Attractions and Places To See around Austwick - Top 20

Austwick is surrounded by diverse natural beauty. You can visit the unique geological formations of the Norber Erratics, where massive gritstone boulders rest on limestone plinths. The area is also part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, offering distinctive Dales, fells, and limestone scenery. For a picturesque waterfall and natural pool, consider a visit to Janet's Foss near Kirkby Malham.

Yes, Austwick is an excellent base for challenging hikes. You can tackle the famous Yorkshire Three Peaks: Pen-y-Ghent, Ingleborough summit, and Whernside Summit. Ingleborough, the second-highest mountain, offers magnificent panoramic views, while Whernside is considered one of the easier peaks due to its steadier incline. For more options, explore the Mountain Hikes around Austwick guide.

Austwick boasts a rich history. You can explore Austwick Hall, a Yorkshire Dales Manor House with original elements and contemporary sculpture, set within 13 acres of gardens. The village itself features many 17th and 18th-century buildings and a historic market cross. Nearby, the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct is a magnificent man-made monument built between 1870 and 1874, offering superb photographic opportunities.

Yes, there are several family-friendly options. The Ribblehead Viaduct is a great spot for families, with a small car park nearby and occasional food vans. The Ingleborough Estate Nature Trail, located in nearby Clapham, offers scenic walks through woods, past waterfalls, and a historic bridge, with amenities like a cafe. Oxenber and Wharfe Woods are also lovely for walks, especially in spring with bluebells.

Spring, summer, and early autumn generally offer the best weather for walking and outdoor activities in the Yorkshire Dales. In spring, Oxenber and Wharfe Woods are particularly beautiful with bluebells and other wildflowers. Austwick Hall's grounds are known for snowdrop walks in February and March. The annual Austwick Cuckoo Festival and Street Market is held on the second Bank Holiday Monday in May, offering cultural entertainment alongside outdoor exploration.

The area around Austwick offers a variety of outdoor routes. You can find numerous hiking trails, including those that lead to waterfalls. For example, the Waterfall hikes around Austwick guide features routes like the Norber Erratics loop from Austwick. Mountain biking enthusiasts can also explore trails like the Austwick to Giggleswick Scar loop, detailed in the MTB Trails around Austwick guide.

Visitors frequently praise the magnificent panoramic views from the summits, especially from Ingleborough summit, which offers vistas of Whernside, Pen-y-Ghent, and even the Lakeland hills on a clear day. The sense of achievement after conquering a peak and the stunning golden landscapes are often highlighted. The iconic and photogenic nature of sites like the Ribblehead Viaduct is also a major draw.

While the Three Peaks can be popular, you can find quieter walks. Oxenber and Wharfe Woods, designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, offer peaceful trails, especially beautiful in spring. Crummackdale is another classic Yorkshire Dales valley with green pastures and expansive views, providing a serene walking experience away from the busiest routes.

Yes, Austwick offers local amenities. The Game Cock Inn is a welcoming village pub that serves traditional British cuisine with a French/Mediterranean twist and also provides accommodation. Cross Leigh Stores serves as the village shop and post office, a friendly meeting place for both locals and visitors.

While direct public transport to all attractions might be limited, the spectacular Settle-Carlisle Railway is accessible from nearby Settle. This scenic railway line can be a way to reach the general area, and from Settle, local services or walking routes may connect to Austwick and its surrounding attractions.

Absolutely. The Norber Erratics are a must-see. These are large sandstone boulders that were transported by glaciers and now rest on limestone pedestals, creating a striking and unusual landscape above Austwick. It's a prime example of glacial geology in the region.

The Church of the Epiphany in Austwick dates back to 1839, though a chapel is believed to have existed earlier. It was extended in the late 1800s and features a new stone pulpit and unique wooden racks for gentlemen's top hats, reflecting its historical character.