For over 60 years Catgill Farm has been our family home. In 2014 we opened up our little slice of Yorkshire heaven as a campsite nestled in the shadow of Bolton Abbey. In 2019 we expanded to offer Glamping through our timber pods and bell tents; the ultimate in glamourous camping.
With spectacular views across the Wharfe valley and a small stream meandering through the site, Catgill is a beautiful and peaceful setting in which to relax, the perfect place for a memorable stay in the Yorkshire Dales.
Continue reading Our Story below...
Why visit Catgill Farm
A Walkers Paradise The farm is within a mile of Bolton Abbey and from there you will find walks for all ages and abilities. The Dalesway footpath winds its way along the river Wharfe passing through picturesque towns and villages such as Ilkley, Burnsall and Grassington.
Fire Baskets Everyone loves a campfire and we hire out fire baskets from reception. This comes complete with logs and kindling. If you stay in our timber pods or bell tents you have your own fire basket which includes a pizza oven!
Cycling The farm is close to many popular cycling routes including the famous Tour de France and Tour de Yorkshire routes and offers an excellent base to explore the Yorkshire Dales. If mountain biking is more your thing, we are within 1 mile of the nearest bridleway which leads to miles of off-road biking and the challenging hills of the Dales.
Nearby Pub Brasserie-style pub located at the popular Devonshire Arms country hotel with inside dining and outside seating. Only 15 minutes walk, it has stunning views towards the river Wharfe and is the perfect setting for a summer evening with friends and family.
Cat's Kitchen AM Coffee Shop – Our barista-trained staff look forward to serving you a variety of coffees, hot chocolate and freshly baked pastries.
PM Pizza Shop – At the end of a long day let us do the cooking for you. Timings vary, see reception for more details.
Shop No matter how hard we try we always forget something! But don't worry, our small onsite shop situated in our new reception area is perfect for any basic essentials that you may have forgotten.
Forget the Car We are close to so many local attractions there is no need to use your car during your stay. Hesketh Farm Park is a 2 minute walk from our doorstep and the famous Bolton Abbey priory, River Wharfe and stepping stones is a 10 minute walk away. Both amazing days out with plenty to keep both kids, dogs and grown-ups occupied.
Back To Nature The farm is situated on a small country lane away from the hustle and bustle and only the sound of birdsong and the occasional hoot of a nearby owl can be heard. Rediscover your sense of wellbeing amongst the peaceful and relaxing surroundings.
Stargazing The Yorkshire Dales National Park is one of the designated dark skies areas of the UK. Catgill Farm is situated on the edge of the national park away from areas of light pollution making it an incredible place for stargazing. Check out the Yorkshire Dales website to see what may be visible during your trip.
The Exceptional Story of Catgill Farm
Hello there, I'm Oliver, and together with my wife Cat, welcome to Catgill Farm! For 60 years, our cherished farm has been a part of our family's legacy, evolving from my grandad Ken's traditional dairy farm into the vibrant, award-winning campsite you see today! Growing up here, I developed a love for the land, spending my days driving the quad bike and tractor, and assisting with daily chores from a young age.
In 2011, I returned to the cottage where I was born, and during that time, I grew even closer to my grandad. While on holiday in Italy, inspiration struck me as I witnessed the beauty of their campsites; it was then that the idea hit me, 'Bolton Abbey needs a campsite'!" Convincing my grandad was challenging, but he trusted me, and a year later, our dream became a reality. This success wouldn't have been possible without the support of my wife, Cat, and her mum, Janet.
Catgill has blossomed into a beloved destination, with visitors returning year after year. My grandad, always the storyteller, became a legend among our guests, sharing tales of the past and making new friends. Though he never understood social media, he was often mentioned fondly in reviews and posts.
In 2019, Cat and I got engaged and decided to celebrate by taking a bold leap! We opened three luxurious timber pods with private hot tubs and two bell tents, all equipped with high-end amenities, including a cozy log burner to keep you warm. The overwhelming success we've experienced since then has surpassed our wildest dreams – our luxury timber pods have even earned prestigious awards. Now, with twelve of these exceptional accommodations (ten luxury pods & two bell tents), we continue to provide unparalleled experiences for our guests. Speaking of success, our social media presence boasts an impressive, combined following of 200K. We're ecstatic to have thousands of followers, and we're grateful for each and every one of you!
Our stunning timber pods are pure luxury, featuring fire pits, private outdoor spaces with breathtaking views, private wood-fired hot tubs, star-gazing domes, and fire pits. For home comforts, they include comfy beds, large flat-screen TVs, and even a kitchen area. Located just 10 minutes from Bolton Abbey, they're the perfect retreat for families and groups.Living in 2024, we are brimming with exciting ideas and plans for Catgill. We've opened Cat's Kitchen, serving delicious camping-themed pizzas such as the Moonlit Mozzarella, Bonfire Chicken, Catgill Farmhouse, and many more. In the mornings, Cat's Kitchen offers pastries, beautiful coffee, and sausage sandwiches. We're running a competition for guests to help expand our menu with more camping-themed pizzas! We plan on keeping this competition going to ensure we've always got exciting and new pizzas on the menu that our visitors love! Our new outdoor seating area, 'Cat's Relax,' is also in development so campers and glampers alike can unwind amidst breathtaking views and a vibrant atmosphere.
Adding to the excitement, we've got pregnant alpacas on site and plan to train them to walk with children! With so much more in the pipeline, including the possibility of adding a bar! In the meantime, we hire a mobile bar on selected weekends so check out our social media to find out when.
The pandemic brought challenges, especially to the hospitality industry. After the lockdown, camping and glamping surged in popularity as staycations became the preferred choice over going away. In 2020, we expanded our venture by taking over Howgill Lodge, an award-winning site near Appletreewick. We've worked hard to bring it up to the same high standards as Catgill, with four luxury timber lodges attracting both new and returning guests.
In 2024, Cat and I welcomed our baby girl into our growing family, joining us alongside our three beloved dogs, Molly, Luna, and Marley. Together with our dedicated staff of 23, we're like one big family!
We hope you enjoy your stay and become part of our ever-growing community. PS: If you see our little one around, please return her to reception.
Ol, Cat, Baby Barker, Luna, Marley & Mollie.