Yorkshire is a great place to visit with children of all ages, as the area is so fantastically diverse and offers plenty of choices for things to do. Here are a few suggestions of great family activities in Yorkshire.
We all know that young children love animals, and Yorkshire has some great farms with visitor centres, where the children can feed and pet the animals. Hazel Brow Farm is an excellent example, located in the village of Low Row in Swaledale, and has a children’s play area. Located near Thirsk, on the edge of the North York Moors National Park, Monk Park Farm is another good example, and has a wide range of animals, including llamas and wallabies.
Yorkshire also has some superb birds of prey centres, including Falconry UK Birds of Prey Centre in Thirsk, home to 30 different species of birds of prey, and the International Centre for Birds of Prey at Duncombe Park near Helmsley, the largest collection of birds of prey in the north of the country, and with stunning and extensive grounds. Thorp Perrow Arboretum, near Bedale, also has a bird of prey and mammal centre, and the arboretum itself is simply stunning.
If you’re over on the western side of the Dales then a trip to White Scar Cave is a must. It’s Britain’s longest show cave, and stretches deep beneath the second highest mountain in the Yorkshire Dales – Ingleborough. There are lots of impressive underground sights to wow you along the way, including fascinating rock formations, waterfall and streams, and thousands of stalactites.
Curious minds are likely to be captivated by Mother Shipton’s Cave in Knaresborough. Not only is the story of Mother Shipton and her prophecies the kind of tale you’d expect from a Brothers Grimm fairytale, but the park is also home to what is thought to be England’s only petrifying well, in which a teddy bear will turn to stone within 3-5 months!
Also in the Knaresborough area, in the village of Ferrensby, Poplars Adventure Maga Maze makes for a great day out for families with kids of all ages. The 10 acre plantation of maize is cut into a brand new maze every year, and there’s also a play paddock with plenty to entertain children. Older children and adults can also have a go at laser combat within the maze.
Those seeking some exhilaration might like to have a go on Europe’s longest rollercoaster, The Ultimate, at Lightwater Valley Theme Park near Ripon. The Park has lots of fantastic features and activities, including Eagle’s Creek Farm and an Angry Birds Activity Park!
For a more leisurely family activity how about a boat trip on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal? Pennine Boat Trips of Skipton offer lovely narrow boat cruises amidst lovely scenery, and with a humorous commentary from comedian Dave Spikey!
Further south, just outside Barnsley, is Pot House Hamlet, a beautiful hamlet with a lovely café and some superb shops. A walk along the old wagon way next to Silkstone Beck will transport you back in time, and the old oak trees provide an ideal spot for a picnic.
Holiday season has arrived! Hooray!
Summer is a great time to visit Yorkshire, as the area hosts lots of lively events, including agricultural shows, music festivals and beer festivals. To see what’s on in Yorkshire please click here.
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Over the coming weeks we’ll be posting lots of articles about things to do in Yorkshire, so keep a close eye on our blog.