Cowslip Farm

From £65 For 1 night, 2 adults 8.7 23 reviews
Private wood-fired hot tub with far-reaching views (added by manager 01 Feb 2023)
Hardstanding pitch with lovely views (added by manager 01 feb 2023)
Barbecue and picnic benches (added by manager 22 jan 2023)
Lovely view from the wood-fired hot tub (added by manager 22 jan 2023)

  • Superior adults-only pitch at a working farm near Strensall
  • A 10-minute drive to York park and ride; 15 minutes to Castle Howard
  • Private wood-fired hot tub with lovely far-reaching views
Anyone who’s ever thought of camping as being somewhat ‘rough and ready’ has clearly never seen the likes of Cowslip Farm. Come along to stay at this adults-only North Yorkshire working farm site and you’ll have access to your own private wood-fired hot tub… That hot tub is a highlight (and just the place to settle down for some time gazing out at the gorgeous scenery, the local wildlife and the sunsets), but it’s not the only feature available to guests – there’s also access to toilets, showers, a washing-up space and motorhome services including chemical disposal. With plenty of space to spread out on your pitch, and set it up just how you like it, it’s a most enticing spot for a comfy and romantic break for two. The location of Cowslip Farm is equally enticing – despite those lovely rural views all around, it’s actually very well placed for days out in York, a little under seven miles away. The city’s park and ride car park is about 10 minutes’ drive away and generally the best way to travel into the city centre for days wandering around all the historic attractions. Foodie favourite Malton is about a 20-minute drive in the other direction and well worth a trip. Closer to home, the village of Strensall is just under a mile away for access to shops, pubs and takeaways, and Strensall Common, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, is about 100 metres away.

Site type

Motorhome pitches 6
Tent pitches 6
Touring caravan pitches 6
Lodges, cabins, pods or huts 1
Rent a tent 1
Open all year
Please note
  • The site does not accept breeds/crossbreeds listed in the Dangerous Dogs Act (i.e. XL Bully, Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro) and/or any of the following: Staffordshire bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, Rottweiler, any Mastiff or Tosa.
  • The site does not accept breeds/crossbreeds listed in the Dangerous Dogs Act (i.e. XL Bully, Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro).
  • Group bookings of 3 or more units (e.g. tent, touring caravan, motorhome or accommodation hire) travelling together are not permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • Group bookings of 6 or more adults are not permitted (couples and immediate family members excepted).
  • Single-sex bookings of 6 or more people (couples and immediate family members excepted) are not permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • No hen/stag parties permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • The site caters for families (immediate members) and couples only - bookings from all other forms of groups are not accepted.
  • At least one of the party members must be aged 20 or over.
  • A cable measuring at least 9 metres is needed for the electric hook-ups.
  • Minimum spacing of 6 metres between pitches.
  • This is a quiet site: no music is allowed.
  • Guests are advised to bring a good quality torch with them as parts of the site are unlit.
  • Please note that the toilet/shower facilities are unisex.
  • The charging of electric vehicles is not permitted on site.

Languages spoken

English

Reviews

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91%

would recommend this site to a friend

91%

would stay here again

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Only showing reviews for the last 30 months.

The wood fired hot tub was a real delight and was the…

Overall 8/10
Location 10
Value for money 10
Accommodation 8
Facilities / Activities 6
Customer service 10
Child friendliness No rating
Cleanliness 8
Wifi No rating
Melanie S. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Electric hardstanding and grass pitch (hot tub, superior)

Liked: The wood fired hot tub was a real delight and was the "jewel in the crown" of our Easter stay! The abundance of wood supply for our stay was excellent and we thoroughly enjoyed having the hot tub which we used on all of our 3 nights. The location and ease to get to York was great. We got the bus from the village (15 min walk) to York which are every 15 mins and got an Uber back (£12) for ease. The village had a few local pubs and we were made to feel welcome. The owners of the site were reassuringly on-hand if needed.

Disliked: The facilities were slightly lacking and thankfully the site was quiet so we were not impacted by only 1 toilet and shower but in total fairness to the owners - they say these are the facilities from the outset and if this is a problem, don't stay here. The shower was hot.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Hot tub at pitch Toilet and shower clean Friendly and helpful on arrival…

Overall 6/10
Location 8
Value for money 10
Accommodation No rating
Facilities / Activities 6
Customer service 10
Child friendliness No rating
Cleanliness 10
Wifi No rating
Stephen A. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Electric hardstanding and grass pitch (hot tub, superior)

Liked: Hot tub at pitch Toilet and shower clean Friendly and helpful on arrival

Disliked: No hot water to wash up or wash your hands Toilet/ shower room cold no heating

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Thank you for your review. We’re thrilled you enjoyed the hot tub. The shower/wc block was re decorated last week ready for a busy season and I’m sorry it’s not heated….however we do advertise this. Hopefully we’ll welcome you again during warmer months.

Peaceful, great host, clean toilet.…

Overall 8/10
Location 8
Value for money 8
Accommodation 8
Facilities / Activities 8
Customer service 10
Child friendliness No rating
Cleanliness 10
Wifi 6
Anonymous The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Electric hardstanding and grass pitch (hot tub, superior)

Liked: Peaceful, great host, clean toilet.

Disliked: Layout not great for camper with awning felt guilty for muddying grass also can’t see van when in hot tub. Pitch layout just needs amending.

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Thank you for your review. Please don’t worry about the grass it can’t be helped with the continuous rain the whole country has experienced for months now. The pitch is in continuous use and is holding up well. The hard standing is two or three meters maximum from the hot tub which is screened for privacy and offers far reaching views across open countryside which is preferable than looking at a caravan/motorhome. Fir fire safety reasons the pitch could not be any closer. We have landscaped the pitch to maximise privacy and views and can reassure visitors that the pitch is more than large enough for tents, caravans/motorhomes with awnings. I find the 8/10 rating for accommodation amusing as you travelled in your own campervan 🤣!!

Simply brilliant…

Overall 10/10
Location 10
Value for money 10
Accommodation 10
Facilities / Activities 10
Customer service 10
Child friendliness 10
Cleanliness 10
Wifi 10
Stu A. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Electric hardstanding and grass pitch (hot tub, superior)

Liked: Simply brilliant

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Thank you for your fabulous review 🥰 we’re thrilled you enjoyed your time with us!

Lovely pitch and private hot tub, great surroundings and very cosy with…

Overall 10/10
Location 10
Value for money 8
Accommodation 8
Facilities / Activities 6
Customer service 10
Child friendliness No rating
Cleanliness 8
Wifi 6
Safron N. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Electric hardstanding and grass pitch (hot tub, superior)

Liked: Lovely pitch and private hot tub, great surroundings and very cosy with a warm welcome

Disliked: Shower and toilet unit could be improved, there was single toilet and shower which could get busy in summertime

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Thank you for your review. The shower/wc block was re decorated last week ready for a busy season. As a small site there is a limit to the amount of facilities we offer. Caravan/motorhome owners can always choose to use their own facilities during busier months. Hopefully we’ll welcome you back in the future.

An Ideal location with added luxury

Overall 10/10
Location 10
Value for money 10
Accommodation 10
Facilities / Activities 10
Customer service 10
Child friendliness 10
Cleanliness 10
Wifi 10
Kathrine C. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Electric hardstanding and grass pitch (hot tub, superior)

Liked: Absolutely loved Cowslip farm. We booked the hot tub pitch and loved the added luxury it gave to camping. The location was ideal for us with hectors of land to explore with our four legged family. 100% would recommended and will definitely be returning.

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Thank you for a fabulous review 🥰 come back soon!

Local hiden gem. Peaceful relaxed atmosphere. Friendly helpful owners that made sure…

Overall 10/10
Location 10
Value for money 10
Accommodation No rating
Facilities / Activities No rating
Customer service 10
Child friendliness No rating
Cleanliness 10
Wifi No rating
paul o. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Electric hardstanding and grass pitch (hot tub, superior)

Liked: Local hiden gem. Peaceful relaxed atmosphere. Friendly helpful owners that made sure we were ok then we left alone. Booked a pitch with hot tub. Secluded well spaced and private pitch. Had hours of quality time in hot tub. Middle of February and the weather didnt spoil. We will definatly be going again, as its local its great for the short weekend breaks.

Disliked: Nothing.

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Thank you for your fantastic review 🥰 come back soon!

Great stay here with beautifully clean hot tub. Was politely reminded not to…

Overall 10/10
Location 10
Value for money 10
Accommodation 10
Facilities / Activities 10
Customer service 10
Child friendliness 10
Cleanliness 10
Wifi 2
Anonymous The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Electric hardstanding and grass pitch (hot tub, superior)

Liked: Great stay here with beautifully clean hot tub. Was politely reminded not to walk dog around farm, and as there was a lovely woods a very short distance away it was no problem Will definitely return

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Thank you for your fantastic review 🥰 come back soon !

Not worth the money

Overall 2/10
Location 6
Value for money 2
Accommodation 2
Facilities / Activities 2
Customer service 6
Child friendliness No rating
Cleanliness 2
Wifi No rating
Joanne H. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Electric hardstanding and grass pitch (hot tub, superior)

Liked: The owner was friendly

Disliked: The most expensive site we have ever stayed in at £65 per night and the worst. Shower room had no heating and was filthy, this is basically a site in a farmyard. Booked for 2 nights and left after 1.

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Thank you for your somewhat inaccurate review of your recent visit. The pitch is more expensive than you would find on a traditional’ campsite because visitors are paying for the luxury of a hot tub. A facility not available on the majority of sites across the UK. We include within the price all the wood required as well as the means to light it. To put this into context a pitch during winter is £30 per night, we are therefore providing visitors the use of a hot tub for £35. Two night hot tub holidays in a conventional holiday home would start at over £300 in this area in the lead up for Christmas. Our prices provide great value for money given the use of the tub. Where does it advise the shower block is heated? If travelling in winter and this is a personal must have requirement then I would advise you to check before booking next time or don’t travel in winter. The shower/wc facilities, whilst basic, are absolutely not filthy. Not up to you high standards though and for this our apologies. Your comment as to the location is wholly untrue. The campsite is set to the rear of the farm and offers uninterrupted views across open farmland.

Really nice pitch ideally located 20 minutes drive into York for a…

Overall 8/10
Location 8
Value for money 8
Accommodation 8
Facilities / Activities 8
Customer service 8
Child friendliness 8
Cleanliness 8
Wifi No rating
Anonymous The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Electric hardstanding and grass pitch (hot tub, superior)

Liked: Really nice pitch ideally located 20 minutes drive into York for a lovely day out, hot tub is a treat clean, nice experience making your own fire to heat it up, out in the fields low light pollution on a clear night see all the stars, will definitely be staying again. The farmer seemed a nice helpful bloke.

Recommend to friends Visit again


Features

Leisure on site

Bar or club house

Cycle hire

Evening entertainment

Fishing

Fitness centre

Games room

Hot tub

Indoor swimming pool

Kids' club

On-site restaurant/cafe

Outdoor swimming pool

Play area

TV room

Take away

Tennis

Watersports

Amenities on site

Bath available

Car parking by pitch/unit

Composting toilet

Disabled facilities

Dog park

Drying room

Food shop

Free wifi

Ice pack freezing

Internet access

Launderette

Parent & baby washroom

Pick-up from public transport

Picnic table

Portable toilet

Pub toilets

Public telephone

Shower available

Toilet block

Washing-up area

Wifi

Groups welcome

Family friendly

Motorcycle friendly

Single-sex groups welcome

Student groups welcome

Rules

Barbecue provided

Barbecues allowed

Campfires allowed

Commercial vehicles allowed

Dogs allowed

Camping 2.0

Jumbo tent pitches

Themes

Peaceful

Walkers' paradise

Wildlife haven

Utilities

Charging facilities

Chemical disposal

Electric car charging point(s)

Gas cylinders available

No hot water

Recycling available

Renewable energy

Nearby amenities

Bar nearby

Dog walk nearby

Nearby farmers' market

Public transport nearby

Shop nearby

Type

Farm

Small (11-25 pitches)

Nearby leisure

Cycling nearby

Fishing nearby

Golf nearby

Indoor pool nearby

Leisure/theme park nearby

Mountain biking nearby

Restaurant nearby

Touring and motorhomes

Motorhome service point

Location

Cowslip Farm

Lords Moor Lane

Strensall

York

North Yorkshire

England

YO32 5BJ

Directions

Timezone

Europe/London BST (GMT+01:00)

GPS

54.04142°N
-1.0149°W

Nearest transport

Coach
5.4 mi Stamford Bridge The Square
5.4 mi The Square
6.6 mi Rail Station Stop C
Rail
6.6 mi York Rail Station
7.1 mi Poppleton Rail Station
10.8 mi Malton Rail Station
Airport
28.9 mi Leeds Bradford International Airport

Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.

Local attractions

A trip to York (10 minutes’ drive to the park and ride) is a must, of course – it’s easy to spend a day or two exploring the attractions there, whether you’re walking the city walls, taking a river cruise, stopping by at the minster or visiting the Jorvik Viking Centre, National Railway Museum and York Chocolate Story. There are also lots of places to eat and drink, and a stroll down The Shambles makes a splendid shopping experience. York’s the big hitter, but there are other towns nearby that are worth a look, including Malton (20 minutes) for its independent shops and monthly food festivals, and Whitby, Bridlington and Scarborough (all within an hour) for a breath of sea air. Castle Howard (15 minutes) makes another great day out – the setting for Brideshead Revisited and Bridgerton is a handsome place that often stages events. To keep it all about the outdoors, head into the Howardian Hills (15 minutes), try the Go Ape course in Dalby Forest (40 minutes) or visit the National Centre for Birds of Prey (35 minutes).

Water quality at nearby bathing waters

Name Distance Type 2020 2019 2018 2017
Cayton Bay 29.9 mi Sea N/A Excellent Excellent Excellent

Data source: European Environment Agency

Must see

York Minster 6.1 mi

YorkBoat Guided River Trips 6.3 mi

National Centre for Early Music 6.4 mi

JORVIK Viking Centre 6.4 mi

York Dungeon 6.5 mi

National Trust

Treasurer's House 6.1 mi

Goddards Garden 7.9 mi

Beningbrough Hall and Gardens 8.1 mi

Nunnington Hall 11.4 mi

Rievaulx Terrace 15.5 mi

Cycle routes

Find local routes on the National Cycle Network - over 12,000 miles of cycling routes.

Other

SHERIFF HUTTON PARK 3 mi

Sheriff Hutton and the Howardian Hills 3.4 mi

ALDBY PARK 5.5 mi

HOWSHAM HALL 5.7 mi

Battle of Stamford Bridge, 1066 6 mi

Local events

  • York Early Music Festival (Saturday 6 July 2024 – Saturday 6 July 2024)

    York, North Yorkshire 6 mi

  • Leeds Festival (Wednesday 21 August 2024 – Wednesday 21 August 2024)

    Wetherby, West Yorkshire 19 mi

  • Great Yorkshire Show (Tuesday 9 July 2024 – Tuesday 9 July 2024)

    Harrogate, North Yorkshire 20.1 mi

  • Harrogate Spring Flower Show (Thursday 25 April 2024 – Thursday 25 April 2024)

    Harrogate, North Yorkshire 20.1 mi

  • Harrogate Autumn Flower Show (Friday 13 September 2024 – Friday 13 September 2024)

    Ripon, North Yorkshire 20.2 mi

Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.

Want to know more about camping in North Yorkshire?

  • Does Cowslip Farm have a swimming pool? No View all features
  • Is Cowslip Farm dog friendly? Yes View all features
  • What attractions are near Cowslip Farm? A trip to York (10 minutes’ drive to the park and ride) is a must, of course – it’s easy to spend a day or two exploring the attractions there, whether you’re … Read more
  • When can I check in and check out of Cowslip Farm?
    Camping and touring
    Arrive:  2 p.m. –  8 p.m.
    Depart by:  10 a.m.
    On-site accommodation
    Arrive:  2 p.m. –  8 p.m.
    Depart by:  10 a.m.
    Read more
  • How much does it cost to stay at Cowslip Farm? From £65 (for 1 night, 2 adults) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.