Set in the Craven District on the south-western edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Long Preston is one of North Yorkshire’s more distant outposts; indeed its location means it is a good base for exploring the Trough of Bowland and Ribble valley as it is the Dales to the north. Bowland is a beautiful area that deserves to be far better known than it is. There was a settlement here at least as far back as the Domesday Book, and there was already a church at that time. But Long Preston was rather cut off from the world until the building of the turnpike in the mid-18th century making access to nearby Settle far easier. The poor roads didn’t stop the Scots rampaging through the district during several invasions in the Middle Ages. King David’s army ravaged the area in 1138, and barbaric incursions continued through to the fifteenth century. Houses would be torched; goods and livestock carried off, and any residents unlucky enough to be caught put to the sword or carried back to Scotland as slaves. Isolation meant Long Preston was relatively late in joining the Industrial Revolution, but there was cotton spinning and weaving there for a time. Farming was the main source of income, however, and it continues to be important to this day. This is a small and very pretty village, with a population of just 680 people in the 2001 census, but it has the prerequisites for a thriving community: a village school; Post Office and shop; churches; and two pubs. The Maypole Inn was opened in 1695, and sits picturesquely by the Maypole Green in this village which has some lovely stone cottages and white-washed buildings. These days access to Long Preston is no problem, as the settlement stands on the pretty A65 route between Skipton and Kirby Lonsdale (and Kendal beyond that). The village is lucky too in that it still has a railway station on the Airedale line, just below the Settle-Carlisle run that is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful train journeys in Britain.
Camping
Inn
School
Long Preston Endowed Primary School
Places to Stay near Long Preston
Boars Head (0.09 miles)
Eldon Country Hotel (0.14 miles)
In 1842 The Country House was built as one of the Grand Vicarages of the Craven Area.It now combines the elegance and charm of Victorian Country House with all the requirements of a modern hotel.Sauna ... More | visit website
Maypole Inn (0.24 miles)
The Maypole Inn is a lovely, 1600’s Dales Country Inn with cosy en-suite rooms, open log fires, and lots of character. It is located in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, only ... More
Plough Inn (The) (1.76 miles)
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Very friendly, family run 18th century Inn with spectacular views. Ideal base for touring/walking Yorkshire Dales, Forest Bowland, Lakes. 9 well-appointed en-suite rooms, ... MoreFalcon Manor Hotel (3.12 miles)
King William The Fourth Guest House (3.43 miles)
Set in the midst of Settle, King William The Fourth Guest House is ideally suited for those wanting to be centrally based and within walking distance of all the local facilities.Having been completely renovated and ... More | visit website
Craven Arms (3.76 miles)
The Craven Arms is nestled on the edges of the North Yorkshire Dales. Our family-friendly hotel, pub and restaurant is a great place to visit whilst exploring the beautiful countryside. ... More
Harts Head Hotel (3.85 miles)
18th Century Country Inn providing excellent service on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Listed in Camra Good Beer Guide for the last 6 years. Great value food. ... More
Tudor House (4.20 miles)
Tudor House dates from 1849.It was built as Bell Busk Station, to service the village of Malham, by the North Western Railway Company (a.k.a. “Little North Western”), which was soon ... More
Middle Flass Lodge (4.45 miles)
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