Malham Cove was a key location in the seventh instalment of the Harry Potter series – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One – and it’s easy to see why
Nestled in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, you’ll find a picture-perfect village that’s home to some truly breath-taking natural landmarks. Malham, a favourite among visitors to the Dales, is surrounded by striking limestone scenery that’s sure to impress.
Just a short stroll from the village centre, you’ll come across Malham Cove – an enormous curved cliff shaped like an amphitheatre and made entirely from iconic Yorkshire limestone. This towering structure, which stands at around 260 feet high, was once the site of a prehistoric waterfall.
The cliff, formed along the Middle Craven Fault, has been gradually eroded over millions of years by water and ice, reports MyLondon. Atop the cove, you’ll find a unique limestone pavement, its distinctive pattern a result of this erosion.
Fans of Harry Potter might recognise this feature – it played a key role in the seventh film of the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One. In the movie, Harry and Hermione visit the cove after parting ways with Ron.
They spend the night on top of the massive rock, trying to decipher the cryptic clues left for them by Professor Dumbledore. For any Potterhead, a trip to Malham Cove is an absolute must.
With the rolling hills of the Dales providing a stunning backdrop, the clifftop offers an unrivalled view of the village. To reach the cliff, expect a walk of around half an hour from the village centre. But Malham isn’t just a one-trick pony.
Just northeast of the village, you’ll find Gordale Scar – a ‘true’ gem in the crown of the Dales. Much like Malham Cove, this natural wonder has been shaped by years of water and ice flow, carving deep faults into the rock.
The Ice Ages have only intensified this process, resulting in the breathtaking gorge we see today. Now, Gordale is home to some of Yorkshire’s most stunning waterfalls.
For waterfall chasers, Janet’s Foss is just a stone’s throw away from Gordale Scar. This quaint waterfall and pool has served as a family swimming spot, a natural sheep dip for local farmers, and an iconic feature of the Dales.
It’s named after Jennet, the Queen of the fairies, who is rumoured to reside in the caves behind the falls. On the path towards Janet’s Foss, you’ll find tree stumps adorned with lucky pennies left by wishful visitors – now fully encased by the growing tree.
Janet’s Foss even had its moment in the spotlight, featuring in the TV programme All Creatures Great and Small. Venture deeper into the Dales, and you’ll stumble upon Malham Tarn – England’s highest lime-rich lake.
Take a leisurely walk around the lake and immerse yourself in the vast moorlands and diverse birdlife. Malham isn’t just a haven for nature lovers, it also offers a glimpse into the area’s heritage and its ties to the county’s industrial past.
Why not try your hand at blacksmithing at Malham Smithy, under the expert guidance of Annabelle Bradley? After a day of hard work, you can unwind in one of Malham’s traditional pubs.
The Lister Arms, winner of Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Award 2021, serves up classic pub dishes like Thwaites Beer Battered Fish, Steak and Thwaites ale pie, and Homemade cheese and caramelised onion pie, along with a selection of hot and cold sandwiches.
For a quick snack or a treat after your adventure, The Old Barn Cafe offers toasted sandwiches, cakes, hot drinks and much more. One satisfied customer recommended the Yorkshire Tea Loaf, saying it was so delicious they returned the next day for another slice.
You might need to spend a couple of days in Malham to fully explore its many attractions – why not follow in Harry Potter’s footsteps and climb to the top of Malham Cove?
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