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rooding, rugged, dramatic: the Yorkshire Dales have been causing visitors to reach for the Byronic epithets since famous local resident Heathcliff was a lad.  Today, you can explore this ancient, unspoiled landscape on foot, or by throwing mountain bike around its crags, peaks and valleys. Whichever you decide, you’ll be inspired.

History and Heritage
Beyond the fascinating geological history of the landscape, there are a number of historic market towns around the Yorkshire Dales to investigate, as well as the spa town of Harrogate . And if castles are your thing, then Ripley and Skipton’s examples will satisfy your turret fetish.

Must See Attractions
The Knaresborough forest is home to the Petrifying Well , whose mineral-rich waters turn items to stone (including Agatha Christie’s handbag, which is still hanging there). Nearby you’ll find Mother Shipton’s Cave, the birthplace of the famous prophetess. And if you fancy sampling a pint of Old Peculier fresh from the cask, then the Theakston Brewery in Masham is the place to quench your thirst.

Food and Drink
Nothing inspires an appetite quite like an afternoon up on the Moors. After all that fresh air, you’ll need a hearty feast - and Bizzie Lizzies’ fish and chips are locally renowned. For a gastronomic extravaganza head to the Michelin-starred The Burlington in Bolton Abbey . Or raise a pinky at Betty’s Tea Rooms in Harrogate.

Shopping
You can’t imagine the Sex in the City girls heading to the Dales for a shopping spree, but that doesn’t mean there’s not fun to be had searching out hidden gems in the region’s independent shops. Harrogate offers plenty of shopping opportunities, especially the Montpellier quarter , where you’ll find boutique and designer stores.

Key events
A trip to the Dales isn’t complete without taking in an agricultural show – you can see show jumping, sheep shearing and the cattle parade at the Great Yorkshire Show in July. Horticulturalists should sharpen their secateurs for the Flowers of the Dales Festival , which celebrate the area’s many wildflowers. And there’s not a crow for miles around the idyllic village of Kettlewell during their annual Scarecrow Festival .

Famous People
If you fancy yourself as an artist, take a sketchbook to the 60 different locations that inspired the great JMW Turner. Alternatively, you can sit on one of the Turner Trail benches and simply enjoy the stunning views. You can also stroll around the landscape that moved James Herriot to write novels such as All Creatures Great and Small.

Family Fun
Take to the award-winning fairytale world of the Forbidden Corner , where a labyrinth of tunnels makes for a fascinating day out. Or for a white-knuckle experience, the Lightwater Valley Theme Park has the Raptor Attack and Twister rides. And how about heading out into the Dales and trying to spot the brown long-eared bat?