Brimham Rocks at a glance
Brimham Rocks is run by the National Trust. Walking among the rocks costs nothing, so you pay for parking only. The site is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The rocks stand on open moor above Nidderdale.
Plan the trip around the weather and your car. Our Yorkshire Dales tours from Harrogate page lists organised day trips if you prefer not to drive.
Brimham Rocks and Dales day trips
Day trips from Harrogate and York, with live prices and availability.
Parking and entry at Brimham Rocks
What you pay and how.
Parking prices
A car pays £7 for 4 hours or £10 for the day. National Trust members park free after registering. Blue Badge holders park free with the badge on show.
How to pay
You enter your number plate at the machine. Card, coins and JustPark are accepted.
Opening
The car park is open from dawn to dusk, except 24 and 25 December. Do not count on night parking or on leaving after sunset.
Getting to Brimham Rocks from Harrogate
By car, and by bus when it runs.
By car
It is about 11 miles from Harrogate on the B6165. The postcode HG3 4DW gives only the approximate location, so follow the road signs close to the site.
By bus
The direct bus 825 is a summer service, so check the timetable. Line 24 goes to Summerbridge, and from there you walk.
Plan around the season
Check the winter timetable before you go. For other options, see getting to Harrogate.
Walking at Brimham Rocks
The Nidderdale Way runs through the site. The Moorland and Meadows route has narrow and uneven paths, stiles and a small water crossing, and it can be wet. The ground is not suitable for everyone, so it is not an accessible moorland walk.
Dogs must be on a lead the whole time. For gentler routes nearer town, see the Harrogate walks page.
Climbing and safety
Rules from the National Trust.
What is possible
Bouldering, rope climbing and abseiling all need skill and equipment.
Hazards
Drops can be sudden and the rock can be slippery. Supervise children closely and do not climb alone.
Nesting routes and ownership
Respect closures of routes where birds nest. Some rocks outside National Trust land need the owner's permission to climb.
Planning your day at the rocks
A few practical points.
Allow time
The rocks are spread over open moor, and the paths are uneven. Allow a few hours if you want to walk beyond the car park and stop to look at the stones.
Wear the right shoes
Paths can be wet, with stiles and a small water crossing on the longer route. Boots or sturdy shoes make the visit easier.
Protected land
The site is an SSSI, so keep to paths where you can and leave the rock and plants as you find them. That status does not mean that every nearby rock group lies inside the same boundary or the same owner's land.
A free day out
Brimham Rocks is one of the free things to do near Harrogate, apart from parking. For other free options, such as the Nidd Gorge, see things to do in Harrogate.
More Harrogate pages
Pair the rocks with another stop.
Brimham Rocks: frequently asked questions
Is Brimham Rocks free?
Walking among the rocks is free. Parking costs £7 for 4 hours or £10 for the day, unless you are a National Trust member.
How far is it from Harrogate?
About 11 miles, reached from the B6165.
Can I get there by bus?
The direct bus 825 runs in summer only, so check the timetable. Line 24 runs to Summerbridge, and you walk from there.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, but they must be on a lead throughout.
Can I climb the rocks?
Climbing needs skill and equipment, and drops are sudden. Some rocks need the owner's permission. Do not climb alone.