Lots going on in the Yorkshire Dales and Nidderdale

Still an amazing number of events and so much going on in the Yorkshire Dales and Nidderdale in September and October so come and stay in one our beautiful Country Hideaways holiday cottages and enjoy! Give me, Nadine, or my daughter Joanne, a call  on 01969 663559 to book over the telephone and for friendly help and advice or, of course, do book online if you prefer. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!

SEPTEMBER 2026 — Yorkshire Dales & Nidderdale Events

Nidderdale Show (Pateley Show)

20 September 2026 — Bewerley Park, Pateley Bridge One of Yorkshire’s foremost agricultural shows, drawing 15,000+ visitors. Full livestock classes, sheepdog trials, dry‑stone walling, heavy horses, vintage tractors, trade stands, Pateley Pantry, children’s entertainment, band parade, terrier racing, motorcycle stunt show and the traditional grand parade.

Harrogate Autumn Flower Show

18–20 September 2026 — Newby Hall, near Ripon A major horticultural event with giant vegetables, floral marquees, specialist nurseries and gardening talks.

Decorative Home & Salvage Show

11–13 September 2026 — Ripley Castle Autumn edition of the antiques and architectural salvage fair.

North Yorkshire Moors Railway – Annual Steam Gala

24–27 September 2026 — NYMR, Pickering Visiting locomotives and a packed timetable through the moors. (Just outside the Dales boundary but widely attended by Dales visitors.)

Pateley Bridge Dramatic Society – Autumn Production

September (exact dates TBC) — Pateley Bridge Playhouse Annual autumn theatre production in the 100‑seat Playhouse.

OCTOBER 2026 — Yorkshire Dales & Nidderdale Events

Dark Skies Autumn Fringe

23 October – 1 November 2026 — Upper Nidderdale Guided stargazing, astrophotography sessions and night‑time moorland walks. Nidderdale’s skies are part of the International Dark Sky Reserve.

Nidderdale Way Ultramarathon

24 October 2026 — Start/finish at Pateley Bridge Cricket Club A 55‑mile circuit around the dale, passing Brimham Rocks, Scar House Reservoir and How Stean Gorge. Shorter distances available.

Fountains Abbey by Floodlight

October 2026 (dates TBC) — Fountains Abbey, near Ripon The abbey ruins are illuminated after dark with guided tours, choral performances and street‑food stalls.

Wensleydale — Late September 2026

Wensleydale Railway – Autumn Steam & Heritage Days

Various weekends in late September The railway usually runs heritage diesel and steam days, plus small themed weekends (1940s, classic vehicles, or family days). These are low‑key but popular with visitors staying in the dale.

Dales Countryside Museum (Hawes) – Autumn Talks & Workshops

Throughout September Expect craft workshops, local history talks, and heritage demonstrations (spinning, dry‑stone walling, traditional skills). Their autumn programme is usually active even when bigger events are sparse.

Wensleydale — October 2026

Hawes Farmers’ Market

First and third Sundays of the month Not a “special event,” but it’s a reliable October feature — local produce, crafts, and seasonal stalls.

Wensleydale Creamery – Cheese Festival Weekend

Early October (typical annual timing) Cheese tastings, pairings, cookery demos, and local food producers. They’ve run an autumn food weekend for several years.

Bolton Castle – Medieval Living History & Halloween Activities

Mid–late October Castle tours, archery demos, falconry, and family Halloween trails. They usually run themed half‑term activities.

Aysgarth Falls – Autumn Ranger Walks

October half‑term Guided walks focusing on woodland colour, wildlife, and river ecology. These are run by the National Park team.

Wensleydale Railway – Ghost Trains

Late October (half‑term) Family‑friendly spooky evening trains, storytelling, and themed carriages.