We have been up there several times and the thing that strikes me about the dales is the beautiful way everything is constructed and kept. All the stone walls are complete and straight, likewise the barns and houses, most of the villages are picture postcard material and really look like that. We went to Askrigg where the house used as the surgery in the Herriot programmes is located, although it wasn't actually there but in Thirsk, but there was nothing suggesting they were trading on the association and Skeldale house is actually a B&B with no mention of its connection with 'All creatures great and small'.
There is very little traffic in the rural areas and many of the lanes are very slow going - doesn't other me of course

Its just lovely to be able to drive round them and soak up the ambience. Sutton bank which is on a faster section of road, suddenly presents you with a 1 in 4 hill as you round a bend and apparently is the scene of many stalled HGV's in the course of the year - that slows the traffic down.
For anyone that likes the country side and quiet I would recommend it. We usually stay in a Travel Lodge which can be had for £30 a night or less if you book really early, and has everything you need.
Beamish museum, much favoured by Fred Dibnah is a favourite of ours, especially if you are my age, most things look as I remember them in my childhood. It covers about 300 acres and has something for everyone especialy tram and train enthusiasts.
Peter