Overview
- The riverside Burnsall Park parking field was closed by its owners this week, removing a managed site that had taken hundreds of cars.
- The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority is strongly urging people to avoid Burnsall and busy parts of Wharfedale and to choose alternative destinations.
- Visitors to Bolton Abbey are being asked to pre-book parking and entry online because walk-in arrival does not guarantee access.
- Police, traffic enforcement officers and national park rangers are patrolling roads to prevent illegal parking, keep farm and emergency access clear, and enforce responsible behaviour.
- Officials warn hot, dry weather raises wildfire and water risks and say the closure will push parking demand into nearby villages such as Linton and Grassington, affecting residents and local services while tourism income for businesses remains important.