Dales Countryside Museum

The museum is housed in the former Hawes railway station, which closed in 1959. The building itself is an important part of local history, reflecting the role of the railway in connecting remote communities. The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority manages the museum, ensuring it serves both educational and cultural purposes. Through its exhibits, the museum highlights the unique challenges and achievements of those who have lived and worked in the Dales.

What to see at the Dales Countryside Museum

Visitors to the Dales Countryside Museum will find a wide range of exhibits covering various aspects of life in the Dales. The museum’s main gallery includes displays on farming, lead mining, crafts and domestic life. Artefacts range from agricultural tools to household items, illustrating how people adapted to life in this rural environment.

One of the highlights is a collection of traditional Dales costumes, showcasing the region’s distinctive clothing styles. There are also detailed reconstructions of a farmhouse kitchen and a Victorian schoolroom, offering a glimpse into daily life in the past. The museum’s outdoor area features a restored steam locomotive and carriages, linking back to the building’s history as a railway station.

Visiting the Dales Countryside Museum

The Dales Countryside Museum is in the former railway station near the centre of Hawes. Although it is easiest to visit by car, Hawes is also served by buses to neighbouring towns.

The museum is open daily from February to December; however, it is closed during January.

Allow 1–2 hours for your visit.