The Best Areas to Stay in the Yorkshire Dales for Spring 2027: A Local's Guide

From bustling market towns to quiet limestone villages, here’s where to base yourself for a spring break in the Dales.

Gateway Towns: Skipton and Settle

Skipton, the southern gateway to the Dales, has a lively market on the High Street four days a week and a canal basin where you can hire narrowboats. It’s the largest town in the area, with a railway station on the Leeds–Carlisle line, so you can arrive without a car. Hotels here range from cosy pubs to a historic inn on the cobbled High Street; expect to pay £90–£160 per night for a double in spring. From Skipton, the drive to Malham Cove takes about 25 minutes, and to Grassington around 30. I’d book here if you want convenience and a choice of restaurants.

Settle, 20 minutes further north by train, is smaller but equally charming, with a Tuesday market and a cluster of cafés and gear shops. It’s ideal for walkers tackling the Three Peaks or the Ribble Way. The station is a stop on the famous Settle–Carlisle railway, one of England’s most scenic lines. Spring here is quieter than summer, with lambs in the fields and wood anemones in the woods. Hotel options are limited to a handful of inns and B&Bs, so book early if you’re set on a weekend. Prices are similar to Skipton, around £80–£150.

Upper Dales: Hawes and Reeth

Hawes, in Wensleydale, is a proper Dales town with a Thursday market, the Wensleydale Creamery, and the Dales Countryside Museum. It’s a good base for exploring Buttertubs Pass and Hardraw Force, England’s highest single-drop waterfall. The drive from Hawes to Sedbergh takes about 40 minutes, and to Richmond around 50. Spring brings snowdrops and daffodils along the river Ure. Accommodation is mostly family-run B&Bs and a few small hotels; doubles typically cost £70–£130. I’d choose Hawes if you want a mix of culture and walking without the crowds of the southern Dales.

Reeth, in Swaledale, is a village with a green surrounded by pubs and a few shops. It’s a haven for walkers, with easy access to the Coast to Coast path and the Swale Trail. The nearest station is Darlington, about an hour’s drive, so a car is essential. Spring here is often drier than the west, and the meadows are full of wildflowers by late April. Hotels are scarce—mostly inns with a handful of rooms—so expect to pay £80–£140. I’d book Reeth for a quiet, romantic escape where you can walk from the door.

Malham and Grassington: Walkers’ Hubs

Malham is a tiny village with a big reputation, thanks to Malham Cove and Gordale Scar. There’s a handful of hotels and bunkhouses, plus a couple of tearooms. The drive from Skipton takes about 25 minutes, and from Settle around 20. Spring is ideal for seeing the limestone pavements without the summer crowds. Hotel rates for a double range from £80 to £150. I’d stay here if you want to be on the doorstep of the best walks, but be aware that dining options are limited to the pubs and a restaurant or two. Book well ahead for weekends.

Grassington, 20 minutes east of Malham, is a larger village with a square, several pubs, and a heritage centre. It’s on the Dales Way and has a good range of independent shops. The drive to Skipton takes about 30 minutes, and to Ilkley around 40. Spring events like the Grassington Festival (usually in June) are later, but April and May offer peaceful walking. Hotels and B&Bs here cost £75–£140 for a double. I’d pick Grassington for a balance of amenities and access to Wharfedale’s sights, including Kilnsey Crag and Bolton Abbey.

When to Go and What to Skip

Spring in the Dales runs from March to May, with daffodils in late March, lambs in April, and bluebells in May. Easter is busy, so book early. Weather can be changeable: pack waterproofs and sturdy boots. Driving times between towns are often longer than they look on a map; for example, Hawes to Malham takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. If you’re relying on public transport, stick to the Settle–Carlisle line and the few bus routes, which are infrequent. I’d skip staying in the deep dales without a car unless you’re on a walking holiday.

Skip the temptation to base yourself in York or Harrogate if you want to be in the Dales—commuting eats into your day. Also skip the tiny hamlets with no pub or shop unless you’re self-catering. For a spring 2027 trip, consider booking a hotel with free cancellation, as plans can change. Our site lists verified hotels across Skipton, Settle, Hawes, and Grassington; start there to compare prices and availability. Remember that many small hotels don’t open until late March, so check opening dates before you book.

Questions, answered

Do I need a car to explore the Yorkshire Dales?

Yes, a car is almost essential for reaching villages like Malham and Hawes. Buses are infrequent, especially in spring. If you don’t drive, base yourself in Skipton or Settle, which have train stations and some local bus services.

What’s the best month for spring walks in the Dales?

Late April to mid-May is ideal: lambs are in the fields, bluebells are out, and paths are drier. March can still be muddy and cold. Easter week is busy, so book accommodation early.

Where should I stay for a mix of pubs and walks?

Grassington or Hawes. Both have several pubs, independent shops, and walks from the door. Grassington suits southern Dales exploring; Hawes is better for Wensleydale and the northern dales.

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