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Austwick Tourist Information


Austwick is a small village on the western edge of the scenic Yorkshire Dales National Park in North Yorkshire. It is in a rural location about five miles northwest of Settle, the main town in the area.

Archaeological discoveries around Austwick show the area has been inhabited for over 4,000 years with Bronze age and Iron Age settlements and ancient burial sites along with ancient dry stone walls.

The Domesday Book showed that back in 1086 Austwick had twelve manors which were spread out to the north. The current lords of the manor of Austwick are the Farrer family who have held the position since 1782.

The area is noted for its history, wildlife and geological formations. Just outside Austwick at Oxenber Hill there is a limestone pavement, broken into regular lined slabs. On nearby Norber Hill there is a huge boulder balanced precariously on a smaller stone. It is known as an “erratic” boulder or “perched” block.

The area is currently used for farming cattle but in the past the terraced land indicates it once was used for arable farming. From the Middle Ages until the 19th century textile weaving provided the villagers with a steady income.


Present Day Austwick

Austwick had 476 residents according to the 2001 census, making it a small village by modern standards. It is just off the A65 which connects the M6 at Kirkby Lonsdale with Skipton.

A considerable part of the parish of Austwick is given over to uncut moorland and within that area is the Lord's Seat on Simon Fell which is 2,079 feet high.

The village has cottages and farmhouses from all periods of history, with some houses dating back to the 16th century.

Austwick is a close and forward thinking community, best illustrated when the village could not attract a provider for fast Internet services. The village set up its own radio link which is still monitored by community volunteers and covers a 50 square mile radius.

More than 100 households, plus the local school and various remote farms now have an enviable Internet connection which would otherwise not have been possible.


Things to do in Austwick

This unspoilt area around Austwick is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is consequently very popular with fell walkers, mountain bikers, nature lovers, fishing enthusiasts and those who simply enjoy getting out in the fresh air.

Serious walkers will enjoy the Three Peaks challenge of Ingleborough, Pen-y-ghent and Whernside.

The area is ideal for birdwatchers as the resident and visiting species nest in the old dry stone walls, trees and old buildings which are scattered around the area. In summer it is a paradise with many wild flowers, butterflies, moths and insects.

In the past, metal detecting has produced some interesting relics in the area including a large copper cooking pot at Crummock.

Railway enthusiasts will enjoy a trip on the Settle to Carlisle Railway, one of England's most scenic routes.

Geologists and cavers will find the rolling limestone hills of interest, particularly on Norber, Robin Proctor's Scar and Nappa Scar. The limestone plateau of Moughton is worth visiting to see its dry waterfalls and limestone pavements.

 

Images of Austwick
A walk from Austwick, North Yorkshire. © Steve Mercer
Countryside around Austwick. © Steve Mercer
View near Austwick. © Steve Mercer
Austwick North Yorkshire. © Steve Mercer
River View Austwick © Steve Mercer
Directions
Show map of Austwick...


Attractions near Austwick
White Scar Cave (6 Miles)*
Deep beneath Ingleborough Hill, in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, lies a hidden world which has been sculpted by nature over thousands of years.
Docker Park Farm Visitor Centre (13 Miles)*
Docker Park will re-open as a visitor centre in August 2011.
Yorkshire Dales Mining Museum (15 Miles)*
The small town of Earby, on the Lancashire/Yorkshire border, was associated with cotton weaving until the 1960's and has no mining background at all. But it is home to an unrivalled collection of mining relics from the Yorkshire Dales.
more attractions in Austwick and things to do in Austwick ...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

What's near Austwick

Attractions:
  White Scar Cave  5 Miles
  Malam Tarn and Moor  7 Miles
  Docker Park Farm Visitor Centre  13 Miles
more attractions in Austwick...
 
Towns:
  Clapham  1 Mile
  Ingleborough  1 Mile
  Newby  2 Miles
more towns near Austwick...
 
Estate Agents:
  Bairstow Eves Countrywide  4 Miles
  Graveson Estate Agency  4 Miles
  Neil Wright Associates  4 Miles
Hotels:
  New Inn Hotel  1 Mile
  Falcon Manor Hotel  4 Miles
  Beck Hall  9 Miles
more hotels in Austwick area...
 
Bed and Breakfast:
  Wood View Guest House  <1 Mile
  Scar Close Farmhouse  1 Mile
  Brookhouse Guest House  1 Mile
more bed and breakfasts near Austwick...
 
Self Catering:
  Hazel Cottage  4 Miles
  Pinecroft Lodges North Yorkshire  5 Miles
  Ingleborough Cottages  5 Miles
more self catering near Austwick...
 
Campsites:
  Langcliffe Park  4 Miles
  Riverside Caravan Site  19 Miles
  Dale Hey Farm  21 Miles
TIC: Horton-In-Ribblesdale Tourist Information Centre     Tel: 01729 860333  3 Miles



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Towns near Austwick
Clapham Tourist Information (1 Mile)*
Enjoying a peaceful, riverside location, Clapham has much to offer. There are pleasant walks to suit all abilities.
Ingleborough Tourist Information (1 Mile)*
We have just received a description of Ingleborough from one of our readers. This description is currently being prepared for publication and will appear on this page within the next few days.
Newby Tourist Information (2 Miles)*
more towns near Austwick...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

Hotels near Austwick
New Inn Hotel (2 Miles)*
This 18th-century coaching inn is in the quiet village of Clapham, in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales National Park. It has original character, free parking, a good restaurant and 2 bars. The New Inn Hotel is off the A65 Leeds to Kendal/Lake District Road.
Falcon Manor Hotel (4 Miles)*
Built in 1841, this Grade II listed building has retained many period features, with converted and tastefully furnished interiors creating the warm and friendly atmosphere of a country house hotel.
Beck Hall (8 Miles)*
Boasting a charming stream-side setting, rustic log-fires and home-cooked food, this elegant 18th century building is an ideal retreat for both business and leisure travellers.
more Austwick hotels (and nearby)...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

Self Catering near Austwick
Pinecroft Lodges North Yorkshire (5 Miles)*
Pinecroft lodges are located on the threshold of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, an area renowned for it's rolling hills, timeless valleys and picturesque villages.
Ingleview (6 Miles)*
Ingleview is a lovely modern detached house, located in the picturesque village of Ingleton. Built in 2006
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more self catering near Austwick ...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

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