The day after our Lakes walk we headed east. Two stops were on the list: Tan Hill Inn, the highest pub in Britain, and Haworth, the hilltop village where the Brontë sisters grew up. One is all big skies and moorland, the other is steep cobbles and old stone, and together they make a cracking couple of days in a van. Here is what we found, and what we would tell a mate before they go.
Part one: Tan Hill Inn
Why go
Tan Hill Inn sits on its own on the moors of the Yorkshire Dales, in Swaledale near Keld, at 1,732 feet (528 metres) above sea level. That makes it Britain’s highest pub. The building dates back to the 17th century, with exposed beams, a stone flagged floor and a fire to thaw you out, and the Pennine Way runs right past the door.
We rolled in mid afternoon at the end of October, following the blue T4 we were travelling with along the moor road, and the low sun turned everything gold. The car park was busy, and we were not the only VWs there by a long way. A red and cream split screen parked out front stole the show.
Staying over in the van
This is the bit most van owners ask about, and the good news is that the pub welcomes campervans and caravans. Here is what the pub’s own website says right now:
- No bookings for vans. Just turn up and register at the bar.
- There is a charge per person, which the pub says goes to tips and charity. Check the current amount at the bar or on the pub’s website.
- No electric hook up. Come with charged batteries and enough gas or fuel for heating.
- Facilities are basic. Campers have an outside toilet and a shower, and the pub says the shower is seasonal.
- House rules on the camping field include no campfires, BBQs or gas items, no glass, quiet from 10pm to 7am, and taking your rubbish home with you.
Getting there: read this before you set off
The pub specifically asks motorhomes and large vehicles to avoid Stonesdale Lane from the B6270, because vehicles can get stuck on the very tight bend, especially in the colder months. If you are not sure of your route, the pub asks you to ring before you travel on 01833 533007.
A few more tips from us:
- It is exposed up there. Wind, rain, fog and snow can all arrive quickly at that height. Check the forecast and be ready to change plans.
- Bring levelling ramps. It is a moorland car park, not a manicured pitch.
- Arrive in daylight. The moor roads are lovely in low sun and a lot less lovely in the dark and the fog.
- Fill up first. It is remote, so sort fuel, water and food before you head up.
Part two: Haworth
Why go
Haworth is a hilltop village in West Yorkshire, about eight miles west of Bradford and three miles south of Keighley. Charlotte, Emily and Anne Brontë grew up here, living in Haworth Parsonage on the edge of the moors. Between them the sisters wrote novels including Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, and the Parsonage is now the Brontë Parsonage Museum, at the top of the cobbled main street behind St Michael and All Angels Church.
Even if you have never read a word of the Brontës, the village is worth the trip. Stone shops, a red phone box, narrow flagged ginnels, the church, the Kings Arms courtyard and a main street that glows at golden hour. We visited on a Saturday afternoon at the end of October and it was busy, so expect company.
Parking a van in Haworth
Bradford Council runs several pay car parks in the village, and the council’s own page lists them all with no height restriction, which is good news for anything with a pop top or a high roof:
- Brontë Village car park (BD22 8QN): the big one, with around 300 spaces. Our pick for vans.
- Museum car park (BD22 8DU): the closest to the Parsonage, with around 63 spaces, public toilets and an EV charging point. Smaller, so it fills quickly.
- Gas Street car park (BD22 8NQ): around 72 spaces.
You can pay by phone in the council car parks. Charges and times change, so check the signs on the day. The council page does not cover overnight stays, so plan to sleep on a proper campsite rather than in a village car park.
Haworth tips for families
- Wear proper shoes. The main street is steep and cobbled, and the cobbles are uneven. It is hard work with a buggy.
- Stretch your legs on the moors. The Brontë Waterfall is a lovely moorland walk. Visit Haworth says to allow about 45 minutes each way from the main street, or about 25 minutes each way from the Penistone Hill Country Park car park. It gets rocky, uneven and slippery near the falls and is not suitable for pushchairs.
- Go early or late. On a busy day the main street is shoulder to shoulder in the afternoon. Early mornings and golden hour are much calmer, and the light is better for photos too.
- Train fans, Haworth has a station on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, a heritage railway.
Doing both in one trip
Tan Hill and Haworth make a great pairing: one night up on the moors, then down to Haworth for a wander. Plan your route with your van in mind rather than just following the satnav, and give yourself plenty of daylight. If you like taking the scenic way, our post on why you should avoid motorways and tolls is right up your street.
Heading out this winter? Have a look at UK campsites open through winter, our winter campervan camping guide and our guide to parking responsibly.
Big skies, old pubs and a field full of VWs? That is Dubbed Out in a nutshell. Tickets for Dubbed Out 2027 go on sale on 31 January 2027. Sign up to the newsletter at dubbedoutfestival.co.uk to hear first.