The best things to do in Reeth

From the village green, ringed with inviting cafes and pubs, to the independent shops and galleries, everything about Reeth is a gem waiting to be discovered. Acquaint yourself with local life, both past and present, at the museum, and if your holiday coincides with the annual show, be sure to include it in your itinerary. 

With the breathtaking scenery of Swaledale on your doorstep, Reeth is the ideal place to hop on your bike or set off on foot to explore, with rolling hills, valleys, and breathtaking views in all directions. 

There are also some exceptional Yorkshire castles nearby, including Richmond Castle and Bolton Castle, where you can spend an entertaining day imagining yourself as royalty. What are you waiting for? Reeth is calling, and with some lovely places to stay in and around this Swaledale village, it’s the perfect base for a Yorkshire holiday to remember.

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Swaledale Museum

Discover a fascinating collection of artefacts at Swaledale Museum, which celebrates the history and heritage of Reeth and its surroundings. From geological finds that were a precursor to the lead-mining boom to vintage toys and handicrafts, you’ll get a glimpse into Swaledale life with a team of volunteers on hand to answer any questions. 

Get involved with interactive exhibits such as listening to recordings of the Swaledale accent, playing the Sunday School harmonium and guessing what a variety of mystery objects could possibly be. The gift shop has an interesting selection of reprinted posters and cards advertising concerts and fairs from the 1900s. 

Reeth Show

There’s been a Reeth Show for more than 100 years, and it’s a chance for the community to congregate and challenge each other in gentle competition. Attending the show, which falls on Bank Holiday Monday in August, makes for a wonderful family day out. There are stalls to browse, games to play and local food to enjoy, all accompanied by the wonderful sound of Reeth Brass Band.

A highlight of the show is the fell-racing competition. Last year, 200 adult and junior competitors took part, scrambling up Fremington Edge that skirts around the showground. Sign up or cheer on the (usually mud-spattered) racers as they take on this quick but gruelling sprint.

Cycling in Reeth 

Yorkshire is well known for its epic cycling locations, and the undulating landscape around Reeth caters for both keen bikers and family pedallers. Reeth is such a popular spot for cycling that Ard Rock, the UK’s number one mountain bike event, takes place here each July. There’s also the Dales Bike Centre in the village, which offers cycle hire and local guides to help you get out exploring on two wheels.

The Buttertubs Pass

The famous Buttertubs Pass was included in the UK leg of 2014’s Tour de France, when it was known as the Côte de Buttertubs; with gradients of up to 25%, this isn’t a route for the faint-hearted. The road, which links Thwaite to Hawes, crosses the high moorland between Wensleydale and Swaledale with spectacular views over open moorland that’s crisscrossed with dry stone walls.

The Swaledale Circular

The Swaledale Circular is perfect if you’re looking for a longer ride, as the route takes in an assortment of beautiful villages, including Low Row and Muker, on the steady ascent from Reeth to the Tan Hill Inn. This is the highest pub in Britain, so it’s worth stopping here for refreshments and to enjoy the view before taking the easy trip home, which is downhill all the way.

The Swale Trail

The Swail Trail is a low-level cycling route connecting Reeth and Keld that’s ideal for families. The route is mainly traffic-free and follows the scenic path of the River Swale with plenty of places to stop for a picnic. You’ll ride along a combination of well-maintained tracks and quiet country lanes through the bottom of the valley with just a few hills to navigate at the start of the route. If you need a little helping hand for the ride, ebikes are available to hire at the Dales Bike Centre.  

Reeth walks

Venturing off on foot is a marvellous way to take in the countryside, and the walks around Reeth are superb, with rolling hills, heather-clad moors and traditional dry-stone walls. 

Reeth Low Common

For a relaxed amble, try circling Reeth Low Common. This stroll is mostly flat and includes quiet bridleways and incredible photo opportunities of the rolling hills peppered with barns and dry-stone walls. Look out for the remains of a cobbled path that signals the route taken by the lead miners of old.

Reeth to Healaugh Circular

A riverside ramble is just the ticket, which loops from Reeth to Healaugh following the River Swale for the return journey. You also get to see the gloriously wobbly swing bridge just outside Reeth. Once in Healaugh (pronounced Hee-law – Saxon for a forest clearing on high ground), make sure to visit the phone box, which has been repurposed as a miniature museum and book swap. 

Ivelet Moor Circular

A short car journey from Reeth, the walk around Ivelet Moor is worth the trip. This route is ideal for wheelchairs and pushchairs as it’s on a well-surfaced track. Ivelet itself has a gorgeous old bridge with a coffin stone, said to be where wicker coffins were rested on the grim-sounding Corpse Path. Ivelet Moor itself is covered in heather and is a blaze of purple in the summer.

Waterfalls near Reeth 

Yes, it may rain during your visit to Yorkshire, but look on the bright side, as rain equals waterfalls in full flow, and there are several lovely ones dotted around both Swaledale and nearby Wensleydale. 

Catrake Force

Located in Upper Swaledale, close to the village of Keld, Catrake Force is a waterfall on the River Swale that’s kept hidden from the road by dense woodland. The stepped waterfall is made up of four distinct drops with water cascading down 9 metres in total.

Kisdon Force

Half a mile upstream from Catrake Force is Kisdon Force, a popular spot year-round and a haven for wild swimmers in the warmer summer months, with two distinct plunge pools to choose from. A lovely walk through fields and woodland brings you out at a platform overlooking the waterfalls.

Aysgarth Falls

Around 10 miles from Reeth is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Yorkshire Dales, Aysgarth Falls. There’s a series of three stepped falls – Upper, Middle and Lower, with clear footpaths linking the three together and various viewpoints. There’s also a visitor centre with a cafe where you can learn more about the area. 

Bolton Castle 

Around 6 miles from Reeth is Bolton Castle, a very fine medieval castle that brings history to life with lots of activities throughout the day, including falconry displays, archery demonstrations and feeding the wild boars. The tearoom offers yummy quiches and cakes, as well as the local delicacy – Bolton Pie, which is basically a pasty in a roll. The tearoom can be visited without paying admission to the castle.

The gardens are spectacular and include a nationally acclaimed medieval herb garden, walled vineyard and maze. There’s also Mary’s Garden that celebrates the most famous ‘guest’, Mary Queen of Scots, who was kept prisoner here after she fled Scotland. You can book a guided tour led by the gardeners.

Richmond Castle

The majestic Richmond Castle is one of the best examples of a Norman Fortress in England. It overlooks the River Swale and was positioned to symbolise the Norman dominance of the region. Founded in 1071 by Alan Rufus, an ally of William the Conqueror, it’s seen the ravages of time, but you can still see remains of the great halls, chambers and chapels.

It may be less curated than Bolton Castle in terms of activities, but it still offers plenty to do. Climb up to the massive stone keep for panoramic views over the Dales and take an audio tour to discover the castle’s architecture and history.

Reeth pubs

The quaint village green in Reeth is the centre of the community, and most of the pubs are mere moments away. On balmy days, the hostelries fling open their windows so you can watch the world go by.  

The Kings Arms has been serving pints of frothing cask ale since 1734 and welcomes walkers fresh off the fells. There are lots of period features like exposed beams and a beautiful fireplace, and the food is reliably good, including a tasty Sunday roast. You’ll be dining among locals who make a beeline here.

A few steps away from The Kings Arms is The Black Bull, noticeable by its iconic upside-down sign – originally erected in defiance of local authorities but now flagging up Swaledale’s independent spirit. Settle seating and the pool table bring an unpretentious vibe.

The Buck is a little further up the hill and serves hearty pub grub all day. The lunch menu ticks all the boxes with sarnies and jackets as well as more substantial meals. It also welcomes muddy boots and paws, which chimes with its relaxed ambience. 

Reeth cafes

Call by the community-run Reeth Dales Centre for Two Dales Bakery, which offers high-quality homemade bread and pastries, perfect for packing up a picnic. It also has a café where you can sample freshly made soups, ‘hot bowls’ and sweet and savoury pastries – it’s dog friendly too.

The Copper Kettle can be found at the bottom of the village green and is a classic tearoom with both indoor and outdoor seating. There are delicious full English breakfasts as well as the more traditional Victoria sponge cakes with speciality cakes that change through the seasons.

Indulge in a creamy treat at Reeth Ice Cream Parlour, with 16 flavours to choose from. The ice creams are made at a dairy farm in nearby Jervaulx – lovely to have local provenance. There are also hot drinks for the sophisticated palates, and as a bonus, each table has its own wooden puzzle or game, which is fun to try as you work your way through your sundae.

Reeth shopping 

One of the pleasures of going on holiday is browsing around the shops, discovering things you never knew you wanted, and Reeth is a treasure trove of must-have bargains. On Fridays, the market comes to town, with tempting fresh fruit, veg and groceries from Dales producers. It’s been going on since 1695, so you could say it’s an established tradition. 

Make your way to Fleece for some irresistible artwork from the talented folk of Swaledale. It’s a not-for-profit cooperative run by the artists themselves, so you get to chat to the actual creators. They also run the sister gallery Flock in nearby Masham. For another inspiring designer, pop to Graculus Sculptures to say hello to sculptor Michael Kusz and talking mechanical crow Jo. 

Map of things to do in Reeth

Find all the best things to do in and around Reeth with this handy map:

Plan your Reeth getaway

If you’re inspired by this round-up of Reeth and beyond, make your holiday dreams a reality by browsing our selection of cosy cottages. Whether you want to snuggle down in the middle of village life or plan your adventure exploring the wild and wonderful Swaledale, there are plenty of places that fit the bill.

Written by Emily Cunningham

Freelance writer

I’m a mum of two who loves strolls on the beach and even a dip in the sea! Ever since my adventure holiday in Settle as a child, where I tried abseiling and orienteering, I have loved exploring the wild and wonderful landscape of Yorkshire.