Ravenstonedale
Ravenstonedale is an unspoilt village near Kirkby Stephen in the upper Eden valley. The region is classed as an area of outstanding natural beauty with a wealth of activities on hand, some of which are described below. Ravenstonedale lies between the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District national parks. This situation provides 'the best of both worlds' with the amenities of both areas within modest driving distance.

Hill Walking
Ravenstonedale is surrounded by fells on all sides and offers excellent opportunities for walking. The Howgill fells are nearby and walkers can access the hills direct from the village. The Howgills offer unrivalled walking with spectacular views in an un-crowded area. There are many more footpaths, trails and country lanes in the locality. A little further a field are the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales national parks which offer walking amid spectacular scenery.

Coast-to-Coast Walk
The Coast-to-Coast walk (Orton/Raisbeck to Kirkby Stephen section) passes near to Ravenstonedale. This makes the village a convenient point for a stay.

Fishing
The rivers Eden, Belah and Lune are close by for which permits are available locally from Kirkby Stephen Angling Association. The Lake District, where a wealth of fishing in rivers and lakes is available, is not too far away. Bessy Beck Trout Farm is nearby and offers fly fishing for brown trout.

Golf
The Riverside Golf Course, a short 9/18 hole course, lies within the village of Ravenstonedale. The course is open all year round and visitors are welcome to play for a modest fee. A more extensive 9/18 hole golf course, which also welcomes visitors, can be found in Sedbergh approximately 15 miles away. Other golf courses can be found at Appleby, Kirkby Stephen and Penrith

Tennis
There is an outdoor tennis court in Ravenstonedale which is open to visitors for a modest fee. Details of how to book the court are posted on the entrance to the court.

Classic Coach Tours
Cumbria Classic Coaches offer a programme of trips around the area on vintage coaches.

Cycling
Miles and miles of gently undulating country lanes await cyclists who wish to explore the region by this method.

Bird Watching
Buzzards, curlews, woodpeckers and thrush are but just a few of the species regularly sighted nearby. Within a short walk bird-watchers can be well off the beaten track with the possibility of sighting many species and the certainty of enjoying the wonderful countryside.

Local History
The locality has much to offer those interested in local history. For church enthusiasts, St. Oswald's church, rebuilt in 1744, is famous for it's three-decker pulpit and its collegiate, in-facing pews. In the grounds of the present church the foundations of an earlier Gilbertine monastry have been excavated. The first Lord Wharton cleared much of the land around Ravenstonedale for a deer park and compelled local men to build the enclosing wall, the remains of which can still be viewed in the vicinity.

Crown Green Bowling
There is a bowling green in nearby Kirkby Stephen which is open to visitors. It is located close to the river Eden near Frank's Bridge.

Settle-Carlisle Railway
The Settle-Carlisle railway, reputedly the most attractive line in the UK, winding its way through some of the finest scenery in Britain, is just 2 miles away from Ravenstonedale. Ravenstonedale is an ideal place from which to explore the line. There is no ticket office at Kirkby Stephen but tickets can be booked on the train

Kirkby Stephen
There is a Tourist Information Centre in Kirkby Stephen where a wide variety of literature detailing local activities and amenities is available.

Lake District
About 7 miles to the west of Ravenstonedale is Tebay and the M6 which approximates to the Eastern boundary of the Lake District National Park with its wealth of mountain and Lakeland scenery and associated activities.

Yorkshire Dales
Only a short drive away the Yorkshire Dales offer undulating hills and dales featuring endless limestone walls and field houses so characteristic of the area. There are several possibilities for circular drives which take in many villages with their small shops, galleries and hostelries.