Nestled within the breathtaking landscape of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, a picturesque village has earned a reputation as a true haven for gastronomes and adventurers alike. Famous for its world-renowned cheese and a bizarre attraction dubbed "the strangest place on Earth," this idyllic spot offers the perfect blend of culinary tradition and quirky exploration.
A Cheese Lover's Paradise with Millennia of Heritage
At the heart of the village's appeal is the Wensleydale Creamery, located in the Hawes area. This is the home of the award-winning Wensleydale cheese, a product with a legacy that stretches back an astonishing 1,000 years. The craft was first introduced to the region by Cistercian monks, and today's cheesemakers still use time-honoured recipes with fresh, locally sourced milk.
Visitors can dive into this rich history at the creamery's Flagship Cheese Experience and Visitor Centre. One recent guest described it as a "cheese lover's dream," praising the vast variety available to taste, particularly highlighting the traditional cheeses infused with dried fruits like apricots, blueberries, and cranberries.
The unique, glacially carved valley of Wensleydale, with its wide river, creates the perfect environment for dairy farming. This terrain has directly shaped the area's most famous export, a cheese beloved across the nation.
Natural Wonders and Eccentric Attractions
Beyond the creamery, the area is defined by its stunning natural beauty. Aysgarth Falls is a major draw, captivating walkers with its powerful cascades. After heavy rain, the falls become particularly spectacular, offering an "unspoiled" and "beautiful" experience, as noted by a TripAdvisor reviewer who recommended the gentle woodland stroll to the middle falls.
Yet, the village's claim to fame extends into the truly unusual with The Forbidden Corner. This unique attraction is often described as the "strangest place" in the world. It is an extraordinary labyrinth of tunnels, secret passages, whimsical sculptures, and water features set within mysterious gardens.
Featuring a temple of the underworld, a glass pyramid, and sculptures from various historical eras, it provides a fascinating and engaging day out for families, perfectly combining intrigue with the great outdoors.
A Perfect Blend of Tradition and Charm
This Yorkshire Dales village presents an ideal mix of deep-rooted food heritage, dramatic scenery, and imaginative entertainment. It proves that within the UK's valleys, just a stone's throw from home, you can find destinations rich enough for a fulfilling day trip or a longer staycation.
From sampling cheese with a millennium-old pedigree to losing yourself in a bizarre garden of curiosities, it offers a uniquely British escape that caters to both the palate and the sense of adventure.
