Bedale combines a long-established weekly market with stories of life in the town, notable buildings and the Wensleydale Railway. This gives you several ways to shape your stay: you can plan around the Tuesday market, explore the town’s history or focus on its architecture and landscape.
Bedale’s Market and Stories
A market takes place in Bedale every Tuesday; the tradition dates back more than 750 years. If the market is the reason for your trip, the day of the week gives you a clear point of reference for planning. The history of the market is also explored at Bedale Museum: its exhibition topics include the town’s medieval origins and its 13th-century market charter.
The museum displays artefacts, photographs and stories about the people, trades and traditions that have shaped Bedale. Its exhibitions also cover everything from agriculture and railways to Britain at war. Alongside the town’s long history, they highlight the activities and developments that have shaped Bedale. If you are interested in more than individual buildings, this range of subjects offers another way to explore the town’s history.
Buildings and Different Historical Periods
Bedale Hall is a Grade I listed building and features an exceptional example of Rococo plasterwork. The Church of Saint Gregory reflects a different architectural history: it has a five-stage tower with features dating from the 13th to the 15th century. On the north wall of the aisle is a 14th-century depiction of St George and the Dragon.
Bedale’s Market Cross also dates from the 14th century. It stands where Wynd, Emgate and Market Place meet. Bedale’s Heritage Trail explores the town’s medieval history and the development of its centre during the prosperous economic period of the late 18th century. Together, these topics highlight different historical reference points: from medieval market life and buildings to the later development of the town centre.
The Beck, Park and Canal History
Bedale Beck flows through the town in a quiet, tree-lined hollow. Bedale Park offers a different setting: alongside Bedale Hall, it has mature trees and a bandstand. A footpath at the edge of the park provides views of Bedale Hall and the Church of Saint Gregory. This means you can consider the parkland and two notable buildings together when planning, while still appreciating their distinct histories.
Another historical trace is Bedale Harbour, a relic from the canal-building period in the mid-18th century. Along with Bedale Beck and the park, it broadens the focus beyond market history and architecture to include the landscape and the town’s built heritage. These features are quite distinct: the Beck shapes a tree-lined hollow, the park combines trees and a bandstand with views of buildings, while Bedale Harbour recalls the canal era.
Plan a Visit to the Wensleydale Railway
Bedale station is on the Wensleydale Railway. The line runs from Northallerton to Redmire in the heart of Wensleydale; the heritage journey starts at Bedale station. This makes the railway a distinct focus alongside the market and the town’s history. If you would like to include the heritage journey in your plans, check the timetable in advance. Tuesday gives the market a fixed day of the week to plan around, while the timetable is key for the train journey.
Whether you are considering Bedale for its market, history, buildings or railway, its local attractions offer different ways to shape your stay. The museum and Heritage Trail explore different periods in the town’s history; the park and footpath provide another perspective on its buildings. You can choose the focus that best suits your interests when planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: Willerby, Catterick Bridge, Pateley Bridge, Easingwold, Ripley, Bainbridge, Darley, Knaresborough
For the broader travel guide: North Yorkshire.
