Settle Bowling Club

The bowling green at Settle might sound like an odd nature reserve, but that's precisely what makes it worth a look. This working club doubles as a genuine wildlife haven, where you'll spot everything from moorland birds to the occasional roe deer if you're quiet enough. The Lancashire and Yorkshire Bowls Club maintains the grounds with real care, and the result is a pocket of carefully managed habitat right on Settle's doorstep.

You can walk the perimeter most days without fuss, though it's worth checking locally if there's a match on - the club still functions properly as a bowling venue. Summer is the obvious choice, when the grass is immaculate and the wildlife is most active. Allow an hour for a decent wander, longer if you've got binoculars and patience.

For a park holiday based nearby, this slots in nicely with walks up to Malham Cove or across to Attermire Scar. Peaks and Pods sits just 3.4 miles away, making it a natural morning excursion before tackling bigger Dales trails. It's particularly good if you've got keen naturalists in the group - kids often prefer smaller, quieter spots to spotting something unexpected than they do crowded viewpoints.

Truth is, this isn't a destination in itself. But if you're camping at Dalesbridge or one of the glamping pods dotted around the area, it's a lovely way to ease into your walking day without the crowds. Low-key, free, and genuinely useful for understanding how the Dales landscape actually works.