Sharing the stories of the people and places of the Yorkshire Dales National Park
Dales Countryside Museum tells the fascinating story of the Yorkshire Dales and the people who have lived and worked here and shaped the landscape for thousands of years.
With loads of fun and interesting things for visitors of all ages to see and do, the Museum offers the chance to discover what is so unique about the Yorkshire Dales and make your visit to the area really special.
01 February to 08 May
An exhibition 19th and 20th century rural quilts and quilted clothing from the Yorkshire Dales, including examples of frame, mosaic, applique, wholecloth, patchwork, recycled and repaired quilts. See those made for richer households alongside those created and used in traditional Dales cottages. (more…)
22 May to 08 September
A tough and tender portrait of a ‘true-to-life’, born and bred shepherdess, Alison O’Neill . In a special corner of the Yorkshire Dales, there is deep gratitude and spiritual fulfilment to be found in the essential work of a Shepherdess. Documented in heartfelt photographs and personal words, this exhibition portrays the growing intimacy between a woman, her flock and her love affair with life on a small hill farm, and the intractable realities of this traditional existence.
Photographer Ian Lawson produced a book Shepherdess – One Woman Farm here
12 September to 31 December
Dairying has been at the heart of the Wensleydale economy since records began and still thrives today.This exhibition is the culmination of a two year project to research and share the story of this unbroken thread. The local community has shared personal stories and collections helping to bring the wonderful historic dairying artefacts and archive photographs in the Museum collection to life. Supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.