THE picture postcard scenery is a giveaway that you are on the doorstep to the Dales.

Rolling hills and greenery, neatly divided by traditional dry stone walling techniques, are trademarks of God’s Own County and passing through honeypot villages as we wind our way on to Grassington we see these hallmarks in all their glory.

Travelling through villages such as Cracoe and Rylstone we are reminded of the women of the Rylstone WI who bravely went where no other WI member had gone before when they dared to bare all.

Their tasteful photographs, with their modesty concealed by quirky props from pianos to cakes and cross-stitch, were showcased in a sell-out calendar which raised millions for Leukaemia Research in memory of group member, Angela Baker’s husband John who died from non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 1999.

But the Calendar Girls, as they would become known, did more than raise money for a cause close to their own hearts; their charitable deed spawned a hit movie starring Dame Helen Mirren and Julie Walters, and catapulted Yorkshire and its beautiful Dales, into the global spotlight.

The spin-off in terms of tourism must have been plentiful - and still is. The scenery captured in the film will have no doubt lured many visitors from far and away to savour the breathtaking views for themselves.

Despite living many miles away from the Dales, I’ve always felt very privileged to live in Yorkshire, and I relish every opportunity to explore it.

What is there not to love? On a busy Bank Holiday weekend a mix of tourists, walkers - the Dales are an instant attraction for those wanting to stride out around this beautiful landscape - and day visitors mingle around Grassington Market Square.

For those wanting to find out more about the place, your journey of exploration has to begin in the Folk Museum. Run by the Upper Wharfedale Museum Society, the museum is located within two 18th century miners cottages within the square.

Visitors literally step back in time as they view bygone items bringing the past to life, such as farming tools, an old fashioned range and period costumes depicting the clothing from that time.

Meandering along the cobbled main street where independents trade the more unusual purchases compared to the mass-produced offer on the High Street, the pubs and cafes are throng with folk eager to find a street-side seat to savour the scenery, and also appreciate this rare opportunity to finally see some sunshine!

As the temperatures finally rise, people naturally seek cool refreshments. Inevitably queues begin to form around the vendors offering not just ice creams, but literally a taste of the Dales as many of the flavours have been created by the cows grazing around these parts.

Icecreams devoured, we venture further along into the village. Away from the throng you get a strong sense of village life and the community spirit which exists in such close-knit areas.

Cobbled pathways take visitors along the quieter back streets where residents are naturally envied for their bijoux and characteristic abodes.

Grassington is such a picturesque and pretty place. It is truly picture perfect and the scenery beckons visitors to stroll out and explore. But for those wanting to stay and appreciate the village surroundings, there is certainly plenty going on - whatever the time of year.

It may appear gentile but the village’s social calendar proves it’s a happening place to be.

With regular events, such as the farmers markets - the next is at 10am on June 12 in the Market Square - there is plenty to do.

Now in its 36th year, the Grassington Festival offers 15 days in June and early July of live music, dance, theatre, visual arts and comedy. Among this year’s highlights at the Last Night Party are internationally acclaimed icon Marc Almond supported by the legendary Toyah.

For more information visit grassington-festival.org.uk or call 01756 752691.

And, to get you into the festive spirit, the village’s Dickensian festival is certainly worth a visit. The event runs from December 3 to 11. For more information email dickensian@grassington.uk.com