Exploring the Yorkshire Dales and Coast in Your Motorhome
Exploring North Yorkshire by motorhome is a great way to see the countryside and the sea. However, a successful trip requires some planning. It is important to know which roads are wide enough for your vehicle and where you can find suitable parking.
Many general travel guides do not focus on the needs of larger motorhomes. This guide highlights specific spots and routes that are easy to drive and have plenty of space for parking.
5 Beautiful Spots in the Yorkshire Dales You Can Take Your Motorhome
These locations in the Dales are easy to reach and have reliable parking for motorhomes and caravans.
1. Aysgarth Falls The A684 road through Wensleydale is wide and easy to drive. The National Park car park at Aysgarth Falls has special long bays designed for motorhomes. After you see the waterfalls, the nearby village of Carperby is a great place to explore. It offers plenty of open space and quiet spots to pull over and enjoy the scenery from the comfort of your own motorhome or caravan.
2. Hawes and Hardraw Force Hawes is a famous market town that is easy to access. The Dales Countryside Museum has a large central car park where you can leave your motorhome while you walk to the Wensleydale Creamery. Nearby, the Green Dragon Inn has a big car park and is the entrance to the Hardraw Force waterfall.
3. The Bolton Abbey Estate Bolton Abbey is very easy to get to in a large vehicle. The roads are well-maintained and the village car park has a lot of space. There are many flat paths along the river and old ruins to explore. The Devonshire Arms is close to the car park if you want a meal or a drink.
4. Malham Cove Malham Cove is a huge limestone cliff and a must-see. To keep the drive simple, approach from the south through Gargrave. Avoid the very narrow roads that come from Settle. The village car park has space for motorhomes, but it is best to arrive early in the morning during busy times.
5. Pateley Bridge Pateley Bridge is easy to reach using the B6265 road from Ripon. This road is wide and comfortable for motorhomes. The local showground is the best place to park because it has a lot of space. From there, it is a short walk to the high street and the local shops.
From Central Yorkshire to the Coast
This route takes you from the middle of the county to the seaside using roads that are suitable for modern motorhomes.
The Drive to the Coast
When driving east towards the sea, you will likely use the A170. This road includes Sutton Bank, which is a very steep hill. It is best to stay in a low gear and keep a steady speed as you climb. Once you are at the top, the road across the moors is flat and wide with great views.
Staying in Whitby
Whitby is a perfect place to stay for a few days. Sites like Whitby Holiday Park sit on the cliffs and have full hook-ups for your motorhome. Staying here gives you easy access to the coastal walking paths for a nice stroll with a view of the North Sea.
Visiting Whitby Town
Whitby has very narrow streets that are hard to drive in. The best way to visit is to use the Park and Ride on the A171. It has plenty of room for motorhomes and a bus that takes you right into the centre. This makes it easy to see the Abbey and the harbour without worrying about parking.
The Drive to Scarborough
The A171 road south to Scarborough is a nice, wide road for driving. If you want to stop at Robin Hood’s Bay, make sure to use the car park at the top of the hill. The road down into the old village is too narrow for motorhomes. After a day by the sea, the drive back inland is straightforward and avoids the most difficult narrow lanes.
North Yorkshire is a wonderful place for a motorhome holiday. By choosing the right roads and parking spots, you can make sure your trip is relaxing and easy.