Yorkshire Dales by Motorhome

The Yorkshire Dales is one of those places that rewards motorhome travel more than almost any other way of visiting. The valleys are too spread out for a single hotel base, the best walks start from different villages each day, and the pubs you want to eat in are scattered across the national park. A motorhome lets you move between valleys, park up in a different spot each night, and build your trip around the landscape rather than around a fixed location. From our depot, the southern Dales are under an hour away.

Wharfedale

Most people enter the Dales from the south, and Wharfedale is the first valley you reach. Bolton Abbey sits in a loop of the River Wharfe surrounded by woodland - the stepping stones across the river are a family favourite, and the Strid, where the entire river forces through a narrow gorge, is genuinely dramatic. Further up the valley, Grassington is a handsome market village with cobbled streets, good pubs, and an excellent base for walks up onto the limestone terraces. Kettlewell and Buckden sit higher up the valley, each quieter than the last.

Campsite: Howgill Lodge near Barden has open views across Wharfedale. Access via the B6160 from Bolton Abbey roundabout - avoid the narrow Barden Bridge route in a motorhome. Wood Nook near Grassington is small, well-maintained, and within walking distance of the village.

Walk: The riverside path from Bolton Abbey to the Cavendish Pavilion (3 miles, flat, dog-friendly) followed by lunch at the Devonshire Arms is one of the best half-day outings in the Dales.

Wensleydale

The broadest of the Dales and famous for two things: cheese and waterfalls. The Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes runs tours and tastings - the cheese has been made in this valley for over 800 years. From Hawes, walk to Hardraw Force, the highest single-drop waterfall in England (accessed through the Green Dragon pub - pay a small entry fee). Aysgarth Falls, lower down the valley, spreads across three tiers of wide limestone steps and is spectacular after heavy rain.

Campsite: Bainbridge Ings near Hawes has hardstanding pitches with hook-ups and views across Wensleydale. A ten-minute walk into Hawes for the Creamery, pubs, and the Tuesday market.

Walk: The Aysgarth Falls trail (2 miles circular from the visitor centre) takes in all three falls. Combine it with a pint at the George and Dragon in Aysgarth.

Swaledale

Wilder and less visited than its neighbours. The valley runs from the old lead-mining town of Reeth through flower-rich hay meadows, stone barns, and scattered farms. The road from Reeth to Keld follows the river through increasingly dramatic scenery with waterfalls at Kisdon Force and Wain Wath Force. The Tan Hill Inn, perched on the moor above Keld, is the highest pub in Britain at 1,732 feet.

Campsite: Reeth has several small sites within walking distance of the village green and its pubs. Swaledale is quieter than Wharfedale and Wensleydale, and campsites here rarely need advance booking outside August.

The Three Peaks and Western Dales

Whernside, Ingleborough, and Pen-y-ghent dominate the western Dales. The Three Peaks Challenge - 24 miles over all three summits - is one of England's most popular fell-walking challenges, starting from Horton-in-Ribblesdale. You do not have to do all three in a day - each peak makes a fine day walk on its own. Ribblehead Viaduct, the 24-arch railway bridge carrying the Settle-Carlisle line across the moor, is one of the great engineering landmarks of northern England.

Campsite: Knight Stainforth Hall near Settle has 100 pitches beside the River Ribble with views up to the fells. Settle itself is one of the most attractive small towns in the Dales, with a Tuesday market and the Settle-Carlisle Railway.

Beyond Walking

The Dales are famous for walking, but there is plenty more. Wild swimming in the Wharfe at Appletreewick and Grassington. Caving at Ingleborough (White Scar Cave is the longest show cave in England). Cycling - both road cycling on the quiet Dales lanes and mountain biking on bridleways. Farmers' markets at Hawes, Skipton, and Grassington. The Dales countryside shows in summer - Muker Show in September is one of the most traditional. And the pubs: the Yorkshire Dales has some of the finest country pubs in England, many of them dog-friendly with real fires, local ales, and food sourced from the valley.

Seasonal Guide

Spring (April-May): Wildflowers, lambing, the Dales at their freshest. Quieter campsites and roads.

Summer (June-August): Hay meadows in bloom (June is spectacular). Longest days for walking. Busiest campsites - book ahead for July and August.

Autumn (September-October): Golden colours, harvest festivals, the bracken turning. Arguably the most beautiful season and far fewer visitors.

Winter (November-March): Dramatic. Snow on the passes, frozen waterfalls, empty valleys. Some campsites close but the Caravan and Motorhome Club sites stay open year-round. Our motorhomes have heating that handles the coldest Dales nights.

Roads and Driving Tips

Most Dales roads suit a motorhome well. The B6160 through Wharfedale, the A684 along Wensleydale, and the B6270 through Swaledale are all comfortable. The passes between valleys are more challenging: Buttertubs Pass from Wensleydale to Swaledale is narrow in places with passing places. Fleet Moss from Wensleydale to Langstrothdale has a steep gradient. Both are manageable in a motorhome but take them slowly and use your mirrors. Skipton is the main gateway town with supermarkets and fuel.

The Dales also connect naturally to other destinations. The Lake District is barely an hour west from Hawes. The North York Moors lie to the east. A weekend break covers one or two valleys comfortably. A full week lets you explore most of the Yorkshire Dales at a relaxed pace.

Browse our fleet for the right vehicle. Check our packing checklist before you go - and bring walking boots, waterproofs, and your own bedding (we do not provide duvets or towels).