Marvellous Malham campsites for yomps in the Yorkshire Dales
Ever made it to Malham? If not, it’s worth taking a look at this pretty little village when pondering places to stay in the Yorkshire Dales – with a setting on the Pennines Way and within walking distance of some splendid scenery at Malham Cove, Gordale Scar and Janet’s Foss this is a proper hub for hikers looking to hit some of the area’s top spots.
And while such scenery’s obviously a good thing to seek out on a walk, the surrounds here make an equally fine backdrop to an outdoorsy stay – and as such we reckon camping near Malham is a bit of a winner for folk who fancy taking gorgeous views both while moving and while sitting (smugly) at their digs.
They’re canny types up here, too – holiday parks and campsites in Malham have been set up with all sorts of travellers in mind, from those hauling their own kit around to those who’d rather keep life simple by moving into something that’s already been set up.
All set to mosey around Malham and its pretty surroundings? Check out our guide to getting the most from your Malham camping break.
Campsites near Malham: bargain berths and brilliant boltholes
Before you race off to this cracking corner of the Yorkshire Dales, there are things to consider. The most pressing of these is the sort of Malham campsite you’d like to stay in: will you be after somewhere cheap and cheerful to build your tent or might all that outdoor activity cause you to need to fall into a comfy bed at the end of the day?
Those who fall into the former group are blessed with a proper bounty from which to choose: this is an area that’s well-supplied with simple camping pitches where the facilities are geared up for peaceful stays (favouring such things as clean bathrooms, drying rooms and bike storage over packing the place full of added activities to distract from the views). Check out places that allow campfires if you reckon you might want a bit of added warmth of an evening.
Right up at the other end of the spectrum are the sorts of places that demand very little effort from the guests – these are your bell tents, shepherd’s huts, yurts and the like. Kitted out with the majority of the stuff you’ll need for your break (think beds, woodburning stoves, firepits, kitchen areas and the like) they’re super options for those who don’t have all their own camping kit or want a faff-free place to nip off to for a weekend break.
In between these two are all sorts of other options – camping pods for cosy overnight stops and campsites with enticing facilities like a play area, a fishing area and a restaurant or café (or even, if you’re feeling fancy, an indoor pool or a hot tub…) And yes, if there’s a wagging tail nearby at the mention of all these walkies, campsites in Malham are fine picks for dog-friendly accommodation in the Yorkshire Dales…
The top spots to visit on your Malham camping break
The obvious place to start is with that cluster of natural attractions nearby: the huge limestone amphitheatre of Malham Cove, the craggy gorge Gordale Scar, the tumbling cascade of Janet’s Foss waterfall and the clear waters of Malham Tarn (England’s highest freshwater lake, fact fans).
Beyond that, of course, the rest of the Yorkshire Dales National Park is there for you to explore: take it easy on a wander around the waterfalls of Ingleton or set yourself the challenge of scaling Yorkshire’s Three Peaks (Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. For something a tad more adventurous, set out on a mountain bike trail or seek local guides for days of climbing, caving and watersports.
Getting underground doesn’t have to involve shimmying through a teeny sinkhole: there are easier ways to delve beneath the surface at family-friendly White Scar Caves and Ingleborough Caves. If you’ve got the nippers with you on hols, they may also like outings to places like Bolton Castle’s dungeons, rides on the Wensleydale Railway and the madness that is the Forbidden Corner.
Fuel all this activity with local cheese fresh from the Wensleydale Creamery, treats from The Oldest Sweet Shop In England (and perhaps a pint from the Dark Horse Brewery for those of the required age).
Planning to make Malham part of a longer jaunt around northern England? Check out all our options for campsites and holiday parks in north east England here.
