Serenity on the Swale
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- Adults-only North Yorkshire motorhome pitches next to the River Swale
- Between Thirsk and Ripon, about 15-20 minutes’ drive from both
- Topcliffe pubs 15 minutes’ walk; great base for Deer Shed Festival
This is one of those sites where the name captures pretty much exactly what the place is all about – Serenity on the Swale is a peaceful adults-only North Yorkshire site in a gorgeous little spot on the banks of the River Swale, just under a mile from the village of Topcliffe.
Settling down right on the riverbank of course means some lovely views from the pitches, and there’s also the chance to spot some wildlife too. There are just a handful of pitches, so everyone gets a good view – and you’re welcome to use one of the picnic tables for treats you’ve bought from the shops in Ripon or Thirsk (both within 20 minutes’ drive).
This is a site that’s designed for self-contained motorhomes, so it’s well worth noting that there are no toilets, showers or other major facilities here. There are, however, plenty of handy things in the local village – it’s a pleasant 15-minute walk along the river (past the old mill and an attractive weir) to the village centre, which has two pubs, an art gallery and a small post office/shop. If you’re here on a Friday, look out for the visiting fish and chip van too. A little further away (five minutes’ drive/50 minutes’ walk) is The Catton Kitchen, serving up tasty breakfasts and lunches from Friday to Sunday.
Topcliffe is a small and usually sleepy place, but it springs to life at the end of July for the Deer Shed Festival at Baldersby Park. The festival location is about a half-hour walk/10-minute cycle from the site, making this a canny choice of place to stay for ticketholders.
Site type
5Open all year
This campground/park has no on-site toilet and shower facilities.
The campground/park does not accept breeds/crossbreeds listed in the Dangerous Dogs Act (i.e. Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro) and/or any of the following: Staffordshire bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, Rottweiler, any Mastiff or Tosa.- Guests under the age of 18 are not allowed on site.
- Bookings must not be for more than 3 consecutive nights.
- Units longer than 6 metres are not allowed.
- No charcoal barbecues allowed.
- Swimming in the lake is not allowed.
- For licensing reasons, you must be a member to stay at this campsite. After booking, you will be granted free membership of this campsite's exempt organisation, who may contact you to finalise registration.
Languages spoken
English
Adults only
Reviews
No reviews yet.
Features
Adults only
Dogs allowed
Leisure on site
Bar or club house Cycle hire Evening entertainment Fishing Fitness centre Games room Indoor swimming pool Kids' club On-site restaurant/cafe Outdoor swimming pool Play area TV room Take away Tennis WatersportsAmenities on site
Bath available Composting toilet Dog park Drying room Food shop Free wifi Ice pack freezing Internet access Laundry Local produce Off licence Parent & baby washroom Pick-up from public transport Picnic table Portable toilet Pub toilets Public telephone Shower available Toilet block Washing-up area WifiGroups welcome
Family friendly Motorcycle friendly Single-sex groups welcome Student groups welcomeRules
Adults only Barbecue provided Barbecues allowed Campfires allowed Commercial vehicles allowed Dogs allowed Dogs allowed all yearThemes
Peaceful Walkers' paradise Wild camping Wildlife havenUtilities
Charging facilities Dump point Electric car charging point(s) Gas cylinders available Recycling available Renewable energyNearby amenities
Bar nearby Convenience store nearby Dog walk nearby Nearby farmers' market Public transport nearbyType
Aire Tiny (1-10 sites)Accessibility
Accessible parking at siteNearby leisure
Canoeing/kayaking nearby Cycling nearby Fishing nearby Indoor pool nearby Leisure/theme park nearby Mountain biking nearby Restaurant nearbyLocation
Serenity on the Swale
Catton Lane
Topcliffe
Topcliffe
North Yorkshire
England
YO7 3RZ
Directions Timezone
Europe/London +0100 (GMT+01:00)
GPS
54.18205°N
-1.4033°W
Route directions
What3words location: exile.buggy.incursion. Look for the black metal gate.
To access the site, the angle is easier when approaching from the west. Use the wide verges opposite to pull in safely, and then open the gates.
Nearest transport
Coach6.9 km Market Place
9.2 km Bus Station Stand 1
19.8 km Bus Stn Stand A
Rail5.5 km Thirsk Rail Station
17 km Northallerton Rail Station
19.7 km Knaresborough Rail Station
Ferry46.1 km Transporter Bridge South Side
46.3 km Transporter Bridge North Side
Airport36.7 km Durham Tees Valley Airport
38.7 km Leeds Bradford International Airport
Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.
Local attractions
Attractions and activities nearby include:
- Thirsk Hall Sculpture Garden: 10 minutes’ drive
- Monk Park Farm Visitor Attraction: 10 minutes
- Thirsk Birds Of Prey Centre: 15 minutes
- Ripon Races: 15 minutes
- Boltby Trekking Centre: 20 minutes
- Kilburn White Horse: 20 minutes
- Sutton Bank National Park Centre: 20 minutes
- Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Gardens: 25 minutes
- Rievaulx Abbey: half an hour
- Harrogate (spa town): 35 minutes.
Must see
Fountains Abbey 13.4 km
Rievaulx Abbey 20.4 km
Rievaulx Terrace & Temples (NT) 20.8 km
Beningbrough Hall 22 km
Duncombe Park 22.2 km
National Trust
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden 13.4 km
Rievaulx Terrace 20.8 km
Brimham Rocks 21.6 km
Beningbrough Hall and Gardens 22 km
Mount Grace Priory 22.7 km
Cycle routes
Find local routes on the National Cycle Network - over 12,000 miles of cycling routes.
Other
NORTON CONYERS 7.2 km
Battle of Boroughbridge, 1322 9.3 km
NEWBY HALL 9.6 km
Boroughbridge - River Ure - Myton-on-Swale - Milby 9.7 km
Battle of Myton, 1319 10 km
Local events
- Great Yorkshire Show (Tuesday, 8 July 2025 – Tuesday, 8 July 2025)
Harrogate, England 23 km
- Harrogate Autumn Flower Show (Friday, 19 September 2025 – Friday, 19 September 2025)
Ripon, England 24.1 km
- Leeds Festival (Thursday, 21 August 2025 – Thursday, 21 August 2025)
Wetherby, England 34.7 km
Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.
Policies
Booking terms and conditions
Payment terms
Offers
Conditions apply - see pitch type section for details
Nearest sites
Unfortunately, we have no nearby bookable sites.
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Frequently asked questions
- Does Serenity on the Swale have a swimming pool? No View all features
- Is Serenity on the Swale dog friendly? Yes View all features
- What attractions are near Serenity on the Swale? Attractions and activities nearby include: - Thirsk Hall Sculpture Garden: 10 minutes’ drive - Monk Park Farm Visitor Attraction: 10 minutes - Thirsk Birds Of Prey Centre: 15 minutes - Ripon Races: … Read more
- When can I check in and check out of Serenity on the Swale?
Read moreCamping and caravan Arrive: 11 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Depart by: 11 a.m. - How much does it cost to stay at Serenity on the Swale? From $22.65 (for 1 night, 4 people) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.