Grassington is a pretty picturesque village in Wharfedale, North Yorkshire, England. The village is about 9 miles from Bolton Abbey and is surrounded by limestone scenery. Nearby, one can find the villages of Linton, Threshfield, Hebden, Conistone and Kilnsey.
Frequently described by local people as a village, it is really a small town, as indicated by its name and the fact that it was granted a charter for a market and fair in 1282, which were held regularly until around 1860. A change in land use from the early 17th century, when lead mining began to assume importance, brought a modicum of prosperity, but Grassington's heyday arrived during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The opening of the Yorkshire Dales Railway to Threshfield in 1901 brought many new visitors, alot of whom settled, some finding work in Skipton or in the developing limestone quarries.
Today Grassington is the main residential and tourist town in upper Wharfedale. Centred around its small cobbled square is a selection of shops providing food, clothing and gifts, alongside quaint cafes, restaurants and hotels.
One of the most popular and award winning hostelries in the village is the Devonshire Hotel, found in the main square of the village. The head chef, Christophe Gettoute brings a wealth of experience and a taste of his French background into the fine cuisine.
Grassington is frequently referred to as 'G-town' by the locals.
The residents are particulary proud of their local fire brigade service, made up of the friendly local men and women of Grassington, who, with their rapid response and years of experience keep this little village safe. Meeting every Tuesday evening and working as a well disciplined unit, they train hard, practising for every possible situation.
Three miles north, out of Grassington at Kilnsey is the dramatic, glacially carved overhang known as Kilnsey Crag.
Grass Woods, a large area of ancient woodland including an Iron-Age fort, can be found just over one mile north-west of Grassington.
