Kettlewell in the Yorkshire Dales

Kettlewell is a small village in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. It is about an 80 minute drive from the city of Leeds and the route takes you through some of England’s most picturesque scenery, passing the ancient ruins of both Bolton and Fountains Abbeys, as well as the little village of Burnstall with its famous arched bridge.

Although comprising just a few streets, Kettlewell has plenty to endear it, and fits the description of the archetypal English village with its three pubs, a stream running through its centre and a small town store.

You approach Kettlewell from the hills and descend into the small valley where it is situated with the welcome sight of a car park at the entrance to the village. Parking in the village itself is difficult and reserved mainly for residents.

Once in the village, you can wonder around, looking at the Village Hall, the church and continually encountering the beck that has a couple of small bridges crossing it. There is also a tiny town square with a May Pole. The Pubs (the Kings Head, Bluebell and Racehorses) are welcoming and there are also a couple of café’s, one popular with Bikers, the other serving an extensive selection of home made cakes and snacks (I would recommend the massive hot chocolate and the warm scones with cream, jam and butter, at least on a cold day!).

Kettlewell is not very big, but in summer and on Bank Holidays it can get quite busy. It is also popular with hikers who use it as a stop off during there treks across the Dales and you will see markers and signs directing the more adventurous across the many countryside paths.

Right, the villages church on the edge of town.

A top the hills above the village, and at the end of a very steep walk, is Hag Dyke with an old Scouts hostel and small chapel. Few venture this far, but the views are spectacular and I, many years ago, spent a week there as part of a college field trip.

Aside from its obvious rustic charm, Kettlewell is ideally located within easy travelling distance of the large cities of Leeds and Bradford and picturesque routes can also take you on to the north Yorkshire town of Skipton, or even to the Lake District in Cumbria.

Left, The tiny village square, with May pole and the steep slope of the hills in the background with the mini limestone pavements breaking out.

Our Opinion

We rate Kettlewell as just about the best little Yorkshire village you are ever likely to visit, but it is small, so do not expect shops or loads of cafes.

Right, A flower bed full of garden gnomes. We could not decide if this was endearing or slightly sinister. Fortunately we left before dark, but did hear the patter of tiny feet behind the car for a while!

For more information, including a village history and details of walks, visit www.kettlewell.info, or better still visit the village itself.