Situated just off the A1M, Bedale is ideally positioned to break your journey and to stock up on supplies if renting a cottage nearby with an excellent greengrocer, two good butchers and a decent Co-op. There are also many interesting and independent shops that line the high street for you to browse. There is still free parking available on the high street (limited to two hours using a parking disk) and 95% of shops are independently owned.
For centuries the attractive Georgian town of Bedale has always been the perfect stopping off point for those travelling North.
Situated just off the A1M, Bedale is ideally positioned to break your journey and to stock up on supplies if renting a cottage nearby with an excellent greengrocer, two good butchers and a decent Co-op. There are also many interesting and independent shops that line the high street for you to browse. There is still free parking available on the high street (limited to two hours using a parking disk) and 95% of shops are independently owned.
Markets are a big thing in Yorkshire, especially in Bedale and the Tuesday market is one of the longest-established in the county. There has been a market here since King Henry III granted a Market Charter to Alan, son of the Manor of Bedale and a market cross dating back to the early 14th century stands at the crossroads in the centre of the town. Yorkshire markets are well worth visiting and you will find it an excellent place to source fresh local produce and goods made by local craftsmen and women.
Another popular event is the Saturday car boot sale held weekly from March until October in Bedale Park. With the stunning backdrop of Bedale Hall, the park is packed with all sorts of stalls and is one of the largest car boot sales in Yorkshire.
Bedale Hall is home to the local museum and council offices with the large ballroom used for functions and weddings. It is worth popping inside to marvel at the wonderful frescoes and paintings that frame the grand ballroom. Opposite is Bedale Church which dates back to the 12th century, although a church was recorded on the site in the Doomsday Book. The church contains a bell which is over 400 years old and was rescued from Jervaulx Abbey after the dissolution of the monasteries in the 1530s!
Don’t Miss
Thorp Perrow Arboretum
The ever-changing beauty of Thorp Perrow’s seasonal colours provide a stunning 100-acre backdrop for relaxing strolls, well-being and inspiration. Home to five National Plant Collections and a leading centre for raptor conservation, the Arboretum offers a year-round experience with guided tours, creative learning workshops, open air concerts, seasonal trails and special events. There is also a Tea Room specialising in homemade cakes and home cooked fare.
Mount Grace Priory
Just a half hour drive away, you can easily miss this hidden gem situated off the A19 near Northallerton. Set in woodlands within the North York Moors National Park, it is represented today by the best preserved and most accessible ruins among the nine houses of the Carthusian Order, which existed in England in the Middle Ages and were known as charterhouses.
Wensleydale Railway
Ride the Heritage Railway running through the Wensleydale countryside, from Leeming Bar to Leyburn, on the edge of the spectacular Yorkshire.
Big Sheep & Little Cow
For a fun family day out come and meet the animals. Hands on handling experiences, and indoor and outdoor play areas. Pre-booking essential.
Did You Know
Bedale Park featured in the latest series of ITV crime drama, Vera starring award-winning actress Brenda Blethyn as DCI Vera Stanhope,
The Bedale Hoard
Discovered in May 2012 by a group of metal detectorists in a field near Bedale, this find of 48 gold and silver items dating back to the late 9th and early 10th centuries was acquired by the Yorkshire Museum for £50,000 following a successful public funding campaign.
