About Us
A How Stean Gorge History Lesson
How Stean Gorge is one of the famous, most loved visitor attractions in North Yorkshire and an exciting wonderland waiting to be explored by beginner, budding or better adventurers.
In the heart of in the Yorkshire Dales, How Stean Gorge is shaped by unique and natural limestone, which has been carved out over thousands of years by water erosion following the Ice Age. Brrr! Positioned within an area of natural beauty, across the gorge, there are networks of nooks, tunnels, caves and crannies to investigate.
A Tourist Hotspot
The historic gorge has links to Vikings and Romans, with Viking-era structures being discovered over the years, and Roman coins being found in the caves. The gorge was then used as a secret hideout by highwaymen, one of them being Tom Taylor, with the spooky Tom Taylor’s Cave named after him.
The gorge and Tom Taylor’s Cave have operated as a visitor attraction since the 19th century, when it became quite the Victorian tourist hotspot, and handrails were added promptly!
How Stean Gorge Today
Today, How Stean Gorge is an enchanting natural site used for multiple outdoor activities such as caving, Via Ferrata, gorge walking, canoeing and rock climbing.
The friendly How Stean staff are all fully trained and qualified to run all of the outdoor activities on offer, and outdoor equipment and wear are provided. Your instructor will lead you through all of your activities. Some areas of the gorge are accessible, and staff have disability awareness training.
You can read more in our accessibility guide. Due to the terrain at the gorge, outdoor activities are recommended for children aged 7 or older.
Experience the Gorge
Outdoor activities and adventures can be tiring, so How Stean Gorge offers cosy lodge accommodation (with hot tubs!), a bunk barn and camping, as well as an extensive menu in the glass-floored café. However, if wind, water and wetness aren’t your cup of (Yorkshire) tea, you can experience other dynamic and fun events at the gorge.
Check our social media to keep up to date on the seasonal events!
Why not stay with us at How Stean Gorge?
Why head off when you can stay right here at How Stean Gorge? Our cosy on-site accommodation lets you settle in, slow the pace and enjoy a relaxed evening after a full day outdoors, making it easy to turn your visit into a proper Yorkshire Dales break.
Fancy a bite to eat?
After time outdoors, there’s nothing better than stopping for a brew and something tasty. Our cafés are an easy place to refuel, warm up and enjoy a proper break before heading back out or winding down for the day.
We are proudly rated 4.8/5 on Google ⭐
We’re proudly rated 4.8 out of 5 on Google, thanks to thousands of visitors who’ve spent time with us at How Stean Gorge. From families and first-timers to schools, groups and returning adventurers, people often tell us it’s the friendly team, well-run activities and unforgettable setting that keep them coming back.
That feedback means a lot to us. We’re proud of what we offer and even prouder of the experiences people take home with them.
Things to do nearby in the Yorkshire Dales
There’s plenty to see and do beyond the gorge, with walking routes, reservoirs, villages and wide-open countryside right on the doorstep. It’s a great area for stretching your legs, exploring at your own pace and making a full day of being out in the Yorkshire Dales.
Award Winning Activities
