Inside A National Park An Hour From Middlesborough Is A Picturesque Village With Fairytale Vibes

When the big city starts to feel overwhelming, an escape to the countryside is always a good idea. Particularly scenic is Yorkshire Dales National Park, a vast wilderness of sweeping hills and gentle valleys. Here, nestled not far from the bends of the River Ure, is the quiet village of Aysgarth, famous for its gushing nearby waterfall. With quaint stone cottages set against the Yorkshire Dales landscape, a trip to Aysgarth feels like stepping into a fairytale village.

The highway leading into Aysgarth is flanked by drystone walls, an iconic feature of a road trip through the English countryside. A glimpse of stone cottages upon approaching the village adds even more charm to the scenery. A teensy patch of lawn marks the center of the village, complete with benches and a World War II memorial. Just around the corner is The George and Dragon Inn. Though no longer open, visitors can still admire the 18th century architecture from the outside.

While the village itself dates back to the Saxon era, one of Aysgarth's oldest remaining landmarks is St. Andrew's Church, built in the 13th century. Topped with spires, the Grade II listed building looms above the tree line, with weathered tombstones dotting the surrounding grounds. Head inside to admire the Gothic arches and stained-glass windows. A short walk from the church is Yore Mill, which overlooks the cascading River Ure. Originally a cotton mill built back in the 18th century, the stone edifice now houses the Yore Mill Craft Shop and Gallery, where sightseers can browse handmade souvenirs. Visitors in Middlesbrough can drive into Aysgarth in just over an hour, while London road-trippers are about five hours away by car.

Nature lovers must pay a visit to the Edwardian Rock Garden in the heart of the village. Built by a local horticulture enthusiast back in the early 1900s, the garden is an otherworldly oasis of rugged boulders arranged in enormous stacks. Narrow gravel footpaths weave through the jumble of rocks, with wildflowers blooming amidst the creeping plants and ferns growing all over. 

In certain parts of the garden, horizontal slabs of rock form low tunnels, and the Yorkshire Dales landscape is visible in the distance. Benches are dotted all around, inviting guests to relax amidst the fairytale scenery. "A tiny piece of heaven on Earth," one person wrote on Google. "There is a piece of grass at the top of the garden to have a picnic on a nice day," they added. Entry is completely free, and the garden is open all year during daylight hours. Though small enough to explore within an hour or less, previous travelers highly recommend stopping by.

Next, head over to Aysgarth Falls, just a short drive from town across the River Ure. The three-stepped cascade has inspired poets and painters throughout history. It even appeared in the 1991 film "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves," starring Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman. A small National Park Center welcomes visitors at the trailhead to the falls. The trail to the bottom of the falls is around 1 mile long, a long stretch of which is wheelchair accessible. The gushing river tumbles down rock ledges, splitting the falls into three separate levels. Follow the trail down to the observation deck at the Lower Falls, then head back to the Upper Falls, where picnic tables dot the riverbank.  For more enchanting scenery, drive an hour over to Gragareth, England's majestic mountain with sweeping vistas.

After spending the day in nature, the village's historic accommodations await. In the middle of the village is Cornlee Bed & Breakfast, which is highly-rated on Google. Tucked within a two-story stone cottage, guests can retreat to comfortable bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. "The English breakfast in the morning is without a doubt one of the better ones you will have," a previous visitor wrote on Google. Tuck into the locally-sourced Dales breakfast with freshly brewed coffee or tea before heading out for your next adventure.

Only about a 12-minute walk from the waterfall trail is Aysgarth Falls Hotel, a stone manor with creeping ivy covering the exterior. Also well-rated on Google, the hotel has been around since the Middle Ages, when it was a hospice for crusaders and pilgrims. Guest rooms range from elegant suites to luxurious detached accommodations, some of which come with a private steam room and copper bathtub.

Those visiting for the day can pause for lunch at Hamilton's Tea Room, a favorite among locals and passersby. The menu offers dishes like cheese toasties, soups, and scones with clotted cream. A tranquil garden out back invites diners to sit outside if the weather is pleasant. After spending time in Aysgarth, drive about 50 minutes over to Northallerton, a charming town with shops, local eats, and nearby national parks. Also a similar distance away is Ripon, a historic city with walkable routes, shops, and outdoor fun.