Campsites in Goathland: nifty North Yorkshire spots for hikers and Harry Potter fans
Book a break at a Goathland campsite and you may just feel a sense of familiarity… although the reason for this may (with apologies) depend a teeny bit on your age.
If you’re of the vintage that was watching Sunday night telly back in the nineties you may feel like you’re stepping onto the set of Heartbeat and the village of Aidensfield. Younger travellers and film buffs, meanwhile, are liable to start looking over their shoulders for sightings of Harry Potter, Hermione and the rest of the gang as they wander around ‘Hogsmeade’ station.
But even if you’ve never seen the place before, it has to be said that Goathland camping has a lot going for it: this little village is a handy hub for hikes in the gorgeous wilds of the North York Moors National Park, heritage rides on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and outings to the fab east coast beaches just up the road (Robin Hood’s Bay, anyone?)
Thumbs up to all that? Read on for our guide to getting the best out of campsites around Goathland.
Goathland camping breaks from simple stays to swish facilities
Such a variety of reasons to visit, and such a variety of Goathland campsites to pick from too. Bring along a tent, roll up in a motorhome or caravan or leave all the clobber behind and settle into some accommodation that’s already set up – whichever approach appeals, there should be a place for you on our long list of options.
For lots of folk, a trip to the moors is all about the open air – and all of our campsites near Goathland will provide plenty of that. It’s just up to you to decide how you’d like to experience it. Perhaps the full-on fresh air experience that comes with a wild camping pitch or parking up in a peaceful location? A spot of fishing perhaps? Somewhere that’s well placed for walks, followed by an evening by the campfire?
Or maybe you’re all up for the majority of the outdoor life but you’d prefer to have a bed to flop into by night (if only because you don’t have the kit required to bring your own sleeping stuff)? No need to forego the whole thing: consider a bargain stay in a Goathland camping pod, a cosy time in a shepherd’s hut or taking the whole gang off for a break in a spacious static caravan.
It’s worth having a quick think about who’s heading off on hols with you too. If you’re bringing a furry pal, check to make sure you’re booking a dog-friendly Goathland campsite. Couples seeking proper quiet times can seek adults-only sites, while those with nippers in tow might like to make their lives easier with such things as a play area and a café on site.
Where to get out and about while camping in Goathland
It’s right in the midst of the North York Moors National Park, so it’s no surprise to find that Goathland’s a top pick for hikes and strolls – trails here take in waterfalls, heathland and wildlife-filled riverbanks (plus plenty of pubs, of course).
On foot isn’t the only way to get around though; it’s worth leaving some time to ride the rails of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, whose heritage trains puff their way through some gorgeous scenery from the station right there in the village (yep, the one so scenic it had a role in the Harry Potter films…)
For more outdoorsy time, head off to Cropton Forest for mountain bike trails, zip through the air at the Go Ape adventure park in Dalby Forest or try out your canoeing skills on the River Esk. Or of course you could head coast-wards: walks on the coast path and around Robin Hood’s Bay are pretty spectacular too.
While you’re over at the seaside, take a trip up to Whitby to follow in Dracula’s footsteps, find out about former resident Captain Cook and feast on fish and chips. Scarborough’s another classic pick for seaside days too: head over here for fab family days of beaches, donkey rides, amusements and retro ice cream parlours (or beers from the brewery, if that’s more your thing…)
Roaming elsewhere in England’s fab northern reaches? Check out all the options for campsites and holiday parks in north-east England and north-west England for more inspiration.
