National Trust - Malham Tarn Estate - Image 1

National Trust - Malham Tarn Estate

Settle, United Kingdom•4.8(111)•Country Park, Nature Reserve

Explore a stunning natural landscape in the Yorkshire Dales with woodland walks, wildlife spotting, and scenic tarn views perfect for families and dog walkers.

Malham Tarn Estate is a beautiful countryside destination nestled in the Yorkshire Dales, managed by the National Trust. This expansive natural reserve offers families the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities across diverse habitats including woodland, moorland, and water features. Visitors can discover walking trails suitable for all ages and abilities, from gentle lakeside paths to more challenging countryside routes. The estate provides excellent opportunities for wildlife observation and nature exploration, making it ideal for families interested in learning about the natural world. With free entry and dog-friendly access throughout, it welcomes visitors of all ages to experience the beauty of the Dales landscape. The combination of scenic vistas, peaceful surroundings, and accessible outdoor spaces makes Malham Tarn Estate an excellent choice for family days out, nature walks, and dog-friendly activities in a heritage countryside setting.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: 00:00 – 23:59
Tuesday: 00:00 – 23:59
Wednesday: 00:00 – 23:59
Thursday: 00:00 – 23:59
Friday: 00:00 – 23:59
Saturday: 00:00 – 23:59
Sunday: 00:00 – 23:59

Venue Details

Venue Type

Outdoor

Typical visit duration

All day

Booking

Walk-in

Recommended ages

0 months (newborn)+

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly
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Google Reviews

4.8(111 reviews)
A
Alan Harvey

Alan Harvey

3 years ago

Visit regularly. Best to avoid weekends. Easy walks to Tarn, best in spring and Autumn when wildlife is more active. From watersinks Carpark short stroll over Moorland to Tarn and woods. Good footwear and waterproof gear advised. Opposite way from Carpark goes to Malham Cove. 1.5 miles little rough walking over limestone ground.

Z
Zamier Mohammed

Zamier Mohammed

5 years ago

A wonderful place to go for a walking there is plenty to see and do here it is truly breathtaking with the lake and the cove is an amazing place to visit to see all around the estate. Take a trip out here you won't be disappointed the lake district is an amazing place .

D
Donna W

Donna W

5 years ago

There are lots of lovely walks at Malham. This weekend we set off from past the Tarn and headed up the Pennine Way to Fountains Fell. This is a decent path all the way up, past the signs of the open mine shafts and to some tall cairns. From there it's a left to the highest point. The route was very peaceful and we didn't see any other people walking it. It's a lovely route, with plenty of stones to climb on and a fantastic view. From the top you can see Pen-y-ghent amongst plenty of other hills. From there you could take the route straight back down, however we then took a right from a little before the tall cairns and headed to Darnbrook Fell. This is a completely different terrain. It was boggy, uneven, wet, grassy, peaty moorland and it was not easy to walk on. The path was very hard to see, though you keep pretty much close to the wall most of the way up, till you see the trig point. The OS triangulation point itself is really nice and on a massive concrete base which is ideal for standing on to get a picture! From the trig point we went right and basically followed the wall/ fence most of the way down, till the barely visible narrow path went straight down a field. These fields on the way down were exactly the same as the terrain on the way up to the trig and also included hidden holes. A few times my foot went in a boggy puddle and once my whole right leg went down a boggy hole! There was also a lot of closed, wired gates to climb over! We followed the track till it went by a farm then to the road. The road was followed till we reached the sign for the Pennine way again, thus creating a circular route. After the awful fields the roads felt amazing to walk on! I would highly recommend walks around Malham including the Cove, Tarn, Fountains Fell and others...though only do Darnbrook Fell if you want a challenge and have proper walking boots on!

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Paul Kearley

Paul Kearley

6 years ago

The tarn is a nice place for a walk and some nature watching. We were staying in Malham for a week and came up to the tarn almost everyday. If you enjoy photography this is a good spot. Beware of the midges in the evening.

S
Sean Laverick

Sean Laverick

7 years ago

Great walk with the dog the other weekend. Quite a few sheep and wildlife around so not great to let your dog off the lead unless they are quite chilled out. Perfect for water bird photography. We went on a partially sunny windy type or day, the places gives off a moody vibe when the clouds are over. Which isnt a bad thing, just makes for some great photos. The scenery is stunning as you walk around the tarn and through Malham Hall. There is also a little boardwalk you can take a detour around (no dogs allowed though) which is a wildlife habit protection zone i think. The car park is free, however there is a donation box for the upkeep of the facility. Will definitely be back!

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026

Events at National Trust - Malham Tarn Estate

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This venue was last updated on 28 September 2026

Frequently asked questions about National Trust - Malham Tarn Estate

Is National Trust - Malham Tarn Estate free to visit?

Entry to National Trust - Malham Tarn Estate is completely free — there are no admission charges, making it a great no-cost option for a family day out.

What ages is National Trust - Malham Tarn Estate suitable for?

National Trust - Malham Tarn Estate is suitable for visitors of all ages, from babies through to adults.

Is National Trust - Malham Tarn Estate dog-friendly?

Yes, dogs are welcome at National Trust - Malham Tarn Estate.

Is there parking at National Trust - Malham Tarn Estate?

Yes — National Trust - Malham Tarn Estate has on-site parking, plus additional parking nearby.

Is there food at National Trust - Malham Tarn Estate?

National Trust - Malham Tarn Estate doesn't have food on site — bring snacks or grab something nearby.

Is National Trust - Malham Tarn Estate pushchair-friendly?

National Trust - Malham Tarn Estate isn't the easiest for pushchairs, prams or buggies — stairs or uneven terrain may make a baby carrier a better option.

How long should we plan to spend at National Trust - Malham Tarn Estate?

National Trust - Malham Tarn Estate is a full-day experience — plan accordingly.

How do I get to National Trust - Malham Tarn Estate by public transport?

National Trust - Malham Tarn Estate isn't on a major public transport route — driving is recommended.
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