West Yorkshire is a motorhomer's dream destination. From the wild, rolling Pennines to the literary landscapes of Brontë Country, this county offers dramatic scenery, rich industrial heritage, and charming market towns all within easy reach of each other. Whether you're drawn to windswept moorland, picturesque valleys, or the creative energy of Leeds and Bradford, West Yorkshire delivers authentic Yorkshire hospitality without the southern crowds.
Purpose-Built Motorhome Parks: West Yorkshire has several well-maintained caravan and motorhome parks with modern facilities—hardstanding pitches, electric hookups, water and waste facilities. Most are within striking distance of Leeds, Harrogate, and Bradford.
CLs and CSs: Smaller, quieter sites run by local landowners offer an intimate touring experience. These typically accommodate 5–20 pitches and are scattered across the dales and moorland.
Council and Farm Stopovers: Several council-owned spaces and working farms welcome motorhomes for overnight parking. Budget-friendly with authentic access to working Yorkshire landscapes.
Pub Stopovers: A growing number of pubs and village green spaces advertise informal stopover facilities for motorhomers, creating a real sense of community.
Start in Hebden Bridge. Head north via the A646 to Heptonstall for stunning valley views. Continue east on the A6033 towards Brontë Country, stopping near Haworth. The B6141 offers beautiful moorland driving towards Oxenhope. Overnight near Keighley or Silsden. Day 2: head south via the A6034 and B6265 towards Ilkley—a picture-perfect riverside town with excellent moorland walking. Overnight in the Wharfedale Valley. Day 3: through Skipton (market days Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday) and down into Craven Country via the A65. Return via Ribbledale Valley.
Start in Leeds city centre (several motorhome-friendly car parks). Head west via the A643 to Saltaire—a UNESCO World Heritage textile village. Continue to Bingley or Keighley for overnight parking. Day 2: take the B6160 from Bingley towards Bolton Abbey (motorhome parking available). Push on to Grassington (market: Saturdays). Return to Leeds via the A59 and A660.
Base near Halifax. Take the A6033 northbound towards Hebden Bridge, stopping at Calderdale Valley viewpoints. Visit Heptonstall and explore the Pennine Way access near Slack. Head south via Colden Valley (B6142). Overnight near Mytholmroyd or Heptonstall. Day 2: explore Walden Valley and Crimsworth Dean for walking. Return via the A6033.
Walking & Hiking: The Pennine Way runs through the county with sections ranging from gentle riverside strolls to challenging moorland treks. Ilkley Moor is iconic and accessible. The Brontë Way connects Haworth with Ponden Kirk. Calderdale Valley walks are quieter than Peak District alternatives. Most walks are accessible directly from motorhome stopovers.
Historic Sites: Haworth's cobbled main street and Brontë Parsonage Museum offer literary history. Saltaire showcases Victorian industrial heritage. Bolton Abbey ruins sit dramatically beside the River Wharfe. Skipton Castle is one of England's best-preserved castles.
Markets & Food: Skipton's traditional market (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday) is the largest in the Dales. Grassington's Saturday market is smaller but charming. Independent shops in Hebden Bridge, Haworth, and Ilkley offer local crafts and foods. Farmers' markets occur throughout the year in Leeds and smaller towns.
Outdoor Activities: River walks along the Wharfe, Aire, and Colden offer gentle alternatives. Cycling trails include sections of the Trans-Pennine Trail. Fishing access on the Wharfe and Colden. Ilkley Moor, Haworth Moor, and Calderdale Valley offer stunning photography locations.
Height & Width Restrictions: Moorland roads are generally accessible for vehicles up to 3.2m high, though narrow lanes around Hebden Bridge and Heptonstall require careful navigation. Most main routes (A6033, A646, A65) are suitable for larger motorhomes.
Services: Dump points and fresh water facilities available at most caravan parks and many CLs. Petrol stations around Leeds, Bradford, and market towns (Skipton, Ilkley, Halifax) stock fuel and supplies. Tesco supermarkets are conveniently located in larger towns.
Weather: West Yorkshire moorland can be wet and windy year-round. April–October offers the most reliable weather. Spring offers lambing season views and wildflowers; autumn brings heather blooms and golden light.
Overnight Parking: Most council stopovers allow 24–48 hour stays. Many CLs and CSs operate first-come, first-served. Arrive early in peak season.
Most main routes are suitable. Village lanes and moorland tracks around Hebden Bridge are tight. Stick to A-roads and B-roads initially and research specific stopping locations. Caravan parks handle larger vehicles well.
May to September offers reliable weather and long days. April and October provide good conditions with fewer crowds. Winter is quiet but moorland driving can be hazardous. Spring rewards with wildflowers and lambing season.
Several council car parks allow overnight parking at minimal cost (£5–£10). Farm stopovers are typically £10–£15 per night. Pub stopovers can be free if you purchase food. CLs range from £12–£25 per night.
In larger towns like Leeds, Skipton, and Ilkley, stopovers are often within 10–20 minutes' walk of the centre. Haworth and Grassington are compact and easily walkable. Rural stopovers may need a taxi into nearby towns.
Main moorland roads (A6033, B6142, B6160) are wide and well-maintained. Gradients can be steep near Hebden Bridge. Narrow lanes through villages require care. Weather can deteriorate quickly—always check forecasts.
Yes. Haworth has a car park close to the Parsonage (short uphill walk). Bolton Abbey estate has a motorhome parking area (check height restrictions). Skipton Castle is easily accessible from town-centre stopovers.
Generally good in valleys and towns, patchy on high moorland. Most caravan parks offer WiFi. Download offline maps before heading to remote areas.
Discover more on England motorhome destinations. Neighbouring counties: Lancashire, North Yorkshire, and Derbyshire.