Gunnerside, Swaledale, Yorkshire Dales National Park, England
© Derek Croucher/Alamy
A green and pleasant land
In Yorkshire Dales National Park, the ancient village of Gunnerside is brimming with English charm and history. Picture yourself strolling through its narrow lanes, surrounded by rolling hills, lush pastures, and stone cottages, with the roar of the Swale River your only soundtrack. Designated in 1954, the national park is spread across 841 square miles, and there are over 1,000 farms in this area. One of the area's most distinctive features are its dry stone walls; built without any kind of mortar, they can last hundreds of years. There are thought to be over 5,000 miles of these walls in the Dales.
The village's name comes from 'Gunnar's saetr,' Old Norse for Gunnar's hill or pasture. The valley of Gunnerside Gill was a thriving center for the lead mining industry from the 17th to the 19th century. In the village, the Old Working Smithy & Museum, which is 229 years old, houses historic blacksmith tools and mining implements. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat or exploring England's storied past, Gunnerside beckons with a promise of unforgettable memories.