Yorkshire Dales: Caravan & Motorhome Touring Guide
Here at Adventure Leisure Vehicles, we’re very lucky to be located in one of the most scenic parts of the country. We are situated just on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, a fantastic destination for a caravan or motorhome trip. We’ve put together this guide of some of the top things to do in the Yorkshire Dales, along with some top spots to eat and some great places to stop off for the night.
Things to do in the Yorkshire Dales National Park
1. Hike to some waterfalls
There are some spectacular waterfalls in the Yorkshire Dales and they make a great stopping point on a hike. Here are a few favourites:
The Ingleton Waterfalls Trail
This is a popular route for those seeking a few waterfalls on their walk. This is a four and a half mile loop which takes you past six waterfalls. It’s a well maintained route and there are some picnic areas at various locations along the route.
Hardraw Force
This is England’s largest single drop waterfall with the water cascading down 100ft.
Aysgill Force
There’s a three and a half kilometer route that takes you past this spectacular waterfall, located near Hawes.
Aysgarth Falls
There are plenty of easy walks along the River Ure that offer plenty of interest in the form of waterfalls, woodland and pretty villages.
Cotter Force
A secluded spot where you’ll find a stunning series of waterfalls. This is also a great spot to do a bit of bird watching with birds of prey soaring overhead and kingfishers darting around near the water.
2. White Scar Cave
White Scar Cave is the longest show cave in the UK and you can go on a guided tour which takes you past all sorts of wonders. From thundering waterfalls to incredible rock formations to spectacular caverns, this is a fascinating place to explore.
3. Pennine Way National Trail
The famous Pennine Way trail goes through the Yorkshire Dales National Park and is a great challenge for ramblers of all levels of experience. The full route is a 268 mile walk which starts in Edale in the Peak District and finishes in the Scottish Borders. It goes right through the Yorkshire Dales, almost from its southernmost point to its northernmost point.
4. Dales Countryside Museum
Learn a bit more about the local area with a trip to the Dales Countryside Museum. This will help you understand some of the things you’ll encounter during your trip by learning about the trades practiced in the area, such as lead mining and the knitting industry. Part of the exhibition is set up in some of the old railway carriages.
5. Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway
If you need to give your legs a bit of a break from hiking through the valleys and up the hills of the Yorkshire Dales, why not explore by steam train? Hop aboard one of the Victorian and Edwardian carriages pulled by a vintage steam locomotive and enjoy the scenery in style. There’s also a range of food on offer, from wine and cheese tasting to cream teas.
6. Ribblehead Viaduct
This is a truly spectacular piece of architecture and well worth the short walk to get to it from Ribblehead station. It’s even more special if you time your visit to see one of the steam trains go across it.
7. Malham Cove
Malham Cove is a breathtaking cliff formation of limestone rock. The cliff face is about 260 feet high and curves round like an amphitheatre. There’s a well-maintained footpath from the nearby village to the foot of the Cove and from here you can reach the top via some steps. From the top of the cliff, there are spectacular views back towards Malham and over the beautiful surrounding countryside. Harry Potter fans may also recognise this as the filming location for one of the scenes from the movies.
8. Hike to the top of Ingleborough
If you’re looking for a walk that will reward you with spectacular views, this should be at the top of your list. There are a range of routes to choose from to reach the top of Ingleborough to suit a range of abilities. It’s one of the ‘Yorkshire Three Peaks’ and from the summit you get stunning panoramic views of the Lakeland Hills, Whernside, Pen-y-Ghent and out to Morecambe Bay.
9. Whernside circular walk
For those up for a bit of a challenge, consider tackling the walk to the top of Whernside from Ribblehead Viaduct. This 8 and a half mile loop takes in some of the iconic Yorkshire Dales landmarks including the viaduct itself and Ingleborough in the background. It’s a bit of a climb to get to the top and quite steep on the way down, so make sure you’re prepared. However, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views when you reach the summit.
10. Gordale Scar
This beautiful hidden gorge at Gordale has inspired many famous artists and writers and it’s easy to see why. There are stunning rock formations and waterfalls cascading down into the heart of the ravine. You can climb to the top, or enjoy the waterfalls from the bottom of the gorge via a more accessible route.
Caravan and Motorhome parks in the Yorkshire Dales National Park
There are dozens of campsites in the Yorkshire Dales. Here are some of our favourites:
Kettlewell Camping: An award-winning campsite for motorhomes and tents. This is a simple and relaxed site with fantastic views, campfires are welcome and the pretty village is nearby.
Tarn House Holiday Park: A larger site which has great facilities for caravans and motorhomes. Each pitch is equipped with electric, water, drainage and TV hook-up. Located close to the historic town of Skipton.
Howgill Lodge: Hardstanding pitches available for caravans and motorhomes and the site is terraced so each pitch enjoys beautiful, uninterrupted views of Wharfedale.
Catgill Farm Camping and Glamping: According to The Telegraph, this is one of Britain’s top five coolest campsites. There are facilities for motorhomes and tents and some glamping pods and bell tents with private hot tubs.
Orcaber Farm Caravan and Camping Park: Wide range of facilities and pitches for caravans and motorhomes, all with beautiful views. Great walks in the local area, such as the three peaks and plenty of waterfalls to discover.
Barnard Castle Camping and Caravanning Club Site: Facilities for caravans and motorhomes, this is a well equipped site within walking distance of Barnard Castle and close to the spectacular High Force waterfall.
Cow Close Caravan and Camping: Hard pitches available for caravans and motorhomes, this is a small but warm and welcoming camp site in Wensleydale, close to the market town of Leyburn.
Where to eat and drink in the Yorkshire Dales National Park
There are plenty of great places to grab a bite to eat or enjoy a local tipple in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Here’s a selection of our favourite pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants serving up great food and drink.
The Old Post Office: This is a great microbar in Ingleton with a fantastic reputation for food, drink and atmosphere.
The Corner House Cafe: If you’re passing Grassington on your trip, make sure you stop off at The Corner House Cafe for a cup of coffee and a slice of delicious homemade cake. The perfect way to refuel after a long walk in the Dales.
The Game Cock Inn: Top notch hearty pub food served up in Austwick, a great choice for a cosy dinner.
The Queens Arms: If you’re on the hunt for a Sunday roast, The Queens Arms restaurant in Litton is the place to go. They serve up locally sourced, traditional pub food and there’s also a lovely beer garden.
