You no longer need to book your tickets in advance and can purchase these when you arrive at the museum as normal. Although we're back open you can still enjoy the #museumfromhome, here is what we have got on offer. Listen to our new podcast series 'Voices From The Dales' telling the stories of Dales folk and showcasing the rich accents of Wensleydale, Swaledale and Arkengarthdale.
Have some family fun with our Created for Kids activities, learn something new and browse Past Exhibitions. Dales Countryside Museum tells the fascinating story of the Yorkshire Dales and the people who have lived and worked here and shaped the landscape for thousands of years. Dales Countryside Museum is in the former Victorian railway station at Hawes.
Have some family fun with our Created for Kids activities, learn something new and browse Past Exhibitions. Dales Countryside Museum tells the fascinating story of the Yorkshire Dales and the people who have lived and worked here and shaped the landscape for thousands of years. Dales Countryside Museum is in the former Victorian railway station at Hawes.
Services
The beginnings of the Dales Countryside Museum go back to 1941, when artist Marie Hartley was working with writer, Ella Pontefract. Horne's Private Museum at Leyburn was closing and with great foresight, Marie and Ella attempted to prevent an important collection from being distributed beyond the Yorkshire Dales.
Marie Hartley was a founder of the Upper Dales Folk Museum, now known as the Dales Countryside Museum and the co-author of many books about Yorkshire. She wrote these between 1934 and 1998, first with her friend Ella Pontefract, and later with Joan Ingilby. Together they chronicled the area for 75 years, creating a vast and lively record of the way things were between the mid-19th century and modern times.
The museum shares the stories of the people and places of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Explore our permanent collection and temporary exhibitions set amongst the stunning architecture of our unique gallery spaces. The Museum is housed in a contemporary conversion of the former Hawes railway station.
Discover the elements of the landscape used by people to survive in the Yorkshire Dales. These elements include water, stone, wood, metal and earth. Over the centuries, people have exploited and adapted these elements in their struggle to survive. Archaeology displays include prehistoric animal bones evidence of human activity from the earliest Stone Age hunters through to 20th century industrial remains.
The hand knitting industry was significant in the Yorkshire dales. See our fascinating collection of knitting sticks, each one unique and personal. Every home needed textiles to give warmth and comfort and we exhibit historic examples of rag rugs and quilts made in the Dales. You can also see contemporary hangings and textiles created with a contemporary twist.
Reviews (18)
Judith Priestley
Jan 20, 2022
Report
David Mahon
Jan 11, 2022
Report
Andy Wye
Nov 26, 2021
Report
Lin Wye
Nov 15, 2021
Report
Anji Timlin
Nov 06, 2021
Report
Gwen Sutherland
Oct 23, 2021
Report
Mark Townsend
Sep 25, 2021
Report
Nice museum about life in the Dales. Currently operating a one way system in line with social distancing. We spent an hour here as our car park was running out but could have easily spent more. Great mock-up of a lead mine and a current exhibit on fell running was eye opening. Tickets are valid for a week after purchase and there's a discount if you park in the DNP.car park.
M. F.
Sep 06, 2021
Report
Ekitai Alena
Aug 28, 2021
Report
Karol Jan
Feb 25, 2020
Report
Liz Brown
Sep 18, 2019
Report
Marjon Weijzig
Sep 09, 2019
Report
Vicky Styles
Jul 23, 2019
Report
Joe Obrien
Jun 04, 2019
Report
Mike Robinson
May 27, 2019
Report
Viv Kerry
May 13, 2019
Report
Charlotte Elizabeth Super-Justice
Apr 20, 2019
Report
Glenda Calvert
Feb 08, 2019
Report
I often have cause to call in at @DalesCountrysideMuseum. It’s a great little museum telling the story of the Yorkshire Dales. Lots of interesting displays and artefacts. Very often events, workshops etc happening there. Helpful, friendly staff, tasteful gift area and very tasty #Firebox Cafe! A venue that I can always recommend to guests staying at Pry House Farm B&B, Keld and Hillcrest Cottage in Low Row, Swaledale.
