Nestled peacefully along the upper reaches of the River Ure, this idyllic village represents a haven for food enthusiasts.

Whilst Wensleydale is widely recognised for its delicious cheese, there's far more to explore and experience in this delightful Yorkshire village. Interestingly, Wensleydale stands as one of the few dales not named after its river, deriving its name instead from the historic market town of Wensley. Located within the stunning Yorkshire Dales National Park, it's home to the renowned Wensleydale Creamery, situated in the Hawes area. Guests can immerse themselves in the award-winning Flagship Cheese Experience and Visitor Centre, which honours a legacy spanning up to 1,000 years of regional artisan cheesemaking.

Employing recipes refined across generations using fresh locally-sourced milk, according to the company's time-honoured tradition, the practice traces back to when Cistercian monks originally introduced cheesemaking to the locale. The region happens to be an ideally open, expansive valley, carved by glaciers, and its wide river provided the perfect environment for dairy cattle.

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A recent visitor to the factory described their visit as a "cheese lover's dream". They said: "The cheese is delicious, and you can taste a huge variety both in the tasting room and in the cafe!. Especially enjoyed the traditional Wensleydale cheeses with added dried fruits, including apricots, blueberries and cranberries.

"Next time we'd definitely do the cheese experience and eat in the restaurant too!" The unique terrain of Wensleydale has shaped its most famous export - the cheese beloved by Britons nationwide - whilst its stunning scenery continues to benefit the area every single day.

Among its most breathtaking sights is Aysgarth Falls, a natural wonder that captivates numerous walkers who explore the region. A recent visitor to the location described it as "Beautiful. Unspoiled. Not commercialised." They shared on TripAdvisor: "It had rained heavily overnight, and the falls were spectacular. Ignore what AI says about the distance from the visitor centre car park – it's a gentle stroll through woodland to the middle falls."

During your journey to Wensleydale, you're also likely to discover "the strangest place" on Earth, better recognised as The Forbidden Corner. This attraction presents an extraordinary maze of tunnels, concealed pathways, sculptures, water installations and various curiosities nestled within its mysterious gardens.

The Yorkshire Dales location boasts peculiar features including a temple of the underworld, a glass pyramid, and sculptures depicting various historical periods. It's an excellent family outing that keeps you connected with nature whilst offering a far more engaging experience.

With its fascinating heritage, exceptional culinary options and vast countryside, it provides an ideal combination of tradition and charm in the Yorkshire Dales. Who would have thought that so much could be tucked away in the valleys just a stone's throw from your home, whether it's for a day trip to one of its numerous attractions or a staycation to discover everything?