Mainsfield, Settle

The bustling market town of Settle lies at the south west rim of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, nestled beside the largest outcrop of limestone in Britain – a region of scars, cliffs, caves and potholes – amongst some of the most picturesque scenery in North Yorkshire. Tuesday is market day in Settle, when the square is filled with stalls offering a wide variety of crafts and goods. The market place is surrounded by local businesses, the centre being dominated by The Shambles, an historic three storey building with shops on two levels and houses above, and the Town Hall. There is a good selection of restaurants and pubs and a public swimming pool. The Victoria Hall has entertainment and other activities such as folk nights throughout the year. The famous Settle-Carlisle Railway crosses some of the most beautiful and inspiring upland scenery in the country. Natural attractions such as Malham Cove and Gordale Scar are within easy reach, as are the nearby Dales towns of Skipton and Malham. Settle is in the midst of excellent walking country and is a good base for touring the Dales, the Lake District and the Forest of Bowland.