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The setting for this site is absolutely stunning, the views are the best we have encountered from a campsite and these views are maximised by the clever terracing of the site - caravans on the higher terraces with tents lower down. The tent pitches are more attractive as the caravans are sited on gravel with no grass - but the views more than made up for that.
This is not a site for those new to, or lacking confidence in towing! You have to drive through a narrow arch, over a single track hump back bridge and then encounter narrow lanes - but boy is it worth it!
There is a friendly atmosphere on site - one small group did play loud music but turned it off at 9pm just as I was ready to go and politely tell them my children were trying to sleep! Otherwise the site is peaceful and it is lovely seeing chickens and ducks roam freely. There is a great field for dogs to have a run while owners can soak in the view. The toilet block next to reception looks brand new and was spotless. The shower block was much more dated but clean and actually very well equipped - each room has it's own hairdryer, mirror, shaving point and lots of hooks. The showers are warm and the temperature can be controlled which is great when showering children. The area is amazing - we did a beautiful walk around Malham incorporating the cove, the limestone pavement above and then across to Gordale Scar and Janet's foss waterfall. Our 6 and 9 year olds loved it! We also went to Bolton abbey and then to the Yorkshire Dales Icecream farm where they have an american style diner with delicious food and fantastic indoor and outdoor play areas - the barn is full of hay bales and rope swings and our girls loved it! We looked at a couple of other sites in the area including one in the nearby village where the tents were crammed in (Masons) - we would definitely return to this site as I certain we will return to this beautiful corner of the dales.
Cute campsite with lovely views so on a nice evening you can sit back and relax. Clean amenity blocks and friendly owners with small shop selling basics. There is a large field for walking dogs. We walked to Bolton Abbey from the campsite which is a lovely location to visit. There looked to a be a nice walk up the hills behind the campsite but alas no access for dogs for we didn't get to explore this. The walk down the river to the closest pub is about 30minute walk away.
Our arrival at this site was to say the least hair raising and slightly traumatic of which I'm surprised hasn't been raised in previous reviews!
The website gives you a pictorial recommended route in to the site of which as we discovered with a twin axle caravan is nerve wracking to say the least. There is an arch that has a height restriction that is pointed out but it doesn't actually point out the very narrow width of which I doubt a Hobby would fit through. Then there is a very pretty long bridge to squeeze over and pray no one is coming from the other direction like we had, who was incapable of reversing and when she finally did we missed hitting the side of the bridge by an inch. The last bit of farm track makes you feel like you've lost the plot completely and could be better signposted to let you know you are approaching a campsite!
Other than that, the site is very peaceful in that there is no tv signal of which the site owner did apologise and helped another fellow caravanner by bringing his own tv down to test and supplying another aerial cable and no phone signal. Chickens roam free, a picnic bench is supplied to each pitch which was fab. The pitches were huge and the toilets & showers though basic were very clean and adequate.
The Craven Arms in Appletreewick is a must visit and the food was lovely, Bolton Abbey another lovely day out spent by the river walking, cream teas and a chat with a lovely guide in the Priory.
A lovely site that we're glad we've visited but wouldn't want to take a twin axle back there.
Lovely site - probably the best we have ever visited. Beautiful scenery, good sized pitches, immaculate toilets and showers and a friendly family running the site.
Plenty to see and do in the area. Good walks to local pubs and pretty towns and villages within a small radius.
Really recommend a visit - but don't tell too many people otherwise we might have trouble booking in in future.
Just returned from a weekend away at this lovely site. Was having such a good time even decided to stay for an extra night. The site layout is lovely in tiered sections, that you never felt too close to anyone, it did rain a bit whilst there but had no problems with the ground surface being to wet. The toilet facilities are basic but very comfortable, there did seem to be a lot of facilities at the top of he site but we did not use these so cannot comment.
The shop had all the min essentials at good prices.
The owners were pleasant from the time we arrived at the site and was kindly showed us to our pitch.
The site was very really busy but we had no problems with noisy neighbours at all. A lovely peaceful site, I hope it stays that way.
The only downside which isn't really a negative was the lact of play facilities for the kids, they were having to entertain themselves, which for mine, just seems impossible!
The kids loved the morning visits from the many chickens that visited us frequently.
The site is located is a superb spot for walkers and cyclists and for skipton/Bolton abbey/grassington and burnsall of which we visited all.
Will definitely be going back before the end of 2013.
What a great site, in great location with great facilities.
A must is a walk into appletreewick where both pubs are excellent with great food and beers.
We went with friends and the children aged from 2 to 12. They were never bored and neither were the adults.
There is no play ground as such but a great playing field.
The people running the site were extremely friendly even when we got told off at 11.10 for making too much noise. We went to bed just after very sheepishly. This is not a noisy site and must remain this way. We just got a little carried away.
We had the worst rain I have experienced in 25 years of camping in the night but by morning the ground was so well drained you couldn't tell. Will definitely return.
Just got back from a long weekend at howgill. What a lovely site, so scenic and facilities really good. Good supplies at the shop and good prices, just as we'll as forgot to take some coffee and ketchup. We also forgot the coolbox electric converter to use with hookup, but there was plenty of space in the two full sized fridge freezers on site for our beer and BBQ food.
Pitch was well drained, though a little stony so we needed to use rock pegs in places. Love the 2 or 3 pitch per terrace layout and general layout of site, gives you lots of personal space.
Loo and shower blocks on site all good, though ones at the top are more luxurious than ones at bottom, but the water was full flowing and hot and it had a place to hang your clothes/towel so it was no bother to use the more basic ones near the tent. Washing up area good, water always very hot.
Could have smuggled out some of the chickens, as we really got used to them wandering around looking for scraps. Bunnies and new kittens super cute too. We will be back, as great walks in area, good trek up to Simons seat.
What can I say. From the minute we arrived to our departure we had the most wonderful stay at this beautiful campsite. The Static Caravan was superb with every conceiveable facility provided, large fridge/freezer, brilliant shower and gas cooker. There is a an excellent laundry on site which is very reasonably priced. The unit was located on a lovely elevated position with views over the local countryside.
As for the local area you are spoilt for choice for the many beautiful villages to visit. Appletreewick, Burnsall, Grassington, the Priory ruins at Bolton Abbey, the lovely little town of Skipton (8 miles away), Simon's Seat which I a wonderful climb which is accessible directly from the campsite and worth the effort to see the wonderful views over the Dales. I could go on and on as there is so much positive to say about this location, best you just go and enjoy it for yourself.
Thank you to the family who own and run the site for their warm welcome and kindness during our visit. William & Margaret (N. Ireland)
The setting of this site is in a very quiet backwater a few miles from Bolton Abbey in one direction and Grassington in the other. The route is a little narrow in places but the 'leave before 12. 00 - arrive after 13. 00' helps to prevent two units meeting each other on the narrow lanes.
Once at the site, it is difficult not to fall in love with the location - open views across Wharfedale and a cuteness to the sites facilities - the little shop-cum-reception telephone kiosk and covered information area. The neatly mown grass around the hardstandings give way to longer, deliberately left, bankings to allow for wildflowers and wildlife to flourish.
We arrived under glorious blue skies and bright sunshine to be warmly greeted and shown a choice of pitches. We settled on a pitch on the middle terrace and soon set up. Each pitch has a wooden picnic bench alongside it - of which we took full advantage the following morning for an al-fresco full English.
The toilet block was spotless. There is a separate building for the showers and laundry facilities. Each shower cubicle is self contained with ample dressing area with a hairdryer. There is no annoying button to have to keep pressing and the water pressure was as good as at home.
One thing to note is that the Elsan disposal point accepts green toilet chemicals only as the waste system filters through to a reed bed eco-friendly system. Not a problem for us as we knew this before we arrived and planned accordingly.
Not so much for kids to do but there is a play area with goal posts near the camping area. There are walks aplenty from the site.
Would I go again? Most definitely YES. This site is as close to perfect as I have found since I started caravanning. I was reluctant to sing its praises for fear of never getting a pitch but my duty for the greater good of fellow caravanners won in the end.
What a beautiful campsite, we're so pleased we visited, we will definitely be visiting again soon. The site is immaculate, incredible views from each pitch and plenty of space per pitch, with your own picnic table. The facilities were lovely and clean and the showers were great, nice & hot & powerful too. The shop was great, you can get everything you need to make a cooked breakfast. The owners were very nice & helpful and quite rightly proud of their site. We had a lovely walk into Appletreewick and ate at the New Inn, the food was lovely & they allowed both of our dogs in. The weather wasn't great, unfortunately, but we could see that there were so many other walks available, varying in distance, so we look forward to exploring a few more routes next time we come. Weather permitting!
Very nice campsite. Our pitch was on a terrace and was well protected from the wind. The toilets /shower block was kept very clean and the site was kept very clean. Very handy if your walking in the area.
Also not too far from skipton. A couple of pubs within walking distance at appletreeewick serving good beer and food.
Had a wonderful time trying out a smaller new tent, and our 18th wedding anniversary.
We were at the bottom, with wonderful views front and back. Only toilet open at bottom, showers further up and at the top.
A lot of rabbits and butterflies
Went for a walk from Barden bridge to bolton Abbey and back, then to Appletreewick for a meal at night. Would have liked to know where there was another pub for a meal.
Friday night was cold but a wonderful clear night sky, no light pollution just millions of stars and of course a bad frost in the morning, this soon cleared when the sun came out.
The owners when we saw them were friendly and very nice
Spacious site, well planned and maintained. Teired with no more than 3 tents per teir, caravans and motor homes at the the top, also lots of electric hook ups for tents. Three toilet/shower blocks, all well placed and clean (fab showers). The most amazing views from all pitches.
Nice little (1-2mile) walk to the pub - try the New Inn over the other one. Food is great value and tastes great. Shop on site open at various times throughout the day. Fridge and freezer you can put things in. Laundry.
Best bits. Chickens and rabbits playing in the fields. The views
Worst bits. None really, only 9/10 because perfection is pretty impossible. Maybe the upper showers could do with some attention (just being picky now)
Seventh visit to Howgill Lodge, but not been since 2000 or the advent of the 'net, so thought would take opportunity to share the joy.
Which is always a dangerous thing as part of the charm and pleasure of Howgill is the fact that, whilst the site is never empty (always beware the place where you are the only ones on the field), it is never 'rammed full' of visitors (ever been on a site where you turn over in bed and bump into the guy in the next tent?) and there is space to unwind and relax.
But has ever been thus when I visit the site so perhaps the owners have got their booking just right. Better to have a site where visitors appreciate how the place is run and want to come back year on year, than squeezing in the sardines this year, and not worry how many will return next.
Anyway, to the review (ahem). In short, I have camped and bivouacked for 40 yrs around the globe, in every climate, and Howgill is in the top 10. OK the surf is better in Waikiki and the mountains steeper in Southern Alps. But Howgill does the simple things well and treats its visitors as adults (again, ever been on a site and thought 'Am I an inmate here?').
Site is over three main fields overlooking Wharfedale between Burnsall & Barden. All sites level (many terraced with 4 foot (1. 2m) retaining stone walls. So those with rambling toddlers be aware). Surfaced road through site for access with relatively steep descent to lower field but nothing too scary (if you've made it to the site then the site itself should not worry you - see later. ). Upper pitches laid with gravel / hard standing for 'vans and m'homes. Lower camping pitches are a tad stony in places but nothing that a little perseverance cannot resolve for your pegging out.
Pitches set at two per terrace. Most with own 'pub-style' picnic table with combined benches. Which is very handy. Pitches large enough for decent sized family tent and vehicle.
Facilities. Simple but good quality and well maintained.
- Toilets and showers in 3 separate blocks (which range in style from very good in block at top end of site to 'this is interesting' at bottom end). All clean with copious loo roll (always an irritation at 3a. M. When you have scurried through the drizzle in your jim-jams and cagoule to find a lonely cardboard roll on the holder). And hot water and decent shower pressure 24/7. Again availability of hot water on demand in the Dales (where the climate is, let's say, changeable on an hourly basis at times) is without price. And NO CHARGE for showers.
- also laundry facilities (washing, drying, ironing) on coin slot basis
- four large kitchen sinks in covered area for washing up (for those who retain a shred of civility au camping) and vegetable preparation. A term I am familiar with but have not partaken of in some time I must admit.
- AND a freely provided (though donations for service are politely requested) large refrigerator and separate freezer (again in covered area) for food storage. Sort of student fridge for the site. So, yes you do take the risk of someone eating your sausages. But didn't lose a single banger whilst we were there. Also very useful for keeping your Cloudy Bay nicely chilled. One for the more middle class there.
- Site shop - well stocked with usual campsite essentials (milk, bread, bacon, sausage, egg, Kendal mint cake (in case you feel the urge to assault the Pole on your holiday I presume), and usual impulse purchase cakes and doo-dads). And without the usual horrendous local shop mark-ups. Certainly no more costly than the local Spar and similar.
- Drinking water and waste water stand pipes and drains throughout site - well maintained and no evidence of 'wildlife'. Again, ever been to a site where there appears to be a concerted effort to place the water taps in some form of aquatic commune.
- Refuse disposal points x 2 with good recycling direction and bins well secured against vermin and inquisitive children
- Elsan disposal point for those who do that sort of thing (see reed beds later)
- Fire points - lots of fire buckets well filled and maintained. If you have been so fortunate as to have been camping for years and never experienced a campsite fire (not a campfire) count yourself blessed. Have seen 3 in my time. Everyone got out alive (if a little singed) but every last scrap of possession within the unit was ash. Modern camping equipment (even the most fire retarded) will combust readily given the appropriate circumstances. So good to see ready access to something you never want to use or see used
- Generally well maintained site - grass short but with wildlife islands on banks - no litter - no dog waste (which is as much responsible owners as site managers encouraging visitors to be so) - everything clean and tidy
- Good attention to safety - no dodgy wiring, bad plumbing, poor carpentry or masonry - lots of notices reminding visitors that a good way to asphyxiate one's family is to leave the barbecue in the tent.
- No campfires permitted (which is a GOOD thing - see fire point above), but barbecues OK if that's your thing.
- Up to 2 well behaved hounds per pitch permitted free of charge, evidently on presumption that owner's clear up after their hounds and do not permit them to harass other visitors, live stock or wildlife (see later) - same principles apply to children (but are perhaps not as robustly enforced). There is a separate dog walking field annexed to site - again dog by-products to be bagged and binned.
- Also a (slightly tired) football pitch between dog field and bottom pitch field
- Boxes of books and bats'n'balls'n'frisbees to borrow and use on site
Reed beds - evidently site is well off the grid so toilet waste is processed through reed beds adjacent to site. Which is most environmental and evidently more cost-effective for both owner and visitor alike. But if you are on a lower pitch and the wind is from the wrong direction there can be a biological odour on the breeze. You don't have to scramble for your respirator like my Granddad in the Blitz, but it is noticeable. But then the wind changes and all is well. How chemical loo disposal works with the reeds I don't know, but evidently owners must have it sorted. But if you are not sure nest to ask I would say.
Access to Howgill itself is down narrow lanes, over narrow (and I mean narrow) bridges, through arches, down windy hills. Whichever way you approach Howgill there is an interesting road feature or two to negotiate. Be aware and research if you tug a larger than typical 'van or bus. And make a note of when the dustbin lorry comes.
Local area is fantastic for walking whether you hike, stroll or dawdle. Lots of wildlife and live stock for your animal or child to see, investigate or worry if you don't control it well enough. Site itself has roaming poultry which fear neither man nor beast, and a resident rabbit population which our dog took great pleasure in pursuing at 5a. M. EVERY morning.
Lots to do, see, visit round and about. Walk from site itself down to river and along to Barden, Strid, Bolton Abbey/bridge well recommended. Also up valley to Burnsall / Grassington. Plenty of open access land directly above site BUT dogs are not permitted onto moorland to protect wildlife - has been so for 30 years and will not change in my lifetime so be aware. But plenty of other places to walk your hound direct from site.
Finally, Howgill is off the grid. Mobile reception is sparse and sporadic. 3G?. Ha ha. But so what, you are on holiday!. There's good reception at most local villages and places to visit (and indeed on most hill tops). Also is a payphone on site and at end of lane which WORK but do consume cash at an alarming rate (a penny per second is the default tariff).
A good, clean, well facilitated, managed and maintained, friendly, family and dog welcoming site
We have just returned from a great short break at this campsite, what a find. The welcome was friendly and informative, we had a spacious pitch with its own picnic table - wish I'd known before I wouldn't have packed ours.
The toilets and showers were spotless, with plenty of hot water in the showers, now all free I understand not charged as some of the earlier reviews state,
There is no playground on site, but there is a piece of ground with a couple of goal posts which attracted the kids for a friendly match of an evening.
There is a shop on site selling the basics. It is a half hour walk into Appletreewick where there are two pubs, both seem to get very busy so get there in good time.
Plenty of walks locally and the river is not too far away for a spot of paddling and 'fishing'. We are glad we found this spot and will definitely return.
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Common Questions
Is Howgill Lodge Caravan And Camping Park child friendly? YES, it accepts children View all facilities
Where is the nearest shop to Howgill Lodge Caravan And Camping Park? There is a shop on site View all facilities
Is Howgill Lodge Caravan And Camping Park dog friendly? YES View all facilities
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Tent Pitches 
Caravan Pitches 
Motorhome Pitches 
Small Campervans 
No Glamping Units 
Holiday Homes for Hire 
No Statics for Sale 
No Seasonal Pitches 
Electric Hookups 
Hardstanding Pitches 
No Fully Serviced Pitches 
Families Welcome 
Not Members Only 
No Rallies 
Not Naturist Site 
Dogs Welcome 
No Dogs Allowed 
Groups Welcome 
Motorbikers Welcome 
Toilet Facilities 
Hot Showers 
Washing Up 
No Bathroom 
Baby Changing Facilities 
Laundry On Site 
Drinking Water 
Disabled Friendly 
Chemical Disposal 
No Battery Charging 
Gas Exchange 
Recycling Facilities 
No Kitchen Facilities 
Freezer / Fridge 
No Motorhome Point 
Wifi Access 
Shop On Site 
Bar <5 miles 
Restaurant or Cafe or Takeaway <5 miles 
No Playground 
No TV Room 
No Games Room 
No Evening Ents 
Fishing <5 miles 
Wild Swimming <1 mile 
No Indoor Pool 
No Outdoor Pool 
No Horse Riding 
No Cycle Hire 
No Golf 
No Tennis 
No Beach 
No Watersports 
No Boat Launch 
No Sea Views 
Not Working Farm 
Campfires Allowed 
No Waterside Pitches 
Public Transport <5 miles
Offroad Dog Walk On Site or Direct Access 
The setting for this site is absolutely stunning, the views are the best we have encountered from a campsite and these views are maximised by the clever terracing of the site - caravans on the higher terraces with tents lower down. The tent pitches are more attractive as the caravans are sited on gravel with no grass - but the views more than made up for that. 
