- Riverside Glamping
Riverside glamping in Forest of Bowland AONB
94% (18) • 34 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds in Forest of Bowland AONB
The Black Swan
1. The Black Swan
100%
(27)
Kirkby Stephen, England · 3 units
Our three, brand new wood and canvas yurts are nestled in our private, woodland hotel garden beside the beautiful conservation (SSSI) river of Scandal Beck. Just a short drive from The Lake District, The Yorkshire and Durham Dales as well as The Scottish Border, we are perfectly located for you to explore.
The yurts themselves are individually decorated with full size furniture, electricity and double beds. The yurts are all located in the garden of The Black Swan Hotel, Ravenstonedale, a multi award-winning hotel, restaurant and bar; recipient of 2 AA Rosettes as well as AA pub of the year for England 2018/19. As part of your stay in our yurts you will receive a full cooked breakfast and buffet option included in the price for 2 people in our hotel restaurant. We like to think of ourselves as a cosy home from home with a relaxed dining atmosphere throughout. We are very dog friendly in the hotel, restaurant, bar and yurts so please bring your furry family members.
Our beautiful woodland is also home to red squirrels (which are seen daily), protected, freshwater crayfish in the river, an otter (seen very infrequently but the nemesis of our ducks), 6 Indian runner ducks, free range chickens and our two cockerels! (Dogs are very welcome but are to be kept on a lead whilst in the woodland itself).
We are very dog friendly and charge an additional fee of £15 for 1 dog/ £20 for 2 dogs for an additional cleaning fee and for some dog friendly goodies such as poop bags and treats. The price of this yurt is based on an occupancy of 2 people. Any other people who will be staying on the sofa bed will add a charge of £40 per person per night for breakfast and their stay.
All yurts come with electrical battery pack, chargeable lanterns, tea/coffee, homemade biscuits, log burning stoves, towels, full breakfast included from the hotel, an outdoor seating area and access to our outdoor toasty warm woodland shower as well as our very cute, wooden toilet cabin. Hairdryers are available in the hotel for your use.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
Aldwark Bridge Glamping
2. Aldwark Bridge Glamping
England · 3 units
A unique and cosy pop-up glamping site
Located on the banks of the River Ure next to a quaint and historical wooden toll bridge, Aldwark Bridge Glamping offers a unique and personal camping experience.
Nestled between York and Harrogate, the site boasts a fantastic pit stop on the Coast to Coast cycling route, free landing access to the River Ure to enjoy kayaking and stand up paddle boarding and a beautiful river side walk to the local pub.
Matt and Joanna invite you to glamp in style here at our cosy garden site with luxury shower room, extensive outdoor kitchen and welcoming communal fire pit seating area.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
Smardale Mill Shepods The Ash
3. Smardale Mill Shepods The Ash
88%
(4)
Kirkby Stephen, England · 2 units
Smardale Mill Shepods are the perfect place to escape, unwind and relax. These modern style shepherds huts are tucked away in an idyllic setting in Cumbria. Situated on a working family farm there is always plenty to see and do. Each shepod sleeps two comfortably with the option of a further two guests on the sofa bed.
Pets
Showers
Wifi
Hut in the Sheep Wash
4. Hut in the Sheep Wash
Grizedale, England · 1 unit
A shepherd’s hut in it’s own riverside field in Cumbria
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
Whitelee Farm Shepherd Huts
5. Whitelee Farm Shepherd Huts
100%
(6)
Cheshire, England · 2 units
Romantic en-suite shepherds huts on a riverside farm in the Peak District National Park.
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
J
Jonny
2 weeks ago
With kids
Very friendly welcome and everyone was very thoughtful and accommodating to our needs. The tent was really comfortable and we had lots of wood and coal to keep warm. We had our meal in the pub and the food was delicious. Breakfast the next morning was even better. Would Deffinately stay again and looking forward to booking our next trip.
See more
E
Elma
August 2025
With kids
Initially I wasn’t sure taking the lantern to do your (compost) toilet trip of 1.5 minutes but it worked as long as your mind doesn’t run wild in the dark when you’re on your own! But it all adds up to the whole experience of glamping without running water and electricity in the yurt. I loved the hot shower outside (I also used it to wash my hands after using the toilet), the sound of the stream, the hares who were very elusive, the log burner and the pub breakfast (included in the booking) and the pub food. I had to leave very early, it was still pitch black and I looked at the sky, it was magical with the stars and I even thought I could see 1-2 galaxies; I’m probably exaggerating but it was that clear without the light pollution. I loved the whole experience! Thank you!
See moreForest of Bowland AONB camping guide
Tips for snagging a campsite
- Glamping pods typically require advance booking, but camping pitches can generally be reserved on the day. Check the policy of your chosen campsite in advance to be sure.
- Larger groups may need to book by phone, although couples and single travellers can generally arrange their stays online.
- Campsites closer to towns like Clitheroe and Skipton tend to fill up faster, so book early to snag your spot or head a little further out of town.
When to go
The Forest of Bowland is at its lush best during spring, when wildflowers bloom in the woods and the weather is still pleasant and dry. Summer is great for camping and fair-weather walks, although it's also peak season in the forest and campsites fill up fast. Visit in early autumn, when there are fewer people, to see the trees turn red. Meanwhile, winter can be wet and windy but cool, crisp days are great for woodland walks.
Know before you go
- The Forest of Bowland is well-connected by both road and rail, with Clitheroe Interchange serving as the most convenient train station. Manchester Airport is also only an hour away.
- The Bowland Visitor Centre is a great place to start your exploration of the area, where you can find maps and tips about the forest and surrounds.
- You can download children-friendly activity sheets and quizzes from the official Forest of Bowland website.
- To enjoy angling in the rivers and reservoirs of the Forest of Bowland you must first purchase a day fishing ticket.
