Motorhome Stopover Club Route Guide
If you are planning a motorhome trip through the Yorkshire Dales, this 7-day route gives you a simple way to see some of the best villages, views, pubs and stopover areas without feeling like you are constantly rushing from one place to the next.
The route starts around Skipton, heads up through Wharfedale and the Three Peaks area, then loops through Sedbergh, Wensleydale, Richmondshire and Ripon. It is not meant to be a strict timetable. Think of it as a ready-made route idea you can follow, adjust, shorten or build into a longer UK tour.
Each day includes a suggested area to explore and a Motorhome Stopover Club listing nearby, so you can plan your journey around places that are useful for motorhomers, not just scenic points on a map.
Yorkshire Dales motorhome route summary
- Suggested length: 7 days
- Best for: Pub stopovers, scenic driving, walking, villages and traditional Dales landscapes
- Main areas covered: Skipton, Embsay, Wharfedale, Kettlewell, Ribblehead, Sedbergh, Aysgarth, Richmond and Ripon
- Good for larger motorhomes? Mostly yes, but some Dales roads and pub entrances can be narrow, so always check your route and call ahead where possible
- Member benefit: Members can access exact stopover details, contact information, directions and thousands of other UK stopovers
Want to build your own motorhome route?
Use our route planner to search for Motorhome Stopover Club locations close to your journey, then join to unlock full host details and directions.
Try the Motorhome Route Planner Join & Check Today’s OfferDay 1: Skipton and Embsay
Start your Yorkshire Dales motorhome trip in Skipton, one of the easiest gateways into the national park. It is a good first stop because you get a proper market town, a castle, canal walks, shops, places to eat and a gentle introduction before the roads become more rural.
Skipton Castle is worth seeing if you enjoy a bit of history, and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal gives you an easy walk without needing to commit to a full day hike. After exploring the town, head towards Embsay for a quieter evening on the edge of the Dales.
Suggested stopover: Cavendish Arms
Area: Embsay, North Yorkshire
A traditional village pub stopover near Skipton, useful for starting your Yorkshire Dales route without driving too deep into the national park on day one.
View Stopover DetailsDay 2: Wharfedale, Grassington and Kettlewell
From Skipton, head north into Wharfedale. This is classic Yorkshire Dales country: stone walls, green hills, riverside villages and roads that make you want to slow down rather than rush through.
Grassington is a good place to stop during the day. It has a lovely village square, small shops, cafes and plenty of character. From there, continue towards Kettlewell, a beautiful Dales village surrounded by limestone hills and walking routes.
This is a good day to keep the mileage low. The roads are part of the experience here, and you will enjoy the route more if you leave time to pull over, have a wander and take in the views.
Suggested stopover: Racehorses and Blue Bell
Area: Kettlewell, North Yorkshire
A useful stopover in the heart of Kettlewell, ideal if you want a village base with walking routes and proper Dales scenery close by.
View Stopover DetailsDay 3: Ribblehead and the Yorkshire Three Peaks
Day three takes you towards one of the most dramatic parts of the Dales: the Three Peaks area. Even if you are not planning to walk Pen-y-ghent, Whernside or Ingleborough, the drive itself is memorable.
The main highlight is Ribblehead Viaduct. It is one of those places that feels much bigger in real life than it does in photos. The open landscape, railway arches and surrounding hills make it a brilliant stop for motorhome travellers, walkers and photographers.
This is also a good point in the route to slow down for a night. The weather can change quickly around the Three Peaks, but on a clear evening it is one of the best places in the Dales to sit back and enjoy the view.
Suggested stopover: Station Inn
Area: Ribblehead, Yorkshire Dales National Park
A well-known Dales pub close to Ribblehead Viaduct, popular with walkers, visitors and motorhome travellers exploring the Three Peaks area.
View Stopover DetailsDay 4: Garsdale, Sedbergh and quieter Dales roads
After Ribblehead, head towards Garsdale and Sedbergh. This part of the route feels quieter and more remote than the busier villages around Skipton and Grassington.
Sedbergh is known as a book town and is a good place to stop for a browse, a coffee or a slower afternoon. The surrounding fells give this area a different feel from Wharfedale and Wensleydale. It is open, peaceful and ideal if you prefer the quieter side of motorhome touring.
Take your time on this section. Some roads can be narrower and more exposed, so it is better suited to steady driving than trying to cover lots of miles quickly.
Suggested stopover: The Moorcock Inn
Area: Garsdale Head, Sedbergh
A remote stopover option in a beautiful part of the Dales, well placed for a quieter night away from the busiest tourist spots.
View Stopover DetailsDay 5: Wensleydale and Aysgarth Falls
From the western edge of the route, work your way back east into Wensleydale. This is one of the best-known parts of the Yorkshire Dales and gives you a good mix of villages, waterfalls, local food and countryside.
Aysgarth Falls is the obvious stop for the day. The waterfalls are easy to access and the surrounding woodland walks make it a good place to stretch your legs after a few days of driving. It is one of those stops that suits most people, even if you are not a serious walker.
You can also use this part of the route to explore Leyburn, Hawes or some of the smaller villages nearby, depending on how much time you want to spend in the area.
Suggested stopover: The George & Dragon Inn
Area: Aysgarth, Leyburn, North Yorkshire
A handy stopover for exploring Aysgarth Falls and Wensleydale, with good access to some of the area’s most popular sights.
View Stopover DetailsDay 6: Richmond and Middleton Tyas
Day six takes you towards Richmondshire. Richmond is a lovely market town with a castle, cobbled streets, riverside walks and enough to fill a relaxed day without needing to drive too far.
This is a good point in the trip to enjoy a slightly easier day. After several days of Dales roads, hills and villages, Richmond gives you a bit more town life while still feeling connected to the countryside.
From Richmond, head towards Middleton Tyas for the evening. As always with pub stopovers, check the latest details before travelling, especially if you have a large motorhome or are arriving at a busy time.
Suggested stopover: The Shoulder of Mutton Inn
Area: Middleton Tyas, Richmond, North Yorkshire
A useful stopover near Richmond, giving you access to a historic market town while keeping the evening relaxed and rural.
View Stopover DetailsDay 7: Ripon, Fountains Abbey and the eastern edge of the Dales
For the final day, head south towards Ripon. This gives the route a natural finish and also opens up a few excellent places to visit before heading home or continuing your motorhome tour elsewhere.
Fountains Abbey is one of the best-known attractions in the area and is well worth considering if you have time. Ripon itself is also a pleasant small city, with a cathedral, independent shops and a more relaxed feel than some of the bigger Yorkshire towns.
This final day works well because it eases you out of the Dales rather than ending the route abruptly. You still get countryside, history and a pub stopover, but you are also well placed for onward routes south, east or west.
Suggested stopover: Black-A-Moor Inn
Area: Bridge Hewick, Ripon, North Yorkshire
A practical final stopover near Ripon, useful for visiting the city, Fountains Abbey and the eastern side of the Yorkshire Dales.
View Stopover DetailsTips for driving this Yorkshire Dales motorhome route
The Yorkshire Dales are beautiful, but they are not the place to drive on autopilot. Some roads are narrow, some villages get busy, and weather can change quickly, especially around the higher routes.
- Call ahead before relying on any overnight stopover.
- Check whether the entrance and parking area are suitable for your motorhome size.
- Travel earlier in the day where possible, especially in peak season.
- Keep fuel, water and basic supplies topped up before heading into quieter areas.
- Use the route as a guide, not a strict schedule. The Dales are better when you leave room to slow down.
Find more motorhome stopovers in the Yorkshire Dales and across the UK
This Yorkshire Dales route is only one example of what you can build with Motorhome Stopover Club. Members can search thousands of UK stopovers, view full listing details, check locations on the map and plan trips around places that welcome motorhomes.
Whether you are looking for pub stopovers, rural overnight stops, places close to your route or somewhere to break up a long journey, the club is built to make motorhome travel easier and more flexible.
Ready to plan your next stopover?
Join Motorhome Stopover Club to unlock full stopover details, exact locations, directions and access to 6,500+ UK stopovers. Check the join page for our latest offer discount code.
Join Motorhome Stopover Club Try the Route PlannerYorkshire Dales motorhome route FAQs
Is the Yorkshire Dales good for a motorhome trip?
Yes, the Yorkshire Dales is a brilliant area for a motorhome trip, especially if you enjoy scenic driving, villages, walks, pubs and countryside. Some roads can be narrow, so it is worth planning your route carefully and checking stopover details before travelling.
How long should I spend touring the Yorkshire Dales by motorhome?
You can see parts of the Dales in a weekend, but a 7-day route gives you much more breathing room. It allows time for Skipton, Wharfedale, Ribblehead, Sedbergh, Wensleydale, Richmond and Ripon without making every day feel rushed.
Can I find pub stopovers in the Yorkshire Dales?
Yes, there are pub stopovers and rural stopover options in and around the Yorkshire Dales. Motorhome Stopover Club members can view full listing details, exact locations and directions where available.
Do I need to book motorhome stopovers in advance?
It is always best to call ahead or check the latest stopover information before travelling. Pub stopovers can change availability depending on the season, events, opening hours and how busy the car park is.
Can I use this route with the Motorhome Stopover Club trip planner?
Yes. You can use this guide as inspiration, then use the Motorhome Stopover Club route planner to find stopovers close to your own journey.
- 7-Day Yorkshire Dales Motorhome Route with Pub StopoversLast Updated: Motorhome Stopover Club Route Guide If you are planning a motorhome trip through the Yorkshire Dales, this 7-day route gives you a simple way to see some of the best villages, views, pubs and stopover areas without feeling like you are constantly rushing from one place to the next. The route starts around… Read more: 7-Day Yorkshire Dales Motorhome Route with Pub Stopovers
