On the farm
Most groups spend more of the weekend on the farm than they expected. The Bar Barn opens in the evening with cocktails and mocktails, the TinyTalian horsebox does barista coffee and breakfast sandwiches on Saturday and Sunday mornings, and Saturday night is pizza night from the wood-fired oven.
- The Party Barn for hire, with decorations, music and a silent disco when the main speakers go off
- The Robin, a wood-fired sauna and cold plunge with views across the valley
- BBQs and firepits in every area, with charcoal and firewood available
- Outdoor games on the field, and plenty of room for your own
- Red kites, sunsets and stars, which cost nothing and get mentioned in every review
Walks, water and views
Chevin Forest Park, 10 minutes
Woodland walks, mountain bike trails and bouldering on the gritstone outcrops, with a view down the whole of Wharfedale from Surprise View.
Almscliffe Crag, 10 minutes
The crag you can see from the tents. A short, steep scramble to the top for sunset, or a full day of climbing for the experienced.
Paddleboarding at Otley, 5 minutes
Kayak and paddleboard hire on the River Wharfe at Otley in summer. Good for a group that wants to be active without a long drive.
Wild swimming on the Wharfe
There are well known spots near Otley and Ilkley. The river rises fast after rain, so check conditions, go with the group and never jump from height.
Ilkley Moor, 20 minutes
The Cow and Calf rocks, the moor paths and Ilkley's cafes at the bottom. A half day with a pub lunch at the end.
Bolton Abbey, 30 minutes
Riverside walks past the priory ruins to the Strid and the stepping stones. The start of the Dales proper.
Towns, houses and a night out
Otley, 5 minutes
Market town with Wharfe Meadows park, a Saturday market and a famous number of pubs. A good first stop on Friday evening.
Harewood House, 10 minutes
Grand house, gardens, bird garden and lakeside walks. Tours of the Emmerdale village set also run on the estate and need booking ahead.
Harrogate, 20 minutes
Bettys for afternoon tea, the Turkish Baths for a hen afternoon, Valley Gardens and RHS Harlow Carr. See glamping near Harrogate.
Headingley and the Otley Run, 15 minutes
The Otley Run pub crawl is in Headingley, not Otley. Fancy dress is traditional. Taxis back to the farm are easy to book from there.
Leeds city centre, 30 minutes
Bars, restaurants, the arcades and the Corn Exchange. Plenty of groups do a Saturday night in town and breakfast at the farm on Sunday. See glamping near Leeds.
Knaresborough, 25 minutes
Rowing boats on the Nidd under the viaduct, Mother Shipton's Cave and the castle. Easy to combine with Harrogate.
Planning the weekend: your questions
More about the area on our glamping in Wharfedale page.