Business Details
Discover Yorkshire Dales Heritage at Dales Countryside Museum
We are Dales Countryside Museum, a cultural institution dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich heritage of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Housed in a historic Victorian railway station in Hawes, our mission is to connect visitors with the stories of the people and landscapes that have shaped this unique region over millennia. Through immersive family-friendly galleries, interactive exhibits, and an extensive outdoor trail, we offer engaging experiences for all ages. Our dynamic programme of changing exhibitions and community events ensures there is always something new to discover, while our Firebox Caf and curated gift shop provide opportunities to relax and take home a piece of local craftsmanship.We prioritise accessibility and education, offering free admission for under-16s, curriculum-linked workshops for schools, and loan boxes containing historical artefacts. Our collaborative projects with national arts organisations and community initiatives reflect our commitment to fostering creativity and preserving rural heritage for future generations.
Services
Family-Friendly Exhibits
Changing Exhibitions
Educational Workshops
School Loan Boxes
Community Projects
Caf Services
Gift Shop
Virtual Tours
Accessibility Features
Event Programmes
Highlights and features
- We offer free admission for children under 16 and 7-day entry passes.
- Our interactive exhibits and outdoor trails engage visitors of all ages.
- We provide curriculum-linked educational workshops for schools.
- Changing exhibitions ensure fresh experiences with every visit.
- We collaborate with national arts organisations on innovative community projects.
Services
Educational Workshops
Our hands-on workshops use museum artefacts and archives to deliver curriculum-linked learning experiences for all age groups. Pupils engage in historical challenges that develop teamwork, communication, and critical thinking skills while exploring Yorkshire Dales heritage. Sessions include interactive handling of objects and problem-solving activities designed to make learning both educational and enjoyable.
Changing Exhibitions
We host rotating exhibitions in our John Richard Baker Exhibition Hall, showcasing diverse themes from local history to international collaborations. Recent exhibitions explored topics like rural women's stories, cave systems, and dialect heritage. These displays combine artefacts, multimedia, and community contributions to provide fresh perspectives on cultural and natural history.
School Loan Boxes
Our free loan boxes contain historical artefacts, replica objects, and educational materials supporting cross-curricular learning. Teachers can access themed boxes featuring photographs, maps, and documents to enhance classroom teaching. These resources inspire creative writing, art projects, and historical investigations while connecting students with local heritage.
Family Activities
We offer family-friendly exhibits with hands-on interactive displays and outdoor trails designed to engage children and adults alike. Visual stories and sensory resources make visits accessible for neurodiverse visitors. Seasonal events and activity sheets provide structured learning opportunities while encouraging exploration of Yorkshire Dales' history through play.
Community Projects
We partner with local communities and national organisations on projects like the 'Green Spaces Shared Places' programme with Art Fund. Our initiatives include youth creative programmes, rural women's history research, and regional heritage collaborations. These projects involve public participation in curating stories and creating exhibitions that reflect diverse community voices.
Questions
Is Dales Countryside Museum suitable for young children?
Yes, we offer family-friendly interactive exhibits, sensory resources, and outdoor trails designed for all ages. Under-16s receive free admission.
What educational resources do you provide for schools?
We offer curriculum-linked workshops, free loan boxes with historical artefacts, and hands-on learning sessions for all key stages.
How often do exhibitions change at the museum?
We host new temporary exhibitions 3-4 times annually in our dedicated exhibition hall, with themes ranging from local history to international collaborations.
Are there facilities for visitors with accessibility needs?
We provide visual stories, sensory resources, and accessible pathways. Our staff receive disability awareness training to support all visitors' needs.
Can I host events or meetings at the museum?
We occasionally hire exhibition spaces for private events. Contact us directly to discuss availability and requirements for venue hire.
Reviews (6)
Judith Priestley
Jan 20, 2022
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Unfortunately this facility doesn't open in January since Covid. In the past we've found it very good and they sell notebooks which the pages are made from stone! They are lovely to write on.
David Mahon
Jan 11, 2022
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I love museums. It could be a museum of bog rolls & I'd still love it. This en dint have much history of loo paper, but it was still great.
Andy Wye
Nov 26, 2021
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Best 4.30 ever spent. Covid safe if you want it. Full of exhibits about the Dales right back a few million years. Interesting and good displays.
Lin Wye
Nov 15, 2021
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What a fantastic museum. I cant believe how much was in it, well laid out and very educational. 4.30 for over 60's and 4.80 for under, such great value. I highly recommend a visit
Anji Timlin
Nov 06, 2021
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Had a lovely day doing a drawing workshop about the Love Tokens, Sittings and Songs exhibition at the museum today. Well worth a visit to see their eclectic collections!
Gwen Sutherland
Oct 23, 2021
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Nice relaxing day. Visisted the Wensleydale Cheese Factory/Visitor Centre and had a nice walk round Hawes.
