Campsites in Yorkshire

Yorkshire is divided into three regions: North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, and South Yorkshire. North Yorkshire, the largest county in England, is home to some of the most stunning landscapes, from moorlands and hills to rivers and waterfalls. The county is full of scenic spots, historic towns, and quiet corners that feel far from the crowds.

Yorkshire Dales

The Yorkshire Dales is a scenic area of hills, valleys, rivers, and waterfalls. The region is made up of many dales, including Swaledale, Wensleydale, Ribblesdale, Malhamdale, Littondale, Wharfedale, Dentdale, and Arkengarthdale, each with quiet villages and scenic walking paths.

For keen hikers, the Three Peaks - Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough, and Whernside are a must. Climbing all three in one day is a 24-mile challenge, but the views make it worth it. Quieter valleys like Rawthey Valley, Widdale, and the Lune Valley are perfect for peaceful strolls and discovering old stone bridges.

Skipton, often called the “Gateway to the Dales,” has a charming castle and a lively market. Its cobbled streets and canals make it a great base for exploring nearby dales. Richmond, in the northern Dales, is a small historic town with a ruined castle, independent shops, and riverside walks, perfect for a relaxing stop.

Nature lovers will enjoy the Dark Sky Reserve, one of the best places in England for stargazing. Waterfalls and gorges are around every corner, including the Ingleton Waterfall Trail, Gordale Scar, Janet's Foss, and Aysgarth Falls. Coldstones Cut, a modern art and landscape feature near Grassington, is an amazing viewpoint built into the hillside with zigzag paths and views across the dale.

Malham Cove, formed at the end of the last Ice Age, is a huge limestone cliff you can climb for amazing views. Nearby Malham Tarn is a quiet lake surrounded by hills, perfect for wildlife spotting. Gaping Gill, an underground cave, can be visited on guided tours, and Ingleborough Cave offers another fun underground adventure.

The Ribblehead Viaduct is a striking railway bridge with 24 arches across the moorland. It's quieter than many other spots, making it great for walking or photography. Bolton Abbey offers riverside walks, abbey ruins, and open fields where herons and kingfishers can often be spotted. Whether you're climbing peaks, walking waterfalls, exploring caves, or stargazing under the dark skies, the Yorkshire Dales is full of quiet, breathtaking experiences waiting to be discovered.

North York Moors

The North York Moors National Park is one of England's most peaceful landscapes, offering a mix of rolling heather moorland, quiet valleys, and thick woodlands.

A good way to start exploring is with the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, one of the best heritage railways in the country. Steam trains run through the heart of the park, linking towns like Pickering with moorland stations and villages. The journey will take you through valleys, forests, and open moors that show off the area at its best.

For walkers, the Cleveland Way is a 109 mile trail that passes right through the Moors. It starts in Helmsley and winds across open heather before heading out towards the coast. Shorter sections are great for day walks, especially around Osmotherley, a pretty village that's the starting point for many local trails. The Lyke Wake Walk is another challenge for keen hikers, a 40-mile crossing of the moors from west to east that takes in some of the wildest and most remote scenery in the park. For a gentler but still rewarding option, the White Rose Way stretches from Leeds to Scarborough, with parts passing through the Moors' rolling countryside.

The landscape is dotted with natural landmarks. Roseberry Topping is a small but steep hill with a famous half-cone shape with a jagged cliff. From the top, the views stretch across the Moors and Teesside. At Sutton Bank, you'll find one of the best viewpoints in England, so good that author James Herriot once called it “the finest view in England.” Urra Moor, the highest point in the North York Moors at 454m, is another favourite for walkers who want dramatic views.

The Moors are also rich in woodlands. Dalby Forest and North Riding Forest Park both offer walking and cycling trails, as well as picnic spots and wildlife watching. Families love Dalby for its play areas and biking routes, while quieter corners of the forest are perfect for spotting deer or birds. Hidden in the Goathland woods, a village famous as the setting for TV's Heartbeat, is Mallyan Spout Waterfall, the tallest in the Moors, reached by a lovely riverside walk. Nearby Cropton, on the edge of Cropton Forest, is a small village with woodland paths, local wildlife, and even its own brewery.

On Easby Moor stands Captain Cook's Monument, built in honour of the famous explorer who grew up nearby. In the pretty village of Hutton-le-Hole, the Ryedale Folk Museum gives a glimpse into rural life over the centuries, with historic buildings and traditional craft displays. A short drive away, Thornton-le-Dale is often called one of Yorkshire's prettiest villages, with stone cottages, a stream running through the centre, and tearooms ideal for a quiet stop.

What makes the North York Moors special is its mix of landscapes. In late summer, the heather turns the hills purple, creating one of the most striking sights in northern England. Villages like Helmsley, Osmotherley, and Thornton-le-Dale offer cosy pubs and cafés to rest in after a day outdoors, while quiet valleys are ideal for restful strolls.

Whether you're climbing Roseberry Topping, riding a steam train through the valleys, or just enjoying the outdoors at places like Urra Moor and Cropton Forest, the North York Moors offers a range of wonderful adventures.

Historic York and other towns and cities

York

York is a historic walled city, where every street seems to tell a story. At its heart is York Minster, one of the most impressive cathedrals in Europe, with towers you can climb for views across the rooftops. You can also explore the winding lanes of the Shambles, with timber-framed shops. Beneath the streets, the Jorvik Viking Centre brings the city's Viking past to life, while Clifford's Tower offers another glimpse into York's history. For a thrilling adventure, the York Dungeon provides spooky, interactive shows that make history fun for older children and adults. Families can also visit York Maze, the biggest maze in the UK, which is open in summer and offers giant mazes, games, and farm animals to explore.

York's roots stretch back even further, with clear signs of its Roman origins found in the city walls and hidden corners away from the crowds. For something sweeter, York is known as the City of Chocolate. At York's Chocolate Story Museum, you can learn how famous names like Rowntree's and Terry's began here.

For quieter moments, wander the city walls for peaceful views, or escape to riverside paths. Families often enjoy the National Railway Museum, home to engines and carriages that shaped Britain's rail history. And no trip is complete without a treat at Betty's Tearoom, a Yorkshire institution loved for its cakes and afternoon teas.

Other cities to explore

Ripon is one of the smallest cities in England. It had a peaceful cathedral, while the market square has a traditional feel. Families can head to Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park, with rides, rollercoasters, and outdoor fun.

Doncaster is known worldwide for horse racing and is home to the St Leger Stakes, the oldest classic horse race in the world. The city also has Roman roots and a proud railway history. For families, the Yorkshire Wildlife Park is a big draw, where you can see lions, polar bears, giraffes, and tigers up close.

Wakefield has strong links to Yorkshire's coal mining past, which you can explore at the National Coal Mining Museum for England, with underground tours and hands-on exhibits. It&'s also a centre for art, thanks to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. In the city itself, the Hepworth Wakefield is a modern gallery with world-class collections and exhibitions.

Leeds is one of the liveliest cities in Yorkshire, known for its universities, nightlife, and shopping. You can browse modern stores in Trinity Leeds or admire Victorian design at the Corn Exchange, home to quirky shops and cafés. The Royal Armouries Museum has a collection of arms and armour from around the world, while families love Tropical World, where you can walk among butterflies, birds, and exotic plants.

Sheffield, often called the “Steel City,” has a long history of metalwork, but today it is one of the greenest cities in the UK. In the centre, the Winter Garden is a giant glasshouse filled with plants from around the world. Nearby, the Millennium Gallery displays everything from metalwork to modern art. Sheffield is also a gateway to the Peak District, with hills and moorland just a short journey away.

Bradford was once the “wool capital of the world,” leading the way in the textile industry. Today, it's recognised as a UNESCO City of Film, with the National Science and Media Museum showcasing cinema, photography, and television. Bradford also has strong links to the Brontë sisters, whose home at Haworth is nearby.

Kingston upon Hull (Hull) has a proud maritime history and a lively vibe. The Humber Bridge, once the longest single-span bridge in the world, dominates the skyline. The Deep is one of the UK's biggest aquariums, with sharks, rays, and thousands of sea creatures to discover. For something quieter, the Streetlife Museum brings the city's past to life with old trams, carriages, and cobbled streets.

Towns

Whitby is a pretty seaside town with a historic harbour, winding streets, and a dramatic abbey on the cliff. Known for fish and chips and its link to Dracula, Whitby mixes history, culture, and the coast.

Along the coast, Scarborough has golden sandy beaches and a busy harbour, but you can also find quiet spots like Peasholm Park, with its lakes and Japanese gardens. The Scarborough Spa also hosts concerts and events, so there's plenty to see and do.

Inland, Harrogate is famous for its spa history and lovely architecture. Visitors can explore RHS Garden Harlow Carr, with flowers, woodland paths, and family activities. Nearby, the Yorkshire Showground hosts fairs and events all year.

On the edge of the Dales, Richmond has a historic market square, peaceful riverside walks along the River Swale, and amazing views from Richmond Castle. Halifax is home to the Piece Hall, a Georgian building with shops and cafés. Huddersfield, the birthplace of rugby league, offers Victorian buildings and a great town centre for shopping. Rotherham has quiet riverside paths and an impressive minster church.

In East Yorkshire, Beverley has cobbled streets, a Gothic minster, and a busy Saturday market. Hawes, in Wensleydale, is famous for cheese, walks, and the Dales Countryside Museum, while Haworth, where the Brontë sisters lived, draws visitors with historic cottages and moorland paths. Hebden Bridge is known for its artsy shops, canal walks, and cosy cafés.

Pickering is the start of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, with steam trains travelling through the moors. Malton, Yorkshire's food capital, has markets, festivals, and tasty local produce. Wetherby, a riverside market town, is perfect for a stroll along the River Wharfe and browsing small shops.

Seaside towns and beach resorts

Yorkshire's coastline offers both classic seaside towns and quiet spots away from the crowds. Whitby is perhaps the best known, with its historic abbey and harbour, but if you explore the surrounding beaches, you'll find quieter stretches perfect for dog walks, fossil hunting, or simply enjoying the sea air. South of Whitby, Robin Hood's Bay is a steep, charming village leading down to a small sandy beach. The beach is often quieter than the village itself, and its rocky cliffs and tidal pools make it ideal for exploring.

Further south, Scarborough offers two main beaches. Cayton Bay Beach is more peaceful, backed by cliffs and sand dunes, and it's dog-friendly at all times of the year. Filey is a calm town with a long sandy beach that's perfect for family days out and gentle seaside strolls. Saltburn-by-the-Sea is a Victorian gem with a pier and cliff lift, and the beach is popular with surfers.

For wildlife and nature, the Flamborough Outer Headlands Nature Reserve offers dramatic cliffs, seabird colonies, and peaceful walking trails with stunning sea views. Bridlington is known for its promenade and family-friendly beaches, but nearby Fraisthorpe Beach is quieter, with sand dunes and grassy paths. Hornsea and Withernsea are peaceful resorts, ideal for long walks along the shore. At the southern end, the Spurn Peninsula is a unique narrow tidal island that's fantastic for birdwatching, spotting seals, and enjoying long, peaceful walks.

From historic ports and fishing villages to long sandy beaches and nature reserves, Yorkshire's coast offers something for everyone. Many beaches, including Cayton Bay, Saltburn, and Fraisthorpe, welcome dogs year-round, making the area perfect for walkers, wildlife enthusiasts, and families who want to enjoy the seaside without the crowds.

Castles and abbeys

Whitby Abbey is perched dramatically above the seaside town of Whitby, with ruined walls that inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula and views across the harbour. In the heart of the countryside, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Fountains Abbey sits beside the landscaped Studley Royal Water Garden, offering riverside walks. Nearby, Rievaulx Abbey, is a peaceful ruin surrounded by woods, where you can explore the remains of one of England's greatest Cistercian monasteries.

Other abbeys worth visiting include Byland Abbey (founded 1135), Jervaulx Abbey (founded 1156), and Kirkstall Abbey near Leeds (founded 1152), all offering a mix of history and open green spaces for walking. For riverside charm, Bolton Abbey combines ruined abbey walls with scenic riverside trails and a large estate to explore.

Yorkshire's castles are equally impressive. Skipton Castle, built around 1090, is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in England, with a quiet town to explore nearby. Middleham Castle, dating from the 12th century and once home to Richard III, sits in Wensleydale and is perfect for a peaceful day out. Castle Howard is a stately home with gardens and parkland to wander. On the coast, Scarborough Castle, originally built in 1153, offers sea views and a mix of Roman, medieval, and Elizabethan history. Helmsley Castle, Richmond Castle, Ripley Castle and Gardens, Knaresborough Castle, and Conisbrough Castle are also well worth a visit, many tucked into quiet villages or surrounded by woodland.

Local food and drink

Yorkshire has a long tradition of tasty food and drink, with many dishes and treats that come straight from the county's farms and kitchens. Perhaps the most famous is the Yorkshire pudding, often served with roast beef and gravy at Sunday lunches. The county is also home to Wensleydale cheese, a crumbly favourite that goes perfectly with fruitcake or eaten on its own.

Sweet treats include fat rascals (pardon the name!), a fruity scone-like bun with a face made of glacé cherries and almonds for a grin, often found in Yorkshire tea rooms. Curd tart, made from curd, sugar, and spices, and parkin, a sticky ginger cake usually enjoyed in autumn, are other local favourites. And let's not forget York, often called the “chocolate city,” where names like Rowntree and Terry's began, giving the world KitKat, Smarties, and Chocolate Orange. Today, you can still explore its sweet history at York's Chocolate Story museum.

Yorkshire's drinks are just as famous. Yorkshire Tea, founded in 1886 in Harrogate, is loved across the UK, while Tetley, which began in Yorkshire in the 1830s, grew to become one of the country's best-known tea brands. Taylors of Harrogate also produces coffee and teas enjoyed worldwide. For something savoury, Henderson's Relish, a spicy sauce from Sheffield, is a local staple on pies, meat, or even chips. Yorkshire is also home to award-winning gin distilleries, and it's the place where ginger beer was first created.

Local farms produce amazing ingredients too. Fresh lamb often appears on menus, while coastal towns serve crab and other seafood straight from the sea. The county's famous Rhubarb Triangle, between Leeds, Wakefield, and Morley, produces tender rhubarb ideal for pies, crumbles, and compotes. In spring, Yorkshire's asparagus is a must-try, often sold at farmers' markets and featured in local restaurants.

Whether you're sampling sweet chocolate in York, enjoying a hearty roast with Yorkshire pudding, sipping local gin, or trying historic ginger beer, Yorkshire's food and drink celebrate the county's traditions, farms, and coastal flavours. From the tea rooms of Harrogate to seaside crab shacks, there's always something delicious to discover.

Outdoor adventures and the Wolds

Yorkshire is the perfect playground for anyone who loves the outdoors. From wild hills to gentle valleys and quiet rivers, it's ideal for keen adventurers.

The Yorkshire Wolds are one of its most peaceful landscapes. Rolling green hills and chalk valleys stretch across East Yorkshire, offering miles of walking and cycling routes. The Yorkshire Wolds Way, a long-distance trail of nearly 80 miles, is great for walkers who want to explore villages, farmland, and hidden dales. Close by, the Howardian Hills National Landscape mixes woodland, rivers, and farmland with amazing views.

For something wilder, head to the Pennines, often called the “backbone of England.” Stretching down the west of Yorkshire, this chain of hills is famous for sweeping moorland and rugged valleys. The Pennine Way, one of Britain's most famous trails, runs for over 250 miles, with some of the best sections found in Yorkshire. Walkers can tackle shorter stretches, taking in stone villages and wild heather moors. It's also a great area for cycling, horse riding, and climbing, with plenty of challenging routes and rewarding views.

Forests are another highlight. Dalby Forest and North Riding Forest Park both offer walking and cycling trails, family play areas, and peaceful picnic spots. Dalby is popular with mountain bikers, with routes for beginners and experts. Wildlife lovers can look out for deer, owls, and other woodland animals. The Nidderdale National Landscape is another quieter area, with hills, valleys, and reservoirs ideal for walking, cycling, and spotting wildlife like kingfishers and herons.

Yorkshire's rivers and waterways provide plenty of adventure. The River Wharfe and River Ouse are popular for kayaking, canoeing, or simple riverside walks. For thrill seekers, the North Yorkshire Water Park near Scarborough has paddleboarding, sailing, kayaking, and even an inflatable aqua park. Boat trips on the rivers give another way to enjoy Yorkshire's countryside. You can take a relaxing cruise along the River Ouse in York, or join wildlife trips that spot birds along quiet stretches of the Wharfe. On the coast, surfing is growing in popularity, with North Bay and Saltburn being popular spots.

Yorkshire also has some unique outdoor experiences. The Ingleton Waterfalls Trail is a circular walk passing dramatic waterfalls hidden in wooded gorges. White Scar Cave, England's longest show cave, offers guided tours through impressive underground chambers, while How Stean Gorge is perfect for thrill-seekers, with gorge walks, rope swings, and adventurous trails along the stream. Brimham Rocks provides a completely different experience, with unusual natural rock formations that are fun for climbing. At Sutton Bank, you can even try gliding, soaring silently over the hills.

With so many choices, from gentle riverside walks, caves, and boat trips to high-energy sports and unusual rock formations, Yorkshire is a place where the outdoors can be calm or full of adventure, depending on what you're after.

Top things to see and do in Yorkshire

• Explore York Minster – One of Europe's finest cathedrals, with amazing stained glass windows and a tower climb.
• Wander the Shambles in York – A medieval street full of quirky shops and history.
• Step back in time at JORVIK Viking Centre – Discover York's Viking roots.
• Ride the North Yorkshire Moors Railway – A classic steam train journey across beautiful moorland.
• Walk the Three Peaks – Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough, and Whernside form a 24-mile challenge.
• Marvel at Malham Cove – A huge limestone cliff, shaped at the end of the last Ice Age.
• Follow Yorkshire's Waterfall Trails – From Aysgarth Falls to Janet's Foss and the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail, these walks combine rivers, gorges, and falls.
• Climb Roseberry Topping – Yorkshire's “mini Matterhorn,” with brilliant views.
• Discover Whitby Abbey – Inspiration for Dracula, perched dramatically above the harbour.
• Relax in Harrogate – Visit RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Turkish Baths, or enjoy a fat rascal at Bettys Tearooms.
• Wander through Skipton Castle – One of the best-preserved medieval castles in England.
• See the ruins of Fountains Abbey – A UNESCO World Heritage Site near Ripon.
• Explore Bolton Abbey – Riverside walks, abbey ruins, and stepping stones across the River Wharfe.
• Spot wildlife at Bempton Cliffs – See thousands of seabirds, including puffins in summer.
• Walk Robin Hood's Bay Beach – Explore rock pools and winding village lanes.
• Spend the day in Scarborough – Classic seaside fun with two sandy bays and a cliff-top castle.
• Cycle or walk in Dalby Forest – Trails for all ages, plus stargazing at night.
• Stargaze in the Yorkshire Dales – The area is an official Dark Sky Reserve.
• Stroll through Hebden Bridge – A creative market town full of galleries and cafés.
• Have fun at Flamingo Land Resort – A mix of thrilling theme park rides and a zoo.
• Visit Brontë Country at Haworth – Explore the Brontë Parsonage Museum and moorland walks.
• See the Humber Bridge – Once the world's longest single-span suspension bridge.
• Take a trip to The Deep in Hull – A huge aquarium with sharks, rays, and turtles.
• Sample seafood in Whitby – Fish and chips by the harbour are a must.
• Tour the National Railway Museum in York – Home to famous engines like Mallard.
• Walk part of the Cleveland Way – A long-distance 109 mile trail with both moorland and coastal stretches.
• Enjoy Filey Bay – A wide sandy beach, great for families and dog walks.
• Taste Wensleydale cheese – Best enjoyed in Hawes, where it's still made.
• Visit Yorkshire Wildlife Park – Meet lions, tigers, giraffes, and polar bears in large, natural enclosures.
• Lose yourself in The Forbidden Corner – A quirky labyrinth of tunnels, follies, and gardens in the Dales.
• Have a Sunday roast with Yorkshire pudding – No trip to Yorkshire is complete without it!

Yorkshire's hidden gems

Yorkshire is full of hidden gems, perfect for anyone who wants to step away from the busy spots and discover somewhere quieter. These places offer some of the county's most beautiful landscapes, tucked-away villages, and fun adventures.

On the coast, Runswick Bay and Staithes are two charming villages. Runswick Bay has a horseshoe-shaped sandy beach, colourful cottages, and gentle cliff-top walks, while Staithes, once a fishing village, has cobbled streets, tiny art galleries, and a sheltered cove. Both are brilliant for dog walks and for spotting seabirds circling above the cliffs.

Inland, hidden valleys like Mallerstang, Rawthey Valley, and Widdale are perfect if you're looking for peace and quiet. Small villages such as Garsdale sit among rolling hills, stone walls, and rivers, giving a true escape. For a touch of industrial history, Standedge Tunnel, the longest canal tunnel in Britain, winds beneath the Pennines.

Yorkshire also hides some spectacular waterfalls. Scaleber Force near Settle is tucked away in woodland, with water tumbling into a deep pool, while the Valley of Desolation, close to Bolton Abbey, has streams and smaller falls along peaceful walking trails.

For something different, Kilnsey Park in Wharfedale offers limestone cliffs, wildlife walks, and family-friendly trails, while the underground world of Stump Cross Caverns in Nidderdale reveals rock formations and ancient chambers.

Even Yorkshire's towns hide surprises. In Ripon, the small Ripon Museums give an interesting look into local history, from workhouses to old courthouses, without the crowds of bigger attractions.

From seaside villages and secret valleys to waterfalls, caves, and hidden history, Yorkshire's quieter corners reward anyone who takes the time to explore.