Between Newcastle Upon Tyne And Blackpool Is A Quaint Village Inside A National Park With Camping And A Museum

While the bustling streets of London no doubt offer plenty of excitement, it's always a good idea to get out of the big city every once in a while. A particularly scenic part of England is Yorkshire Dales National Park, a 550,000-acre landscape of sweeping hills, swaying meadows, and fields of heather. The westernmost edge of the national park is known as Dentdale, where visitors will find an idyllic village called Dent tucked amid dramatic valleys. With a skyline marked by cottage chimneys instead of high-rise buildings, a trip to Dent offers a refreshing escape from the city.

Though no more than a tiny speck on the map, Dent fully embraces its rural charms. The village square is paved with cobblestones, crowded on all sides with painted brick cottages. The George & Dragon pub stands proudly at the corner, offering refreshments and a place to stay for out-of-towners. Narrow alleys branch off the square, enticing visitors to walk around. Beyond the village, tree-covered ridges of the national park are visible in the distance.

Dating back to the 12th century is St. Andrew's Church, which offers an excellent vantage point of the surrounding slopes from the graveyard. History fiends can learn about the village's storied past at the Dent Village Museum & Heritage Centre, and outdoorsy travelers can spend the night camping in the surrounding fields. Visitors in Newcastle upon Tyne are about two hours from Dent by car, while those in Blackpool can drive to the village in about 90 minutes.

Dent is one of those cozy hamlets that are best explored on foot. Leave your car behind and stroll along the cobbled lanes to bask in the tranquil countryside scenery. From the village square, barely a five-minute walk brings you to the Dent Village Museum & Heritage Centre, which overlooks sprawling green slopes and fields.

Located inside a former filling station, the museum takes visitors on a journey back in time. Various exhibits reveal the villagers' way of life in the days before modern technology, and showcases the prosperity of the late 19th century, when construction work for the Settle-Carlisle Railway brought various jobs to the area. There is even a miniature diorama of the railway, complete with a mechanical locomotive trundling its way across the tracks. Even more immersive are the mannequins dressed in historic clothing to recreate scenes of daily life, surrounded by artifacts and memorabilia from the time period.

After exploring the museum, head to the onsite cafe for something to eat. "The gluten free/dairy free cake was especially yummy," wrote a previous customer on Google. Find a seat in the delightfully homey interior, or dine on the front patio and gaze out at the countryside. For tasty grub in a relaxed pub atmosphere, make your way over to George & Dragon, which is well-rated on Google. Head up to the bar to enjoy a pint of Hawkstone beer, or peruse the menu for dishes like scampi with fries and tartare sauce, chili with nachos, or pizza with an array of toppings. For more scenic adventures, drive 90 minutes to Northallerton, a charming town with shops, local eats, and nearby national parks.

Dotted around the village are scenic campsites to spend the night. In the field opposite the museum is the High Laning Caravan & Camping Site, described as a "beautiful idyllic spot with views to die for" by a previous camper on Pitchup. The campground offers amenities like showers and laundry machines, and the village's eateries are within walking distance. Camper vans, motorhomes, tents, and caravans are all welcome here.

Another option is the Dentdale Pods on the outskirts of the village, which offers more of a "glamping" experience. The wooden structures feature a distinctive curved design and sit in a grassy field overlooking the national park's hilly landscape. A few friendly chickens might wander past your door, and you will no doubt spot sheep in the surrounding fields. Head out for a leisurely stroll before warming up by the fire pit or enjoying a peaceful slumber in the spacious bed. The pods are equipped with kitchenettes, and some include a private bathtub and hot tub access.

For travelers who prefer more conventional accommodations, the village has plenty of options. Head to the Stone Close Tearoom Bed & Breakfast for guest rooms with rugged stone walls and exposed-beam ceilings, or spend the night at The Sun Inn for a historic atmosphere. Once you've spent enough time in Dent, make your way to nearby Carnforth, a town with tasty eats and railroad history. Not much farther from there is Morecambe, a charming coastal town with sea views and shops.