A FAMOUS North Yorkshire beauty spot and outdoor activity centre – historically known as Little Switzerland and which has been attracting visitors to the Dales for over a century – is up for sale.

How Stean Gorge, a spectacular limestone canyon created over millions of years has been playing host to visitors since 1902. For years it was simply a place for people to walk and explore but in the past 20 years has been developed into an outdoor activity centre with a campsite and barn for 16 people.

The site, in the heart of the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty features natural caves and ravines and now has a cafe and shop featuring a spectacular glass overhang which looks straight down into the Gorge.

Current owners Stan and Ann Beer are selling the site. Stan said: “We have operated How Stean Gorge as a family for a number of years now and it’s time for my wife and I to retire. We have thoroughly enjoyed our time here and will continue to run the business as though we are staying here indefinitely. We have a great team of staff and lots of loyal customers and we want to make sure they are looked after.”

David Cash, Senior Business Agent at Christie and Co which is handling the sale said: “How Stean Gorge is a great business, benefitting from a wide range of income streams. Located in a tourist hotspot and with staycations proving ever popular, planning permission to introduce holiday lodges to the site presents a huge opportunity for any purchaser.

“We expect interest from a range of potential buyers, from multi-site corporate style operators, to lifestyle or family purchasers.”

Christie’s are not revealing the price saying the site is open to offers for the freehold.