terraces or explore the hidden pathways and discover the secret gardens. You can also take a ride on the miniature railway, the oldest in the UK. Continue your visit with a trip to the Royal Pump Room Museum; here you can learn about the history of Harrogate and its famous spa. The museum is home to a wealth of interactive exhibits, including a working Victorian spa bath. No visit to Harrogate would be complete without a trip to the Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms. This iconic tea room has been serving tea, coffee, and delicious cakes since 1919 and is a must-see for any tea lover. If you are traveling by car, Harrogate is easily accessible from the A1. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA). Harrogate is the perfect destination to end your Yorkshire Dales Road Trip. With its beautiful parks, fascinating museums, and delicious cakes, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience in this charming town.

Yorkshire Dales at a glance

Before you set off

Embark on the enchanting Yorkshire Dales Road Trip, a 109-mile odyssey connecting Penrith to Harrogate in the heart of England. This journey isn't just a drive but a passage through time, revealing the Yorkshire Dales National Park's awe-inspiring vistas and rich cultural heritage, with a plethora of landmarks sprinkled along your route.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

  • Penrith: This historic market town marks the beginning of your adventure, boasting the imposing ruins of Penrith Castle and the Penrith Museum's intriguing exhibits.
  • Kirkby Stephen: A captivating market town that serves as a gateway to the Eden Valley, with cobbled streets and quaint shops.
  • Hawes: Delight in the creamy goodness of authentic Wensleydale cheese and delve into the local heritage at the Dales Countryside Museum.
  • Malham: Marvel at the limestone pavement atop Malham Cove and explore the dramatic waterfall and limestone cliffs of Gordale Scar.
  • Harrogate: The journey culminates in this elegant Victorian spa town, renowned for its meticulously manicured gardens, historic Turkish baths, and the famous Bettys Tea Room.

Best Time to Go:

Experience the Yorkshire Dales in full bloom by planning your Road Trip during the summer months, when the weather is typically mild and the landscapes burst with color. Spring and early autumn also offer their unique charms with fewer tourists.

Potential Risks:

  • The region's narrow and winding Roads demand attentive driving and familiarity with local driving etiquette.
  • The Dales' weather is known for its capricious nature; carrying rain gear and checking the forecast are advisable practices.

Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:

  • Distance: Covering 109 miles, the journey offers a leisurely pace and can be comfortably completed over two to three days, allowing ample time to savor each location.
  • Budget: The Trip is achievable on a moderate budget, with a range of accommodations and dining options to suit various preferences.
  • Suitability: The Road Trip caters to drivers of all experience levels; however, those unaccustomed to British country Roads should exercise caution.
  • Heritage: The Yorkshire Dales boast a rich tapestry of history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Iron Age.

A good choice for:

Offering a blend of natural splendor and cultural depth, the Yorkshire Dales Road Trip is an accessible and splendid exploration of England's pastoral landscapes and historical treasures, promising an unforgettable experience for travelers of all interests.

Facts for safer driving in England

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.8
max speed urban max speed urban 48 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 96 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 112 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher no
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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