Camping in Yorkshire

Being the largest county in the UK, Yorkshire offers plenty of activities and attractions for everyone. With the famous Yorkshire Dales National Park and the North York Moors on your doorstep, you’ll never be short of things to do.

Enjoy a city break in York

York, the county’s capital is surrounded by signs of its medieval past. Attractions not to miss in York include:

• York Minster, the unmissable Gothic Cathedral is well worth a visit. The Cathedral is open daily to visitors but check the official website for times and prices as these may vary.
• The ancient city walls, used to defend York since Roman times still stand strong today with more miles of wall intact than any other city in England. It’ll take you a few hours to walk the walls which are open daily apart from Christmas day.
• For shopping, York is unrivalled. The Shambles are a series of narrow lanes housing independent shops and cafes. The 15^th century buildings lean into the middle of the street, creating a really unique shopping experience.
• The Jorvik Viking Centre is one of the top family attractions in Yorkshire the immersive experience is a must.
• Castle Howard is one of the most magnificent historic houses in the UK and is just a short drive from the centre of York.

Explore Yorkshires outdoor pursuits

When camping in Yorkshire you’ll be within distance of not one but two national parks.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park is home to the three peaks of Phen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside. Thousands of people travel each year to complete the famous 12 hour trail, covering all three peaks at once. If you’re after a gentler walk, Pen-y-ghent is usually the first peak people tackle, with good paths on the 6-mile route and spectacular views. Rolling hills, wild moorland covered in heather and pine woodland are just a few of the features the park offers.

The North York Moors offer spectacular coastline and wildlife filled pine forests to explore. The moors have been shaped over the generations, with medieval castles, moorland crosses and remains of the largest Iron Age hill-fort evidencing this.

Research the National Parks before you visit or speak to our campsite staff to find out what there is to do and discover near your campsite.

Adore Yorkshires coastline

You’ll find some of Britain’s most loved seaside towns within Yorkshire. With sandy beaches and traditional seaside towns to explore, the coast really is a pull for those touring in Yorkshire. Some of our favourite seaside towns to visit include:

• Scarborough
• Whitby
• Bridlington

If you’re camping in Yorkshire during the autumn months, you might be surprised to hear that your chances of spotting a whale are pretty high as they come in search of herring and mackerel from August to October. The cliffs of Whitby, Staithes and Filey are good places to set up watch and there are several commercial boat trips available.

RSPB Bempton Cliffs is home to one of the best wildlife events in the UK. If you’re camping in Yorkshire between March and October, head to one of the viewing platforms to see an estimated half a million seabirds gather to breed on the chalk cliffs. The Seabird Centre holds events throughout the year.

Scarborough Sea Life Sanctuary is another way to see coastal wildlife close up with penguins, sharks, seals and otters in the 12 themed zones.

Attend annual events

The annual Great Yorkshire Show is one of the best Agricultural events in the UK. Taking place in July, it showcases British farming, food and the countryside whilst providing great entertainment for the whole family.

The Harrogate Flower Shows are held twice throughout the year in April and September and are regarded as the most prestigious independent gardening shows in the UK. See the entries in the giant vegetable competition, the beautiful arrangements in the floral art show and a line-up of talented chefs in the seasonal food theatre.

There are literary, food and music festivals throughout the season. Speak to our campsite staff on arrival to see what’s going on nearby during your visit.

Other Yorkshire attractions

• The National Railway Museum in York holds the largest collection of railway objects in the world. It’s an interactive museum and kids are allowed on some of the carriages. The museum explores railways of the past and holds events throughout the year.
• Also for railway enthusiasts the North Yorkshire Moors Railway makes a great day out.
• If you’re looking for relaxation after a few days of exploring, the Harrogate Turkish Baths are bound to put you in a state of calm. The Royal Baths date back to 1897 and offer an impressive interior with reasonable prices.
• Whitby Abbey, famously one of the inspirations for Bram Stokers Dracula is just a short walk from the seaside town of Whitby. The ruins are spectacular and following the interactive guide gives you an insight into the history surrounding the abbey.
• In spring Farndale bursts into colour with thousands of daffodils appearing. The three-mile circular walk gets busy at weekends but is well worth a visit.
• Underneath the Yorkshire Dales National Park is White Scar Cave. Running for around a mile, it’s the longest show cave in Britain. The tour takes about 80 minutes. Look out for the waterfall, orange stalactites and stalagmites.
• See meerkats, tigers, brown bears and even polar bears at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park. The park is great for the whole family with places to eat, play areas and you’ll even get the chance to watch feeding time.
• Diggerland is another great day out for a family with rides for all ages. Kids fascinated by diggers and machinery will love seeing their favourite toys come to life and have the chance to take a ride on them.
• There are four designated Dark Sky Discovery Sites in the Yorkshire Dales which are the perfect spots to view the night sky. There are stargazing events held throughout the year but you can go to any of the sites free of charge as they’re accessible to the public. See up to 2,000 stars on a clear night and catch a glimpse of the many planets above.
• Discover 3,000 years of history at the Royal Armouries Museum. As you journey through the different galleries you’ll see arms and armour from around the world. The museum is also home to the swords of “Middle Earth”, the pops used in the “Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” films.
• Yorkshire Sculpture Park is an international centre for modern and contemporary art. With plenty of green space, this is a great spot for letting kids run wild or to enjoy a picnic.
• Yorkshire Lavender is a family run farm which makes a lovely day out for the whole family. Enjoy finding your way out of the lavender maze or simply take in the beautiful views from the tea rooms.