When we heard that Nearly a third of Caravan & Motorhome Club bookings for 2017 are for sites in Yorkshire, according to a recent update by the club we thought we would write about some great desitinations in Yorkshire!
Whether it's the moorlands or the heritage houses that draw you to Yorkshire, you're likely to feel at home here, regardless of where you're from. Yorkshire destinations surpass some of the world's most popular attractions in charm, and this should come as no surprise, given their ancestry and their natural endowment. Renowned the world over for their picturesque landscape and their folklore, Yorkshire destinations are all the more impressive when explored at leisure. So why not dust off your caravan and head over to Yorkshire this summer? We could think of at least five reasons you should.
West Burton FallsNestled in the Yorkshire Dales National Park,
West Burton Falls, also known as Cauldron Falls, is just as much a source of inspiration today as it was back when
Turner painted it, at the beginning of the 19th century. If you're wondering where to go in Yorkshire, this could be a good place to start. With its bobbing dippers and swerving wagtails, the waterfall will be putting on a show for you, but if you're not impressed with the beauty of this hidden gem, then you're welcome to hike up to Aysgarth Falls. It's a 3-mile journey at the end of which you'll be able to spot the amphitheatre of the waterfall stretching across the River Ure - the same beauty spot featured in 'Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves'. The Street Head Caravan Park is only a 3-minute drive away from West Burton, and there are various cafes and inns within easy reach.
The Forbidden CornerTo the east lies the
The Forbidden Corner, a labyrinth of unusual wood sculptures, tunnels, chambers, water fountains and passages, and one of the most whimsical places to visit in Yorkshire. This private folly turned family attraction claims to be 'the strangest place in the world', and the many visitors who spend an entire afternoon here back up that statement. You're bound to work up an appetite on your 'forbidden' adventure, so drop by the Saddle Room restaurant when you've had your fill of fantasy characters and mysterious underground chambers. It boasts a wine cellar, a bar area and 5 uniquely-themed sections to indulge any every taste bud, but you're welcome to have a picnic if the menu doesn't tickle your fancy. The nearest caravan park is only a 15-minute drive away, and there's a free car and coach parking bay on site.
Ashworth BarracksOne of the newer and lesser known Yorkshire destinations, Ashworth Barracks are currently a volunteer-run Victoria Cross Museum. Located in Doncaster, it aims to show visitors the practicalities of military life during the World Wars and beyond, without glorifying war. It reveals the stories of those who were awarded the Victoria Cross, focusing on the vehicles they drove, their apparel, their weapons, and their humble worldly possessions. Children and adults are welcome to try on uniforms, handle rifles, grenades and land mines, and even fire machine guns on the firing range. The tour guides are ex-servicemen, the exhibits are real (bar the reproduction VC medals), parking is free and the on-site café serves fresh coffee and snacks for the peckish. The nearest caravan park is the Willow Bridge Caravan Site, a mere 14-minute drive away.
Bempton CliffsA journey across Yorkshire should always include a sojourn to the Flamborough Headland Heritage Coast. If you're wondering where to go in Yorkshire for a bit of quiet bird watching, the
RSPB Bempton Cliffs is the place to go. It's not nearly as busy as it should be, considering the variety of birds people can admire here in their natural habitat as they explore the chalk cliffs on foot. Gannets, razorbills, kittiwakes, fulmars, guillemots and puffins come to nest here, and they're never camera shy. Go on puffin patrol from April to mid-July, or set off on a bug parade trail taking place daily until the end of August. Discovery packs are available for children to use as they collect colourful insects or spot noisy birds from any of the six viewing platforms by the edge of the cliff. A seabird centre is open on site with picnic tables, refreshments and live footage of the cliffs running on large TV screens. The Bempton Chalet Park is only a mile away, and there are countless other holiday centres and campsites nearby.
Castle HowardAn 18th century palatial house with 1,000 acres of parkland for you to explore,
Castle Howard is a rural estate with hundreds of heritage buildings and monuments and one of the most stately places to visit in Yorkshire by caravan. The high point of the castle is the dramatic dome towering above a collection of world renowned artworks. The parkland, with its lakes, fountains, lawns, ornamental garden and playground, is a sight to see. The on-site caravan site, the Lakeside Caravan Park, connects to the North York Moors National Park through a network of bridleways and footpaths for cyclists and walkers. It's a fantastic place to bring the children in spring. Meet the miniature pony, the tiny pig, the alpacas, the rabbits, the guinea pigs and all the other animals at the mobile petting farm at The Easter Farm Fun event. The castle's visitors also enjoy a good scarecrow race and an Easter trail at this time of year, but various other events are hosted at this most impressive of Yorkshire destinations all year round.
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