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Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park

Ripon, North Yorkshire

Highly rated

Ripon, North Yorkshire

HIGHLY RATED

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Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park is an award-winning, 20 acre park on the banks of the River Ure, near the Nidderdale Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty. The site welcomes tents, tourers and RVs across spacious grass pitches with the option of electric. Providing a peaceful haven for guests and a refuge for wildlife, the site has been awarded the David Bellamy Conservation Gold Award with plenty of countryside walks nearby too!

Why choose Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park


Featured in our 2025 Outstanding Sites list of reliably excellent camping, glamping, and touring sites

Peaceful site on the bank of the River Ure with access for canoeing and fishing

Just a 15 minute walk from the village of West Tanfield with charming country pubs

Nestled five minutes from the Nidderdale AONB and the Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park

About the site


This 20 acre site is tucked beside the beautiful River Ure, with a historic mill. Within easy reach of the Yorkshire Dales and Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Beauty, the site is perfectly situated for getting out and enjoying walks, exploring cycling trails and days on the water. All of the grass pitches onsite welcome tents, caravans, campervans, motorhomes and RVs, with up to six guests allowed per pitch. There are 43 non electric situated on one side of the island with two more private electric pitches which stand alone at the front of the mill. Across from the watermill are a further 45 grass pitches which are all electric. These pitches are spread across the Watermill, Horseshoe, Oak Tree, Long Meadow, and Mole End areas, each at least 10m wide and varying in length. Trailer tents, caravans, campervans, motorhomes and RVs also have the option of one of the electric hardstanding pitches. The is a stand alone pitch tucked away in the courtyard, along with seven riverside pitches which are near the amenity block, facing out on to the river. A well-equipped, self catering holiday flat is also available, sleeping up to four without pets. The park is a haven for wildlife and there are plenty of nature activities for children to enjoy while they are on site. There are also seasonal pitches for caravans and motorhomes in two areas on site. If you want to cook up a BBQ, they are welcome onsite but must be raised from the ground. Please note, open fires are not permitted. A maximum of three dogs are allowed per pitch at an additional cost but please ensure they are kept on the lead at all times.

"Relaxing river to listen to and a beach of sorts for the kids to play at"

Steven J

"It was absolutely faultless. The facilities were very clean and tidy, the owners were wonderful"

Leah P

"From the warm welcome to the beautiful location I was blown away"

Lydia F

"Perfect if you're looking for peace and tranquillity"

Joe B

"What a gem this campsite is"

Sue M

Outstanding Site 2025

What facilities are at Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park?

Accessible facilities

Allow commercial vans

Allow pets on site

Café / restaurant / takeaway

Drinking water

Family friendly

Shop

Showers

Toilets

W.C. disposal

WiFi

Electric hookups

Fishing

Freezer

Fridge

Laundry

Near pub

Peaceful

RV pitches

Wash up area

Watersports

Site facilities include two heated, free-to-use shower and toilet blocks open 24 hours a day (during cleaning, one block will always be available and one also has accessible access). There is a laundry area with a washing machine and tumble dryer. Ice pack freezing, a fridge, sheltered washing up sinks, an information room and a book exchange are also available.

Canoeists and kayakers are welcome to paddle along the River Ure (pre-booking is required). Please ensure you bring your own equipment. Day paddling starts at £7.50 per person. Fly fishing is also permitted in the lake, but only with a valid Environment Agency rod license. Tickets start from £10 and the fishing season runs between 1st April - 30th September.

You can also borrow BBQs, should you require them.

A licensed shop onsite sells beer and wine, ice creams, fresh bread, milk, local eggs, soft drinks, confectionery, tinned goods, etc. Calor gas can also be purchased. It is open from 9:30am, five days a week, for at least five hours. The Bull Inn and The Bruce Arms pub are also within a 15 minute walk.

Great for everyone

Enjoy scenic lakeside pitches, an onsite shop selling treats for the kids, and even make a splash canoing, kayaking, and fly fishing along the River Ure!



There are 105 accommodation options on-site

47 x Standard Non Electric Grass Pitches (Island's Riverside Meadow)

Max 6 people

Grass pitches without electric on one side of the island, in a free-pitching area. Suitable for tents, caravans, campervans, motorhomes and RVs.

48 x Premium Electric Grass Pitches

Grass pitches with electric across the Watermill, Horseshoe, Oak Tree, Long Meadow, and Mole End. Pitches are at least 10m wide and vary in length, suitable for tents, trailer tents, campervans, caravans, motorhomes and RVs.

Premium electric hardstanding mill pitch for trailer tents and tourers

2 x Premium Electric Hardstanding Mill Pitches

Max 6 people

Stand-alone hardstanding pitches with electric in front of the historic watermill building. Suitable for trailer tents, campervans, caravans, motorhomes and RVs.

Aerial of the river view electric hardstanding pitches at Sleningford Watermill

River View Electric Hardstanding Pitch

Max 1 people

Hardstanding pitch set back from the river with uninterrupted views and electric hook up.

Premium electric courtyard hardstanding pitches set away from the water

Premium Electric Courtyard Hardstanding Pitch

Max 1 people

A standalone hardstanding pitch with electric, set in a private area away from the water in the courtyard. Suitable for trailer tents, caravans, campervans, motorhomes and RVs.

Premium electric riverside hardstanding pitches facing onto the River Urs

6 x Premium Electric Riverside Hardstanding Pitches

Max 6 people

Hardstanding pitches in a linear arrangement facing out onto the River Ure, offering river views. These pitches are also close to the amenity block with accessible facilities. Suitable for trailer tents, caravans, campervans, motorhomes and RVs.

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Need to know

Frequently asked questions about Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park

Quick filters

Site rules

Yes. Dogs are welcome at Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park, with three being allowed per pitch. Just please make sure they remain on the lead and under control at all times.

You are welcome to check-in at Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park between 1pm and 9pm. Check out is due by 11:30am on the day of your departure.

Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park does allow BBQs, but there are a few rules that need to be followed. Only purpose-built BBQ equipment is allowed to be used on site. Disposable BBQs are welcome, but you must borrow a stand from reception to ensure it is raised from the ground. Only charcoal is allowed to be used to cook food; cooking with wood is not allowed. Once you have finished with your BBQ, any remaining ashes must not be used to create any other form of open or ground fire. All BBQs must be put out by 9pm, with water if necessary, and should not be left unattended or used close to caravans/motorhomes/tents.

Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park is designed for couples, families and those travelling alone. Stag and hen parties, along with large groups, are not allowed. The site may consider groups of families or groups from organisations such as clubs, but this is at their discretion.

Yes, Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park operates a quiet policy after 11pm. Please note, amplified music is not allowed at all between 10pm and 10am.

Yes, Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park does allow day visitors/guests, but they will need to check-in at reception. There's a four person limit, or two adults and four children.

Pitches

Yes. Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park does allow all awnings, gazebos and pup tents, all at a small additional cost.

Yes, guests staying at Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park are welcome to park a maximum of two vehicles at their pitch.

All of the electric pitches at Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park have your usage included in the price of your booking.

You can find a copy of Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park's map here.

Facilities

No, Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park does not have WiFi.

Yes, there is a licensed shop at Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park offering a variety of items, including beer and wine, ice cream, fresh bread, milk, local eggs, soft drinks, sweets, canned goods, and more. Calor gas is also available for purchase. It is open from 9:30am, five days a week, for at least five hours.

Yes, you are welcome to fly fish in the River Ure at Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park. Day tickets are available at reception, just please ensure you bring a valid Environment Agency rod license. Prices start from £10. Please note that the fishing season runs from the 1st of April to the 30th of September.

No, Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park does not offer EV charging. The closest electric vehicle charging point is in Masham, ten minutes away.

Yes, Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park offers a communal fridge for food, and a shared freezer for ice packs.

Most phone service providers should be able to access a phone and 4G signal at Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park.

No, there is not a restaurant or cafe at Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park. For dining out, The Bull Inn and The Bruce Arms pub are 15 minutes away.

Getting there

Tourers should have no issue with access at Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park.

Local taxi companies to Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park include Ripon Taxi Service (01765 600128) and Andrews Taxis Ripon (01765 601792).

The nearest bus stop to Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park is The Bull Inn which is a 20 minute walk away and offers services to Richmond and Leyburn.

What's nearby

The Bull Inn bus stop is a 20 minute walk from Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park, offering services to Richmond and Leyburn while Thirsk train station is less than a 25 minute drive away.

The nearest pubs to Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park are The Bull Inn and The Bruce Arms pub, which are within a 15 minute walk.

Within a 20 minute walk of Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park, there is a bus stop, pubs, and the River Ure.

Local walking routes to Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park include routes around the Yorkshire Dales National Park (10 minutes), including How Stean Gorge, National Trust - Brimham Rocks, Ingleborough Estate Nature Trail, and many others.


A note from the site themselves...

We are proud to have been an independent site since 1973. We love welcoming families, couples, nature lovers and anyone else who wants to enjoy our peaceful escape. Our site is a haven for wildlife and a serene getaway for guests. We look forward to welcoming you, David and Vicky

Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park is ideal for...

Couples
Duke of Edinburgh Award
Older children (13+)
Peace and quiet
Rallies
Young children

Things to do on site and in the Ripon area

A great spot for stunning riverside walks, trips in the gorgeous Nidderdale countryside and more. The Ripon Rowel Walk passes through this park and stretches over 50 miles. If you're keen to take to the water, you can canoe, kayak or fly-fish on the site (you must bring your own equipment), or just enjoy a spot of wild swimming in the sunshine.

If you are wanting to keep the family entertained, the Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park is a five minute drive away. Scale the treetop trails, get lost in the hall of mirrors, test your fear of heights on the Eagle's Claw or challenge the family to a game of adventure golf.

National Trust - Brimham Rocks are also just a 30 minute drive from the site. The unique rock formations are great for rock climbing with bouldering with tasty ice cream available for after!

Other nearby attractions include:

  • Thorp Perrow - Arboretum and Bird of Prey and Mammal Centre (10 minutes)
  • The Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park (15 minutes)
  • The World Of James Herriot (25 minutes)
  • The Forbidden Corner (30 minutes)
  • Stockeld Park (40 minutes)

The listing for Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park was last updated on January 22nd, 2026 at 2:15 AM

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