Set amongst the beautiful fells of south-west Yorkshire Dales National Park, you’ll find the perfect location for Horton-in-Ribblesdale camping. Here, you are in exactly the right place for hiking in Yorkshire, caving and doing the Yorkshire Three Peak. I’ll also tell you the perfect campsite to stay at.

Horton-in-Ribblesdale

Horton-in-Ribblesdale was built on the rich banks of the River Ribble that runs through Lancashire and Northern Yorkshire.

Perhaps best known for its central place in the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge, Horton-in-Ribblesdale is used as a start or endpoint for many of the challenge’s participants. Horton-in-Ribblesdale is situated at the foot of the Pen-Y-Ghent mountain which overlooks the village.

Another substantial sight that can be seen from the village is the striking Ribblehead Viaduct which stands at 42m (104 feet) in height and 400m (440 yards) in length.

However, it is not just the Yorkshire three peaks and the allure of unique scenery that draws visitors to Horton-in-Ribblesdale. Caving and pot-holing are also incredibly popular activities in the area. This is due to the many caves that have been created over time in the limestone bed that the village sits on. Furthermore, Horton-in-Ribblesdale is crossed by a myriad of famous nature walkways such as The Ribble Way, The Dales Way, and The Pennine Way.

As recorded in the 2011 census, the population of Horton-in-Ribblesdale stands at 428, making it a quiet and peaceful village. The village boasts two cosy pubs, a café, and a railway station situated along the Settle-Carlisle line that runs over the Ribblehead Viaduct.

Thanks to its location, Horton-in-Ribblesdale welcomes thousands of wanderers, ramblers, walkers, and climbers every year. When it comes to accommodating these visitors, Horton-in-Ribblesdale does not disappoint with its many hotels and B&Bs to choose from. However, owing to England’s Wild camping laws, it is not permitted to pitch a tent just anywhere, making an overnight stay more difficult for campers. Luckily, there is a regulated campsite in Horton-in-Ribblesdale that accommodates all types of campers at any time of the year.

Horton-in-Ribblesdale Camping

Holme Farm Camp site is situated just on the outskirts of Horton-in-Ribblesdale. No more than a two-minute walk to the centre of the village, it’s the perfect campsite for those with weary legs after a long walk or climb.

Holme Farm is also neighboured by two pub restaurants on either side of the campsite known as the Golden Lion and the Crown Hotel. Both establishments are no more than 100m distance from the campsite, making them a popular site for those staying overnight or looking for refreshments.

The campsite is also only a short walk from Pen-Y-Ghent café where participants undertaking the Yorkshire Peaks can receive official confirmation of their completion of the challenge. Holme Farm Campsite is an optimal site for those wishing to undertake the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge. The main campsite is just a 20m walk from the foot of Pen-Y-Ghent.

The campsite grass is well maintained and generally flat throughout. There are several poles placed throughout the campsite to which visitors can hook up their campervans. Electric hookup is available. There are also some spaces to leave bikes and a car park within walking distance.

If arriving by railway, the campsite is only a 10 to 15-minute walk from the station.

Campsite Facilities 

Holme Farm Campsite has all of the expected trappings of a country campsite. There are showers available for both men and women at a fee of £1 per 10 minutes of hot water. To activate the shower, the £1 coin simply needs to be slotted into a box on the wall that will then start the 10-minute timer.

There are also both women’s and men’s bathroom blocks that are adjacent to the main campsite area. These bathroom blocks also contain mess sinks with washing up liquid and sponges that can be used to wash any pots or pans. These facilities are cleaned and restocked daily meaning that you won’t have to worry about running out of handwash or toilet roll.

Dogs and pets are permitted on the campsite.

Speaking of pots or pans, it is permitted to set up a barbeque or light a fire as long as it is securely sustained overground and not touching the grass. Once your meal is cooked, there are picnic benches spread throughout the campsite that are free for anyone to use. There are also bins placed throughout the campsite that are regularly emptied.

Holme Farm Campsite – Reservations and Peak Times

The capacity of Holme Farm Campsite is rather large, there rarely seems to be anyone turned away due to the large swathes of land available for campers. This also means that there’s usually space for campers to spread out and enjoy their own space.

However, during peak times such as late spring or throughout the Summer, the campsite can often become rather crowded. This is especially true during events such as the Three Peaks Fell Race that takes place in September or during the main Three Peaks challenge times in the Summer.

It is recommended that you book in advance during this time if you want to secure a spot on the campsite. Throughout the rest of the year, booking is not strictly necessary.

Prices and how to pay

Once you arrive at Holme Farm Campsite, the paying process is easy. You can’t miss the colourfully decorated shack that functions as a reception. It is usually here that the owner of the land can be found. Whatever the fee of your stay, you simply have to pay it in cash to the owner.

The average charges per night are:

• £10 – £14 per night for a hardstanding hook up campervan/caravan. 
• £4 – £5 per night for a car 
• £4 per night for a single tent.

A few more aspects of the Holme Farm Campsite that cannot be overlooked are the breathtaking views that surround the campsite and the general sense of camaraderie and fun that usually permeates throughout the campers.

Not only are the beautiful fells of Pen-y-Ghent ever-present at the campsite, but the Horton-in-Ribblesdale quarry can also be seen, paired with rolling, lush hills that are scattered with trees and boulders. The Holme Farm Campsite above all known for being a place that mountaineers, walkers, cyclers, and cavers alike can meet up to share stories and enjoy nature together.