With its National Parks, historic cities, charming towns, and picturesque beaches, Yorkshire has so much to offer. Whether you’re a hiker on the hunt for a bracing walk, a history buff seeking ancient ruins, or a nature lover on the lookout for rare birds, Yorkshire is sure to please.
If you’re thinking about a staycation in Yorkshire and want to find a budget-friendly place to stay then you’re in luck. With motorhome hire available, as well as affordable stays in historic castles, nature parks, and campsites, Yorkshire has a whole host of stays that won’t break the bank.
In this blog post we outline some of our favourite budget-friendly places to stay, as well as some great things to do in Yorkshire.
Staycation Ideas in Yorkshire
From motorhome hire to alpaca glamping, Yorkshire has an array of fantastic, affordable accommodation options. Read on to find out where you can stay in Yorkshire, without having to spend a fortune.
Hire a motorhome
If you hire a motorhome you can explore all that Yorkshire has to offer at your own pace. Not only do modern motorhomes come with all the living facilities and amenities you need for a comfy break, but they also offer you the freedom to go where you please. Wind your way through the Yorkshire Dales, before pitching up for the night in one of the National Park’s many stunning campsites. Or, set your course to the North York Moors before spending the night overlooking the sea at Whitby, Scarborough, or Filey.
A motorhome is ideal for a group of friends, a couple on a romantic road trip, or families with kids to entertain. And, they’re also relatively low-cost. You’re looking at somewhere between £80 - £180 per-night to hire a motorhome in Yorkshire. Though you do need to bear in mind that you’ll also be required to pay for pitches at campsites and cover the cost of fuel.
Whilst a motorhome might not offer the space and luxury of a boutique hotel, there’s nothing better than plotting your route and waking up to a different view each morning.
Stay at a castle
Anyone looking for a touch of luxury should consider a staycation in the grand, historic surroundings of Hazlewood Castle. Nestled in 77 acres of outstanding woodland between the wonderful cities of Leeds and York, this incredible castle offers deluxe accommodation, a fabulous spa, and a lovely restaurant.
If you do choose to stay here, you can be guaranteed a grand, stylish room, with a super-comfy bed, classic decor, and delightful views of the gardens. Spend your days getting a manicure or massage before relaxing in the thermal spa or exploring the castle’s grounds. Then enjoy a romantic meal at the Vavasour Restaurant before settling in for a cosy night’s sleep.
Two-person rooms at the castle range from £124 to £240 per night, meaning it’s a more expensive alternative to motorhome hire. And, whilst you don’t have the pure freedom of choosing where you lay your head each night, you still get to wake up in the peaceful, picturesque surroundings of the North Yorkshire countryside.
Choose a static caravan
A nice middle ground between the comfort of a hotel and the budget-friendly nature of a motorhome, static caravan hire is a popular choice for thousands of holiday makers across Yorkshire.
Bigger and more spacious than a motorhome, static caravans can often comfortably fit multi-generation families, whilst still being appropriate for smaller groups or couples. Another big plus point is that these caravans often sit within a holiday park that is full of fantastic amenities. Many parks have restaurants, play areas for kids, and even swimming pools.
You’re often pitched among a number of other caravans, meaning you don’t quite get the privacy and peace that you might desire. However, if you’re looking for a cheap staycation in a rural, country setting, then you might just want to consider hiring a static caravan for the week. Prices can be as cheap as £80 per night for a caravan that sleeps six guests across three bedrooms!
If you’re on the hunt for a static caravan in Yorkshire, we’d recommend trying out the Bay Filey holiday resort, which sits where the meadows meet the North Yorkshire sea. With a range of other accommodation options on offer, the resort is open all-year-round and has an indoor swimming pool and gym, restaurants and bars, and a dog-friendly park.
The Bay FileyCamp with the lions at Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Enjoy a truly unique stay and wake up to the roar of the lions at Yorkshire Wildlife Park! The park offers fully furnished bell tents which come with their own on-site washroom and shower facilities, as well as Wildlife Park tickets included for each day of your stay. You even get your own complimentary breakfast roll and hot drink, so you can sit in the sunshine and enjoy your morning cuppa in style before heading into the park to look at some amazing animals.
And, if you don't want to pay for a bell tent, you also have the option of hiring a cheaper camping pitch or van pitch, should you wish to bring your own tent or motorhome with you.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park is a cracking day out for all of the family, with over 60 different species of animals for you to look at, many of which are endangered or threatened in the wild. You can see lions, tigers, leopards, zebras, giraffes, and rhinos, as well as a whole array of primates and birds. They even have polar bears! Kids will also love the animal experiences on offer, allowing them to be an animal ranger for the day, getting up close and personal with some of the world’s most incredible creatures.
When it comes to cost, the cosy bell tents can sleep two to four people and cost between £115 and £395 per night. However, if you’re bringing your own tent with you, a standard camping pitch is somewhere between £55 and £85 per night.
Alpaca glamping
Next up on the list offers yet another stay for animal lovers. However, this one is a lot more immersive as you share a campsite with a herd of beautiful alpacas. At Tickhill Alpacas in Doncaster, you and your loved ones can enjoy the ultimate glamping experience with an alpaca twist.
With four fabulous bell tents spaced out in five acres of countryside, you’re offered plenty of privacy throughout your stay, though the alpacas roaming the field may pop over to say hello.
The super-comfy bell tents feature a double bed with space for four additional guests on two single futons and two blow up single beds. This makes them ideal for couples as well as family breaks. You also have access to a firepit and a BBQ, so you can enjoy some alfresco cooking before spending an evening stargazing whilst staying toasty and warm around the fire. And, after a fab night’s sleep in your cosy bell tent, wake up in the morning and try your hand at alpaca yoga or alpaca trekking.
Tickhill AlpacasRanging from £95 to £115 per night, Tickhill Alpacas glamping provides a nice, budget-friendly break in some marvellous countryside.
Things To Do in Yorkshire
Once you’ve decided on your choice of accommodation, you’ll want to start planning exactly how to fill your days. God’s Own Country is one of the UK’s most spectacular areas, with a whole host of stunning scenery on offer. Whether you like windswept walks on rugged coastlines, cups of tea in manicured gardens, stomping walks across melancholic moorland, or afternoons exploring historic architecture, Yorkshire has it all.
National Trust properties in Yorkshire
National Trust members will most definitely want to visit at least one of the many amazing National Trust properties in Yorkshire. Even those without membership will find themselves drawn to the ruined abbeys, opulent houses, and pristine gardens that are open to visitors.
Visit the ancient abbey ruins within an awe-inspiring water garden at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, or head to Wentworth Castle and explore the glorious gardens, woodland, and parkland on offer. And lovers of the great outdoors simply must visit Brimham Rocks where they can explore dramatic moorland rock formations and take in the incredible, sweeping views.
Museums and art galleries in Yorkshire
Those of you who are looking to indulge in a little culture might want to visit one of the many amazing art galleries and museums in Yorkshire. Enjoy immersive experiences or simply wander through some spectacular buildings casting your eye over world-famous sculptures and incredible works of art.
Art lovers should ensure they visit Yorkshire Sculpture Park, which is one of the best open-air art galleries in the UK. Surrounded by 500 acres of countryside, there are over 80 outdoor sculptures on display, from Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore, and Andy Goldsworthy, as well as a series of indoor exhibitions.
Next on your list should be Cartwright Hall in Bradford. A true cultural gem, this building was built in 1904 and is set in the stately surrounds of Lister Park. Wander the marvellous halls of this Grade II-listed building taking in the huge collection of 19th and 20th-century British art, with pieces by Andy Warhol, Walter Sickert, and, the main attraction, David Hockney.
Families travelling with kids will love the Eureka science museum in Halifax. This award-winning children’s museum has over 400 interactive exhibits and offers a fun and informative day out. Other spots worth checking out include The Millenium Art Gallery in Sheffield, the Leeds Art Gallery, Salt’s Mill in Shipley, and The Tetley in Leeds.
Walks in Yorkshire
A true walker’s paradise, Yorkshire is home to three National Parks and hundreds of opportunities for stunning hikes, relaxing rambles, and seaside strolls. Visit the North York Moors National Park, the Yorkshire Dales, and the parts of the Peak District that stretch into Yorkshire and you will not be disappointed. Add to this the numerous incredible beaches, ancient forests, and rolling hills, and you really are spoiled for choice.
We particularly love Bronte Country, the vast moors located within the South Pennine Hills. Nestled within these craggy valleys are small villages and quaint towns with rich histories and you will love to wander the wild moors that were once home to the Bronte sisters, inspiring a lot of their work.
Malham Cove is another popular spot and lies within the Yorkshire Dales. Welcoming visitors for centuries, this large, curved limestone formation houses flowing water underground. If you visit Malham Cove you can also pass through Gordale Scar, which is a hidden gorge and one of the National Park’s true gems.
And we can’t discuss walking in Yorkshire without mentioning the Ribblehead Viaduct, a true feat of Victorian Engineering that carries the Settle to Carlisle railway across Batty Moss. Also in the Yorkshire Dales, this Grade II listed structure is incredibly picturesque, surrounded by rolling hills, and incredibly popular with visitors to the area.
Wildlife watching spots in Yorkshire
Whether you’re a bird watcher on the hunt for a peregrine falcon, or you want to see the whales off the coast at Whitby, Yorkshire is home to a number of spots where you can witness wonderful wildlife.
Head to the Snaizeholme Red Squirrel Trail and see if you can spot the red squirrels or visit Ashberry Nature Reserve on the hunt for three different types of wild deer. You may also want to follow the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail through ancient oak woodland and spot rare plants, birds, and trees, as well as the rich variety of unique geological features.
Family-friendly activities in Yorkshire
If you’re travelling with the little ones, you’ll be pleased to know that Yorkshire is home to an array of family-friendly days out. Take the kids to York Dungeon and experience the macabre side of Yorkshire, as you venture on a 75-minute journey through the area’s history.
For a less chilling day out, visit Flamingo Land in Malton. With its fully fledged zoo and its array of kid-friendly rides, this really is a must for anyone travelling with children.
The more active among you will want to climb amongst the canopy at Go Ape, whilst York Maze offers a fun excursion for anyone spending the day in the historic city.
Other great spots for families include the aforementioned Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Jorvik DIG, The Deep aquarium, and Snozone - the all-year-round snow sports centre in Castleford, where you can try your hand at skiing, snowboarding and sledging!
Whatever your budget, Yorkshire has something to offer for you. Call us today on 01302 439360.
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