The Riverfront York
Ferry Ln, Bishopthorpe, York YO23 2SB
The Riverfront York is a premium, family-run touring park and lifestyle destination nestled directly on the scenic banks of the River Ouse in Bishopthorpe, just three miles south of the historic city of York. Combining rural tranquility with modern, boutique-hotel-style facilities, this family- and dog-friendly site serves as an ideal base for exploring North Yorkshire while offering an upscale, relaxed atmosphere.
Motorhome & Campervan Stopover Details
The site features a highly rated, secure touring layout positioned behind a security barrier, operating from March 1st to October 31st:
Pitches: Roughly 30 level, spacious hardstanding pitches set alongside manicured grass areas.
Hookups: Each individual plot is fully equipped with its own 16-amp electric hookup and a dedicated freshwater tap.
Size Limits: Accommodates large outfits, accepting campervans and motorhomes up to a maximum length of 9 to 11 metres.
Awning Policy: Simple wind-out canopy awnings are permitted on any pitch. However, full enclosed ground-sheet awnings or removable structures are strictly confined to four designated awning pitches (Pitches 12–15) and incur an additional charge.
Pricing: Touring rates range from approximately £36 to £48.50 per night for two people, which includes utility connections.
On-Site Facilities
The site provides premium comfort, with amenities curated to mirror a high-end estate:
Boutique Luxury Bathrooms: Fully renovated toilet and shower blocks featuring spacious stalls, accessible facilities, underfloor heating, and integrated hairdryers.
Utility Services: A clean chemical disposal point, dedicated pot-washing sinks, and a token-operated laundry room (tokens available at the cafe). Note: Direct on-pitch grey waste drainage is not present, so using a rolling waste hog is advised.
Wellness & Recreation: Home to Skin Serenity, an on-site health and beauty salon offering facials and pampering sessions. A sustainably built children's outdoor play park with climbing frames is also on-site.
Connectivity: Complimentary site-wide Wi-Fi keeps guests seamlessly connected.
Dog Policy: Extremely welcoming to pets, permitting up to two dogs per pitch with beautiful riverside paths adjacent to the grounds.
Dining & Culinary Options
Guests don't need to cook inside their vans, thanks to diverse on-site dining venues that spotlight local, seasonal ingredients:
Bosun’s Restaurant: The site’s crown jewel is a 2 AA Rosette fine-dining restaurant helmed by executive chef Kurtus Auty. Open Thursday to Sunday, it serves premium seasonal menus, a-la-carte dishes, seafood, and a renowned Sunday Roast. It features panoramic views of the Ouse and a heated veranda where dogs are welcome.
The Riverfront Café Bar: Open 7 days a week, this lively hub serves freshly prepared breakfasts, barista coffees, lunches, snacks, and locally made Northern Bloc ice cream.
Riverside Pods & Pizza: Guests can sit outdoors in unique glass domes/heated pods on the riverbank. Seasonally (Friday–Sunday), Bosun's Oven fires up wood-fired pizzas and grilled options directly by the water.
Local Information & Transit
The Riverfront's location in Bishopthorpe strikes a perfect balance between rural village charm and city accessibility:
River Access & Leisure: The site operates its own boatyard. Guests can hire self-drive motorboats, canoes, or kayaks seasonally to cruise the River Ouse.
Getting to York City Centre: Avoid driving a large motorhome into historic York. Between April and September, you can board a scenic Riverbus water taxi from the site's private pontoon straight into the city center. Alternatively, a local bus stop sits at the top of Ferry Lane (a 5-minute walk) with frequent buses, or you can cycle the flat, off-road riverside trail into town in 20 minutes.
Bishopthorpe Village: A brief 5-minute walk brings you into the heart of the village. It offers local convenience shops, a bakery, and three traditional country pubs with beer gardens (including The Woodman), all serving excellent food.
Nearby Attractions: York's historic core features York Minster, the Jorvik Viking Centre, and the National Railway Museum. For shopping and provisions, the York Designer Outlet and Europe's largest Go Outdoors superstore are just a 5-to-10-minute drive away.
