Where did I go?
Clarion Lodge Campsite
West Chevin Road
Menston
Ilkley
Leeds
West Yorkshire
LS29 6BG
Need to know
- £48 per night for 2 people
- Weekly prices from £280 for 2 people sharing
- Arrivals between 2pm and 6pm, departure by 11am
- Cabins all have heating, electricity and a basic kitchen area
- Big Chief cabins sleep up to 5 people and do not include a bathroom
- Bedding is not provided
- Dogs are welcome
- Ideal for exploring Ilkley Moor
The accommodation
On site at Clarion Lodge campsite there are 3 spacious ‘Big Chief’ Wigwams, one of 3 different cabin styles offered by Wigwam Holidays. I arrived late on a chilly Friday night to find the lights on, the key in the door and thankfully, the heater already on inside my cabin.
The cabins are spacious and have a U shaped seating configuration, plus a further sofa opposite the kitchen area. With the addition of sliding wooden boards the main U shaped seating area can be made into an enormous bed, and along with the second sofa made up as a bed, the cabins can sleep up to 5 people. As I was traveling alone, I opted to make up a single bed (bring your own bedding), and then set about unpacking.
Although the kitchen inside the cabin is basic, it includes a kettle, toaster, fridge and a microwave as well as plates and cutlery, so I’d planned my meals accordingly, and handily had some freeze dried camping meals with me, meaning my late dinner was just a case of boiling the kettle. The Chevin Inn pub is very close to the site (a few minutes walk) which looked lovely, but I didn’t get chance to try it out.
The cabin warmed up quickly and I immeditely felt at home, and despite only having a sleeping bag with me, I spent the first of two comfortable nights in the cabin.
On site
Although this is a small campsite, you’ll find everything you need for a short stay or holiday. The site has good facilities that include toilet and shower blocks and a washing up cabin with sinks and great little area packed full of tourist information leaflets. The friendly site owners too are happy to advise you on the local area and are full of recommendations of things to do and places to see.
There is no shop on site, but it’s right on the edge of the town of Chevin, so shops aren’t far away at all.
Out and about
The weather forced a last minute change of plans for me, instead of heading out to walk on Ilkley Moor as I had planned, due to pouring rain and poor visibility I decided instead to head to Mother Shipton’s Cave in the beautifully picturesque town of Knaresborough followed by an afternoon in the lovely spa town of Harrogate.
Mother Shipton’s Cave was quirky, informative and fun, and afterwards I took the opportunity to take a good long walk following the River Nidd. After my walk I sought out somewhere to eat lunch and whilst there were plenty of cafes and tea rooms to choose from, I liked the look of The Ugly Ducking Tea Room where I had a delicious meal overlooking the River.
The verdict
The campsite is pretty and well kept, and whilst it’s the smallest campsite I’ve stayed at and it was out of season, the cabins were all full – proving what a popular choice the Wigwam Holiday cabins here are, whatever the weather!
I’ve previously stayed in the ‘Running Water’ style cabin which includes a full kitchen and ensuite shower room and absolutely loved the convenience of having those facilities inside the lodge, however, don’t let the fact that there’s no sink or bathroom facilities inside the ‘Big Chief’ cabin put you off! No matter which of the 3 cabins you’re in here, you are just a few steps away from the toilet and shower block which also has a standpipe outside.
The only changes I would make would be to include optional bedding packs for guests and I do love a good campfire, even a communal area with a firepit would have been lovely, though I suspect this isn’t possible due to the size of the site.
In terms of value for money, particularly for families and small groups who want a warm and comfortable base to explore the region from, you can’t go far wrong choosing Wigwam Holidays Clarion Lodge. At just £48 per night (it’s cheaper still if you book for a whole week), they represent excellent value for money.
The views from the site over the moors are extensive and the area itself has lots to offer, from amazing walking on Ilkley Moor and at Chevin Forest Park through to great fun family days out at places like Mother Shipton’s Cave in near by Knaresborough.
In my opinion Wigwam Holidays Clarion Lodge is the ideal choice for young families and I thoroughly enjoyed my short stay!
Find out more
- Clarion Lodge Campsite
- The Chevin Inn
- Mother Shipton’s Cave
- Chevin Forest Park
- Ilkley Moor
- Visit Harrogate
- The Ugly Ducking Tea Room
- Bolton Abbey
Thank you to Wigwam Holidays who invited us to stay.
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