Planning a self-catering holiday in the Yorkshire Dales

Are you planning a self-catering holiday in the Yorkshire Dales? Learn handy local tips in our guide.



The Yorkshire Dales is one of the world's great wonders – a stunning national park bursting with dramatic scenery, rolling heather moorlands and unmistakable dry stone walls.

It's the perfect place to go for a peaceful countryside escape or an outdoor adventure with your walking boots or bicycle.

It's also a gastronomic galaxy, with fantastic food in many a village as well as in larger towns.

Whether you want to camp, caravan or stay in catered accommodation, there's something for everyone. But it's also full of opportunities for the self-caterers among you.

Planning a self-catering holiday in the Yorkshire Dales

Planning a self-catering holiday in the Yorkshire Dales is much like planning a self-catering holiday anywhere else. Naturally, however, your itinerary will be unique to the moors, dales and villages.

Once you've chosen your location and booked accommodation, your main tasks are to plan your itinerary and plan what you're going to bring.

The more rural you go, the more planning is required. Even if you have a car, you might struggle to get an emergency toothbrush or bottle of wine.

Planning well also means you can have the kind of holiday you want. If you're after a highly structured itinerary, planning is, of course, a no-brainer.

But if you want a spontaneous holiday – or, perhaps, a structured holiday with room for spontaneity – planning is also your friend. By coming equipped, you're in a much better position to strike out for the unknown.

How to plan your Yorkshire self-catering escape

1. Choose your location

Holidaymakers in the Yorkshire Dales are spoilt for choice. Both villages and towns serve as gateways to the Dales and are set among stunning natural scenery.

Your choice of location will, to some degree, set the mood for your holiday. So, it's worth doing a bit of research to find a location that suits.

Covering all the holiday spots would take hours. To get you started, however, here are three popular choices – all popular for different reasons.



Three locations worth considering

Hawes

First, there's the market town of Hawes. Located in Wensleydale, Hawes acts as a kind of hub to the Dales. Roads dart off in all directions, making it a great base for a comprehensive tour of the Dales.

Skipton

Then there's the town of Skipton. Nicknamed "Gateway to the Dales", Skipton is perfect if you're arriving by public transport. With its large supermarkets, medieval castle and canal trips, it's both a base and a delight unto itself.

Malham

Finally, there's the village of Malham – a popular spot for walkers looking to explore the Dales on foot. It's well-placed for Dales delights like the Three Peaks, Malham Cove and the show caves here at Stump Cross Caverns.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. The Yorkshire Dales is chock-full of picturesque villages where you can find self-catering accommodation. Have a look around and see what you can find.

2. Secure accommodation

Your destination is important – but to some degree, it will be determined by the accommodation you can find.

There's a wide range of self-catering options in the Dales, from sleepy lodges to cottages of all sizes. Many can be found through holiday agencies.

Your choice will depend on your budget, of course. But it will also depend on what you want to do on your time away – and what degree of self-catering you're after.

Some places, for instance, will provide the basics. Others won't. Asking questions before you book is essential to make the most of your self-catering experience.

3. Provisions at the ready

Self-catering means cooking for yourself. For this reason, you'll need to prepare your provisions before you close the front door behind you.

Big supermarkets in the Dales deliver to many small villages, so you can preorder groceries. It's important to note, however, that delivery slots tend to book up quickly, especially for remote locations.

Before you travel, head to the website of a nearby supermarket and enter your accommodation postcode to check delivery availability. This way, you won't be stressing about food and drink when you arrive.

As well as shopping from big supermarkets, you can also support the plethora of independent shops in the Dales. Buy regional treats like Wensleydale cheese and beer from local breweries, along with high-quality food from local butchers, bakers and farmers' markets.



4. Plan your itinerary

With your accommodation in place, it's time to plan your itinerary. Explore the many natural delights, historic sites and high-quality eateries that the Dales have to offer and plan your days around them.

What do you need to pack for a self-catering holiday?

Exactly what you need to bring will depend on your accommodation. Here's a checklist of essential items that you may or may not have to bring:

Clothing, health and beauty

• Everyday clothes
• Clothes for special activities like hiking, cycling or eating out
• Toiletries

Food and drink

• Cooking essentials
• Food for meals and snacks
• Food storage containers
• Picnic items
  
  

Cleaning equipment

• Washing-up liquid and sponges
• Towels
• Cleaning sprays
• Bin bags
  
  

Entertainment

• Electronic devices with their chargers
• Portable battery chargers
• Board games and card games
  
  

Other essentials

• Toilet roll
• Kitchen roll
• Hand soap
• First aid kit
  
  

If in doubt, ask the property owner what you can expect on arrival. It's better to be on the safe side, especially if you're staying in a remote location.

About us

Here at Stump Cross Caverns, we're sitting on a beautiful and mysterious network of naturally occurring limestone caves.

Stuffed with glimmering stalagmites, stalactites and other fascinating formations, it's the perfect place to visit when on holiday in the Dales.

And because of its location underground, it's a cool environment no matter how fiercely the sun is beating above ground.

Ready for an underground adventure? It's quick and easy to book tickets online.

P.S. In case you're still looking for holiday ideas, here are some of our favourite things to do in the Yorkshire Dales – all approved by local experts.