Yorkshire Dales National Park: A guide to the best views and bases

Plan your Yorkshire Dales adventure with our inspirational guide. Explore Aysgarth Falls, Bolton Abbey, and Dark Sky reserves from our UK Club Campsites.

Trollers Gill near Appletreewick, Yorkshire Dales. Photo by Christine Jackson.

There's so much to write about the Yorkshire Dales. It's a truly stunning part of the country that conjures images of endless dry stone walls, dramatic limestone and those iconic villages often seen on screen. Whether you’re looking for a popular filming destination or a quiet corner to escape it all, the Dales offers a landscape that feels both rugged and welcoming.

With three UK Club Campsites within the Yorkshire Dales National Park and three very close by, we provide the perfect base for your setup. Whether you're towing your caravan through the rolling hills, touring in a motorhome, or exploring with a campervan or roof tent, you’ll find a pitch that fits your adventure.

For hikers and cheese lovers

The legendary Three Peaks Challenge the 24-mile circuit of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, was first recorded here in 1887. It remains the ultimate 'up t'top o't'ill' experience for serious walkers. If you prefer a slower pace, head to the market town of Hawes. Here, you can watch master cheesemakers at the Wensleydale Creamery or take a short walk to Hardraw Force, England’s highest unbroken above-ground waterfall.

For those who love a dramatic drive, Buttertubs Pass winds between Hawes and Thwaite, offering sweeping fell views. Our Hawes Club Campsite is just a short stroll from the town, providing a northern base that’s as convenient as it's scenic for those arriving with caravans or motorhomes.

Dark Skies, ancient caves and stunning coves

The Yorkshire Dales is an official Dark Sky Reserve, meaning you have a front-row seat to the Milky Way right from the comfort of your pitch. By day, the history is just as deep. Victoria Cave, discovered in 1837, is a prehistoric time capsule that once housed 130,000-year-old bones of hippos and hyenas.

Malham Cove. Photo by Sandra Jones

Nearby, the 80m limestone cliff of Malham Cove stands as a natural wonder, while Janet’s Foss offers a fairy-tale waterfall nestled in a wooded glade. If you're staying at our Wharfedale Club Campsite near Grassington, you’ll enjoy a beautifully wooded setting with direct access to the Dales Way, a favorite spot for caravanners who enjoy a peaceful, shaded retreat.

Fell running and bed racing

If you prefer watching the action to taking part, keep an eye out for the traditional 'Heritage Races.' These events involve grueling climbs and terrifyingly fast descents, including the iconic Kilnsey Crag Race and the Burnsall Classic.

For a quirkier local tradition, the Knaresborough Bed Race sees teams race decorated beds through the streets and even across the river! Our Knaresborough Club Campsite sits just outside the Dales, making it a brilliant, easy-to-access base for those with larger caravans (max 8.5m) looking to explore the rolling hills of Nidderdale.

Historic abbeys and family-fun farms

Step back to the 12th century at the ruins of Bolton Abbey, where you can walk through history right on the banks of the River Wharfe. If you have the kids in tow, Hesketh Farm Park is located just a stone's throw from us, where they can brush pigs and feed calves.

Photo by Lisa Tourret

For a rewarding hike, the walk to Simon’s Seat offers stunning views. You can walk directly from your pitch to the Cavendish Pavilion and follow the signs for the 'Valley of Desolation' (which is actually lovely!). It’s an 8–9 mile round trip, though please note that dogs aren't allowed on the summit to protect the managed grouse moor. Our Bolton Abbey Estate Club Campsite is set on the 30,000-acre estate itself, so you can unhitch the caravan and be at the riverside in minutes.

Stunning waterfall trails

The Aysgarth Falls Woodland Trail is a firm family favourite. This gentle stroll through Freeholders Wood allows you to see the Upper, Middle and Lower Falls. It’s a fantastic option for those with prams or wheelchairs, as much of the trail follows wide, surfaced paths.

Aysgarth Falls.

To see the falls at their most thundering and dramatic, try to visit after heavy rain. You can park up your campervan or set up your caravan at our Lower Wensleydale Club Campsite, a sheltered haven in a disused quarry near Leyburn that doubles as a paradise for local wildlife.

Top tips for navigating the Dales

Yorkshire Dales. Photo by Lisa Tourret.

The Yorkshire Dales is famous for its beauty, but its narrow lanes and dry stone walls can be a bit daunting if you're behind the wheel of a large outfit. Here's how to make your journey as smooth as the Wensleydale cheese:

Trust the Club’s directions: sat-navs can be adventurous in Yorkshire, often leading you down shortcuts that are barely wide enough for a bicycle! Always use the specific arrival directions provided on our Club campsite webpages or in your booking confirmation.
Watch the "Walls": the iconic dry stone walls often sit right on the edge of the road. If you're towing a caravan, take the corners wide and keep an eye on your mirrors to ensure your wheels have plenty of clearance.
Time your arrival: many Dales roads have limited passing places. Try to stick to the Club’s recommended arrival and departure times (usually arriving after 1 pm) to avoid meeting another large motorhome or caravan coming the other way on a narrow lane.
Mind the sheep: in the Dales, the sheep have right of way! Many roads across the fells are open-range, meaning livestock can (and will) be napping in the middle of the road. Take it slow and enjoy the view while they decide to move.
Check the weather: if you're heading to a site like Hawes or crossing high passes like Buttertubs, check the forecast for high winds or heavy rain, which can make towing a little more 'exciting' than planned.