Get in touch!
DalesDiscoveries.com
  • Home
    • Love Letter
  • Where to visit
    • Wensleydale
    • Swaledale & Arkengarthdale
    • Nidderdale
    • Malhamdale
    • Dentdale & Sedbergh
    • Wharfedale
    • Ribblesdale & the Three Peaks
    • Skipton
  • Eat & drink
    • Cafes and tea rooms
    • Pubs >
      • Dog friendly pubs and cafes in the Yorkshire Dales
      • Dogs friendly accommodation
    • Fine Dining
  • Things to do
    • Family fun
    • Ways to explore
    • Outdoor activities
    • All Experiences
  • More inspiration

Burnsall

Situated on the Dales Way on a bend of the River Wharfe, Burnsall is a small settlement with a large village green stretching towards the water. The fells rise into the distance, creating a lush green frame.

​Ducks potter about on the river bank, interspersed with laughing children, recreating a scene that’s been played out for generations. On a sunny day they paddle on the cobbled area under the broad bridge.

​The Red Lion pub sprawls along the river bank, welcoming travellers as they come over the much-photographed bridge. The pub’s cellars date back to the 12th century and are supposed to house a naughty ghost who keeps turning off the beer taps.
​

Picture

​Before you go into the church look for the unusual octagonal clock on the tower. This was one of the first pendulum clocks in an English church, which is surprising given the size of Burnsall. There’s more information about it in the church, together with a small – and surprising high tech – little exhibition about the anglo saxon carved stones and other evidence of Viking and Anglo Saxon life in the area. As you leave the church you might also notice another unusual feature: the white gate that is weighted so it swings from the middle.

 
It’s worth taking the little path at the side of the church to go back towards the Red Lion by walking along the river bank. This is part of the Dales Way. Other routes will lead you on to Barden Tower and Strid Wood, part of the Bolton Abbey Estate or over to Troller’s Gyhll.
Picture
Further along the green on Thursdays to Sundays wonderful baking aromas come from the Riverbank Café, run by friendly Rachel who also bakes pizzas in the wood-fired oven on the final Friday of the month. There’s another café and ice cream shop facing the green, attracting many happy visitors during the Summer months.
 
Walk up the lane away from the green and you’ll come to St. Wilfrid’s church, some of which dates from the 12th century. It was repaired by Sir William Craven who was born to ain nearby Appletreewick before setting off to London to become apprenticed and make his fortune, becoming Lord Mayor of London. It’s said that the tale of Dick Whittington was based on his story. Sir William Craven also founded the school adjoining the church.
Picture

Find more places to visit in the Yorkshire Dales

Wharfedale
Grassington
Kettlewell
Burnsall
Appletreewick
Kilnsey

Bolton Abbey Estate

​
​
Swaledale & Arkengarthdale
Reeth
Richmond
Muker
Thwaite
Keld
Buttertubs
Langthwaite
Gunnerside
Crackpot Hall
Corpse Way
Swale Trail
Wensleydale
​
Hawes
​
Leyburn
Masham
Middleham
Askrigg
Wensley
Aysgarth
Carperby


Ribblesdale & Three Peaks
Settle
Settle-Carlisle Railway 
Yorkshire Three Peaks
Clapham
Feizor
Hoffman
Ingleborough
Ingleton
Stainforth
Nidderdale
Pateley Bridge
​
Scar House Reservoir
Coldstones Cut
Fountains Abbey

​Brimham Rocks

About DalesDiscoveries.com

This independent not-for-profit website was created using recommendations from Dales insiders' - people who live in, and love the Yorkshire Dales. 
​
​Copyright Susan Briggs 2021
The Tourism Network
The Old Mill
Millgate
Masham
HG4 4EZ

​​
Email

​Sometimes places open or close unexpectedly. Please always check opening times in advance.
​

Love letter to the Yorkshire Dales

Picture
Image; Guy Carpenter
Sign up for our free & upbeat Love Letter to the Yorkshire Dales. 

​