Nidderdale
Nidderdale is a beauty spot in North Yorkshire.
Nidderdale, formerly known as Netherdale, is a picturesque region situated in North Yorkshire, just beyond the boundaries of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. This area encompasses the upper valley of the River Nidd, which meanders underground and winds through the dale, creating several reservoirs, including the Gouthwaite Reservoir, before taking an eastern course to eventually merge with the River Ouse. The primary town within Nidderdale is Pateley Bridge.
Historically, Nidderdale was part of the West Riding of Yorkshire, within the Lower Division of Claro Wapentake. During the 19th century, local government reforms led to most of the dale falling under the jurisdiction of the Pateley Bridge Poor Law Union, subsequently becoming the Pateley Bridge Rural Sanitary District, and finally, in 1894, the Pateley Bridge Rural District. In 1937, this rural district was amalgamated into the Ripon and Pateley Bridge Rural District.
Meanwhile, Hampsthwaite and Felliscliffe in the lower dale were associated with the Knaresborough Poor Law Union, later becoming the Knaresborough Rural Sanitary District and, in 1894, the Knaresborough Rural District. These areas merged in 1938 to form part of the Nidderdale Rural District. Since 1974, Nidderdale as a whole has been encompassed within the Borough of Harrogate in North Yorkshire.
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In 1947, the Hobhouse Report made a significant recommendation that eventually led to the establishment of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Interestingly, the report suggested excluding Nidderdale and assigning it a different conservation status. Consequently, when the National Park was officially designated in 1954, Nidderdale was notably absent from its boundaries.
Fast forward to 1963, the West Riding County Council proposed the inclusion of Nidderdale into the National Park. However, this idea faced resistance from the district councils, which were concerned about relinquishing some of their powers to the county council. The West Riding National Park Committee, later succeeded by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Committee, continued to explore this notion until 1988, when an alternative Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) designation was put forth.
The initial eastern boundary of the National Park, as per the Hobhouse Report’s recommendation, had been set at East Witton. Remarkably, the section of Wensleydale below East Witton had not been considered for national park status but was eventually incorporated into the new AONB. Similarly, the AONB’s boundaries extended to include the Washburn Valley and the area of lower Wharfedale between the Washburn Valley and the National Park, even though they hadn’t been considered for national park status. This AONB was officially designated in 1994 and retains its current boundaries to this day.
Explore the charm of Pateley Bridge, nestled in the heart of North Yorkshire within the captivating Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This renowned market town, just a stone’s throw away from Harrogate, Ripon, and Leeds, boasts a traditional high street adorned with independent retail shops, award-winning butchers, and the Guinness-accredited World’s Oldest Sweet Shop.
Surrounded by rolling hills, lush greenery, and reservoirs such as Gouthwaite and Scar House, Pateley Bridge offers a perfect base for various activities including walking, cycling, fishing, rock climbing, pot-holing, and water sports. Families can enjoy a secure enclosed play area within the Recreation Ground and the strains of music from the town’s bandstand on summer weekends.
Discover hidden treasures such as the Nidderdale Museum housed in the original Victorian workhouse, showcasing a fascinating collection of artifacts that offer a journey through the history of life in Pateley Bridge and Nidderdale. Off the high street, you’ll find charming courtyards and King Street workshops where skilled craftsmen create artwork, sculptures, jewelry, and beautiful glass pieces.
Pateley Bridge is steeped in history and tradition, hosting events like the Nidderdale Agricultural Show, the 1940s-themed weekend, MG Car festival, NiddArt Trail, NiddFest, and the Pateley Bridge Walking Festival, making it a hub of cultural and recreational activities in North Yorkshire.
– Bewerley Hall Farm: A cozy grade two listed Yorkshire farmhouse offering a bed and breakfast experience and well-appointed ground-level holiday cottages with exclusive amenities. Location: Bewerley, Harrogate, HG3 5JA. Contact: 01423 711 636.- Braisty Woods: A delightful holiday retreat that accommodates up to 10 guests, situated on a working farm near the iconic Brimham Rocks. Location: Braisty Woods Cottage, Summerbridge, Harrogate, HG3 4DN. Contact: 07584 010 170.
– Claro Cottage: A charming cottage located at 2 The Stables, Back High Street, Pateley Bridge, HG3 5JT. For reservations, call 07801 861 114.
– Half Moon Inn: Immerse yourself in the welcoming atmosphere of Half Moon Inn, located in Fellbeck, Pateley Bridge. Experience comfortable bed and breakfast accommodations by calling 01423 711 560.
– Reservoir View: Explore the beauty of Reservoir View Holiday Cottages, situated on Wath Road, Ramsgill, Harrogate, HG3 5RJ. For reservations, call 07850 440871.
– River View Pateley: Experience a charming holiday cottage at River View, located on Low Wath Road, Pateley Bridge. Sleeps up to 3 and is situated on Nidderdale Way. For bookings, call 01423 712 6420.
– Shire Cottage: Explore the beauty of Shire Cottage at 4 The Stables, Back High Street, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate, HG3 5JT. Book your stay by calling 07801 861 114.
– Sweet Heart B&B, Art & Tea Rooms: Indulge in a delightful stay at Sweet Heart B&B, Art & Tea Rooms, located at 35-37 High St, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 5JZ. Book your room by calling 01423 711 767.
– Talbot House: Experience the charm of Talbot House, a bed and breakfast located at 27 High Street, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate. For reservations, call 01423 711 597.
– Willow B&B: Relax at Willow Bed and Breakfast, situated at 10-12 Park Road, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate. Book your stay by calling 01423 711 689.
– The Lyndale Guest House: Discover comfort at The Lyndale Guest House, located on Lyndale King Street, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate. For reservations, call 01423 712 657.
Hotels:
– Harefield Hall: Experience luxury at Harefield Hall, a hotel in Pateley Bridge, Harrogate. For bookings, call 01423 715 840.
– Sportsmans Arms: Enjoy a relaxing stay at Sportsmans Arms, a hotel in Wath, Harrogate. Book your room by calling 01423 711 306.
– Crown Hotel: Indulge in the charm of Crown Hotel, located at Thorpe Lane, Lofthouse, Harrogate. For reservations, call 01423 755 206.
Campsites:
– How Stean Gorge: Immerse yourself in nature at How Stean Gorge Camping. With tent hire, bunkhouse, and outdoor activities, it’s the perfect base for exploring the Yorkshire Dales. For inquiries, call 01423 755 666.
– Riverside Caravan Site & Camping: Experience tranquility at Riverside Caravan Site & Camping on Low Wath Rd, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate. Book your spot by calling 01423 711 383.
– Heathfield Caravan Park: Enjoy a peaceful stay at Heathfield Caravan Park, located at Merryfields, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate. For reservations, call 01423 711 652.
– Westfield Caravan Site: Discover the beauty of Westfield Caravan Site at Westfield Farm, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate. Book your camping experience by calling 01423 711 880.
– Studfold Caravan & Camping Park: Experience the scenic beauty of Studfold Caravan & Camping Park in Studfold, Lofthouse, Harrogate. For inquiries, call 01423 755 084.
– Oxen Close Farm Caravan & Camping Site: Enjoy a peaceful retreat at Oxen Close Farm Caravan & Camping Site, located at Dairy Lane, Darley, Harrogate, HG3 2PQ. For reservations, call 01423 780 207.
High Street Fisheries: 16 High Street, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 5AW | 01423 711 831
Indian Bengal Cuisine – Restaurant & Takeaway: 1A High St, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 5AP | 01423 711 109
Italian Olley’s – Restaurant & Takeaway: Bridgehouse Gate, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 5HG | 01423 712 200
Chinese Royal Baths Express Chinese Takeaway: 2 Park View, Bridgehouse Gate, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 5HG | 01423 800 197
Pateley Pizza – Takeaway: 2B, High St, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 5AW | 01423 391 946
Pubs:
– The Crown – Pub, Hotel & Dining Area: 19 High St, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 5AP | 01423 711 348
– Bridge Inn – Pub & Dining Area: Low Wath Road, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 5HL | 01423 711 484
– The Royal Oak – Pub & Dining Area: Bridgehouse Gate, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 5HG | 01423 711 577
– The Half Moon Inn – Pub: Fellbeck, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 5ET | 01423 711 560
Harefield Hall – Hotel, Restaurant & Bar: Pateley Bridge, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 5QE (Over 16’s venue only) | 01423 715 840
– Sportsman’s Arms – Hotel, Restaurant & Bar: Wath, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 5PP | 01423 711 306
– Yorke Arms – Hotel, Restaurant & Bar: Ramsgill, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 5RL | 01423 755 243
Restaurants:
– The Willow – Restaurant & B&B: 8 – 10 Park Rd, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 5JS | 01423 711 689
Sandwiches:
– The Sandwich Box – Takeaway: 8 Back High St, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 5JT | 01423 714 956
Tea Rooms:
– Just-Delicious – Tea Room & Takeaway: 9 Kings Court, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 5JW | 01423 711 595
– The Lemon Maringue – Tea Room: Bridgehouse Gate, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 5HG | 01423 712 627
– The Old Granary – Tea Shop: 17 High Street, Pateley Bridge, HG3 5NU | 01423 711 852
– The Pancake House: 1 High St, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate HG3 5AP | 01423 313 435
– Sweet Heart Art – Tea Room & Accommodation: 35-37 High St, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 5JZ | 01423 711 767
– Wildings – Tea Room: Nidd Walk, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 5NA | 01423 711 152