Marrick Tourist Information

A former lead mining village dating back to the 16th Century, Marrick is now a farming hamlet set on the northern outskirts of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The village is set on a south facing bank with glorious views across Swaledale.

For the visitor there is sadly no longer a Pub, but there are some wonderful traditional Dales houses including the converted Pub, Post Office, Chapels, School and School House, Blacksmiths, and even some remaining mining cottages. On the outskirts of the village are the remains of a smelt mill and various disused mineshafts. An ancient stone stepped path leads down through the woods to Marrick priory and across the river to Ellerton Abbey.

There is a cafe / tea room (Elaine's Teas) which provides a warm Yorkshire welcome and a tempting menu. For those wishing to stay longer, there are numerous holiday cottages, a bed and breakfast, and camping available.

Rambling brings most people through the village, which is set on the Coast to Coast Footpath, as Wainwright mentions in his Guide. The village is worth a visit at any time of year, winter in Marrick gives a real feel for winter, hard frosts and snowy hilltops, Spring is a delight with the newborn lambs, and spring flowers, the late summer sees the surrounding heather moors in a blaze of pink and Autumn sees the chimneys smoking again.

The local wildlife is wonderful, with frequent sightings of Hare, badgers, bats and the odd Roe Deer. Birdife is varied with the nesting Waders iincluding curlew, lapwings (with their inpressive skydiving courtship), and oyster catchers through the summer; There are numerous pheasant, partridge (including the red legged variety) and grouse on the moor; prey birds with various species of owl and visiting hawks, along with a noisey hedgerow of finches. Those with an eye for the flora, will adore the hay meadows in early summer while the smell of the wild garlic in steps wood is divine.

Marrick is a friendly and peaceful village, with lots to see.

Description by Andrew Potter