During the eighteenth century, Askrigg was a thriving town with several industries, most famously clock-making and hand-knitting. It is a delightful tightly-knit village of tall seventeenth and eighteenth century houses, cobbled streets and alley ways centred around St. Oswald's church. The church itself is worth a visit. It dates from 1466 and was built in a perpendicular style. Take a stroll in and out of the narrow streets and reflect on the industrial past of the village. Although it has shrunk from being a market town to small village there is evidence everywhere of Askrigg's rich history. Observe in the square, an ancient bull-baiting ring, and next to it, the interesting market cross.

The main attractions for visitors are the two waterfalls – Whitfield Force and Mill Gill Force. There is a gentle, scenic walk that takes in both of these waterfalls, that should take just over an hour. Take the route that is waymarked from Mill Lane alongside the church.

The village sits at the centre of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and therefore makes it ideal as a starting point for exploring the area. From Askrigg, there are plenty of footpaths to other villages, farmsteads and river crossings, taking in the spectacular Wensleydale scenery. There are three pubs, several shops and a restaurant to provide fuel for a day's exploration of the area.

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