Cheese, pubs and waterfalls- why Hawes has been ‘hailed a gem’

Located in Wensleydale in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Hawes has long been known for its markets and cheesemaking heritage.

Now, visitor reviews suggest the town is striking a chord with a new wave of travellers looking for what many describe as “proper Yorkshire” and “a base where you can park up and explore everything on foot”.

Hawes (Image: DARREN OWEN/CAMERA CLUB)

Online, recent visitors frequently highlight Hawes as “busy but not overcrowded”, “friendly without feeling touristy” and “a great mix of scenery and things to do”.

At the centre of Hawes’ appeal is the Wensleydale Creamery, the town’s largest employer and one of its biggest draws, welcoming around 250,000 visitors a year.

The creamery produces Yorkshire Wensleydale, a name protected by geographical status, meaning it can only be used for cheese made in Wensleydale itself.

Just outside Hawes (Image: STUART COTHILL/CAMERA CLUB)

Cheesemaking in the area dates back to the 12th century, when French monks first developed the recipe.

Visitors can tour the site and sample a wide range of varieties in the tasting room.

Reviews often describe it as “a highlight of our trip to the Dales” and “worth the stop even if you’re just passing through”.

The creamery has also picked up major accolades in recent years, including Supreme Champion at the Great Yorkshire Show’s Cheese and Dairy Show for its Yorkshire Cheddar.

And in a nod to local pride, one of the town’s well-known fish and chip shops serves deep-fried Wensleydale cheese, a detail that regularly features in social media posts from amused visitors.

Widdale Red Squirrel Reserve (Image: SARAH HARLAND/CAMERA CLUB)

Recent reviews describe the town centre at Hawes as “full of independent shops and proper cafés” and praise its “traditional feel” compared to larger, busier destinations elsewhere in the Dales.

The Dales Countryside Museum, located in the former Hawes railway station, doubles as the National Park Visitor Centre.

Visitors often describe it as “a great place to start” with practical facilities including parking and toilets, as well as exhibitions telling the story of life in the Yorkshire Dales.

Just beyond the town, Hardraw Force, the highest single-drop waterfall in England, continues to attract walkers, as does the dramatic Buttertubs Pass linking Wensleydale to Swaledale.

Cyclists frequently describe the pass as “brutal but beautiful”, while drivers and photographers praise its views and limestone scenery.

Wildlife enthusiasts can head to the nearby Widdale Red Squirrel Reserve, where sightings of red squirrels and roe deer add to the area’s appeal.

Despite its popularity, Hawes remains a functioning rural hub.

Farms in the surrounding area raise sheep and cattle, with more than 40 supplying milk to the creamery.

For many visitors, Hawes combines everything they associate with the Yorkshire Dales: dramatic scenery, traditional food and a sense of history.

As one recent visitor summed it up online: “If you want cheese, waterfalls, proper pubs and views in every direction, Hawes ticks every box.”