Just a 20 minute drive from York, The Darling Woods of May offers a peaceful rural retreat, surrounded by woodland and set amongst wildflower meadows. Enjoy an off-grid getaway at one of the site's family friendly non electric grass pitches or book a romantic adult only getaway in a luxury ensuite shepherd's hut with private wood-fired hot tubs and cosy log burning stoves. There are even onsite alpacas with walking experiences available!
Why you'll love it at The Darling Woods of May
Peaceful family friendly camping surrounded by woodlands and wildflower meadows, 20 minutes to York
Luxury adult only cabins with modern ensuites, kitchens and private hot tubs!
Onsite alpacas with walking and party experiences available, plus a gift shop
About the site
This peaceful glamping site is set in over 12 acres, providing a relaxing countryside retreat whilst still within a 20 minute drive of the attractions of York. Home to a friendly herd of alpacas, guests can also be treated to walking and date night alpaca experiences.
If you're after an off-grid family break away, there are five non electric grass pitches to choose from which are suitable for tents only. These are mown into the long grass, and with no WiFi available onsite, guests can truly get back to nature!
Stay in one of the two adult only luxury shepherd's huts. Sleeping up to two, each of the cabins comes fully furnished with a king size bed, luxury bedding and a wood burner for keeping you toasty, even in the cooler months. The shepherd's huts are also powered by solar electricity!
Each includes a fully equipped kitchenette with a cooker, fridge, kettle and more, perfect for cooking up a delicious breakfast or dinner. You will also have your own modern ensuite with a flushing toilet, rainfall shower, hand basins, towels, robes and slippers.
Outside there is a private garden area comprised of an outdoor dining area, fairy lights, a fire pit, a swing seat and a wood-fired hot tub!
Please note, the shepherd's huts are adults only but families are welcome on the grass pitches.
Campers can also enjoy a fire pit or BBQ, with some to hire from the site, plus logs and charcoal to purchase too. Campfires are also allowed.
Please note, this site is pet free due to the resident alpacas.
"I would recommend this beautiful break away to anyone who wants to switch off and relax"
Kirsty S
The shepherd's huts are open all year. Camping is available from the end of May to October.
Facilities and amenities
Accessible facilities
Allow commercial vans
Allow pets on site
Café / restaurant / takeaway
Drinking water
Family friendly
Shop
Showers
Toilets
W.C. disposal
Fires allowed
Glamping
Hot tubs
Open year round
Peaceful
There are two communal toilets, one hot rainfall shower and a washing up area with three sinks for the campers. Each glamping unit has its own ensuite. Fire pits are available to hire, with logs and charcoal for sale too, along with a swing for little ones.
There is also a small gift shop, plus onsite alpacas with walking experiences and parties (extra cost) available.
For picking up essentials, there's a Co-op and Londis within a five minute drive. The Oddfellows Arms is also only a five minute drive away.
A note from the site themselves...
Hello, we are Sophie and Simon - your hosts at The Darling Woods of May! In 2018, we took on a huge challenge when we purchased a forgotten woodland, with a vision to transform it into a thriving haven for wildlife. Over the past years, alongside our four children, we have dedicated our time, blood, sweat and tears (mostly Sophie's tears and Simon's blood!) to reviving this woodland.
With a commitment to conservation, we have carefully nurtured this land, creating a sanctuary where flora and fauna flourish. Along the way, we also became accidental alpaca farmers - and now you can enjoy getting to know our lovely herd of alpacas by booking a meet and greet session or a woodland walk.
Our project is still very much a work in progress and when you visit the land you will notice that some parts have not yet been touched - don't worry, we're working on it! Please be careful when you're exploring - you may come across things such as exposed rabbit holes or brambles and nettles!
We can't thank you enough for choosing to visit us at The Darling Woods and we really hope you love this place as much as we do. As we continue to grow our new venture, we are eager to ensure everything is done properly and welcome any feedback or suggestions to help us on this exciting path. We really hope you enjoy your visit.
Map and address
Park address
The Darling Woods of May,
Feoffee Lane, Yapham Common, Pocklington, East Yorkshire, YO42 1PF
Small Tent - Non Electric Grass Tent PitchesJun 2025
Excellent stay! I arrived after the staff had finished and the instructions over the phone were good. The plot given to me and my son was brilliant, it had a table and umbrella for us to use and the space in the area was just right. Shower and toilet facilities are ideal, and more than what you need for a stay here! The added bonus was been able to wonder down and see the alpaca’s down in their area! My son loves this. The next morning we went for a walk and discovered there is a nice walk around the camp site.. with a secret library and some sculptures in the woods! Along with a swing which we had a go on! I will be returning it’s a great camp site well done
Charming summer campsite
Recommends site
Holly B
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Medium Tent - Non Electric Grass Tent PitchesJun 2025
A charming campsite in a beautiful, peaceful location.
Sophie and Simon have clearly spend a lot of time and effort into making this place a perfect summer campsite. I'd highly recommend booking on their alpaca walk too!
Will definitely be staying again!
We wish we booked more nights
Recommends site
Kirsty S
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Shepherd's Hut - The Heartwood Shepherd's Hut (Adults Only)Mar 2025
We stayed here for 1 night, it was amazing. Sophie and Simon have thought of everything from toothbrush and toothpaste, logs for the fire and hot tub, dressing gown and slippers and a few extra treats 😊
It was peaceful and easy to find, the log burner hot tub did take a while to heat up but this was expected. We only wished we had booked it for more than 1 night. It's warm, cosy and was so peaceful. In the morning, we took a walk to see the alpacas and got to meet Simon and his son, who were so lovely.
I would recommend this beautiful break away to anyone who wants to switch off and relax 😌
I have recommended it to family and friends and we're already talking about booking it again in the summer months 🥰
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What time is check-in and check out at The Darling Woods of May?
Check-in is available from 3pm until 10pm on the day of arrival. Please advise the site if you are delayed. Check out is by 10.30am on the day of departure. If you have booked an 11am alpaca experience, please ensure you have packed away your pitch first.
Is The Darling Woods of May dog-friendly?
Unfortunately, due to alpacas being on the farm, the site does not allow dogs.
Does The Darling Woods of May allow BBQs and campfires?
Open fires in fire pits and raised BBQs are permitted except in hot and dry weather, due to surrounding woodlands. Please note, the fuel, logs and coal must be purchased on site.
Does The Darling Woods of May allow group bookings?
The site caters for families and couples only, and does not accept group bookings of more than one unit. Hen and stag parties are not accepted.
Is bedding included at The Darling Woods of May?
Yes, bedding and linen is provided in the accommodation at The Darling Woods of May.
What are the nearest public transport links to The Darling Woods of May?
The nearest bus stop is a 25 minute walk from the site, located on York Road. The nearest train station is York, which is a 30 minute drive away.
Things to do on site and in the Pocklington area
Animal lovers must go and say hello to the onsite alpacas. There are also onsite walking experiences available to book.
The charming city of York (20 minutes) is also great for day trips. Wander the charming cobbled streets, visit the National Railway Museum York or Jorvik Viking Centre.
If you're looking for a relaxing morning or afternoon out, visit Burnby Hall Gardens (5 minutes). The scenic gardens are home to over 100 varieties of waterlily, along with scenic lakes full of fish.
Other nearby attractions include:
Allerthorpe Lakeland Park (10 minutes)
Yorkshire Air Museum and Allied Air Forces Memorial (15 minutes)
Piglets Adventure Farm (20 minutes)
Yorkshire Wolds Railway (20 minutes)
National Trust - Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens (35 minutes)
The listing for The Darling Woods of May was last updated on July 2nd, 2025 at 12:10 AM