Hawes

Hawes sits at the head of Wensleydale in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, surrounded by rolling hills and meadows. The town spreads along a valley floor and serves as the main market and commercial center for the surrounding farming communities.

The settlement received its market charter from King William III in 1699, which transformed it from a small farming community into a regional trading center. This charter established the town as the economic hub of the valley.

The Dales Countryside Museum displays regional artifacts and agricultural tools that show how people lived and worked in this area over the centuries. Visitors can see objects from everyday rural life that reflect the traditions still present in the surrounding communities.

The weekly market takes place every Tuesday in the Market Hall, offering local produce, crafts, and goods from independent vendors. Visitors should arrive early in the day to see the best selection, as many stalls close by midday.

The Wensleydale Creamery produces traditional Yorkshire cheese using milk from local farms, continuing a cheese-making tradition that extends back to the 12th century. The creamery welcomes visitors to watch the production process and taste locally made products.