Hawes is a beautiful, charming market town in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It’s easily accessible by road, so an ideal destination for Motorhoming Mutts! We stayed at the Bainbridge Ing’s Country Park, which was a nice walking distance outside of the village, accessible either by paths across a field, or slightly longer walk over quiet roads. The vibe in the town of Hawes is relaxed and welcoming, which can be a change from some ‘touristy’ towns. The locals genuinely welcome you and want to help you have a good time.
The campsite was great – loads of bunny rabbits for Frank to sniff out, so much so that often he was left trembling with the sensory overload! The motorhome plots were on hardstanding and pleasantly flat, with water and electric hookups at every pitch. A clean and convenient shower block saves the onboard facilities and were very welcome. Frank also encountered a stuffed fox – he wasn’t quite sure what to make of that!
Our first evening saw us walking into Hawes and having dinner in the Crown. It has a very ‘local’ feel without it being cliquey – everyone was keen to meet Frank and the food was great. The beer, mainly Theakston’s, was well curated and I may have had one too many samples of Theakston’s excellent Old Pecuilier!
The locals are very friendly! Next day we spent most of the time in the town, visiting the Wensleydale Creamery and Dale’s Countryside Museum. Both gave us a feel for life in the Dales and we enjoyed the samples of the famous cheese – we also met Wensleydale’s most famous resident – Wallace, and his dog, Gromit!
I think Gromit might have thought I was eyeing up his cheese!
Walking around the area is easy, with well-marked paths around the town and out into the countryside. There are several circular routes of varying length and difficulty that can lead you from the campsite and back again.
Spending some time in the town is a pleasure due to the varied shops, pubs and restaurants. There’s an old-fashioned sweet shop along with various other antique, country outfitters and outdoor lifestyle shops. Jacqui needed some new walking shoes so we went to Cunninghams where we were given great advice and patient, expert service. The shoes weren’t the cheapest but having them fitted by an expert was worth the little extra one pays versus buying online.
All in all, Hawes offers a visitor a delightful experience. From great places to eat, fine ales, good shopping and lovely countryside walks, no visit to the Yorkshire Dales should be considered complete without a trip to Hawes!
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