The Dales Countryside Museum is home to the Yorkshire Dales branch of the Young Archaeologists’ Club. The YAC is the only UK-wide club for young people (from ages 8 to 17) who are interested in archaeology. Our sessions vary from learning about at archaeological methods, having a go at history themed crafts or visiting historical sites and archaeological digs. If you know a young person who is interested please come along to one of our sessions to experience it for yourselves. Booking essential. Free.Continue reading

A great experience to learn about the traditional techniques of butter making based on the recipes and objects from the museum's collection. Have a go at making butter using original equipment and make scones from buttermilk to eat with your handmade butter. Plus a visit to the Wensleydale Creamery, to see how dairy products are made now in the Yorkshire Dales and taste the different varieties. Lunch is included, provided by the Firebox cafe. Booking essential.Continue reading

Part of the Yorkshire Dales #DarkSkiesFestival we are hosting a PITCH BLACK Challenge ride. Can you defeat the dark and follow the rise of the moon. All routes are off road and require a Mountain Bike to complete. Two levels of ride: 1/2 moon challenge 8 miles suitable for riders that have experience of off road riding, a good level of fitness. Under 16s welcome. Full lunar lunatic challenge 10-15 mikes suitable for riders with experience of technical routes and have an excellent fitness level. Both rides start at 4.30pm and finish at the shop. Return to burgers!! There will be an instructor on each ride route. All riders MUST have good lights, suitable layers and full finger gloves. Bikes available to hire or loan (kids) places to be booked. Proceeds to the Wensleydale Bike Club bike trailer appeal. Cost £15 per rider.Continue reading

Pop in to find out how cheese and butter were made at home in a traditional Yorkshire Dales` farmhouse. Learn the difference between rennet and whey and see a demonstration of butter making. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

Children Bike Ride as part of the National Park Darks Skies Festival. Follow the solar system trail in search of the sun! Suitable for balance bikes and beginners. This is a short traffic free route along a footpath (we have sought landowners and NP permission to access on bikes) to Cotterforce fall. Meet at the gate at the start of the cotterforce track. There is road side parking. £5 per participant. Hot chocolate drink to warm up!!! Bikes are available to loan but must be rebooked.Continue reading

A great experience to learn about the traditional techniques of butter making based on the recipes and objects from the museum's collection. Have a go at making butter using original equipment and make scones from buttermilk to eat with your handmade butter. Plus a visit to the Wensleydale Creamery, to see how dairy products are made now in the Yorkshire Dales and taste the different varieties. Lunch is included, provided by the Firebox cafe. Booking essential.Continue reading

The Yorkshire Dales National Park is a place where you can find stunning star-filled skies, free from light pollution. Get creative and learn about the starry skies of the Yorkshire Dales and the animals that live underneath them at our FREE, family drop-in, Go Wild! session at Dales Countryside Museum on 20 February. Booking is not required. This Go Wild! event is part of the Yorkshire Dales Dark Skies Festival running 14 February to 1 March 2020.Continue reading

A talk with distinguished conductor Stan Roocroft MBE. Stan is the conductor of the Wensleydale Chorus and Aysgarth Singers, as well as Hawes Silver Band. Part of the Friends of the Museum annual lecture programme. Free - donations welcome.Continue reading

Children's Event as part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Dark Skies Festival 2020. Create homemade pizza planets and whilst they cook take part in Rocket Making and launching. Then tuck into your solar system creation Places must be booked £10 per child inc ice cream pudding.Continue reading

The Dales Countryside Museum is home to the Yorkshire Dales branch of the Young Archaeologists’ Club. The YAC is the only UK-wide club for young people (from ages 8 to 17) who are interested in archaeology. Our sessions vary from learning about at archaeological methods, having a go at history themed crafts or visiting historical sites and archaeological digs. If you know a young person who is interested please come along to one of our sessions to experience it for yourselves. Booking essential. Free.Continue reading

An illustrated talk by Graham Hooley from Lunesdale Archaeology Society about the Iron Age settlement in the Lune Gorge. Part of the Friends of the Museum annual lecture programme. Free - donations welcome.Continue reading

Let's get hands-on with history! Themed craft activities for children. In this activity, we will have a go at making traditional toys like a thaumatrope and peg dolls. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

The Dales Countryside Museum is home to the Yorkshire Dales branch of the Young Archaeologists’ Club. The YAC is the only UK-wide club for young people (from ages 8 to 17) who are interested in archaeology. Our sessions vary from learning about at archaeological methods, having a go at history themed crafts or visiting historical sites and archaeological digs. If you know a young person who is interested please come along to one of our sessions to experience it for yourselves. Booking essential. Free.Continue reading

Come along to Hawes National Park Centre to meet a local producer, have a chat with them and view their wares.Continue reading

Join our Dales Volunteers as they showcase the traditional craft of drystone walling and explain the construction of this iconic feature of the National Park landscape. From the foundations to the top stones during four short drop-in sessions, they talk through the process of turning a pile of stones into something that will last for centuries. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

Let's get hands-on with history! Food-based activity for children. We will have a go at making mock banana sandwich from WW2. In WW2, bananas were scarce so people would make substitute out of vegetables! Included in museum admission.Continue reading

Join our volunteers in the textile gallery for a demonstration of knitting with four needles using a knitting sheath (stick). The museums' unique collection of knitting sheaths is on display in the textile gallery. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

Be a nature detective, follow our trail and find the clues to solve the mystery of the disappearing eggs.Continue reading

A demonstration of traditional rug making including both proddy and hooked techniques. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

Join our Dales Volunteers as they showcase the traditional craft of drystone walling and explain the construction of this iconic feature of the National Park landscape. From the foundations to the top stones during four short drop-in sessions, they talk through the process of turning a pile of stones into something that will last for centuries. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

Let's get hands-on with history! Themed craft activities for children. In this activity, we will have a go at making Viking style bracelets using beads and leather. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

Come and make a Easter chocolate nest. This is free when presenting a Firebox café receipt otherwise £1 per child. Museum admission applies.Continue reading

Join our volunteers in the textile gallery to see how sheep fleece is spun into wool yarn using a spinning wheel and how Yorkshire buttons are made from wool. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

Join us in our traditional farmhouse kitchen where Mrs H will explain the hard work that went on there. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

An illustrated talk by historian Audrey Dewjee about the hidden history of the roles people from Africa and Asia played in the Dales. Part of the Friends of the Museum annual lecture programme. Free - donations welcome.Continue reading

Join Dales knitting expert Kate Trusson for a demonstration of traditional knitting with four needles and knitting sticks, using traditional Dales patterns. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

An illustrated talk by author David Joy about Trees in the Dales. Part of the Friends of the Museum annual lecture programme. Free - donations welcome.Continue reading

Visit a local alpaca farm on Raydaleside, meet the animals and take them for a gentle stroll through the spectacular landscape of the Yorkshire Dales, with stunning views of the Dales second largest natural lake, Lake Semerwater. Guided by a local crafter, explore the Dales Countryside Museum textile gallery and learn the techniques and processes to create your own felted picture using alpaca wool from the alpacas you have met! Lunch is included, provided by the Firebox cafe. Booking essential.Continue reading

Come along to Hawes National Park Centre to meet a local producer, have a chat with them and view their wares.Continue reading

Join our Dales Volunteers as they showcase the traditional craft of drystone walling and explain the construction of this iconic feature of the National Park landscape. From the foundations to the top stones during four short drop-in sessions, they talk through the process of turning a pile of stones into something that will last for centuries. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

Come and decorate a hay meadow themed cupcake. This is free when presenting a Firebox café receipt otherwise £1 per child. Museum admission applies.Continue reading

Let's get hands on with history! Activity with traditional toys and games such as wallops, skittles and more. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

Join our volunteers in the textile gallery for a demonstration of knitting with four needles using a knitting sheath (stick). The museums' unique collection of knitting sheaths is on display in the textile gallery. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

Join us in our traditional farmhouse kitchen where Mrs. H will explain all about the hard work involved in wash days from the dolly tub to the mangle. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

The Dales Countryside Museum is home to the Yorkshire Dales branch of the Young Archaeologists’ Club. The YAC is the only UK-wide club for young people (from ages 8 to 17) who are interested in archaeology. Our sessions vary from learning about at archaeological methods, having a go at history themed crafts or visiting historical sites and archaeological digs. If you know a young person who is interested please come along to one of our sessions to experience it for yourselves. Booking essential. Free.Continue reading

An illustrated talk by Dr. David Johnson on the history of quarrying in the Pennine Dales. Included in museum admission. Part of our Dales industrial heritage talk series.Continue reading

Learn about the traditional craft of rag-rug making using the proddy technique and create a design based on lambs in the Dales. You will take home your starting piece as well as lots of ideas for making more rag rug creations at home. Materials and lunch are included. 8 places are available. Booking essential.Continue reading

Visit a local alpaca farm on Raydaleside, meet the animals and take them for a gentle stroll through the spectacular landscape of the Yorkshire Dales, with stunning views of the Dales second largest natural lake, Lake Semerwater. Guided by a local crafter, explore the Dales Countryside Museum textile gallery and learn the techniques and processes to create your own felted picture using alpaca wool from the alpacas you have met! Lunch is included, provided by the Firebox cafe. Booking essential.Continue reading

Visit a local alpaca farm on Raydaleside, meet the animals and take them for a gentle stroll through the spectacular landscape of the Yorkshire Dales, with stunning views of the Dales second largest natural lake, Lake Semerwater. Guided by a local crafter, explore the Dales Countryside Museum textile gallery and learn the techniques and processes to create your own felted picture using alpaca wool from the alpacas you have met! Lunch is included, provided by the Firebox cafe. Booking essential.Continue reading

The Dales Countryside Museum is home to the Yorkshire Dales branch of the Young Archaeologists’ Club. The YAC is the only UK-wide club for young people (from ages 8 to 17) who are interested in archaeology. Our sessions vary from learning about at archaeological methods, having a go at history themed crafts or visiting historical sites and archaeological digs. If you know a young person who is interested please come along to one of our sessions to experience it for yourselves. Booking essential. Free.Continue reading

Printmaker Hester Cox will be in the gallery demonstrating collagraph printmaking using her portable etching press. Whilst inking and printing some of the plates used to create work in the exhibition, she will be happy to answer any questions about the collagraph process, discuss the inspiration behind the prints, show visitors how she makes her plates and how she then prints them on her press. This is a unique opportunity to discover how an artist develops an idea inspired by the landscape and the stages that it goes through to become a limited edition original print. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

An illustrated talk by print-maker Hester Cox about her project based on the woodblocks created by Marie Hartley which will culminate in the museum’s 2020 summer exhibition. Bring your donations and enjoy a social evening as part of the Friends of the Museum Annual Gift Day. Free - donations welcome.Continue reading

Join our Dales Volunteers as they showcase the traditional craft of drystone walling and explain the construction of this iconic feature of the National Park landscape. From the foundations to the top stones during four short drop-in sessions, they talk through the process of turning a pile of stones into something that will last for centuries. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

Let's get hands on with history! Themed craft activities for children. In this activity we will have a go at making Anglo- Saxon brooches. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

Join our volunteers in the textile gallery for a demonstration of patchwork techniques. Find out how to make simple felt designs. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

Printmaker Hester Cox will be in the gallery demonstrating collagraph printmaking using her portable etching press. Whilst inking and printing some of the plates used to create work in the exhibition, she will be happy to answer any questions about the collagraph process, discuss the inspiration behind the prints, show visitors how she makes her plates and how she then prints them on her press. This is a unique opportunity to discover how an artist develops an idea inspired by the landscape and the stages that it goes through to become a limited edition original print. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

Join us in our traditional farmhouse kitchen where Mrs H will explain dairying processes, such as butter and cheese making. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

Come along to Hawes National Park Centre to meet a local producer, have a chat with them and view their wares.Continue reading

Join our Dales Volunteers as they showcase the traditional craft of drystone walling and explain the construction of this iconic feature of the National Park landscape. From the foundations to the top stones during four short drop-in sessions, they talk through the process of turning a pile of stones into something that will last for centuries. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

Let's get hands-on with history! Food-based activities for children. We will make and taste Roman Sweets using dates, honey and spices. We will also explore the trade links and diets in Roman Britain. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

Join our volunteers in the textile gallery for a demonstration of knitting with four needles using a knitting sheath (stick). The museums' unique collection of knitting sheaths is on display in the textile gallery. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

Printmaker Hester Cox will be in the gallery demonstrating collagraph printmaking using her portable etching press. Whilst inking and printing some of the plates used to create work in the exhibition, she will be happy to answer any questions about the collagraph process, discuss the inspiration behind the prints, show visitors how she makes her plates and how she then prints them on her press. This is a unique opportunity to discover how an artist develops an idea inspired by the landscape and the stages that it goes through to become a limited edition original print. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

Drop in activity using wet felting techniques to make your own picture of wildlife including owls, butterflies, foxes and ladybirds or design your own woodland scene. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

Join our Dales Volunteers as they showcase the traditional craft of drystone walling and explain the construction of this iconic feature of the National Park landscape. From the foundations to the top stones during four short drop-in sessions, they talk through the process of turning a pile of stones into something that will last for centuries. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

Let's get hands-on with printing! Join artist Hester Cox and help to create a printed meadow. Hester will demonstrate how to create simple stamps of the flowers, grasses, insects and birds that you find in the beautiful haymeadows of the Yorkshire Dales. You can then print a card to take home as well as print onto a collaborative piece. This fun activity is suitable for children and adults alike. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

Join our volunteers in the textile gallery to see how sheep fleece is spun into wool yarn using a spinning wheel and how Yorkshire buttons are made from wool. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

Printmaker Hester Cox will be in the gallery demonstrating collagraph printmaking using her portable etching press. Whilst inking and printing some of the plates used to create work in the exhibition, she will be happy to answer any questions about the collagraph process, discuss the inspiration behind the prints, show visitors how she makes her plates and how she then prints them on her press. This is a unique opportunity to discover how an artist develops an idea inspired by the landscape and the stages that it goes through to become a limited edition original print. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

Drop-in activity whittling a stick to cook treats over an open fire. Learn how to make and cook damper bread. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

Join our Dales Volunteers as they showcase the traditional craft of drystone walling and explain the construction of this iconic feature of the National Park landscape. From the foundations to the top stones during four short drop-in sessions, they talk through the process of turning a pile of stones into something that will last for centuries. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

Let's get hands on with history! Activity with dolly tubs, washboards and mangles. We will have a go at how they used to do the laundry in the 19th century. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

Join our volunteers in the textile gallery for a demonstration of knitting with four needles using a knitting sheath (stick). The museums' unique collection of knitting sheaths is on display in the textile gallery. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

Drop-in activity collecting beautiful leaves from around the museum then using them to print pictures and cards. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

Join our Dales Volunteers as they showcase the traditional craft of drystone walling and explain the construction of this iconic feature of the National Park landscape. From the foundations to the top stones during four short drop-in sessions, they talk through the process of turning a pile of stones into something that will last for centuries. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

Let's get hands-on with history! Themed craft activities for children. In this activity we will have ago at making prehistoric coil pots with clay. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

Join our volunteers in the textile gallery for a demonstration of patchwork techniques. Find out how to make simple felt designs. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

A demonstration of traditional rug making including both proddy and hooked techniques. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

Come along to Hawes National Park Centre to meet a local producer, have a chat with them and view their wares.Continue reading

Join our Dales Volunteers as they showcase the traditional craft of drystone walling and explain the construction of this iconic feature of the National Park landscape. From the foundations to the top stones during four short drop-in sessions, they talk through the process of turning a pile of stones into something that will last for centuries. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

Let's get hands-on with history! Themed craft activities for children. In this activity, we will have a go at making your own roman mosaics coaster. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

Join our volunteers in the textile gallery for a demonstration of knitting with four needles using a knitting sheath (stick). The museums' unique collection of knitting sheaths is on display in the textile gallery. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

An illustrated talk by Tony Keates on mills in the dales. Part of our Dales industrial heritage talk series. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

Join us in our traditional farmhouse kitchen where Mrs H will explain the methods of preserving foods, such as pickling and salting. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

Drop-in activity designing and making bug badges. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

Let's get hands-on with history! Themed craft activities for children. Willow pattern was very popular in Georgian England. It came from far away and was very exotic - it told a famous Chinese story in pictures and traditionally painted in blue and white. Design your own willow pattern based on a story you have made up or know. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

Join our volunteers in the textile gallery for a demonstration of patchwork techniques. Find out how to make simple felt designs. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

An illustrated talk by expert David Carlisle about lead mining in Arkengarthdale using archive materials and ledgers from 1896 - 1930. Included in museum admission. Part of our Dales industrial heritage talk series.Continue reading

Join Kate Trusson for a demonstration of quilting. A chance to look at some of the quilts in the collection and to see various quilt making methods. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

Join printmaker Hester Cox and take the landscape and wildlife of the Yorkshire Dales as your inspiration as you explore this exciting printmaking method. In the morning, Hester will demonstrate some simple and effective techniques for making collagraph plates using card, textured papers and pastes before working one-to-one with participants to help them develop their own design. The printing plates will then be printed in the afternoon using her portable press. The workshop is suitable for complete beginners or artists wanting an introduction to a new technique. Booking essential. £50 Adults.Continue reading

A demonstration of traditional rug making including both proddy and hooked techniques. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

Visit a local alpaca farm on Raydaleside, meet the animals and take them for a gentle stroll through the spectacular landscape of the Yorkshire Dales, with stunning views of the Dales second largest natural lake, Lake Semerwater. Guided by a local crafter, explore the Dales Countryside Museum textile gallery and learn the techniques and processes to create your own felted picture using alpaca wool from the alpacas you have met! Lunch is included, provided by the Firebox cafe. Booking essential.Continue reading

Pop in to find out how cheese and butter were made at home in a traditional Yorkshire Dales` farmhouse. Learn the difference between rennet and whey and see a demonstration of butter making. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

Join printmaker Hester Cox and learn how to create your own hand printed stamps. Taking the gorgeous Wensleydale landscape and dairy farming as your inspiration, Hester will teach you how to transform your drawings into designs suitable for printing, basic linocutting skills for carving your blocks and how to successfully ink your stamps to create prints that can be used to make cards, gift tags, for scrapbooking and for illustrations. Part of the Yorkshire Dales Cheese Festival.Continue reading

An illustrated talk by David Cook from Yorkshire Vernacular Buildings Study Group about the vernacular buildings of Wensleydale. Part of the Friends of the Museum annual lecture programme. Free - donations welcome.Continue reading

Learn about the traditional craft of rag-rug making using the hooked rug technique and create a design based on the Dales landscape. You will take home your starting piece as well as with lots of ideas for making more rag rug creations at home. Materials and lunch included. 8 places are available. Booking essential.Continue reading

Celebrating local produce we are hosting "The Final Bite". This mini-hub event celebrates local produce and has a farmers' market style. It features local cheese producers, local ales and gins, local crafts and other brilliant local food producers. Also get hands on with butter making demonstrations. Part of the Yorkshire Dales Cheese Festival, This event is FREE.Continue reading

The Dales Countryside Museum is home to the Yorkshire Dales branch of the Young Archaeologists’ Club. The YAC is the only UK-wide club for young people (from ages 8 to 17) who are interested in archaeology. Our sessions vary from learning about at archaeological methods, having a go at history themed crafts or visiting historical sites and archaeological digs. If you know a young person who is interested please come along to one of our sessions to experience it for yourselves. Booking essential. Free.Continue reading

We will have our object handling collection out to inspire your memories, plus listen to oral history recordings and see some of our photographic archives. Come along and meet our volunteers, share memories and enjoy a chat over tea or coffee — part of the Silver Sunday – a national day celebrating older people. Included in museum admission. Free entry for over 60s.Continue reading

Annual General Meeting of the Friends of the Dales Countryside Museum followed by an illustrated talk by local journalist Andrew Fagg about the dialect poetry written by John Thwaite. Free - donations welcome.Continue reading

Come and decorate a Halloween biscuit. This is free when presenting a Firebox café receipt otherwise £1 per child. Museum admission applies.Continue reading

A great experience to learn about traditional methods of pickling based on recipes in the museum collection. Have a go at making pickles using original recipes and taste them with locally sourced oatcakes or warm bread. Plus a visit to the Raydale Preserves factory to see how chutneys and preserves are made now in the Yorkshire Dales and taste the different varieties. Lunch is included, provided by the Firebox cafe. Booking essential.Continue reading

Let's get hands-on with history! Themed craft activities for children. In this activity, we will have a go at cave painting. Looking at examples and having a go with different methods. Included in museum admission.Continue reading

The Dales Countryside Museum is home to the Yorkshire Dales branch of the Young Archaeologists’ Club. The YAC is the only UK-wide club for young people (from ages 8 to 17) who are interested in archaeology. Our sessions vary from learning about at archaeological methods, having a go at history themed crafts or visiting historical sites and archaeological digs. If you know a young person who is interested please come along to one of our sessions to experience it for yourselves. Booking essential. Free.Continue reading

An illustrated talk by Sandy Carter, the development officer of Marrick Priory, about the history of the priory. Part of the Friends of the Museum annual lecture programme. Free - donations welcome.Continue reading

A great experience to learn about the traditional way to make mincemeat, inspired by the museums' archive recipes. Have a go at making mincemeat to take home to make mince pies. Plus a visit to the Raydale Preserves factory to see how chutneys and preserves are made now in the Yorkshire Dales and taste the different varieties. Lunch is included, provided by the Firebox cafe. Booking essential.Continue reading

Come and join us for a late-night Christmas shopping event at Hawes National Park Centre and the Dales Countryside Museum. Our shop features Distinctly Dales products created by local artists and producers which would make excellent Christmas gifts. Plus free entry to the museum.Continue reading

Come and meet Mother Christmas on the train and receive a gift. Also, enjoy a hot chocolate from the Firebox Cafe. Plus children's activities and crafts. Booking Essential. 30 minutes time-slots available. £8 per child.Continue reading

Come and meet Mother Christmas on the train and receive a gift. Also, enjoy a hot chocolate from the Firebox Cafe. Plus children's activities and crafts. Booking Essential. 30 minutes time-slots available. £8 per child.Continue reading

Come and meet Mother Christmas on the train and receive a gift. Also, enjoy a hot chocolate from the Firebox Cafe. Plus children's activities and crafts. Booking Essential. 30 minutes time-slots available. £8 per child.Continue reading

Come and join us for a late-night Christmas shopping event at Hawes National Park Centre and the Dales Countryside Museum. Our shop features Distinctly Dales products created by local artists and producers which would make excellent Christmas gifts. Plus free entry to the museum.Continue reading

The Dales Countryside Museum is home to the Yorkshire Dales branch of the Young Archaeologists’ Club. The YAC is the only UK-wide club for young people (from ages 8 to 17) who are interested in archaeology. Our sessions vary from learning about at archaeological methods, having a go at history themed crafts or visiting historical sites and archaeological digs. If you know a young person who is interested please come along to one of our sessions to experience it for yourselves. Booking essential. Free.Continue reading