The best farm stays in Dalby Forest

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Mountain bikers can take their pick of trails in Dalby Forest, set in the southern valleys of the North York Moors National Park. Miles of forests lead the way through the woodlands, and you can also explore on foot or on horseback. Kids have plenty to get excited about, too, with activities including a treetop adventure course, paintballing, archery, and orienteering. Stick around after dark as the park is also renowned for its dark skies and stargazing opportunities. The two campsites within Dalby Forest are reserved for use by youth groups, but campers can find plenty of options nearby.

Top-rated campgrounds

Bowcliffe is our latest addition to the site and is available for booking from May 2024.

5. Ravensdale Glamping Retreats

100%
(3)
4 units · Glamping · England
Discover a unique short getaway with just two or three days to spare! Enjoy your own private hot tub or outdoor bath, a BBQ, and a spacious patio—all included! Our glamping pods offer the perfect retreat for couples seeking a romantic weekend or families wanting to enjoy the great outdoors. Nestled on a charming old dairy farm and overlooking a tranquil pond, our beautifully designed, luxurious, and fully-equipped pods provide an ideal base for exploring the picturesque surroundings. A brand-new pod was added Summer 2025 bringing the total pods to just four! Located near the historic city of York, Castle Howard, and plenty of pubs, restaurants, and shopping destinations, there's something for everyone. Celebrate special occasions in style with our exclusive packages. Ravensdale Glamping Retreats is the perfect spot to create lasting memories with loved ones. Plus, our dog-friendly pods mean your furry friends can join in the adventure too!
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£150
 / night
Coast and Camplight Whitby Glamping

15. Coast and Camplight Whitby Glamping

100%
(2)
1 unit · Glamping · England
Our camps are spread out across our site, each one secluded from the others with nothing to see but the meadows, woods, views and at night the starry skies. The site is truly wild, with ancient woodland to one side with a beck running through it, and fields which we are rewilding full of wildflowers, bees and butterflies. The wildlife runs riot, with deer, owls, badgers, bats and all kinds of wild birds regular visitors. To preserve our wilderness and peace no cars are allowed on site; our visitors walk down the fields to their camps, leaving the real world with their cars at the gate (if you have mobility problems please contact us directly). Our camps are completely off-grid making it perfect for those looking for a digital detox and to get away from the stresses and strains of modern life. We try hard to be gentle on this beautiful place we call home, and the site is designed to be low impact on the environment with it’s own spring water, composting toilets and willow banks. All lighting is solar or via rechargeable batteries and eco-friendly washing products are provided. All the camps have a luxurious feeling despite feeling completely cut off from the outside world, with proper beds with comfy mattresses and their own hot showers; luxury bedding and fluffy towels are provided. Each camp has been handbuilt entirely by us from scratch from things that are recycled, found, car booted, made, upcycled, saved or rescued. Some things are on their third or even fourth life on the farm. Look out for the details, expect the unexpected, this is not glamping by numbers. Nothing says glamping to us like a real fire at the end of the day, toasting marshmallows, sharing stories and putting the day to rest. Each camp has a firepit for you to do just this. There is very little mobile reception in many places on the farm and we wholeheartedly recommend you take this as an opportunity to leave your phone with the rest of the modern world behind for your stay and remember what it is to live a little bit wild.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£90
 / night

Mountain bikers can take their pick of trails in Dalby Forest, set in the southern valleys of the North York Moors National Park. Miles of forests lead the way through the woodlands, and you can also explore on foot or on horseback. Kids have plenty to get excited about, too, with activities including a treetop adventure course, paintballing, archery, and orienteering. Stick around after dark as the park is also renowned for its dark skies and stargazing opportunities. The two campsites within Dalby Forest are reserved for use by youth groups, but campers can find plenty of options nearby.

Top-rated campgrounds

Bowcliffe is our latest addition to the site and is available for booking from May 2024.

5. Ravensdale Glamping Retreats

100%
(3)
4 units · Glamping · England
Discover a unique short getaway with just two or three days to spare! Enjoy your own private hot tub or outdoor bath, a BBQ, and a spacious patio—all included! Our glamping pods offer the perfect retreat for couples seeking a romantic weekend or families wanting to enjoy the great outdoors. Nestled on a charming old dairy farm and overlooking a tranquil pond, our beautifully designed, luxurious, and fully-equipped pods provide an ideal base for exploring the picturesque surroundings. A brand-new pod was added Summer 2025 bringing the total pods to just four! Located near the historic city of York, Castle Howard, and plenty of pubs, restaurants, and shopping destinations, there's something for everyone. Celebrate special occasions in style with our exclusive packages. Ravensdale Glamping Retreats is the perfect spot to create lasting memories with loved ones. Plus, our dog-friendly pods mean your furry friends can join in the adventure too!
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£150
 / night
Coast and Camplight Whitby Glamping

15. Coast and Camplight Whitby Glamping

100%
(2)
1 unit · Glamping · England
Our camps are spread out across our site, each one secluded from the others with nothing to see but the meadows, woods, views and at night the starry skies. The site is truly wild, with ancient woodland to one side with a beck running through it, and fields which we are rewilding full of wildflowers, bees and butterflies. The wildlife runs riot, with deer, owls, badgers, bats and all kinds of wild birds regular visitors. To preserve our wilderness and peace no cars are allowed on site; our visitors walk down the fields to their camps, leaving the real world with their cars at the gate (if you have mobility problems please contact us directly). Our camps are completely off-grid making it perfect for those looking for a digital detox and to get away from the stresses and strains of modern life. We try hard to be gentle on this beautiful place we call home, and the site is designed to be low impact on the environment with it’s own spring water, composting toilets and willow banks. All lighting is solar or via rechargeable batteries and eco-friendly washing products are provided. All the camps have a luxurious feeling despite feeling completely cut off from the outside world, with proper beds with comfy mattresses and their own hot showers; luxury bedding and fluffy towels are provided. Each camp has been handbuilt entirely by us from scratch from things that are recycled, found, car booted, made, upcycled, saved or rescued. Some things are on their third or even fourth life on the farm. Look out for the details, expect the unexpected, this is not glamping by numbers. Nothing says glamping to us like a real fire at the end of the day, toasting marshmallows, sharing stories and putting the day to rest. Each camp has a firepit for you to do just this. There is very little mobile reception in many places on the farm and we wholeheartedly recommend you take this as an opportunity to leave your phone with the rest of the modern world behind for your stay and remember what it is to live a little bit wild.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£90
 / night

Camper favorites in and near Dalby Forest

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best farm stays in Dalby Forest guide

When to go

Walkers and mountain bikers can hit the trails at Dalby Forest year-round, although it can get muddy after rainfall, so wear sturdy shoes. July and August are the busiest months, when it’s essential to book activities or bike rentals in advance. Spring and autumn see the forest at its most colourful, garnished with wildflowers or fall foliage, while autumn through winter is the best time for stargazing.

Know before you go

  • Dalby Forest is located at the south end of the North York Moors National Park, about a 30-minute drive from Pickering or Scarborough. 
  • The Moors Bus runs to the park from Easter through October, otherwise you will need your own transport. Paid parking (credit/debit cards only) is available.
  • There are restrooms, a gift shop, and a café in the park. Bike rentals are also available.
  • Some of the park’s trails are wheelchair accessible, and mobility scooters are available for hire.