The Yorkshire Dales National Park is a haven of tranquillity within easy reach of Leeds and Manchester. The towns of Harrogate, Ripon and Richmond have elegant architecture and grand castles and cathedrals. North Yorkshire is the largest county in England and is also one of the greenest. Most of the Yorkshire Dales and all of the North York Moors are located here. Skipton has an excellent market to visit as well as a well preserved castle. Harrogate and Knaresborough have delightful tearooms, shops and beautiful gardens. Hawes is a market town with a countryside museum and is a useful base for exploring the surrounding countryside.