National Park welcome the reopening of businesses

The Yorkshire Dales National Park is open for business - that's the line from officials, as shops and cafes reopen.

Right across the Yorkshire Dales National Park, local businesses and venues –  including cafés, restaurants, pubs, visitor attractions, hotels and campsites – have been welcoming customers back after lockdown restrictions on the hospitality sector were lifted last weekend.

Neil Heseltine, Chairman of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, said:

“It’s great to see so many local businesses back open, especially in the hospitality sector – which is so important to our local economy. Income from visitors helps to sustain services essential to community life over the winter months.

“To support people coming into the National Park for days trips and longer breaks we have staff working outside our National Park Centres in Grassington, Aysgarth Falls, Hawes and Malham, and out and about in Swaledale, to provide support and advice. They will be on hand with local information, maps, leaflets and tips for making the most of your visit.  

“We also have a wealth of information and advice on our website, including details of accommodation providers, cafés, restaurants, pubs, short walks and visitor attractions. This will be particularly useful for anybody visiting for the first time.   

“Finally, the safety of visitors and communities throughout the National Park remains our number one priority, so we would ask everyone to stick to the two-metre social distancing rule, where possible, and to:   

1. Respect the land. Respect the community. Respect each other. Take the opportunity to revisit the Countryside Code, and take all your litter home.
2. Expect a different visitor experience. Local businesses will have strict social distancing measures in place and may limit how many people can be accommodated at any given time. Please show patience and understanding.
3. Plan your visit. Check ahead. Plan your visit in advance and check ahead to stay safe and avoid disappointment.

National Park rules for visiting