Region: Yorkshire | Site Review | Stay: 3 nights, June 2024
We have just returned from a wonderful three-night stay at Rudding Holiday Park in Harrogate, and we are already talking about going back. We visited in June 2024 with our touring caravan — Grant, Amie, Bodhi Honey (6), River Ace (3), and our dog Max — and the park exceeded our expectations in almost every way.
The Pitch
We were allocated a spacious grass pitch with both electric and water hook-ups, which made our stay genuinely comfortable. There is something about having a well positioned, generously sized pitch that sets the tone for the whole trip, and Rudding delivered on that from the moment we arrived.
The Pool
The heated outdoor swimming pool was the undisputed highlight of our stay. We had pre-booked our time slots — which we would strongly recommend — and the pool was lovely and warm even on those typically unpredictable British June days. It was never overcrowded, so we had plenty of space to relax on the sun loungers and actually enjoy ourselves rather than fighting for a spot. The showers, toilets, and changing rooms were clean and easily accessible. For a family with young children, this kind of facility makes an enormous difference to a trip.
The Play Areas
Rudding has two play areas on site, and both are brilliant. The first is conveniently close to the touring pitches, with a spacious field and picnic tables alongside a climbing frame and zip wire that Bodhi and River absolutely loved. The second is located at the Deerhouse Pub — which meant we could sit with a drink and keep an eye on the children at the same time. As a parent, that combination is genuinely hard to beat.
GolfFEST
We were lucky enough to be there during GolfFEST on the Saturday, which was a brilliant bonus. The Golf Academy is just a short walk from the touring area, and the festival offered golf-themed games for adults and children alike — face painting, bouncy castles, a driving range, a DJ, and food and drink stalls. It rained halfway through, but nobody cared. The kids had a fantastic time on the driving range, and it added a really fun, unexpected dimension to the trip.
The Deerhouse Pub
The Deerhouse Pub is a five-minute walk from the touring pitches and is well worth a visit. We had a scrumptious homemade Sunday roast there — genuinely good pub food, not just the standard theme park fare — and we also watched the first England Euros football game in a lovely family-friendly atmosphere. It was one of those evenings that felt like a proper treat.
The Shop
The Central Park shop on site is well-stocked with locally sourced fresh produce, everyday essentials, toiletries, soft drinks, snacks, and — crucially — pick n mix, which Bodhi and River made a beeline for every single day. The freshly made breakfasts, hot and cold sandwiches, and homemade cakes were particularly good, and we picked up a few things for the road trip home that made the journey considerably more enjoyable.
Facilities
The toilet and shower cubicles were spacious and clean throughout our stay. The laundry area even had an iron, which is a small detail but one that speaks to the overall standard of the park. The pot washing area, Elsan point, and water points were all well-maintained and easily accessible.
The Surroundings
We took a lovely walk one afternoon while the kids cycled to the local church, which is absolutely beautiful and well worth the short trip. Harrogate itself is a wonderful town to explore — elegant, full of independent shops and cafes, and very family-friendly.
Our Verdict
| Detail | Info |
| Location | Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG3 1JH |
| Stay | June 2024, 3 nights touring |
| Pitch type | Grass with EHU and water hook-up |
| Dog friendly | Yes — Max was very welcome |
| Pool | Heated outdoor pool, pre-booking recommended |
| Food on site | Deerhouse Pub (highly recommended), Central Park shop |
| Nearest town | Harrogate — 10 minutes by car |
| Would we return? | Absolutely — already planning it |
Rudding Holiday Park is a genuinely special place. It has the facilities of a high-end holiday park without losing the relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere that makes caravanning so enjoyable. The pool, the pub, the play areas, and the GolfFEST weekend all combined to make it one of our favourite stays of the year. We are already looking forward to our next visit.
Nearest Club sites: Rudding Park is an affiliated site — book directly via the Caravan and Motorhome Club website.
