St Margaret’s Church

The church sits right in the heart of Hawes, a solid stone building that's been keeping watch over this Wensleydale market town for centuries. Inside, it's all high ceilings and worn pews - the kind of place where you can almost hear the footsteps of generations who've come through to pray, marry, and say goodbye.

St Margaret's isn't going to blow your mind with gold leaf and Renaissance frescoes. What it does offer is genuine Yorkshire character and a real sense of community. The interior is straightforward and honest, with some nice Victorian additions alongside medieval bones. It's the sort of church that rewards a quiet wander rather than a rushed visit.

Walkers will appreciate its central location - you can tie it into a proper explore of Hawes itself, which sits at the head of the dale with Gayle Mill and the Wensleydale Creamery both within striking distance. If you're staying at any of the nearby parks - Hawes Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite is barely a ten-minute walk away - this is an easy add-on to your morning.

Bring the kids and they'll probably fidget after ten minutes unless they're genuinely interested in old buildings. For history enthusiasts or anyone wanting to understand what a working market town church actually looks like, it's worth twenty minutes of your time. Free to enter, naturally, and it's likely open during reasonable hours though it's worth checking locally when you arrive.