Leyburn in November: Events and Things to Do
2 The Square, Grassington: Honest Verdict for Solo Young Travellers
A practical guide to Leyburn and the Yorkshire Dales in November, with real events, market days, and travel tips from a local partner.
What's On in Leyburn This November
Leyburn is a small market town in Wensleydale, North Yorkshire, and November is one of its liveliest months. The town's weekly market runs every Friday in the Market Place, but in November there are also two special markets: the Leyburn Food and Craft Market on the second Saturday and the Leyburn Christmas Lights Switch-On on the last Friday, which includes late-night shopping and a funfair. The Dales Countryside Museum in Hawes, about 40 minutes' drive west, hosts craft workshops throughout the month. For a full list, check the Leyburn Town Council website or pick up a copy of the Darlington & Stockton Times at the Co-op on Market Place.
Outside of organised events, November is an ideal time for walking. The trails around Leyburn are quiet, and the views over Wensleydale are often clear. The Leyburn Shawl, a limestone escarpment just south of town, offers a gentle 3-mile round trip with panoramic views. For a longer walk, head to Aysgarth Falls (15 minutes' drive) or Bolton Castle (10 minutes), both of which remain open with reduced winter hours. Just be prepared for mud and short daylight: sunset is around 4:15pm by mid-November. Pack waterproofs and sturdy boots, as paths can be slippery.
Getting There and Around
Leyburn is not on the rail network, so most visitors arrive by car. From the A1(M), take the A684 to Bedale and then the A6108 to Leyburn; the drive from Leeds takes about 1 hour 30 minutes, from York 1 hour 15 minutes, and from Newcastle 1 hour 45 minutes. If you're coming by train, the nearest stations are Northallerton (25 minutes' drive) and Darlington (35 minutes), both on the East Coast Main Line. Taxis from Northallerton to Leyburn cost around £35–£40, but it's best to book ahead, especially on weekends. Buses are limited: the 159 runs from Richmond to Leyburn roughly every two hours, but not on Sundays.
Once in Leyburn, the town is compact and walkable, but to explore the Dales you'll want a car. Parking is free in the Market Place for up to 2 hours, and there's a long-stay car park on Moor Road. In November, some minor roads can be icy early in the morning, so check conditions before setting out. If you'd rather not drive, several local companies offer guided day tours from Leyburn, including a Wensleydale food and drink tour that visits the Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes and a local brewery. These run on selected dates in November; book in advance as they fill up quickly.
Where to Stay and What to Book
Leyburn has a good mix of accommodation, but November is low season, so you'll find better rates than in summer. Expect to pay £70–£100 per night for a double room in a traditional inn or guesthouse, and £110–£150 for a higher-end option with breakfast included. The town centre has several pubs with rooms, which are convenient if you want to walk to the market or dinner. For a quieter stay, consider the villages of West Witton or Middleham, both within a 10-minute drive and offering countryside views. Middleham also has a castle and several good pubs. If you're looking for self-catering, there are cottages on the outskirts of Leyburn that sleep four from around £400 per week.
My recommendation: for a weekend in November, book a room at one of the market-place inns in Leyburn. You'll be able to step out for the Christmas lights switch-on and not worry about driving on dark, narrow roads. For a longer stay, a cottage in West Witton gives you more space and easy access to the A684 for day trips. Avoid booking anything without parking if you're driving, as street parking in Leyburn is limited. Also, check that your chosen place serves food in the evening—many rural pubs close their kitchens early in November. Book at least two weeks ahead if you're coming for the lights switch-on, as that weekend is the busiest of the month.
Practical Tips for a November Visit
November weather in the Yorkshire Dales is unpredictable: average highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C, with rain on about 15 days of the month. Daylight is short, so plan outdoor activities for the morning. Many attractions, including Bolton Castle and the Dales Countryside Museum, switch to winter opening hours (usually 10am–4pm, closed Mondays). The Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes is open daily and makes a good rainy-day stop. If you're hiking, carry a map (OS Explorer OL30) and a headtorch, as it gets dark early. For dining, the Black Swan in Leyburn and the White Swan in Middleham are reliable, but book ahead on weekends. Most cafes close by 5pm.
November is also a good time to sample local ales and food. The Leyburn Food and Craft Market on 9th November (second Saturday) features Yorkshire cheeses, pies, and chutneys. The Wensleydale Brewery in Leyburn offers tours on Saturdays at 2pm; booking is essential. If you're interested in history, the Aysgarth Falls visitor centre has a small exhibition on the area's past. And don't miss the chance to see red squirrels at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Centre in Hawes—they're active in autumn. For a memorable evening, book a table at the Wensleydale Heifer in West Witton, known for its seafood, about 10 minutes' drive from Leyburn.
Before you book
The questions people ask about Grassington, answered with this month’s numbers.
Yes, especially if you enjoy quiet walks, local markets, and festive events. The Christmas lights switch-on and food market are highlights. Just pack for rain and short days.
A car is very helpful for exploring the Dales, as buses are limited. If you're staying in Leyburn, you can walk to most places in town, but for attractions like Aysgarth Falls or Hawes, driving is easier.
Book accommodation early if you're coming for the lights switch-on, and reserve tables at popular pubs like the Wensleydale Heifer. Guided tours and brewery visits also require advance booking.
