Surrounded by the high fells, waterfalls and wild-flower meadows of Upper Swaledale, The Old School Muker Gallery & Craft Centre is now the largest independent contemporary art gallery in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. From our home in Muker’s 19th century grammar school we showcase the work of over 60 of the best independent artists and makers, working in a diverse mix of styles and mediums, all of whom share our passion for the Dales countryside. The school’s private, walled garden contains sculptural work and on a good day is the ideal place to unwind and soak up the views of Kisdon, Buttertubs and the surrounding fells, with a coffee or a cold drink.  The gallery is ideally positioned on the main road through the Dale.  

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Muker village itself is a tourist hotspot and the tourism hub of Upper Swaledale. The village is well known for its Silver Band, wildflower meadows and popular walks. The Muker Show, a traditional agricultural show now in its 117th year, annually attracts around 2,000 visitors. In July 2014 the Tour de France passed through the village, with the nearby Buttertubs Pass (or Côte de Buttertubs) becoming a draw for cyclists from all over the UK. Both the Pennine Way and Wainwright’s Coast to Coast pass close to the village and bring many international visitors, especially from the USA. 

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As well as the Old School, Muker boasts the iconic Farmers Arms pub, the Tea Shop and Swaledale Woollens, making it a perfect stopping off point for day visitors. The village is close to Ravenseat (of Amanda Owen fame) and was heavily featured in Reuben Owen’s television programme, Life in the Dales. 

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The current owners believe the gallery offers the widest and best selection of work in the Dales. The business benefits from offering a large selection of both art and handmade crafts across a wide price range. Customers have plenty to choose from, from ceramics and glassware through to photography and oil paintings, which means they can always find something to take home with them. 

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The Old School offers comfortable living accommodation in the apartment upstairs with two double bedrooms, an open plan living space and a large, private walled garden. As the current owners live off-site, the living accommodation is currently used as a third gallery, office and workshop, which could easily be re-configured back to a living space.  

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As a successful life-style business, and with no prior experience needed, the Old School offers a unique opportunity for anyone looking to experience the benefits of living and working in a beautiful part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.  

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The gallery has a wide range of customers, both British and international, who arrive at different times of year. The vast majority are visitors to the Dale who have come to enjoy the walking, scenery and hospitality. Many customers return every year (sometime multiple times) and are part of a loyal and appreciative customer base.

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The business is seasonal with the majority of sales between April and October, when camp sites, holiday cottages, B&B’s and hotels are full. There are influxes of visitors for specific events including The Swaledale Music & Art Festival in late May and early June, the flowering of the wildflower meadows in June and the Muker Show in September, as well as during bank holidays and school holidays. 

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Currently the business operates seven days a week in the high season, employing two part time staff who work one or two days a week, giving the owners time off during the summer. In March, November and December the gallery is open four days per week, and in January and February it is closed for a winter break. With the majority of sales made from Easter through October it’s very much the owner’s choice about opening times during the off-season. Previous owners have opened through-out the year whilst others have closed fully from November to March.