Wharfedale, as delightful as it is, tends to become rather crowded during the summer months. However, there’s a quaintly-named village, slightly off the beaten path that remains a bit quieter.
The narrow and winding two-mile road from Burnsall to Appletreewick doesn’t lead anywhere else. Appletreewick isn’t a place you pass through unless by intention or fortunate mishap.
As such, it doesn’t experience the same hustle and bustle as Burnsall during peak season. That’s not to suggest it’s devoid of tourists in winter.
In an era where nearly everyone owns a car and a smartphone, no place in the Yorkshire Dales is truly hidden. And visitors have good reason to look up Appletreewick online.
Appletreewick, Yorkshire Dales
It’s a quintessential Dales village with old stone houses overlooking the wide, green Wharfedale. Notable buildings include the intriguingly named 15th-century Mock Beggar Hall and High Hall, a Tudor mansion.
The entirety of High Hall, which exudes nobility both inside and out, is available for holiday rentals if you fancy playing pretend as a 16th-century noble family for a week. Who wouldn’t?
Those with more modest budgets may prefer to stay in one of Appletreewick’s holiday cottages or campsites.
It’s further from the Wharfe than say Grassington or Burnsall, so if you’re keen on a dip, you’ll need to be prepared and determined. If it’s too cold or you simply can’t be bothered, Appletreewick boasts two pubs – the New Inn and the Craven Arms – which are open all year round.
Richard, a local from the Craven Arms, describes: “It’s a very historic village and one of the most beautiful villages in the Dales.”
He further explains: “It’s a smaller road to get here so it’s a bit more isolated – but not a lot.”
As for the name ‘Appletreewick’, does it have any connection with apple trees? And are there any apple trees in Appletreewick?
The answer is yes to both. The Domesday Book of 1086 records it as æppel-trēow wīc, which in Old English roughly translates to ‘a farm specialising in apples’.
This might explain why Appletreewick has its own cider. If you’re interested in trying a box of Appletreewick Cider, the Growling Shrew bottle shop in Skipton occasionally stocks it.
Like this story? Sign up to our Explore Yorkshire newsletter where we showcase the best of Yorkshire locations and destinations as well as selected offers and competitions. Sign up here.