Gargrave Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Gargrave Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Gargrave sits in a fantastic spot for exploring the best bits of Yorkshire. I always tell people it's like having the Dales on your doorstep without the tourist crowds you get in places like Grassington.

Malham Cove (BD23 4DJ, open 24/7) is just 5 miles north and absolutely worth visiting. This massive limestone cliff formation is 80 metres high and was formed by a waterfall carrying meltwater from glaciers at the end of the last Ice Age. The limestone pavement at the top featured in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Skipton Castle (BD23 1AW, open 10am-5pm daily) is one of the most complete medieval castles in England. It's 900 years old and survived a three-year siege during the Civil War. The castle scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor with visitors praising the self-guided tour.

Bolton Abbey (BD23 6EX, open 9am-9pm summer, 9am-6pm winter) offers ruins of a 12th-century priory alongside woodland walks and the famous stepping stones across the River Wharfe. Entry to the estate costs around £12 per car.

Pet Friendly

We've found Gargrave to be extremely dog-friendly. After testing many local walks, my top recommendation is the Leeds-Liverpool Canal towpath which runs right through the village. It's flat, easy walking and you can go for miles in either direction.

The Old Swan Inn (BD23 3RD) in the village centre welcomes dogs in the bar area and serves good pub grub. They even keep dog treats behind the bar! The Dalesman Café (BD23 3RB) also allows dogs and does a cracking breakfast.

For off-lead exercise, try the public field behind St Andrew's Church where locals regularly walk their dogs. Just remember to keep your dog on lead near the canal as there are often ducks and swans with young.

Most cottages with hot tubs in Gargrave welcome pets, but always check the specific property rules. Some limit the number of dogs or charge a small pet fee. And while you enjoy the hot tub, make sure your four-legged friend has a comfy bed nearby!

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Gargrave

1. Gargrave Locks - This series of six locks on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal is fascinating to watch as narrowboats navigate through. The lock system raises boats about 60 feet in total. There's a lovely picnic spot by lock 30 where you can watch the action. I've spent hours here with a flask of tea just watching the boats go by.

2. St Andrew's Church - Dating back to Anglo-Saxon times with parts from the 15th century, this beautiful church has survived floods and wars. Look for the ancient stone cross in the churchyard and the unusual Victorian stained glass. It's open daily for visitors and the volunteer guides know tons about local history.

3. Gargrave Moor - Just north of the village, this moorland offers spectacular walks with views across the Dales. The circular route from the village takes about 2 hours and on a clear day, you can see all the way to Pendle Hill in Lancashire. Take proper boots as it gets boggy after rain!

Is Gargrave in the Yorkshire Dales National Park?

Technically, Gargrave sits just outside the National Park boundary, but you're literally minutes from entering it. This gives you the best of both worlds - easy access to the Dales without the restrictions that sometimes come with National Park locations. The official boundary starts about a mile north of the village.

Can I go fishing in Gargrave?

Yes! The River Aire runs through Gargrave and offers good brown trout fishing. You'll need a rod licence from the Environment Agency and a permit from the Gargrave Anglers' Association. Day tickets are available from the Post Office in the village. The season runs from March 15th to September 30th.

Are there any good restaurants in Gargrave?

Despite being small, Gargrave has several good eating options. The Masons Arms serves excellent pub food with local ingredients. The Bollywood Cottage offers surprisingly authentic Indian cuisine. For lunch, try the Dalesman Café which makes everything fresh on-site including amazing cakes.

How far is Gargrave from Skipton?

Skipton is just 4 miles south of Gargrave - about a 10-minute drive. There's also a direct train service that takes 7 minutes, with trains running roughly hourly. If you're feeling energetic, you can walk there along the canal towpath in about 1.5 hours.

Is there a shop in Gargrave?

Yes, the Co-op in the village centre (BD23 3RB) is open 7am-10pm daily and stocks most essentials. There's also a Post Office, pharmacy and a small deli called The Gargrave Pantry that sells local produce and freshly baked bread.

What's the best time to visit Gargrave?

Spring and early autumn are ideal. You'll avoid summer crowds but still get decent weather for enjoying your hot tub. May is particularly lovely when the countryside is lush and green. The Gargrave Show in mid-August is worth experiencing if you like traditional country fairs.

1. Yorkshire Dales National Park Official Site
2. Canal & River Trust - Leeds-Liverpool Canal
3. Malhamdale Information
4. Skipton Castle Official Website