What to expect on your visit to the Yorkshire Dales

Visitor at Janet's Foss, part of the Malham Tarn Estate, North Yorkshire | © National Trust Images/Solent News and Photography Agency

Are you planning a trip to the Yorkshire Dales? Whether you’re visiting on holiday or just for a day we’ve rounded up some information to help you plan your visit.

Where can I park to visit National Trust places in the Dales?

In Upper Wharfedale there are car parks in Kettlewell and Buckden. These are Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) car parks not National Trust and therefore there will be a charge (including members).

At Malham Tarn there are 3 car parks, Quarry, Waterhouses and Watersinks. There is no charge for these car parks, although donations are always welcome. Quarry and Waterhouses car parks are nearer to the boardwalk and Watersinks car park is nearer to the Tarn. There is also a YDNPA car park in Malham village – this is not a National Trust car park and therefore there will be a charge (including members).

Further details about YDNPA car parks can be found here: Yorkshire Dales National Park car parks and toilets : Yorkshire Dales National Park

For Hudswell Woods you can park at Round Howe car park, this is not a National Trust car park and therefore there will be a charge (including members). Round Howe car park, Richmond | North Yorkshire Council

Sat Nav: Use BD23 5JA for Upper Wharfedale; BD24 9PT for Malham Tarn; DL10 4TJ for Hudswell Woods.

Are there toilets?

There is a toilet at Malham Tarn on the Pennine Way behind Tarn House. There are also toilets in the YDNPA car parks in Malham, Kettlewell and Buckden. At Hudswell Woods there are toilets in Round Howe car park (there is a charge, or access via a radar key).

Are there any cafés at Malham Tarn?

The nearest food outlets can be found in Malham village approx. 4.5 miles from the Tarn.

Where are the best places to walk my dog?

The Yorkshire Dales is predominantly a farmed landscape and therefore there are lots of sheep and cattle. You can walk your dog on our paths and access land. Please keep your dog on a short lead or under close control especially during bird nesting season (1^st March – 31^st July) and near livestock. Let your dog go if you are threatened by cattle. Dog Walking in Yorkshire Dales | Yorkshire | National Trust

Visitors enjoying a walk along the River Wharfe at Buckden, Yorkshire Dales | © National Trust Images/Ben Selway

Can I have a barbeque?

You’re welcome to picnic but please don't light fires or barbeques. We all need to play our part in protecting this precious environment. Fires can cause a lot of damage and risk starting uncontrollable wildfires. There are picnic benches at the Malham Tarn viewpoint and the Garth next to Buckden car park. You could also use our birdhide at Malham.

Are there bins?

We want to spend as much of our time and money on delivering great conservation and experiences and therefore we don’t have any bins on site. Please take your litter home with you.

Can I wild camp or stay overnight in my campervan/motorhome?

It is illegal to wild camp in England without the landowner’s permission. We don't allow wild camping or overnight parking. Instead, please choose from one of the many campsites in the Yorkshire Dales. Where to stay - Yorkshire Dales National Park : Yorkshire Dales National Park

Can I swim in Malham Tarn, use a paddleboard, kayak, canoe or inflatable there?

We don’t allow wild swimming or paddlesports in Malham Tarn as it is a National Nature Reserve with many rare species of plants and animals living in the water - we all need to play our part in protecting this special habitat.

The YDNPA website has more information on water safety and places where you can enjoy water sports in the Dales

Can I fish at Malham Tarn?

The fishing is currently being run by a 3rd party, The Friends of Malham Tarn. You can find all the information about the fishing season and booking a boat, along with all rules and biosecurity guidelines on their website: Friends of Malham Tarn – Fly fishing on Malham Tarn

Malham Tarn, Yorkshire Dales National Park, North Yorkshire — A view of Malham Tarn | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Can I fly a drone on National Trust land?

As a landowner, the National Trust does not permit drone operation from any of our land or properties.

The National Trust does regularly make use of drones for survey, inspection, filming and photography. Such work is commissioned in response to a specific need and undertaken for us by professional contractors. We may also grant permission for drone-related commercial filming by established professional production companies in certain circumstances.

Flying drones at our places | National Trust

Do you have a stamp for the National Trust Passports?

Unfortunately, as a countryside property, we don’t have a passport stamp. The stamps can usually be found in National Trust shops or visitor reception areas. The nearest properties to the Yorkshire Dales Estate are East Riddlesden Hall, Brimham Rocks, Fountains Abbey and Sizergh.

Can I scatter ashes?

We usually do not allow the scattering of ashes due to the delicate habitats present and much of our land being within a farm tenancy. Please contact yorkshiredales@nationaltrust.org.uk if you want to discuss this further with a member of our team.