North Yorkshire is one of the best counties in England for caravan touring, and it’s easy to see why. It’s the largest county in the country and the only one with three National Parks either within or bordering it, so wherever you tow to, you’re never far from somewhere genuinely worth the trip.
Here’s our pick of the best touring destinations, plus a few practical notes on towing routes in the area.
The Yorkshire Dales
Rolling hills, dry stone walls, and some of the most photographed countryside in England, the Yorkshire Dales is a firm favourite for caravanners. Highlights include:
- Malham, home to the dramatic limestone amphitheatre of Malham Cove and the waterfall at Janet’s Foss
- Grassington, a picturesque village that makes a great base for walking and touring
- Skipton, known as the “Gateway to the Dales,” with its historic castle and market town charm
Towing note: approach to Malham can get busy with tourist traffic, especially in summer, so it’s worth phoning ahead to your campsite to check arrival times and avoid meeting oncoming traffic on the narrower lanes.
The North York Moors
Wilder and more rugged than the Dales, the North York Moors offer heather-covered moorland, dramatic coastline, and some of the darkest skies in England for stargazing. With over 190 sites to choose from across the National Park, there’s no shortage of places to pitch up.
Don’t miss:
- Whitby, with its haunting abbey ruins and classic seaside charm
- Pickering, a great base for exploring the North Yorkshire Moors Railway
- Robin Hood’s Bay, a small fishing village well worth the walk down (and the walk back up)
Herriot Country
Closer to home for us, the area around Thirsk is affectionately known as Herriot Country, named after the much-loved vet and author James Herriot, whose books were set in and around the region. It’s a beautiful, less crowded alternative to the busier honeypot spots, with easy access to both the Dales and the Moors.
The Yorkshire Coast
For a change of pace, the coastline offers everything from traditional seaside fun in Scarborough to quieter spots further up towards Staithes. Coastal touring sites tend to book up quickly in peak season, so it’s worth planning ahead.
A Note on Towing Routes
A few specific routes in the region are best avoided while towing, according to touring guides for the area:
- The road within the centre of the North York Moors National Park
- The route from Thwaite (Swaledale) to High Tan Hill Inn
- The road from Kettlewell to Leyburn
These tend to be narrow, winding, and better suited to cars alone. If you’re not familiar with the area, it’s always worth double-checking your route with a caravan-specific sat nav or route planner before setting off, rather than relying on a standard car route.
Getting Ready Before You Go
Whichever direction you’re heading, make sure your outfit is properly checked over before a big tour, tyres, brakes, hitch, and weights all matter more on longer routes through hillier terrain like the Dales and Moors.
At The Harrogate Caravan Company, based at Carlton Miniott near Thirsk, right in the heart of Herriot Country, we’re happy to give your caravan or motorhome a once-over before you head off, and our full servicing and repairs workshop is on hand if anything needs sorting first.
Planning a trip? Get in touch or call us on 01845 407150, we’re always happy to talk through routes and recommend a few of our own favourite spots too.
Route and campsite information is provided as general guidance. Always check current conditions, site availability and road suitability before setting off.