Hidden in the heart of Nidderdale, Druid's Temple is a fascinating and mysterious spot that adults and children will both love. In this guide, you'll find all the essential details to plan your visit, from directions and parking tips as well as other nearby activities. So, lace up your boots and head outdoors to discover one of Yorkshire's hidden gems. All the information you need about Druid’s Temple is right here.
The Druid’s Temple at a Glance
Parking: Either at the car park next to Swinton Bivouac or at the entrance to Druid’s Temple at the end of Knowle Lane (HG4 4JZ)
Dog friendly: Yes
Facilities: A wonderful cafe and toilets at Swinton Bivouac a five minute walk from the Druid’s Temple
Walk time: Half a day is a nice amount of time to spend here. Explore the temple, head down to the river and the reservoir at the bottom of the woodland or explore the forest and moorland. Then head back to the cafe for a snack.
Where is Nidderdale National Landscape?
Nidderdale, located in North Yorkshire is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich variety of wildlife and plants. The rolling hills, valleys, moorlands and rivers make it a haven for outdoor lovers with opportunities for all types of outdoor activities. The area also has plenty of walking and cycle routes, opportunities for birdwatching, caving, kayaking, fishing, climbing and more.
The Nidderdale Valley, which runs through the heart of the AONB, is surrounded by hills and moorland which provide great vantage points to watch life in the valley below.
One of the most impressive features of Nidderdale is its wildlife and history. Within the AONB you can see a variety of birds such as red grouse, curlews, and kestrels as well as evidence of past human settlement including ancient stone circles, medieval churches and old mining communities scattered across the landscape.
Where is Druid’s Temple?
Not far from the village of Masham, north of Harrogate in Yorkshire, Druid’s Temple sits hidden in woodland.
You’ll find it at the end of Knowle Lane above Leighton Reservoir.
What is Druid’s Temple?
You’d be forgiven for thinking that this stone temple dates back to the time of the Druids more than 2000 years ago when temples like this were used for religious ceremonies, sacrifices and celebrations. Unfortunately, this temple actually only dates back to the late 1700s.
Nestled in the forest, this folly (an ornamental building with no clear purpose) it really does look like something from thousands of years ago. With a central temple and multiple stone features within the site, it is an accurate copy of a Pagan place of worship.
The Druid’s Temple was built by William Danby at a time when Paganism was becoming increasingly popular. Apparently, he had the temple built to reduce pressure on local unemployment by paying workers a shilling a day for their labour.
Even though it might not date back too far into the history books and is less than 200 years old, the temple is a great place to explore as well as the surrounding woodland and moorland. There are multiple walking routes to follow, mountain biking tracks, stunning viewpoints, bird hides and a great cafe at the car park too!
This is a great walk for all year round but in winter especially be sure to wrap up warm in your puffer jacket and bobble hat because it gets cold in those woods.
Does it cost to visit Druid’s Temple?
Nope! It’s completely free to visit the temple itself.
Parking for Druid’s Temple
There are a couple of options for parking here.
Free - right at the entrance to Druid’s Temple at the end of Knowle Lane. It’s a small car park with limited spaces but worth a try.
Parking in the spaces near Swinton Bivouac. It’s £3 to park all day via an honesty box.
Is there public transport to Druid’s Temple?
There is no public transport directly to Druid’s Temple.
If driving isn’t an option, there are public buses from Ripon and Richmond via Masham where you could then walk to the temple. However, the walk from Masham to Druid’s Temple is 1.5hrs each way.
Facilities at Druid’s Temple
Swinton Bivouac is a great place to stop for some excellent facilities. They have a wonderful cafe on site with hot food, cakes and drinks as well as clean toilets.
You can also stay overnight here if you wanted to extend your Nidderdale trip.
Is Druid’s Temple family friendly?
Yes, definitely! Children will love running around the temple and the nearby stones as well as exploring the local woodland. Some of the paths can get very muddy in rain so bear this in mind if you are taking a stroller.
Other things to do in Nidderdale and nearby
Brimham Rocks
Check out Brimham rocks, a whole host of weird rock formations scattered across the moorland. This is managed by the National Trust.
Fountains Abbey
This stunning World Heritage Site with a ruined abbey and deer park, Fountains Abbey is one not to miss.
How Stean Gorge
An incredible, 20m deep limestone gorge that can be explored. There’s even a via ferrata here!
Stump Cross Caverns
An exceptional show cave! Stump Cross Cavern is a great day out for the whole family.
Nidderdale lLamas
For something a little bit different, why not visit the Nidderdale Llamas and head out on a little walk with one of them.
For additional UK outdoor adventures, wild swimming, hiking routes and more, check my other blog posts here on MY URBAN TRAIL and follow me @Wild_0utdoors on Instagram.
Happy adventuring!