Nestled in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales is a picturesque village that could be straight out of a chocolate box, boasting some truly breathtaking natural landmarks.
Malham, one of the most frequented spots in the Dales, is surrounded by awe-inspiring limestone scenery.
A brief stroll from the village centre leads you to Malham Cove – an enormous curved cliff shaped like an amphitheatre, crafted from the iconic Yorkshire limestone.
This towering structure, standing at approximately 260 feet high, was once the site of a prehistoric waterfall.
The cliff, formed along the Middle Craven Fault, has been gradually eroded over millions of years by water and ice, reports MyLondon.
Atop the cove lies a unique limestone pavement, its distinctive pattern a result of this erosion.
Fans of the Harry Potter series may recognise this notable feature, as Malham Cove was a crucial location in the seventh film, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One.
In the movie, Harry and Hermione visit the cove after parting ways with Ron.
They spend the night on top of the massive rock, trying to decipher the enigmatic clues left by Professor Dumbledore.
For any Harry Potter enthusiast, a visit to Malham Cove is essential.
With the rolling hills of the Dales enveloping the cove, the clifftop offers a prime viewpoint of the village.
Reaching the cliff requires a roughly half-hour walk from the village centre. But Malham is more than just a one-trick pony, as just northeast of the village, you’ll find Gordale Scar – a ‘true’ gem in the crown of the Dales.
Like its neighbour, Malham Cove, it’s been shaped over the years by water and ice, which have not only flowed over the rock but also carved into it, creating faults. These faults have been deepened over time by the Ice Ages, resulting in the stunning gorge we see today.
Now, Gordale is home to some of Yorkshire’s most breathtaking waterfalls. For those with a penchant for chasing waterfalls, Janet’s Foss is just a stone’s throw away from Gordale Scar.
This quaint waterfall and pool has served as a family swimming spot, a natural sheep dip for local farmers, and an iconic feature of the Dales. It’s named after Jennet, the Queen of the fairies, who is said to inhabit the caves behind the falls.
On the path leading to Janet’s Foss, you’ll find tree stumps adorned with lucky pennies left by wishful visitors – the trees have since grown around these coins, fully encasing them.
Janet’s Foss even had its moment in the spotlight, featuring in the TV show All Creatures Great and Small.
Venture deeper into the Dales, and you’ll stumble upon Malham Tarn – England’s loftiest lime-rich lake. Take a leisurely walk around the lake and soak up the vast moorlands and diverse birdlife.
Malham isn’t just a haven for nature lovers, it also offers a glimpse into the area’s heritage and its ties to Yorkshire’s industrial past.
Why not try your hand at blacksmithing at Malham Smithy under the expert guidance of Annabelle Bradley? After a day of forging, you can find plenty of traditional pubs in Malham to replenish your energy.
The Lister Arms, winner of TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Award 2021, offers classic pub dishes such as Thwaites Beer Battered Fish, Steak and Thwaites ale pie, and Homemade cheese and caramelised onion pie, along with a variety of hot and cold sandwiches.
The Lister Arms, winner of TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Award 2021, offers classic pub dishes such as Thwaites Beer Battered Fish, Steak and Thwaites ale pie, and Homemade cheese and caramelised onion pie, along with a variety of hot and cold sandwiches.
For a quick snack or a treat after your adventures, The Old Barn Cafe serves toasted sandwiches, cakes, hot drinks and much more.
One previous customer highly recommended the Yorkshire Tea Loaf, claiming it was so delicious they returned the next day for another slice.
While you may need to spend a couple of days in Malham to fully explore, the village is packed with endless adventure – why not follow in Harry Potter’s footsteps and climb to the top of Malham Cove?
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