Clapham village in Yorkshire Dales: what to see and do in this beautiful part of Yorkshire

Sleepy Clapham is not only one of the Yorkshire Dales’s prettiest villages, it’s also the gateway to the wonders of Ingleborough’s limestone landscape

By Helen Moat

Published: Saturday, 02 December 2023 at 15:04 PM

If you’re approaching from the southwest, aim for the flat-topped Ingleborough, the second highest hill in the Yorkshire Dales: the village of Clapham lies on its southern side. Image: Getty

Your 60-second guide to Clapham village in the Yorkshire Dales

Where is Clapham village?

Clapham village is on the North Yorkshire edge of the National Park, 6 miles north-west of Settle.

What to see and do in Clapham village

It is one of the Yorkshire Dales’ most picturesque villages, homely cottages lining the banks of Clapham Beck with several humpback bridges spanning the river. From the New Inn Hotel, wander up Church Ave to St James’ Church and over the bridge to Riverside. Turning right, you’ll soon come to a viewing platform overlooking Clapham Falls.

A scenic view of a small waterfall in Clapham village, Yorkshire dales, England — Water tumbles though the village of Clapham in the Yorkshire Dales. Image: Getty

The water plunges below a bridge from the landscaped parklands of Ingleborough Hall. During the Second World War a young Bill Farrer took a rowing boat onto the lake one stormy night and was swept down the waterfall. Luckily, he survived with just a broken arm and wounded pride.

Enjoy breakfast, morning coffee or lunch at the old Sawmill Café and grab tickets for the Estate Nature Trail. Follow the broad forest path past the lake to Ingleborough Cave, its ceilings dripping with stalactites. This is glorious limestone country.

A path rises between the cliffs of Trow Gill, a limestone ravine in the Yorkshire Dales National Park — Walk north from Clapham via the ravine of Trow Gill to investigate the extraordinary limestone landscape of Ingleborough. Image: Getty

Cave country

Apart from the easy Cave Circuit, you can trek through the ravine of Trow Gill, peer in to the great cavern of Gaping Gill, and the erratic Norber Boulders or limestone pavements.

Shafts of light in the huge cavern of Gaping Gill in Yorkshire — Twice a year local pothole clubs winch curious visitors into the vast cavern of Gaping Gill. Image: Getty

If you’d like a more challenging hike, climb to the summit of the 723-metre (2,372 feet) Ingleborough. After dinner at the New Inn Hotel, treat yourself to a little luxury at Swallow Nest Boutique Bed & Breakfast.