Owen Well Barn provides the perfect base from which to explore a fabulous range of activities. Here are just a few!
Brimham Rocks
Less than 30 minutes walk from Owen Well Barn. The natural spectacle of Brimham Rocks was created by an immense river 100 million years before the first dinosaurs walked the earth.
Whittakers Distillery
Just over 4km on foot or a 15 minute drive this family run gin & whisky distillery has a shop and offers tours
Reservoir Walks
Fewston, Swinsty, Thruscross, Grimwith and Scar House reservoirs are all within easy reach.
Nidderdale Walks
With 820km of public footpaths and bridleways, there are endless options in Nidderdale National Landscape.
Birchfield Farm, Summerbridge
Only 10 minutes drive. A picturesque working farm with a cafe, ice cream parlour and lots to do for the kids.
Pateley Bridge
In the centre of Nidderdale this idyllic market town stretches up the hillside. An idyllic and award-winning high street that looks as though it was designed with postcards in mind. Here you will find locally produced food and drink, gifts and keepsakes as well as traditional Yorkshire hospitality in cafes, pubs and tearooms. Drop in to the award winning Nidderdale Museum to learn about the life and history of Nidderdale.
Nidderdale Museum
The Nidderdale Museum was founded in 1975 by a group of enthusiasts who shared a deep concern for the traditional way of life which they felt was rapidly disappearing after the second world war. Farms were adopting new methods, the former lead and stone industries had collapsed, and families were becoming dispersed. You won’t find many glass cases, but you will find thousands of items showing life in Nidderdale over the past 200 years, displayed in their original settings such as the parlour, shop and schoolroom.
Cycling
Nidderdale offers some fantastic opportunities for both road cycling and mountain biking. The Tour de France visited Nidderdale as part of one of its stages in 2019. The upper part of the dale offers some of the best mountain biking in England. Bike hire can be arranged locally 12 minutes drive from Owen Well Barn at Vern Overton Cycling
Oldest Sweet Shop
The world famous Oldest Sweet Shop first opened its doors in 1827 and today is still selling and delivering quality traditional sweets and chocolates. From traditional old fashioned sweets such as humbugs, aniseed balls, pear drops, jelly babies to more recent additions “retro sweets” including cola bottles, popping candy and kola cubes.
Pateley Recreation Ground
If you have small children you may want to take them down to Pateley Bridge’s Recreation Ground. Located just over the bridge on the south side of the river, it offers all the usual swings roundabouts and climbing frames in a picturesque setting. On a Sunday in summer you might be lucky to find the Pateley Bridge Silver Band playing in the old bandstand.
National Railway Museum
Just under one hour’s drive, open 7 days a week. Immerse yourself in the home of iconic locomotives and an unrivalled collection of engineering brilliance.
River Nidd Fishing
Nidderdale Angling Club controls around 7 miles of fishing on the River Nidd and Scar House Reservoir.
Washburn Valley Fishing
Fewston, Swinsty and Thruscross reservoirs offer exceptionally high quality fly and coarse fishing in a stunning rural setting.
Fountains Abbey
One of the largest and best preserved ruined Cistercian monasteries in England. Just 20 minutes drive from Owen Well Barn. Founded in 1132, the abbey operated for 407 years.
Stump Cross Caverns
Deep underground, below the hills and valleys, there lies a vast network of caves to explore. A natural wonder, hidden from human eyes for hundreds of thousands of years.
The Forbidden Corner
The Forbidden Corner is a unique labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, follies and surprises created within a four acre garden in the heart of Tupgill Park and the Yorkshire Dales – about 50 minutes from Owen Well Barn but worth the drive!
Malham Cove
The 70 metre (230ft) high, gently curving cliff of white limestone has amazed visitors for centuries. Formed along the line of the Middle Craven Fault, it has been eroded backwards from the line of the fault by the action of water and ice over millions of years.
Crackpots Mosaic Trail
This enjoyable trail around part of Dallowgill is illuminated with 22 mosaics depicting local scenes and flora and fauna which might be encountered along the route. The trail was created as part of a community project to celebrate the designation of Nidderdale as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Coldstone Cut
Yorkshire’s biggest and highest public artwork with spectacular views. It is possible to view the vast quarry hole, limestone quarrying operation and sweeping panoramas across Nidderdale National Landscape. The site is accessible via a 500-meter uphill walk from the car park and is open year-round, providing a unique cultural and scenic experience. It’s an exposed spot so don’t forget to wrap up warm even on a sunny day!
Bolton Abbey
Bolton Abbey is the perfect place to do as much or as little as you like. From a brisk walk across the moor, a fun day for all the family at one of our many organised events, a little retail therapy and afternoon tea with friends or a private moment of tranquillity
Grassington
Grassington, the small market town that feels like a village. Home to the fictional market town of Darrowby in the new series of All Creatures Great & Small
Parceval Hall Gardens
Parcevall Hall Gardens are a renowned plantsman’s garden in the heart of Wharfedale, in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Located at the head of a small valley, the gardens are a hidden treasure and well worth seeking out.
Ripley Castle
Ripley Castle and Gardens, is 15 minutes drive from Owen Well Barn, a historic attraction open to the public all year round and a visit to the Estate makes for a fascinating and entertaining day out, in a beautiful location.
RHS Harlow Carr
Created on land originally leased from Harrogate Corporation, the garden was established by members of the then newly formed Northern Horticultural Society (NHS) and opened its gates to visitors in 1950. The beautiful garden visitors see today has evolved significantly from its early beginnings all those decades ago.
Harewood House
Harewood House sits in the heart of Yorkshire and is one of the Treasure Houses of England. The House was built in the 18th century and has art collections to rival the finest in Britain. Visitors can enjoy exhibitions of contemporary art, Farm Experience and over 100 acres of exquisite gardens to explore.
Newby Hall & Gardens
Designed by Sir Christopher Wren in 1690 Newby Hall is home to a wonderful collection of Chippendale furniture, Gobelins tapestries and classical statuary. Take a tour around the house and be immersed in the local history of the site. Walk through 25 acres of award-winning gardens including one of Europe’s largest double herbaceous borders or take in the scene aboard a relaxing boat trip along the River Ure.
Himalayan Garden
Take time to explore 45 acres of beautifully planted woodland gardens, lakes and an arboretum, dotted with a huge variety of striking sculptures and enhanced by the sounds of wildlife. The garden has one of the North’s largest collection of rhododendrons, azaleas and magnolias.
Nidderdale Llamas
Our llama trekking experiences are perfect for those seeking a fun and peaceful outdoor adventure. All our llamas are gentle, curious, and a joy to walk alongside. Choose from a non-walking experience, a short scenic walk or a full-day llama trek, either way, you’ll be immersed in the beauty of Nidderdale and Yorkshire.
Bolton Castle
A 1 hour drive from Owen Well Barn, Bolton Castle was a luxurious family home as well as a defensive fortress and, despite being partially ‘slighted’ by Cromwell’s’ men during the Civil War siege, the Castle is preserved in outstanding condition with many interesting rooms and features to discover. About one third of the rooms are fully intact and the rest of the Castle is almost completely accessible giving visitors great insight into its turbulent past.
🏡Owen Well Barn 