Barns near Malham with hiking

A village in the Yorkshire Dales with on-foot access to dramatic waterfalls, cliffs, and tarns.

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Crackpot Cottage

2 units · Glamping1 acre · Crackpot, England

Set in a small hamlet in the heart of Swaledale, Crackpot Cottage is the ideal place to experience the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. We are a family-run smallholding. We grow our own fruit and vegetables and our hens provide us with fresh eggs daily. We are just 20 minutes from the Dales Bike Centre and adjacent to The Swale Trail, the Dales cycle routes and the Pennine Way. We are also on the Coast to Coast and the Herriot Way. Situated between Reeth and Gunnerside, we are surrounded by walks but a gentle evening stroll will take you to the renowned Crackpot Falls or Crackpot Cave. If you don't fancy going out for dinner we provide a selection of meals and appetisers. For walkers and cyclists and all of our guests if requested we are able to provide extras services such as clothes drying, packed lunches, safe indoor bike storage, e-bikes battery charging and pick up/drop off. Staying with us is not only a choice of accommodation but a unique and special off grid and culinary experience!

Barns near Malham with hiking guide

Overview

Within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Malham is a small North Yorkshire village surrounded by natural beauty. It’s an ideal base for exploring the park because it’s right in the middle of it—you don’t have to drive anywhere unless you want to. Highlights of Malham include the curved rock amphitheatre of Malham Cove, the gorge and waterfalls at Gordale Scar, and Malham Tarn, above the village. There’s one campsite in the village itself—a family-run site beside the Malham Beck River—and other sites dotted around the national park. From basic camping to luxury glamping where you stay in a kitted-out bell tent, insulated pod, or shepherd's hut, we've found the camping sites where you can make the most of your time near Malham.

Where to go

Yorkshire Dales National Park

Malham is located within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, one of Yorkshire’s most impressive natural areas. A benefit of camping in Malham is that you can explore some of the most beautiful spots in the whole national park on foot: Janet’s Foss Waterfall, Malham Cove, Malham Tarn, and Gordale Scar. As hiking is one of the highlights of the Yorkshire Dales, Malham is an especially good base.

Nidderdale AONB

East of Malham and connected to the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Nidderdale AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) is a continuation of the beautiful landscape of moorlands, valleys, flower-covered woodlands, and rolling farmland. Campers staying in or near Malham can visit on day trips for birdwatching, wildlife-spotting, and walking adventures. There are also more camping options around the AONB, especially on farmland.

Forest of Bowland AONB

West of Malham and crossing the border between Yorkshire and Lancashire, the Forest of Bowland AONB is a landscape of moorland and peat bogs, and some pockets of ancient woodlands. People come here to walk and cycle, as well as to shoot grouse between August and December. There are camping and caravan sites around the AONB and while wild camping is not generally permitted, there are some areas where this is sometimes possible.

When to go

Malham is in North Yorkshire, which experiences a generally cool climate, with wind and rain common, especially in the hilly dales. Tent and caravan camping will be most comfortable in the summer. If you’re visiting outside of summer, dress appropriately to enjoy the outdoor attractions and consider opting for a glampsite or cottage in a nearby town or village rather than camping in a tent.