Probably the most popular hiking destination in the Yorkshire Dales, the small village of Malham can be a busy place in the height of summer and during the school holidays. But it's popular for a reason; it's an unmissable camping destination. If you've never seen Malham Cove or Gordale Scar, you definitely should – and the tiny village has its own charms too, especially if you're camping nearby and see the place bright and early. A babbling river runs through the centre, which is no more than a cluster of houses, farms and two walker-friendly pubs. Only the best Malham campsites have made it onto our list, hand-picked by the expert team at Hipcamp.
It's all about the great outdoors in Malham which makes it the perfect place for a camping or Glamping Holiday. The village is nestled in Malhamdale, surrounded by some of the most dramatic scenery in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The village offers basic provisions (including two pubs) and is the perfect place to set out on an exploration of the area from so camping or glamping near it, just makes sense. Whether you like walking, climbing, wild swimming or wildlife-watching, a base near the limestone cliffs and waterfalls will be hard to beat. From basic camping in this beautiful area to luxury glamping where you stay in a kitted-out bell tent, insulated pod or shepherd's hut, we've found camping and glamping sites which make the most of Malhamdale.
Man-made attractions need not apply to feature in our list of things to do in Malham; the natural world has provided a playground for outdoorsy types and exploring it is the main attraction here. The 70-metre high Malham Cove is a curved limestone cliff that's worth exploring from both bottom and top for stunning views and an understanding of the geological processes that have formed it. Just around the corner, there's more erosion in action, at Gordon's Scar, a gorge with even higher walls. Both are popular with trad and sport climbers and a pair of peregrine falcons are among the birdlife that make the area popular with nature lovers too. Then there's Janet's Foss, a waterfall in a wooded glen that's perfect for cooling off in on hot days. And nearby Malham Tarn, which is part of a nature reserve that's protected by the National Trust with a boardwalk. You can find out about all of these places and the best ways to reach them at the National Park Visitor Centre in Malham village.
Probably the most popular hiking destination in the Yorkshire Dales, the small village of Malham an unmissable camping destination – if you've never seen Malham Cove or Gordale Scar, you definitely should – and there are plenty of places to pitch nearby. Find the best with Hipcamp's dedicated campsite collection.