Bedale Heritage Trail, explore Bedale like never before!

Feeling in need of some inspiration I ventured into the Masham Community Office to pick up some leaflets and found a few things I haven’t written about in the blog, one being the Bedale Heritage Trail in Bedale in lower Wensleydale. I knew there were some lovely old and interesting buildings in Bedale but not a trail set out to follow with information to find out about each. The Bedale Heritage Trail takes you around the town and points out many interesting features and stories through a series of information panels and blue plaques. Walking round Bedale I care not to mention how times I’ve never even seen either panels or blue plaques, not good! But I’m sure they are there.

The trail starts at Bedale Hall at the North End of the town next to the park and takes you past St Gregory’s Church with what looks like an interesting little double fronted single story building in the churchyard which was the old Grammar School erected in 1624, pictured above. So small I just wonder how many pupils would fit in! We go along past Chantry Hall, The Archway, still at North End there is a Mediaeval Cross-Wing Timber Framed Hall hidden away behind the shop facades, Amen House, The Bothy originally a summerhouse at Rapers House at number 8 North End. Peruse the Market Cross built in 14th Century, venture down Emgate one of the oldest streets in Bedale. Back to The Wynd to find the Grammar School built in 1888, there is the Bowling Green established in 1792 and The Pump on Wycar Green. Don’t forget the Wensleydale Railway stops at Bedale, great community bakers in the station yard and Platform One Tea Rooms & Cafe at Bedale Station.

I’ll stop there as there are too many to mention here but just to finish with The Leech House which has always fascinated me since I was little, perhaps too much imagination! And there again………………

For lots more information and a little map to download to follow the trail visitbedale.com or pick up a leaflet in the Tourist Information Centre in Bedale Hall at North End. Plenty of eating houses and pubs to rest awhile if you wish in the town. We love going to Institution Boutique Café at South End but there may be others which may take your fancy too.

Our cottages are all well within driving distance of Bedale whether in the Yorkshire Dales or Nidderdale AONB so have a look at our availability and book online or call 01969 663559 for help and advice from me, Nadine, or my daughter Joanne. See you soon!