Shepherd's huts near Harrogate with a private bathroom

If heading into Harrogate on a camping holiday, you might like to start your exploration with a visit to the Royal Pump Room Museum, which tells the story of how the town's tourism was built on water. And if you fancy a health boost, how about heading to the Turkish Baths in the Royal Bath House? It's the only remaining part of a larger complex where visitors can relax in hot rooms and plunge pools or try a treatment or two.

Modern shops make up Harrogate’s high street, meaning it's a great place to pick up both supplies and souvenirs or grab a bite to eat. The most famous among the Harrogate eateries is Betty's Tea Room, which has been serving afternoon teas for 100 years.

In addition, Harrogate is a surprisingly green town surrounded by The Stray, a 200-acre green space offering parkland, woodland, and a boating lake. But for wilder adventures, head out to the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Beauty and the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Campers hanging around Harrogate may find it worthwhile to spend some time in the Yorkshire Dales National Park to enjoy the stargazing opportunities around here. Thanks to its rural location and distance from large towns, the night skies are very dark and this park has been designated a Dark Sky Reserve. By day, explore the hills, valleys, waterfalls, ravines, and villages on foot, and by night, ditch the tent for a cosy spot with a view of the night sky.

Visitors to inland Harrogate who are seeking some beach time might want to head to the coast of the North York Moors National Park. While the park covers a large area in northeastern North Yorkshire, the coastal towns of Whitby and Scarborough (just south of the national park) provide plenty of seaside camping options for a lazy time at the beach, especially in summer.