Attractions and Places To See around Preston-Under-Scar - Top 20

Preston-Under-Scar is surrounded by stunning natural beauty. You can visit Aysgarth Lower Falls and Aysgarth Middle Falls, impressive waterfalls on the River Ure, famously depicted by William Turner. Immediately north and west of the village, explore Preston Spring Wood, an ancient semi-natural woodland with exposed limestone bedrock and public access. The village itself sits at the base of 'The Scar', a rocky, cliff-like outcrop, and offers amazing views across Wensleydale to Penhill.

The area boasts a rich history. You can explore the remains of the old lead mining industry in Condenser Wood and the Keld Heads mine and smelt mill complex, which includes a 2-mile long flue. Bolton Castle, a well-preserved medieval fortress, is just 2.3 miles away and offers gardens and falconry displays. Further afield, Richmond Castle provides another glimpse into the region's past.

Yes, there are several family-friendly options. The waterfalls at Aysgarth Lower Falls and Aysgarth Middle Falls are great for a scenic outing. Bolton Castle offers historical exploration with engaging activities like falconry. For a unique experience, The Forbidden Corner, about 3.1 miles away, is a labyrinth of follies and surprises that children often enjoy.

Preston-Under-Scar is an excellent base for walks and hikes. A popular route goes through the wood behind the village, leading to Cobscar Mill, up onto the moor, and eventually down to Bolton Castle and Redmire. For more structured routes, you can find various hiking trails, including moderate options like the 'Leyburn Town Centre – View of the Yorkshire Dales loop from Wensley' or the 'Redmire Force Waterfalls – Penhill Preceptory Ruins loop from Wensley'. You can explore these and more on the Hiking around Preston-Under-Scar guide.

Absolutely! The area is popular for cycling. The Dales Bike Centre & Café, located about 7.6 miles away, is a fantastic resource offering bike hire, route suggestions, and a well-stocked bike shop. You can also find numerous road cycling and touring bicycle routes, such as the 'Aysgarth Falls – Aysgarth Middle Falls loop from Leyburn' or the 'Swale Trail – Grinton Moor loop from Grinton Lodge'. Discover more routes in the Road Cycling and Cycling around Preston-Under-Scar guides.

Beyond the major sites, you can discover some unique spots. The village itself features an original telephone box and small St. Margaret's Church (built 1862) and Methodist chapel. Traces of ancient settlements and a round barrow from the Neolithic and Bronze Ages are scattered along the lower slopes of the Scar. For something quirky, the Quirky Cow Museum is about 2.9 miles away.

The Yorkshire Dales, including the area around Preston-Under-Scar, are beautiful year-round. Spring brings vibrant wildflowers to Preston Spring Wood, while summer offers ideal conditions for hiking and cycling. Autumn showcases stunning foliage, and even winter can be picturesque for walks, though some services might have reduced hours. Consider visiting during milder months for the most comfortable outdoor exploration.

Yes, Aysgarth Middle Falls offers a disabled viewpoint, providing a good perspective of the impressive waterfalls. While the rugged nature of the Dales can present challenges, efforts are made in certain areas to improve accessibility.

The Dales Bike Centre & Café is a great spot for food, coffee, and cake, and is open seven days a week. The nearby village of Reeth, with its impressive village green, also offers places to eat and stay, including The Black Bull, which dates back to 1680. Many of the larger attractions like Bolton Castle also have their own facilities.

The area around Preston-Under-Scar has a significant history rooted in lead mining. The industry was a major part of the local economy, with sites like the Keld Heads mine and smelt mill complex being greatly expanded in the 1840s. You can still see remnants of this industrial past, including standing lead processing buildings in Condenser Wood and a notable 2-mile long flue that dispersed fumes from the smelting process.

Yes, the landscape holds traces of ancient human activity. Along the lower slopes of The Scar, you can find evidence of ancient settlements and field systems dating back to the Neolithic and Bronze Ages. Adjacent to the modern cemetery, there's also a round barrow, believed to be from around 2000–1500 BCE, offering a glimpse into prehistoric times.