The Ultimate Guide To Robin Hood’s Bay Camping: Best Campsites, Wild Camping, Tips & More!
Situated on the beautiful North Yorkshire coast, Robin Hood’s Bay is located between Whitby and Scarborough. It’s a great base for exploring the North Yorks Moors and other local attractions.
The town is also the site of a large number of fossils! With all of that here and more, it’s little surprise that camping in Robin Hood’s Bay is so popular.
If you’re planning your own Robin Hood’s Bay camping adventure, then you’re in the right place.
Below we share with you a few of our favourite Robin Hood’s Bay campsites for views, fun and adventure.
We then look at wild camping in Robin Hood’s Bay and the rules around it, before sharing a few of our favourite things to do in and around the town.
And lastly if you’re travelling with kids (or you’re a fun adult!), we have our very own ‘scavenger hunt’ game that’s perfect for camping in Robin Hood’s Bay, which you can print out for free. That’s right at the bottom of this article.
So read on to begin your Robin Hood’s Bay camping adventure!
Camping In Robin Hood’s Bay: A Holiday You’ll Never Forget
While there are many options for those who want to spend their vacation in Robin Hood’s Bay, nothing beats camping! Expect magnificent panoramic views at the campsites around this lovely village, and lots of opportunities for adventure and stargazing.
Many of the Robin Hood’s Bay campsites below boast breathtaking views, excellent facilities, and more than enough space for a comfortable stay, whether you’re bringing a compact tent or a large motorhome.
So here’s our favourite Robin Hood’s Bay campsites for fun, views and adventure!
The Five Best Campsites In Robin Hood’s Bay For Fun, Views and Adventure
1. Middlewood Farm Holiday Park
Middlewood Farm is only a ten-minute walk from Robin Hood’s Bay’s beach and village. It is located in the beautiful North Yorkshire Moors Park and has stunning views of the countryside, moorland, and the coast. If you want to spend some time in nature and relax, this is the place to go.
They provide a variety of amenities such as electric hookups for caravans and tents, two comfortable washrooms, one of which is disabled friendly, a baby changing room, baths, two dishwashing areas, WiFi, and Calor Gas, which is available at reception.
Families will appreciate the on-site safe surface adventure play area as well as the camp’s proximity to the beach and local shop.
What’s Close By
Near the campsite, there are great opportunities for beachcombing, swimming, fishing, and horseback riding.
There are also several golf courses and a heated pool in nearby Whitby. Additionally, visitors can explore the Jorvik Viking Centre, Flamingo Land, and the National Railway Museum.
Price: From £28 per night
Address: Middlewood Farm Holiday Park, Robin Hood’s Bay, Whitby, YO22 4UF
2. Bay Ness Farm
The Bay Ness Farm campsite is located on the northwestern shore of Robin Hood’s Bay. Its location on a hill means it has spectacular views of the bay and surrounding countryside.
Tents, caravans, and travelling campers are all welcome. The bay is also only a few minutes drive from the front gate, and Whitby town is just a 10-minute (4-mile) drive away.
The location is right next to the Cinder Track footpath too, a popular hiking trail that follows an old railway line down into Robin Hood’s Bay. The walk takes about 30 minutes and provides breathtaking views along the way so is well worth doing.
The campsite provides a variety of useful amenities for all guests, including showers, toilets, pot washing, and electrical hook-ups.
What’s Close By
Near the campsite, there are many activities to participate in like the Cleveland Way, Cider Track walk and fishing.
The area is also very beautiful with nearby abbey ruins and coastline to explore. You can also enjoy other activities such as water sports, cycling, and walking.
Address: High Ln, Robin Hood’s Bay, Whitby, YO22 4PJ
3. Hooks House Farm
Hooks House Farm welcomes self-catering holidaymakers as well as campers with tents and caravans.
Every pitch has beautiful views of the coast and surrounding countryside, and the Whitby-Scarborough bus service stops right outside the farm!
The campsite is run by a family and is located on a working farm – so look out for the friendly sheep. The farm is located just half a mile from Robin Hood’s Bay and five miles from Whitby – both of which you can walk too if you wish.
One thing to keep in mind about Hooks House Farm is that it is not a large site and so cannot accommodate large groups. So if you are concerned about the size of your group, it is best to check availability before making a reservation.
What’s Close By
The campsite is close to Robin Hood’s Bay, which has a amenities such as a shops and pubs.
The village is also within walking distance of the farm, and there are plenty of other attractions in the surrounding area. These include Whitby, Scarborough, and the North Yorkshire Moors Steam Railway.
For those interested in outdoor activities, there are plenty of forests and other areas to explore, and the beaches are also worth a visit of course!
Price: From £15 per night
Address: Hooks House Farm, Robin Hood’s Bay, Whitby, YO22 4PE
4. Grouse Hill Caravan Park
Grouse Hill Caravan Park has an AA 4 Pennant Rating so you know it’s good, and is located within the stunning North York Moors National Park.
Sitting beside the A171, the site is directly behind the Flask Inn which has a good selection of ale and pub grub.
As for the park, because it’s south-facing every pitch offers spectacular views of the wooded valley and heather-covered moorland. On top of that, guests can enjoy the on-site man-made lake and woodland walk.
Grouse Hill Camping also offers a luxury holiday cottage and a very comfortable static caravans called Wigham Cabins if you’re looking to rent a holiday home for a bit more comfort.
Whitby is only 8 miles away, and Robin Hood’s Bay is 5 miles down the coast. While visitors who enjoy a good walk will appreciate the camp’s proximity to the Cleveland Way National Trail, and cyclists will enjoy following the nearby former Scarborough to Whitby railway line, which offers spectacular views of the coast.
What’s Close By
The surrounding area has many attractions, including the Scarborough Open Air Theatre, Alpamare Water Park, Whitby Abbey, Captain Cook’s Endeavour, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Dalby Forest & Go Ape!, Flamingo Land, Peasholm Park, and The Dracula Experience.
The town of Filey is a short drive down the coast too, and is known for its beautiful beach.
Price: From £23 per night
Address: Blacksmith Hill, Whitby, YO22 4QH
5. York House Farms
York House offers electric and non-electric pitches, glamping pods, tent pitches, and hard standing pitches for tourers in 4 acres of beautiful North Yorkshire moors countryside.
They also have a hotel, shop, and bar on-site for those who want everything on their doorstep. On top of that this family-run campsite has welcoming, friendly staff and immaculate shared facilities.
It’s also less than half a mile from the old railway line and has excellent access to walking and cycling trails. The park is just a 5-minute drive from Whitby, giving you ample opportunity to explore this beautiful town and participate in fun activities.
What’s Close By
This campsite is close to some great attractions, including Whitby, Robin Hood’s Bay, Scarborough, and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.
There are also plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like cycling and hiking.
Price: From £15 per night
Address: York House Caravan Park, Back Ln, Hawsker, YO22 4LW
Wild Camping In Robin Hood’s Bay: Everything You Need To Know
DISCLAIMER: Below we give general advice, but we always recommend staying in an official campsite. If you choose to go wild camping/dispersed camping, then make sure you do so with someone who already knows the area where you’re planning on camping for your own safety.
The bad news is that wild camping in Robin Hood’s Bay, and England in general, is illegal. However, it is sometimes tolerated by locals if you are not camping in a group, and you are camping far from settlements and people’s homes.
Furthermore, sometimes people will wild camp when walking long-distance routes. In general wild camping while hiking is sometimes tolerated if done in a considerate manner.
Although we always advise choosing a campsite, if you do decide to go wild camping in Robin Hood’s Bay and the surrounding region, then make sure you camp discreetly.
Be careful not to damage the ground where you pitch your tent and if you think you’re on private land (like a farmer’s field) then you should always seek out the permission of the land owner. They may ask for a small fee.
If wild camping in Robin Hood’s Bay, we’d advise sticking to the following guidelines in order to be as considerate as possible:
- You should camp in the same place for one night only, and pitch your tent discretely and in a remote place. Therefore don’t camp in or near settlements, someone’s farm or on cultivated land. If you think you’re on private land, always seek out the landowner and ask permission.
- Campers should set up their tent at dusk, and take it down at dawn. A tent that is discreet and pitches quickly is best. Therefore a lightweight walking and hiking tent like this one would be a great investment for someone planning to walk and camp in Robin Hood’s Bay and the surrounding area.
- If you are walking a main hiking trail you should camp away from the path as a matter of courtesy.
- When wild camping in Robin Hood’s Bay and the surrounding area you must never make a campfire. Instead it may be worth looking at using a stove or storm cooker – but check local laws first to see if they’re allowed. The Swedish brand Trangia make great camping storm cookers that are safe and virtually indestructible.
- When going to the toilet you should do it far from water sources, such as rivers and lakes. Make sure to use a trowel (like this folding one) to bury any human waste – don’t just leave it out in the open.
Camping in Robin Hood’s Bay: Eight Fantastic Things To Do
There are plenty of things to do in Robin Hood’s Bay, which is why it’s such a popular tourist destination.
But here are some of the top attractions we think you need to check out:
1. Old Stephen’s Church
A popular attraction for history buffs, and one of the lesser-known things to do in Robin Hood’s Bay, is visiting Old St Stephen’s Church.
The church, which was built in 1822, has memorials to shipwreck victims as well as a model of the SS Pretoria. It’s a fascinating place to visit.
Make an effort to go inside rather than just looking out the car window. The interior is filled with unique items, making it a visual feast.
2. Visit Falling Foss Tea Garden and Waterfall
Those interested in landscape and natural beauty should go to the Falling Foss Waterfall and Tea Garden – were you can also get tasty cakes and scones!
This place, located within Sneaton Forest just a short drive from Robin Hood’s Bay, is perfect for taking a walk and enjoying nature.
3. Robin Hood’s Bay Ghost Walk
If you enjoy stories about the supernatural and the strange, Robin Hood’s Bay Ghost Walk is not to be missed!
It’s eerie, captivating, and will take you on a journey through the streets, discussing all things strange and mysterious.
However, ghosts are not the only thing on the agenda for the ghost walk, as this one-of-a-kind tour also tells stories of shipwrecks, local folklore, and smuggling. The tours are appropriate for all ages and are available most nights of the week.
4. Enjoy the Beach
With such a beautiful backdrop, how could you not have a good time on the beach?
Bring a picnic, a bucket and spade, and an ice cream cone to enjoy the breathtaking scenery at Robin Hood’s Bay. Pick up some tasty fish and chips on your way back!
5. Visit Boggle Hole
Boggle Hole, located at the southern end of Robin Hood’s Bay, is a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) due to the fantastic fossils found there. It is best to go fossil hunting there in the winter when there’s potentially a lot of ammonites to be found, but you can go any time of year.
Boggle Hole was named after a mischievous hobgoblin who was thought to have lived in the caves near where smugglers used to land their contraband.
It’s accessible along the beach at low tide (for approximately 3 hours on either side of high tide). Before venturing out to explore the caves or go fossil hunting here, make sure you check the tide times and be careful.
6. Find Fossils
Robin Hood’s Bay and Boggle Hole are both good places to look for fossils. Some of the treasures you might find date back millions of years.
This stretch of coastline is home to a variety of fossils, including Ammonites, Belemnites, Dinosaur and Reptile fossils.
7. Take the Cinder Track
The Cinder Track, which runs from Mount Pleasant North to Whitby, is ideal for a little walking or cycling.
This 7.4-mile walk with breathtaking views will take you about 3 hours to complete. Do keep in mind that this path can be uneven at times and may not be suitable for prams.
It runs along a disused railway path with some relics such as bridges and sleepers, and you can expect breathtaking views of the sea and countryside.
The highlight of this delightful walk, however, has to be the Larpool Viaduct. This is a grade two listed building with thirteen arches made of brick. It spans the River Esk and was built by John Waddell.
8. Go Shopping
Shopping is one of our favourite things to do in Robin Hood’s Bay!
There are gift shops, antique stores, bookshops, and other establishments. And when you’ve finished shopping, stop in one of the restaurants for a bite to eat and a drink before moving on to the next adventure.
Berties of Bay, one of our favourite shops in Robin Hood’s Bay, revives the traditional nautical styles worn along the wonderful Yorkshire coastline of yesteryear. You’re bound to find something special here.
Robin Hood’s Bay Camping: Scavenger Hunt Game!
If you’re looking to keep kids amused while camping in Robin Hood’s Bay – or you fancy having some fun for yourself – then we’ve created a printable scavenger hunt game!
Save the image and print it out, then tick off what you find and achieve during your camping holiday.
The game encourages players to get out and discover wildlife and nature, as well as make new friends and do fun camping activities. Enjoy!
