Woodland glamping in Dalby Forest

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.

98% (15)

Top-rated campgrounds

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.

98% (15)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Humble Bee Farm

100%

(15)

23 units · Glamping · North Yorkshire, North East England

Camping or ‘wigwaming’ on a pretty and very child-friendly farm among the Yorkshire Wolds

2. Little Wold Away Glamping

100%

(7)

3 units · Glamping · East Riding of Yorkshire, North East England

Luxury pod glamping in the grounds of a nursery garden in the Yorkshire Wolds

3. The Darling Woods of May

100%

(6)

7 units · Glamping · England

Set in over 12 acres of open meadows and wild woodland, The Darling Woods of May is a small working alpaca farm, located on the edge of the Yorkshire Wolds. Just a 5 minute drive from Pocklington in the East Riding of Yorkshire and just 20 minutes from the beautiful city of York. The Darling Woods offers secluded, luxury, woodland retreats with wood fired hot tubs.

4. Cliff Stud Retreat - Ski Lodge

3 units · Glamping · York, England

A 220 acre estate set within the traditional market town of Helmsley in. The North Yorkshire Moores. Two cosy cottages which sleep five people and three luxury lodges that sleep two each, set in a private forest. The cottages are ideal for families and we accept your four legged family members. The lodges are ideal for adult only escapes to the country.

5. Viking Garth Hideaways

100%

(1)

5 units · Glamping · England

Channel your inner Viking and run rampant along the north-east coast at this family-run site in East Yorkshire. Set in pleasing green surroundings, the fab accommodation at Viking Garth Hideaways is close to both established seaside spots like Bridlington or Scarborough and the wilder cliffs and coves of the Flamborough Headland Heritage Coast. Pods are spread over tree-lined grounds, with plenty of picnic tables about where you can admire the view or tuck into an alfresco meal (or both…). Campfires are also welcome in the designated areas – wood and charcoal can be picked up in Bridlington (10 minutes' drive), along with other holiday essentials. Finished off in natural wood, Viking Garth Hideaways' all-weather accommodation is easy on the eye both inside and out. This eco-conscious spot has also kitted out all of its pods with double glazing and insulation (heating is on hand for those cooler nights). The smart interiors are mightily functional too, coming with a microwave, fridge, crockery, cutlery, a TV, and a DVD player. If and when you manage to pull yourself away from these snug surrounds, start your explorations with jaunts to seaside villages like Bempton (five minutes' drive), which has a village pub, a railway station, and other handy amenities. Want a day off from driving? A local bus stops a few minutes' walk away from the site entrance.

6. Freespirit Glamping

90%

(5)

5 units · Glamping · Pickering, England

We are located at Cliff Stud Retreat, a 220 acre former stud farm, just outside Helmsley on the foot of the North Yorkshire Moors. We are a top-rated luxury glamping site and we can't wait to welcome you! With amazing views and off a very quiet country lane that leads directly into the Moors, you'll be able to arrive, kick off your shoes and start relaxing, enjoying a beer and roasting marshmellows over the BBQ, whilst watching the sun go down. Our ethos is all about family, fun and living simply among nature. Our off-grid glamping site has just five, well spaced, luxury bell tents, each with their own allocated private compost toilet and shower. your own garden area with firepit, BBQ and seating area.

Stories from the community

K

Kitty

July 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Freespirit Glamping

Andy was really helpful, the site was perfect for what we wanted. Peaceful, time with the family and to go back to basic living. We will definitely go again had an amazing time. Close enough to the coast if you want to coast and lots to do around the area.

S

Steve

July 2025

6 nights at Freespirit Glamping

A wonderful experience of nature Just getting away from the big city and enjoying some quality time away from distraction. Truly a wonderful place

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Woodland glamping 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.