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Dales Countryside Museum: A Living History of the Yorkshire Dales

Discover the Yorkshire Dales’ heritage in a historic railway station with interactive exhibits, family activities, and stunning cultural displays.

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Nestled in the historic Hawes railway station, the Dales Countryside Museum offers an immersive journey through the rich cultural and natural heritage of the Yorkshire Dales. Showcasing life from prehistoric times to the present, it features interactive exhibits, original train carriages, and engaging displays on farming, mining, and local crafts. Open daily with seasonal hours, it invites visitors of all ages to explore the stories that shaped this unique landscape.

A brief summary to Dales Countryside Museum

  • Burtersett Road Station Yard, Hawes, DL8 3NT, GB
  • +441969666210
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit between February and October for extended opening hours from 10am to 5pm.
  • Take advantage of the £1 discount on admission when purchasing a car park ticket.
  • Explore the outdoor trail for nature spotting and storytelling activities.
  • Plan for 2 to 3 hours to fully enjoy the museum’s interactive exhibits and special events.
  • The museum is fully wheelchair accessible, with wheelchairs available for loan on site.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Driving to the museum from central Hawes takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes. Parking is available on site with a combined ticket discount. Note that roads in the Dales can be narrow and winding, so drive cautiously. Parking charges apply, typically around £3-5.

  • Bus

    Local bus services connect Hawes with nearby towns such as Leyburn and Richmond, with travel times ranging from 30 to 60 minutes depending on route. Bus frequency varies seasonally, so check timetables in advance. The museum is a short walk from the Hawes bus stop.

  • Walking

    If staying in Hawes town center, the museum is accessible on foot within 15 to 20 minutes along mostly flat terrain. Paths are suitable for wheelchair users, but some cobbled areas may require care.

Dales Countryside Museum location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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A Unique Setting in Hawes Railway Station

The Dales Countryside Museum is housed in the beautifully repurposed Victorian Hawes railway station, a historic building that once connected the Yorkshire Dales to the wider world. This authentic setting enriches the visitor experience, allowing you to explore original train carriages and railway artifacts that tell the story of the line’s impact on the region’s development. The station’s architecture and railway heritage provide a tangible link to the past, making the museum a landmark in its own right.

Exploring the Yorkshire Dales’ Cultural Landscape

Inside, the museum presents a comprehensive narrative of the Yorkshire Dales’ people and environment, spanning thousands of years. Exhibits cover prehistoric times, the Bronze Age, and Viking influences, featuring remarkable objects such as a bronze spearhead and a gold Viking ring. The displays delve into everyday life themes—school days, home life, leisure, religion, transport, communication, tourism, farming, and local industries—offering a vivid portrait of the Dales’ evolving culture.

Interactive and Family-Friendly Experiences

The museum excels in engaging visitors of all ages with hands-on exhibits and interactive zones. Children and families can climb aboard train carriages, participate in craft workshops at the Creation Station, and enjoy an outdoor trail that encourages nature spotting and storytelling. Regular special exhibitions and events, including craft demonstrations and family fun days, add fresh experiences throughout the year, making each visit unique and educational.

Commitment to Accessibility and Education

Designed to be fully accessible, the museum offers wheelchair access and even wheelchairs for loan on site. Educational activities and object handling sessions can be arranged for groups, supporting learning and community engagement. A dedicated research area and shop complement the visitor experience, providing resources and locally crafted souvenirs that celebrate the Dales’ heritage.

Seasonal Opening and Visitor Information

The museum operates daily from 10am to 5pm between February and October, and from 10am to 4pm during November and December, closing for the winter months of January and the Christmas period. Last entry is one hour before closing. Admission is modestly priced, with free entry for children and carers, and discounts available when combined with parking. Visitors are encouraged to consider public transport to help preserve the National Park’s special qualities.

Immersive Journey into the Past and Future of the Dales

By exploring the Dales Countryside Museum, you gain insight into the enduring relationship between people and landscape in this iconic region. It not only preserves the past but also invites reflection on the Dales’ future, making it a vital cultural hub within the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Whether you are a history enthusiast, nature lover, or family visitor, the museum offers a rich, engaging experience that connects you deeply with the spirit of the Dales.

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