Hawes Farmers' Auction Mart
Burtersett Road, Hawes DL8 3NP
Hawes Farmers' Auction Mart is a historic and thriving agricultural hub established in 1914 on Burtersett Road in the market town of Hawes, Wensleydale. Serving a vital role in the North Yorkshire farming community, it specializes in the marketing and auctioning of renowned, high-quality Dales livestock, drawing buyers from across the country for prime sheep and cattle sales. Alongside its traditional agricultural purpose, the mart has diversified to offer highly popular overnight parking facilities for motorhomes and campervans, acting as an ideal, scenic base for tourists exploring the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Motorhome & Campervan Stopover Details
The huge tarmac and gravel car park at the rear of the market provides a tranquil, "no-frills" stopover that functions similarly to a European-style Aire.
Pricing: £15 per night for an overnight stay. Daytime parking is available at £2 for a short stay or £5 for all day.
Payment Method: Fees can be paid directly at the main office during working hours or placed into the honesty box attached to the portakabin/rear of the toilets when closed.
Pitch Style: Massive hardstanding area capable of accommodating large vehicles up to 20 metres. The ground sits on an incline, meaning leveling ramps/chocks are highly recommended, though a few flatter areas are present at the top.
Booking: No booking is required due to the sheer size of the car park. However, visitors must check the Hawes Farmers' Auction Mart Sales Diary online beforehand; the car park becomes incredibly busy with agricultural vehicles and trailers during main livestock auction days (typically Mondays and Tuesdays).
On-Site Facilities
While there are no electric hook-ups (EHU) or drive-over grey waste grids, the mart covers all core requirements for self-contained vans:
Toilets: Basic communal toilet blocks (His and Hers) are available on-site.
Fresh Water: A dedicated external vertical standpipe/tap is available for topping up freshwater tanks.
Chemical Toilet Disposal: An Elsan point (black water chemical cassette emptying) is located at the rear of the toilet block.
Other Notes: The car park features exceptional rural views but has no overnight lighting; visitors are advised to carry a torch after dark. Pets are welcome.
On-Site & Local Dining
The Auction Mart Café: The award-winning on-site café serves as a vital community hub. Open on all active sale days, it offers traditional, hearty "greasy spoon" home cooking using locally sourced produce. Key menu highlights include full English breakfasts, cottage pies, steak and onion pies, Yorkshire pudding with sausage and mash, and classic crumbles or cornflake tarts.
Local Town Eateries: For days when the café is closed, the town center is a short 5-minute walk away, boasting over 20 diverse dining options. Highly rated local venues include The White Hart Inn for pub food and the classic Penny Garth Café.
Local Information & Attractions
At 850 feet above sea level, Hawes stands as England's highest market town and sits surrounded by the stunning scenery of Wensleydale.
The Weekly Market: A thriving street market takes place every Tuesday across the town centre, continuing a community tradition that dates back to a royal charter granted in 1699.
Wensleydale Creamery: Located within walking distance, the world-famous Wensleydale Creamery allows visitors to watch traditional cheese making and sample its historic Yorkshire cheeses.
Dales Countryside Museum: Housed in the old railway station, this museum offers an immersive look into the unique heritage, industry, and culture of the people of the Yorkshire Dales.
Walking Trails: The mart serves as an ideal trailhead for beautiful local walks, including pathways leading to Hardraw Force (England's highest single-drop waterfall above ground) and routes tracking the River Ure.
Amenities: Despite its small size, the community features a community-run fuel station, a post office, a local butcher, an artisan bakery, and a library.
