Is there any better place for a glamping trip in the countryside than Yorkshire? God’s own county is home to rolling hills, lush green fields, dry stone walls, and pretty villages, and makes for a fantastic location for a UK family staycation in the great outdoors.
There’s plenty to do to keep kids and adults alike busy, with activities ranging from the most adventurous hikes up spectacular peaks to more relaxed wanders around market towns with cosy pub stops too.
Indulge in the luxury of staying in some of the most picturesque outdoor locations in England, without the hassle of lugging your own tent around. Embrace a stress-free break where you can travel light and fully enjoy quality time with your loved ones.
Read on to find out how to spend three days glamping with the family in Yorkshire.
Where is the best place to glamp in Yorkshire?
We offer glamping accommodation in the grounds of the 19th-century Grade II building YHA Grinton Lodge, which was a shooting lodge in a former life. Set near Richmond in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, it’s now home to a comfortable hostel with a licensed bar and restaurant, and glamping accommodation in the grounds.
At the glamp site, you’ll discover our unique Landpods, which are quirky camping pods perfect for family getaways or romantic escapes. Landpods comfortably accommodate up to four people in two double beds, complete with solar powered LED lighting, USB charge points and a comfy seating area. Landpods offer all the fun of a traditional camping experience with some added home comforts. Although they don’t come with heating, there are extra blankets in case the temperature drops, and all our cosy sheets, duvets, and pillows are included.
One of the most unique features of the Landpods is their insulated canopy roofs. These can be opened out and raised up to keep you cool on warm summer evenings. You can even stargaze from your bed or set your alarm to watch the sunrise in the morning Outside, there’s a bench and a fire pit so you can make the most of spending time in the great outdoors before warming chilly fingers by the fire. A free pack of wood is provided for your stay, and you can grab some more at reception if you need it. Bring some marshmallows to toast, make some hot chocolate, and you’ve got everything you need to enjoy some quality time together. Glamping guests have access to all of the hostel’s facilities, including the social areas, toilets and showers, and the self-catering kitchen.
The glamping accommodation at YHA Grinton Lodge is dog-friendly so you can bring your pup on holiday with you. Pooches will love exploring the grounds and curling up in the cosy Landpods after a busy day of following their noses.
How to plan a three day glamping trip in Yorkshire
Yorkshire is a vast and varied county, and as you might expect, there is no shortage of things to do. The only thing you might struggle with is fitting it all into three days! Here are some of our favourite things to do close to YHA Grinton Lodge for an incredible three day glamping break.
Day one of your glamping in Yorkshire intinerary
The first day of your glamping trip is your arrival day. Unlike camping holidays, glamping breaks are pretty much stress-free. You don’t need to pack the car to the roof with camping equipment such as a tent, sleeping bags, and cooking equipment, as everything is already there for you!
There’s no stressing out as you struggle with putting up a tent when it’s pouring with rain or hammering in tent pegs into the rock-solid ground. Had a long journey full of hold ups and road works? Your Landpod is already all set up and waiting for you!
You can check in from 5pm so there’s plenty of time to arrive and then enjoy an evening on the glamp site. Or why not drop the car and bags off earlier and head out on foot to explore the local area?
If you’ve had a stressful journey, you may wish to spend a couple of hours relaxing in the grounds at YHA Grinton Lodge. Children are encouraged to run off some steam and play, whilst you enjoy the spectacular views out over the Yorkshire Dales.
If you feel up to it, you can head out to the nearby village of Grinton, just ten minutes’ walk away. Grinton has a beautiful church, some small shops, and places to eat. Further afield, you’ll find the larger towns of Reeth and Richmond.
Head back to the hostel and tuck into a tasty evening meal washed down with a well deserved beverage.
In the evening, head back to your Landpod to get snuggly and do some stargazing. YHA Grinton Lodge is in a Dark Sky Reserve, so you can look up to the clear, starry skies at night. See how many constellations you can spot before you get your heads on your pillows for a great night’s sleep.
Day two of your glamping in Yorkshire intinerary
Start your day by cooking up a storm in the well-equipped self-catering kitchen at the hostel. With a variety of pots, pans, crockery and cutlery, you can prepare anything from a light breakfast of fruit and porridge to a gut-busting full English, all within the comfort of the hostel.
Once you’ve eaten, you’re ready to head out. If you’re feeling fit, you can make a beeline into the countryside for a walk with some amazing views.
Some of our favourite routes near Grinton include Fremington Edge and Reeth, a varied walk across fields and moors, and a more challenging 10-mile moorland hike around Whitaside Moor.
Looking for something more exhilarating? Swaledale has some of the best bridleways and trails in the Yorkshire Dales that are perfect for mountain biking. Routes start right from the glamp site, so put the car keys away and get pedalling.
If you’d prefer a more chilled out day, why not visit Barnard Castle, just a short drive from the glamp site across the border in the Durham Dales? The fortress offers spectacular views over the Tees Gorge and has plenty to explore both inside and outside on the extensive lawns.
The castle itself is on the edge of the working market town of the same name, affectionately known as “Barney.” The town is full of antique and independent shops where you’ll find a wealth of treasures. There’s also the Witham Arts Centre, where you’ll find live music, theatre, film, and comedy performances.
Head back to the hostel’s licensed restaurant in the evening to indulge in a delicious meal. Depending on how much of an appetite you’ve worked up today, you can choose from hearty classics such as scampi and chips, or burger and chips, or something more snacky like jalapeno poppers. There are plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans, too.
We know how expensive eating out can be, especially if you’re travelling as a family. Therefore, in our restaurant, kids eat for just £1, alongside each paying adult, to help you keep the costs down.
After dinner, return to the Landpod and get the fire going in the outside firepit. Grab some blankets from inside if you’re feeling chilly and warm your hands while you toast marshmallows and chat about your adventures so far.
Day three of your glamping in Yorkshire itinerary
Day three is the last day of your glamping break in Yorkshire, and it’s time to head home. If you don’t have too long a journey ahead of you, you can still make the most of your last day in this beautiful part of the world.
Don’t worry about preparing your own breakfast on the last day of your holiday. Head to the hostel’s restaurant instead to enjoy an all-you-can-eat breakfast, which will set you up nicely for your adventures.
You can choose from cooked breakfast items like sausage, bacon, eggs, hash browns, tomatoes, and beans, or opt for a continental with fresh fruit, cereal, yogurt, and pastries. Tea, coffee, and juices are also included.
Under 10s can also benefit from the £1 food offer during breakfast, making this a really cost-effective option for families.
After brekkie, it’s time to get packing. Don’t worry – this won’t take hours since there’s no tent to put down and no camping equipment to put away – easy peasy! Check out at YHA Grinton Lodge is at 10am so you’ve got plenty of time to get you and the rest of the family ready for departure.
For your last day in the Yorkshire Dales, make like Wallace and Gromit and visit the valley of Wensleydale. There’s loads to see and do in this gorgeous area, not least trying the famous cheese.
You can visit the Wensleydale Creamery in the village of Hawes, where you can take an interactive journey through the art of cheese making. The people of the Yorkshire Dales have been making cheese for over a thousand years, so it’s an integral part of the area’s history.
In the Cheese & Gift Shop, you can see (and taste!) over 20 varieties of artisan cheese, along with local food and drink and handmade gifts. You can also pick up some souvenirs and gifts here.
When you’re ready, it’s time to head home with your unforgettable memories of your glamping break in Yorkshire.
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