May Half Term in and around the Yorkshire Dales.

Actually, I can’t quite believe I’m writing about the May Half Term Events already! HOW IS IT MAY HALF TERM?!

Anyway, my slight lateness in preparing this event roundup, is because I have been living in denial that it is upon us!

But lucky for you, I have finally reconciled myself to the fact that it is NEXT WEEK! And so here are all the details of kid friendly May half term outdoor events taking place in and around the Yorkshire Dales!

There are LOADS of events, ranging from trails, and obstacle courses, to full on interactive story telling, and even the chance to explore a mahoosive black hole! So read on to see what takes your fancy!

Bolton Abbey Welly Walk

Date: from the 28th May until the end of October 2022

Cost: £12.50 per car in advance, £15 if booked on the day.

Do I need to pre-book? Yes, although you can book on the day, but this will incur a price increase.

The Welly Walk. I’m not sure a year has passed without us doing this classic Bolton Abbey obstacle course! Why? Because the kids genuinely love it! Set up on the stretch of woodland between the Abbey ruins and the Cavendish Pavilion, the Welly Walk is a series of obstacles for kids to complete along the way!

The trail is around 2.5 miles from the Village Car Park (although it is possible to start at the Riverside Car Park too, but we prefer starting and ending at the ruins). There are toilets at the beginning, middle and end, and the Cavendish is a great place to stop for a light bite and an ice cream. Plus, there are some great paddle spots too.

A little word of warning to those who don’t like heights. There are steep unguarded drops along the Welly Walk trail.

What does Bolton Abbey say? ‘Prepare for lots of fun and mud! Our woodland adventure trail leads you from the stepping stones to the Cavendish Pavilion. Let your little one put their balance skills to the test, scramble up nets, navigate the pole-to-pole and try their hardest to keep clean as they come down the slide!’

Are dogs allowed on the Welly Walk? Yes, well behaved dogs are allowed as long as they are on lead.

Find out more on the Bolton Abbey website.

Half Term Magic at Thorp Perrow

Date: 28/5/2022 – 6/6/2022

Cost: Adult £13.30, Child (4-16 years) £8.50, Concession £12.05, Family Ticket £41.50. Trail is an additional £2.50 and includes a prize.

Do I have to book? Pre-Booking is advised as Thorp Perrow gets busy this time of year.

Thorp Perrow will be home to a host of magical creatures over this May half term. They have created their very own trail within the 100 acre Arboretum. On site is a café, toilets, play area, and the mammals and birds of prey centre.

What do Thorp Perrow say? ‘A maze of doorways, hidden spaces, and enchanting scenes, come and share in the beauty of this mythical world this half term. The resident gnome will also be there first hand to hand out prizes and help with the fishing!’

Are dogs allowed at Thorp Perrow Arboretum? Yes! Dogs are allowed on leads, except in the children’s play area, the mammal area and the tea room.

Find out more about the Thorp Perrow Enchanted Trail here! (Scroll to the bottom of the homepage)

Thornton Hall Farm: Dino Live

Date: 28/5/ - 5/6/2022  

Bird of prey features on 2nd and 3rd June

Cost: Adult £9.95  Child £14.95 Under 2 £9.95 under 1 free plus booking fee. On the door, tickets are an additional £1 extra.  

Do I have to book? Not essential, but tickets purchased on the door cost more.

Thornton Hall Farm are hosting another of their famous events! As well as the usual entry to the farm, you will get a timed entry slot at the brand new indoor play area, access to the outdoor play area, animal petting, jumping pillows, Caterpillar ride (extra cost) and Safari ride (extra cost), and all the dino fun!

What do Thornton Hall Farm say? Get up close and personal with our Jurassic dinosaurs including T Rex, Triceratops, Velociraptor and the Jurassic Live Park Rangers. Dino Live brings live life-like dinosaurs and a live-action stage show with our very own park rangers. Full-on fun for the whole family.

Are dogs allowed at Thornton Hall Farm? Sadly not.

Find the booking details on the Thornton Hall Farm website.

Harlow Carr: May Half Term, The Power of Superbees

Date: 28/5/2022 – 5/6/2022

Cost: Adult £14.25 Children 5-16 £7.25 Family Ticker 2 adults + 2 chiuldren £32.25 Additional Child £6.05 Car Free travel: £9.85

Do I have to book? Not essential, but advised.

Harlow Carr is hosting a May Half term event that focusses on our buzzy buddies! As well as the usual gardens, woodland and botanical wonder, there is a bee trail around the grounds. There are also play areas, a café and toilets on site, as well as a garden centre and shop.

In addition, there are also planting workshops and family yoga on site.

What do Harlow Carr say? ‘Create a buzz this May Half Term at RHS Garden Harlow Carr and learn how to encourage these fantastic pollinators. Follow the Superbee discovery trail to discover all about bee-friendly plants and different types of bees.’

Are dogs allowed at Harlow Carr? Sadly, no dogs are allowed.  

Find out more and the booking details at the Harlow Carr website.

Forbidden Corner

Date: Friday 3rd June

Cost: £14.50 per adult £12.50 per child

Is booking required? Yes, pre-booking is essential. Forbidden Corner gets incredibly busy!

Forbidden Corner is the weirdest place on earth, and is our absolute FAVOURITE place to visit! Words never really do this place justice, but in a nutshell it is a series of follies, mazes and labyrinths, above and underground, with a touch of the macabre, and a hint of out of this world.

They are holding a special jubilee event this May half term with Sir Stoln Cairngorm in attendance, so why not go check it out? There is also a café, toilets and shop on site.

What do Forbidden Corner Say? ‘As part of the Jubilee celebrations, we’ll have a very special guest visiting the Forbidden Corner to crown those who have daredto adventure into the strangest place in the world. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the castle and take your crown!’

Are dogs allowed at the Forbidden Corner? No dogs are allowed in the attraction.

Find the booking details for the Forbidden Corner here!

Brimham Rocks:

Brimham Rocks is hosting 3 separate events this May half term.

Active Outdoors Day

Date: 29/5/2022 9.30am – 12pm and 1-3.30pm (suitable for over 8s – teens)

Cost: £25/ session or £40 for both.

Do I need to pre-book? Yes, booking is required.

Outdoor adventure company, Live for Today have created an exciting day of adventure over at nature’s playground Brimham Rocks!

In the morning, the session focusses on weaseling around the weird and wonderful rock formations at Brimham Rocks, then the focus will shift to bushcraft, learning how to make a shelter out of natural materials.

In the afternoon, the session focusses on climbing, learning the basic techniques of belaying and rope management. The session with also cover bouldering, topped off with an abseil!

Brimham rocks says: ‘we are ready to help you get outside and get active, discovering hidden secrets, learning new skills and facing stimulating challenges.’

Rock Explorers

Date: Tues 31/5/2022

Cost: Free, but the usual parking charges apply.

Do I need to pre-book? Pre-booking is not required.

The National Trust rangers are doing a 1 hour tour of Brimham rocks, seeing their favourite hidden gems around the site. The event is suitable for children aged 5 plus, who must be accompanied by an adult.

Brimham Rocks says: ‘Delve into the weird and wonderful world hidden away at Brimham Rocks. Discover a secret tunnel, an ancient foot print and even a mysterious moving rock.

 The Flora, the Fairy, the Leapers and the Lizard, interactive Storytelling

Date: Sat 4/6/2022 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm 40 minutes long.

Cost: £10 per child.

Do I need to book? Yes, booking is required.

Brimham Rocks is holding another of its interactive storytelling sessions with Richard Kay, which takes a tour around Brimham Rocks. The event is suitable for over 5’s who must be accompanied by an adult. The walk lasts around 30 minutes.

Brimham Rocks say: ‘Why did the Lovers leap, why do the rocks have certain names, why does the bracken take over and what has all this got to do with a salamander? This Spring join Brimham’s oldest resident, Sally Mander as she recalls the folklore, the magic and nature of the area, that she has witnessed flourishing over the last few centuries under the watchful eye of the most strange of creatures, humans!

Are dogs allowed at Brimham Rocks? Yes, on leads around the rocks and moorland.

Find out all the booking information you need on the Brimham Rocks website, here!

Mother Shiptons Enchanted Stories

Date: 28/5/2022 – 5/6/2022

Cost: Car (with up to 5 people) £32 Additional Car Passengers £9.50 - £11 Under 3’s free Pedestrians up to 5 £32

Do I need to book? Pre-booking is essential

Mother Shipton has a magical half term planned at the UK’s oldest tourist attraction. As well as seeing Mother Shipton’s cave, the Petrifying Well, the museum and the play area, there will be a trail in the woods too!

What does Mother Shipton’s say? Wander into a world of Enchanted Stories at Mother Shipton’s this May Half Term. See Giant story books and a wonderland of fairy-tale themed displays with fantastical photo opportunities throughout the ancient woodland. Watch out for the pesky dragon, the wicked witch of the west and the big bad wolf. Peek into miniature fairy houses and sit on the wishing chair thrones. Dressing up as your favourite storybook character is thoroughly encouraged and prizes will be awarded to Mother Shipton’s favourites when you share them on Instagram.

Are dogs allowed at Mother Shipton’s? Dogs are welcome, but not in the playground.

Find all the booking details on the Mother Shipton’s website.

Stockeld Spring Adventures

Date: 28/5/2022 – 5/6/2022

Cost: Circus is £5/person general entry is £16.50/person under 2’s free

Do I need to book? Yes, pre-booking is essential

Stockeld has some May half term seasonal fun down in the forest! Alongside the usual play areas, maze, inflatables, go-karts (age limit applies) and buccaneer boats (additional cost) there will be a Spring quiz, and they are hosting the circus too (no animals are involved in the circus).  There is a large cafe and eating area on site, as well as toilets.

What do Stockeld Park say? ‘Roll up, roll up… the circus is coming to town for the Spring Adventure! Join us this Spring for endless family fun and magical adventures.’

Are dogs allowed at Stockeld Park? No dogs except guide dogs.

Find out more about the Stockeld Spring Event here!

Constable Burton Hall: A Festival of Fairies

Date: 28th May – 3th June 2022

Cost: Adult Admission £12 Child £8 Under 3’s free Family ticket £35 2 adults + 2 children

Do I have to book? Yes, pre-booking is essential

Constable Burton Hall is a Grade 1 period property over near Leyburn, Wensleydale. Usually a private residence, the gardens are opened up to the public for weekends between April and June and for one week only, they are hosting their stunning Festival of Fairies! We were lucky enough to be invited to attend last year and can say that the fairy trail is a magical experience! Alongside the fairy trail, there are fairy craft activities and face painting too!

The trail is Buggy and wheelchair friendly, you are able to pre-order a picnic if desired or there are other refreshments available in one of the lawn marquees.  

What does Constable Burton Hall say? ‘Discover a mystical trail of spectacular willow sculptures throughout the gardens’  

Are dogs allowed at Constable Burton Hall? Yes, on leads. m

Find the booking information on Constable Burton Hall’s website!

Fountains Abbey

Date: 28/5/2022 – 19/6/2022

Cost: Adult, £18.70, Child £9.40, Family £46.80, 1 adult 2 children £28.10 (prices include gift aid) for National Trust members, admission is free.

Do I need to book? No, this is not required.

As well as being able to explore the grounds of the Abbey and the water gardens, Fountains Abbey are holding a water inspired Art trail by Henshaws across half term. Pick up a free trail sheet when you arrive and enjoy the sculpture trail, inspired by the wildlife from the Skell Valley.

As well as the trail, there are individual activities too:

30th May 2-3.30pm – Raft Building

28th May – 5th June enjoy nature crafts at Swanley Grange

1st June 11-3pm – Pond dipping.

What does Fountains Abbey say? ‘Spot the Watery Wildlife on this family friendly trail’  

Are dogs allowed at Fountains Abbey? Yes, dogs are allowed on a lead except for inside the buildings and in the children’s play area.

Find out more on the Fountains Abbey website

Harewood House Family Tractor Wildlife Tour

Date: 30th and 31st May 10.30 and 12pm

Cost: Adult £10 Child £10 on top of the usual admission prices.

Do I need to pre book? Yes

For two days during half term, Harewood House are introducing a brand new activity! The new Safari trip around the Estate. You will get a tour of the whole Estate, and have the opportunity to learn more about the wildlife and conservation.

Harewood House also has an adventure playground, farm, exotic birds, boat rides, penguins and a trail around the Lake. The house is also open to visitors too.

What does Harewood House say? ‘Join us as we launch our new Family Tractor Wildlife Tour. Hop on our new safari bus for a trip around the Estate to see and learn about the wealth of wildlife on the estate and hear about the work we’re undertaking to help consrve UK species and become more sustainable. The tour will be 1 hour long.’

Are dogs allowed at Harewood House? Yes! Dogs are allowed on a lead.

Gaping Gill Winch

Date: 28/5/2022 – 3/6/2022 from 8am

Cost: £15/ person (cash only) Lower age limit is 6 and refusal for entry is at the Bradford Caving Club’s discretion.

Do I need to book? No, pre-booking is not possible, the winch takes place on a first come first served basis.

It’s that time of year. And for the first time since 2019 (thank you Covid!), the Gaping Gill Winch is taking place across 5 days. Would you dare be lowered 105 metres into the depths of the earth to see the massive cavern below your feet? A cavern so big it could hold St Paul’s Cathedral inside?!

If the answer is yes, then this is the only time you will be able to do so (unless of course you are an experience caver!)

The winch is expected to get extremely busy, so an early arrival time is advised. Entry to the cave is via the waterfall from Fell Beck, so prepare to get soaked, waterproofs are a must, and a picnic and drinks are advised, as there is bound to be a wait to get in. Last entry is at 5pm unless the book is full beforehand, in which case a sign will be put up at Ingleborough Cave, to save you the trip! The walk to Gaping Gill takes about 2 hours. from Clapham. An entry fee will be required if you head through the estate nature trail.

Last thing, no toilets! So be prepared!

Find our more on the Bradford Caving Club website.

And for more information on how to get there, check out our Gaping Gill walk.

No specific events planned…. BUT

Rainy day? Why not head to Stump Cross Caverns? There is always plenty going on to entertain the kids with a fairy door trail, fossil hunt and private cinema.  

Day at the Farm? Hesketh Farm near Bolton Abbey is open as usual, with no pre-booking required and plenty of newborns to cuddle! Birchfield Ice Cream farm in Nidderdale is also open, with it’s usual fun at the farm!

Fancy a trail? Studfold Adventure Trail in Lofthouse, Nidderdale is open and their beautiful fairy house trail is in full swing!

Want to explore a castle? Bolton Castle in Wensleydale is again open to the public. You will be able to tour the medieval castle and see the maze and gardens. There are also falconry displays, archery and wild boar feeds.

That’s a Yorkshire May Half Term. SORTED!

Have we given you some inspiration? Use #iamareluctantexplorer in your social media posts and tag @thereluctantexplorers on either Facebook or Instagram!