Stuff to do in the Yorkshire Dales with Kids this Summer!
What to do with the kids in and around the Yorkshire Dales this Summer?
We’ve got you covered! If you’re in Yorkshire, headed to the Yorkshire Dales on holiday, or just headed to the Yorkshire Dales on a day trip… we have a whole list of things for you to do with the kids!
School’s out for Summer (well nearly…)
But does that stretch of 6 weeks fill you with dread? Or with excitement? Yes, it can be wall to wall moaning, bickering, declarations of I’M BORED and THERE’S NOTHING TO DO (mainly whilst sat amidst an array of things to do…..) Sigh.
But what IS there to do to fill that gaping void between July and September?
Well that’s why we're here to help! So rather than bang your head against a brick wall and reach for the gin…. take a look at the do do do dooooooo…….
Stuff to do in and around the Yorkshire Dales with kids this Summer list!!!
Catchy right?!
50 Outdoorsy type things to do to fill your Summer, ranging from the absolutely completely 100% free days out, to some pretty darn fine Yorkshire Attractions. Maybe you fancy a good old fashioned Yorkshire festival? Or a true outdoors Yorkshire Adventure? THEN YOU ARE IN THE RIGHT PLACE!
(Remember to leave us a comment at the bottom tom let us know what you thing! Come and say HI!)
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Totally FREE stuff to do in (and around) the Yorkshire Dales
As a teacher who is not paid during the Summer Holidays, a free family activity is up at the top of the list! Chuck in a handful of a cost of living crisis and mix in a litre of sky high petrol costs, and you are in for a whole LOAD of headaches!
So that’s where I shall begin! Free Summer Bucket List Stuff to Do! Like completely free. No parking charges or anything….
Ilkley Moor
I shall start on our doorstep (and how lucky we are to have it on our doorstep, because we can happily while away a free day on ‘t moor!)
Park at either the Cow and Calf Rocks (free - What 3 Words Location: expel.crop.tango ), or Darwin Gardens (also free - W3W mouths.craftsmen.securing), or White Wells (also free… see were I’m going here… W3W kennels.indoor.crackling) or Hebers Gill (guess what?…. ALSO FREE! W3W younger.opinion.reconnect) and go EXPLORE!
We have LOADS of Ilkley Moor walks to check out! Take your duck food to Ilkley Tarn and feed the ducks, or head up to White Wells to check out the ancient spa (charitable donations are welcome, but no you can’t get your nails done…). Paddle in the waterfall (what 3 words rumbles.barmaid.overheard), take in the Cow and Calf Rocks, check out the neolithic carved rocks (check out our Hebers Gill walk for a great one) or go on a dinosaur hunt (also Hebers Gill). There is so much to do on’t Moor!
(Just don’t take your BBQ, because they ain’t alllowed!)
Explore Yordas Cave
If you fancy something secret, and AWESOME! Take your torch to Yordas Cave near Ingleton in the Yorkshire Dales! (It has to be a high beam torch or you won’t even touch the sides - check out the Novostella rechargeable LED torch. This is the one we have - featured in the shot below - and it’s BRILLIANT! Tap the link to head to the page | affiliate link, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.) there is a waterfall inside the cave, it’s an ex-Victorian show cave, so super accessible! You may get wet so make sure you wear boots (but to be honest, that just adds to the fun!!)
Find the details of where to park on our Yordas Cave page!
Yordas Cave, the Chapter House waterfall! (And you’ll definitely need those torches!) Another free activity in the Yorkshire Dales
Go Star Gazing at Coldstones Cut, Nidderdale
Located just outside Pateley Bridge, the Car Park at the Coldstones Cut is a designated Dark Sky Discovery Site, meaning that it is an officially recognised place where you can stargaze, due to it’s super low levels of light pollution! The bonus for this one? The car park is completely free, unlike some of the other Dark Skies Discovery Sites in the Dales (What 3 Words savers.sculpture.aunts)
Go visit the Coldstones Cut and Toft Gate Lime Kiln, Nidderdale
Speaking of the Coldstones Cut, this MASSIVE modern art installation on the moorland overlooking Pateley Bridge and the stunning Nidderdale (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), is totally free to visit (although there is a box welcoming donations). Overlooking the working Hanson’s Quarry, it’s a great trip for a digger lover, and is positioned right next to the remains of the Toft Gate Lime Kiln (which is also free)! Hit the link to find out more about that walk! Oh and parking? Free.
The Coldstones Cut in Nidderdale, a totally free family friendly Yorkshire trip!
Have a picnic and a paddle at the River Nidd waterfalls
This is a top little picnic spot, where you can have a little paddle in the river too! Parking is free as well! Check out the full details of the River Nidd waterfall walk, by tapping the link.
Go birdwatching at West Burton Waterfall (Cauldron Falls)
The waterfall at West Burton is popular with wild swimmers, and is an excellent splash spot (just be aware that open water can be dangerous, if you want to find some more advice on wild swimming head to the Royal Life Saving Society’s website.) It is also an excellent spot for keeping those eyes peeled for birds, in particular Grey Wagtail and Dippers! So why not take a wander? There’s also a small play area in the middle of West Burton too! Tap on the link to head to our Cauldron Falls walk.
Cauldron Falls in West Burton, another free trip!
Fly a Kite at Scar House Reservoir
Scar House reservoir is located in Upper Nidderdale and is super exposed, it being located at 330m above sea level! So if it’s a tad breezy below, it’s often…. well super windy up there! With picnic spots and an abandoned village to find, it’s a great, totally free, wander! Tap here to head to the Scar House Reservoir Walk.
We love to pack our House of Marbles Pocket Kite as it packs right down and fits easily into a bag! (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases)
Head to Spofforth Castle
This English Heritage owned ruin is located in the village of Spofforth near Harrogate. It is totally free to enter, and parking is also free in the village (just be respectful of the residents, and do not block any access points, or roads.) It’s a top spot for a picnic and there’s plenty of space to run around too!) Why not take a game or two to play too? the grassy area in front of the castle is vast!
Spofforth Castle is a free English Heritage ruin near Harrogate to explore and is a great picnic spot!
Visit nature’s playground on the Otley Chevin
The Otley Chevin is such a great day out, and it is totally free, including the parking. Surprise View is one of our favourite parts of the woodland, because not only are the view INSANE, you can picnic, watch planes, and take a wander to the rope swings hidden at the far edge of the woods! Later on in the summer you can find blackberries and if you’re lucky there are sometimes wild raspberries there too! (You might even want to treat yourself to an ice cream!)
Tap on the link to take you to the Otley Chevin Swings! There you’ll find all the details about the walk, and about the parking too!
Do the Grassington Lead Mining Trail
This trail will delve into the Yorkshire Dales’ industrial past, and is completely free! It’s a cool place to explore, with loads of information boards dotted around to let you know exactly what is what!
Why not check it out? We walked it from Hebden also taking in the epic secret waterfall Scale Haw Force (plus the walk ends in a pub….) check out the Lead Mining Walk by tapping the link!
Alternatively there is limited parking at W3W unearthly.breakfast.streamers .
Go blackberry picking!
During August, the blackberries will start popping up all over the place!
Our favourite free places to blackberry pick are Ilkley Moor, below White Wells near the Tarn, Ben Rhydding Nature Reserve or Swinsty Reservoir (although they are due to introduce parking charges in the not too distant future).
Visit Easby Abbey and see the legendary Drummer Boy Stone
Another English Heritage owned property that’s free to enter, Easby Abbey is an epic place for a game of hide and seek and a picnic. Located just outside of Richmond, North Yorkshire, there is a small free car park at the ruins (What 3 Words sofas.money.jazz) It only holds around 10-12 vehicles, so for this to be free, you’ll need to get there early, or be lucky!
Alternatively, if you can’t squeeze in, you can follow our walk from Richmond, which takes in Richmond Foss and starts and ends at the park there! You can find the details of that walk, and a bit more about the Drummer Boy Legend by tapping on the link! (Bear in mind if you park in Richmond, there will be a parking charge).
Reading the Drummer Boy stone, part of a free day out in the Yorkshire Dales!
Go Animal tracking at Nidd Gorge
This stunning area of woodland just outside of Knaresborough is packed with nature and animal life! With plenty of picnic spots along the river, pack up a picnic blanket and head down! There is plenty of soft earth around the edges of the water which are great for hunting for animal prints!
The parking is free, so this could be a top free afternoon out!
You can find out more about the walk around Nidd Gorge by tapping the link.
Hackfall Woods near Ripon
This Woodland Trust owned woodland is packed full of trails, secret follies, a hidden waterfall, and has a perfect paddle spot. It is a great place where you can happily while away the day with a top picnic!
We have written a blog all about how to visit Hackfall with the kids, with top tips about parking, and what there is to do! Oh. It’s free, and so is the family trail sheet too!
Mowbray Castle, one of the follies you can find at Hackfall Woods, another free day out in Yorkshire
Go see the Ribblehead Viaduct, go trainspotting and take a picnic to Whernside’s secret waterfall!
Located in the south/centre of the Yorkshire Dales at the foot of Whernside and Ingleborough, two of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, this is a top way to spend the day, and it is totally free (parking is roadside at Ribblehead and is free.) There is also the option to head to the Station pub, or to grab an ice cream too!
You can check out when there is a steam train headed over the viaduct by heading to the Settle Carlisle railway website.
To find out more about the walking route, head to our Force Gill walk page.
Ribblehead is also accessible by train from Settle.
Head on the Otley Chevin Sculpture Trail
This totally free sculpture trail is a series of carved timber sculptures that represent Otley’s heritage and history. Starting from the free car park at Lower Shawfield, the trail heads along the well walked routes of the Chevin woodland, and is super easy to follow! Take a picnic, and make sure you take a detour to bag the Chevin Trig point too!
Go Bug Hunting at Embsay Reservoir
The tiny village of Embsay is located on the edge of Skipton at the southern border of the Yorkshire Dales. This easy circular walk is great for the littlest of legs and is a top wander amongst stunning scenery.
The parking is free at the sailing club, and there are plenty of places to picnic on the circular route! Whilst you are at the head of the reservoir, why not also go on a bug hunt in the long grass?
The play park at Embsay is just down the road (What 3 Words: trusts.scariest.yarn parking is on Main Street remit.relocated.original) and is a great shout too! If you fancy a splurge on food, then Billy Bobs Ice Cream parlour is just down the road too with its play barns, and outdoor play areas.
Force Gill Wensleydale a free family day out in the Yorkshire Dales
Cheap family days out in (and around) the Yorkshire Dales
These aren’t totally free, but they are nearly there! Here, you’ll find free days out that might include a parking charge, or a small charge for a trail sheet or the like!
Head to the Settle Flowerpot Festival
To purchase a trail sheet it costs £2, and there is pay and display parking in the middle of Settle (or Settle can be accessed by Train or Bus). Grab a sheet from one of the shops, check out the Settle Flowerpot Festival website to find out where they are being sold! And away you go!
Do note that you don’t actually have to purchase a trail sheet to enjoy the displays! The trail runs from the 16th July - the end of August.
Whilst you’re there, head up to the Castleberg Rock (accessible from the middle of town), or head to Scaleber Force (requires a short drive) also both free! You can find out more about Scaleber Force by tapping the link!
One of the displays at the kid friendly Settle Flowerpot festival in the Yorkshire Dales
Go on the Harrogate Lego Trail
Running between the 30 July and the 20 August 2022, download the ‘LoyalFree’ app from the app store (coincidentally, this is packed with tons of free trails etc. based on your locality, so definitely check it out!) It is free to download, and the Lego trail will be featured there!
The trail itself is free, but parking charges will apply, or alternatively, Harrogate has a train station and buses regularly run. Whilst there, why not also head to Valley Gardens to check out the splash pool and play areas (or crazy golf?!).
Kettlewell Scarecrow Festival
Kettlewell Scarecrow Festival runs between the 13th and 21st August, and is a cool day out in the stunning Yorkshire Dales village! Parking charges apply (£3) and a trail sheet costs £1. Why not read more about what’s going on in Kettlewell by heading to our visit Kettlewell with Kids guide?!
You can also access Kettlewell by bus.
The statue of St Robert at his cave in Knaresborough. Plenty to explore on a cheap Yorkshire family day out!
Visit Knaresborough
Bloomin’ love Knaresborough, and you can make this a super cheap day out for the family, for either the cost of parking, the train, or bus, as it is accessible by all!
What can you do that is for free? Have a wander around the sculptures in the woods around Conyngham Hall, you can have a splash in the river or take a walking trail. You can visit the iconic castle and have a picnic next to the ruins (to access them, you will need to pay, although the last time we were there in April 2022, they remained shut), After your picnic, have a paddle at the Bebra gardens splash pool. You could head to the park at the Knaresborough Leisure Centre (W3W pipe.gossiping.regard) and walk to see the Chapel of our Lady of the Crag, or St Robert’s Cave. All freeeeeee!
Take a swim at Catrigg Force
Why not head to Catrigg Force, in Stainforth, just outside Settle?
On a hot day, it is a popular swimming spot, but distinctly LESS popular than its cousin, Stainforth Force! For the cost of parking in the Yorkshire Dales Car Park (£3 for 2 hours, £5 for the day) it is a brilliant cheap trip in the Yorkshire Dales!
Stainforth is accessible by Bus too.
If you do choose to swim, make sure you check out the Water Safety Advice from the Royal Life Saving Society first and be aware that the rocks surrounding the waterfall are slippery and there may be hidden obstacles under the surface.
Swimming at Catrigg Force near Stainforth, The Yorkshire Dales
Go Geocaching!
Ok, this doesn’t just apply to the Yorkshire Dales, but Geocaching is a fab way to have a cheap day out! Simply download the app (there is a free version and a version you can purchase) and off you go! You can find them more or less everywhere, but we love the ones in the upper section of Middleton Woods in Ilkley.
The parking is roadside and free as well, and you can spend hours exploring the woodland in the stick dens too!
Go scrambling at Brimham Rocks!
This is a free day out for a National Trust member, otherwise there are parking charges applicable. You can spend hours exploring the weird and wonderful rock formations, and there are plenty of picnic spots too!
Brimham rocks is also a great place to pick blackberries later on in the Summer, and it also has a cafe where you can grab ice cream, snacks and drinks!
Scrambling on the rocks at Brimham Rocks in Nidderdale
Go to the Buckden Duck Race!
On Sunday 24th July, the Buckden Duck Race is being held!
Gotta love a Great British tradition, and this is surely one of them! Kicking off at 3pm from Buckden Bridge, why not head to Upper Wharfedale to take a look! There will be hot dogs and refreshments available on the day, and why not take yourself to go and see the waterfalls on Buckden Beck whilst you are there!
Parking is at the Yorkshire Dales car park in Buckden. Alternatively, you can also get there by bus!
Do the Wild Explorers Trail in Ilkley
This augmented reality trail, is on the Discover Ilkley App, and is free to download from the App Store. Track down 7 enchanted nature-themed characters and experiences through the app dotted around the centre of town.
There is a combination of free and metered parking in Ilkley, so this could be a free activity, or you may incur parking charges!
Want to find out what else you could do whilst you are there? Take a look at our visit Ilkley with kids page!
The Dogs Dales trail based in Skipton
The Dogs Dales trail in Skipton
Another free to download Augmented reality trail, but this time based in Skipton!
Simply download the Dogs Dales trail app and explore the centre of the town where you’ll find lots of the Dogs Dales character hidden waiting to come and say hello!
Why not tie it in with a wander around Skipton Castle Woods, which are also free to explore!
Head to the Funzone at Otley Market Place
This is a free event that’s taking place on Market Place in Otley between the 27th July - 31st August 11am - 3pm. Suitable for ages 2-13, there will be a wide range of fun activities including a climbing wall, bouncy castle, lego workshops, travelling circus. Puffin Pottery, Soma Wellness and the Bookshop on the square will be there too!
Keep posted on the Otley BID Facebook page.
Head to the Druids Altar
This crazy folly is not (as it suggests) an actual Druids Altar, but it is a cool place to visit! Located just outside of Masham, Druid’s Altar is on the Swinton Estate, and makes up part of several well mapped walking trails through the woodland surrounding it!
Well worth a visit, all for the cost of the parking!
Druids Altar near Masham is a cheap Yorkshire Dales day out!
See in the sunrise at Janet’s Foss and take a swim!
Janet’s Foss is not a well kept secret waterfall, but it is a great place for a swim, and if you want it to yourself, why not head there at sunrise? By the end of the holidays, sunrise will be at a positively civil hour of 6am, so why not give it a whirl! It’s probably the only way you’ll get it to yourself… if you’re lucky!
Check out our Janet’s Foss walk by tapping the link.
Wear your headtorch and explore Victoria and Jubilee Cave in Settle
For the cost of parking in the pay and display car park, you can have a proper outdoors adventure by walking to Victoria and Jubilee Caves just outside of Settle! Remember to take your head torch to explore them properly! The kids have petzl headtorches that are brilliant! As an Amazon affiliate I earn through qualifying purchases.
You can find the full walk route on our Jubilee Cave page if you fancy giving it a go!
Swimming in Janet’s Foss in Malham, Yorkshire Dales.
Go for a paddle and a picnic at Buckden Beck waterfalls
This is one of our favourite places to go in the Dales! The waterfalls at Buckden Beck are easy to find, and are only a short walk from the car park. Take a picnic with you and enjoy! All for the cost of £5 all day parking at the Buckden Yorkshire Dales Car Park.
We recommend using water shoes, as the rocks underneath the water can be slippery and the wet suit material can help keep feet a little warmer too. Our water shoes are Ubfen, and we have just invested in the kids’ second pair. They have been worn and washed countless times and are only being replaced because they have been outgrown! To find our water shoes tap on the link. As an Amazon affiliate I earn on qualifying purchases.
The last easily accessible waterfall on Buckden Beck a top swimming spot and a cheap day out!
Kid friendly days out in and around the Yorkshire Dales for under £20
So we’ve done free days out, we’ve done cheap as chips days out….. now, for the days out for under £20!
Visit Wallace and Gromit at the Wensleydale Creamery
Located in Hawes (Wensleydale….. duh!) we headed here in February, and it was a top way to spend an afternoon! With loads of cheesy facts (who doesn’t love a cheesy fact), kid friendly activities and cheese making demonstrations, as well as a museum and a sneaky peek into the factory itself, it’s a bargain for £12.95 for a family ticket. Parking is free at the Creamery too!
Play hide and seek at Jervaulx Abbey
Described as the prettiest ruin in Yorkshire, Jervaulx Abbey is a top place for a picnic and a game of hide and seek! To visit the ruin there is a suggested donation of £5/ adult and £3/ child. Payment is by honesty box on entrance. Parking is also on an honesty box basis, across the road!
Playing hide and seek at the stunning Jervaulx Abbey in the Yorkshire Dales
Head to the boats at Otley Riverside
During the warmer months, the River Wharfe at Otley is home to the rowing boats and pedalos of Otley Boats! You can hire for either 30 minutes or an hour and costs are £5/ £8/ adult, £3/ £5 per child dependant on the length of hire. You can park for free near Wharfemeadows park, and tie it in with a wander to Gallows Hill Nature Reserve too if you like! Plus they are right next to the play park too!
Go swimming at Ilkley Lido
Ilkley Lido is an historic pool, dating back to 1935, and has recently reopened after refurbishment. The pool is not heated, but is a top way to cool off on a sunny day! With plenty of grassy space you can take your own picnic too!
£8.60/ Adult £4.40 Junior for peak times. (Off peak £5.05/ adult and £2.60/ child (over 3)
Rowing the boats at The Wharfe in Otley an activity in Yorkshire for under £20.
Head to the Ingleborough Estate Nature Trail and Clapham Park
The Ingleborough Estate Trail heads through the stunning woodland in Clapham North Yorkshire. The trail is around 1.5 miles in each direction, and ends up at Ingleborough Cave where you can grab a treat! You can also access Ingleborough Cave but that is at an additional cost. There is a park at Clapham too!
Admission to the traiol is £2.50 per adult £1 per child.
Visit the Dales Countryside Museum
Located in Hawes, the Dales Countryside Museum has a range of Summer Holiday activities going on through the Summer Holidays. The family friendly museum costs £4.80 to enter and children under 16 go free. A ticket lasts for 7 days too. There are walking trails around the museum, the car park is a dark skies reserve and it’s right opposite the park in Hawes too! Bargain!
Tree Climbing on the Ingleborough Estate Nature Trail.
Go splash at Ingleton Outdoors Swimming Pool
Ok, technically this is £21, but it’s so close to £20 that I’ve included it under this section! A family ticket (3 children, 2 adults) is £21 for a general swim session. Otherwise, it is £7/ adult, £5.50/ child and under 4’s are £1. There is no parking at the swimming pool but there is parking in the village of Ingleton.
Bolton Abbey Welly Walk
We love Bolton Abbey, and you can happily while away a full sunny day here! Head to the Priory ruins and paddle with a picnic before heading off on the welly walk (included in the price of the admission).
Early bird tickets are £12.50 per car, on the day tickets are £15/ car.
The Bolton Abbey welly walk and abbey ruins are a great day out for under £20
Do the Discovery Trail at Kilnsey Park
Located in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Kilnsey Park (well known for its fishing ponds) also has a family friendly discovery trail, where you can nature spot, hunt geocaches and head up to the Holy Spring. A family ticket is £14, Adult £4.50 Child £3.50
Add On: There is also a family fishing pond, perfect for beginners to fishing. A combi ticket for fishing and the Discovery Trail is £24 per family. (You pay extra for any fish you take away on the day!)
Richmond Castle and Middleham Castle
Richmond Castle is in Richmond, and Middleham Castle is in Middleham near Leyburn. Both are English Heritage owned and both have the same cost too (which is why I’ve lumped them together!) We’ve been to both!
Richmond has a fab tower that gives you views across the town, as does Middleham! Both are really well preserved as well for medieval ruins! So we loved visiting them both!
This is literllay 30p over £20 so I’ve included it in this section.
And to English Heritage members it is free.
Adult £7.80 Child £4.70 Family 2 adults 3 children £20.30. 1 adult 3 kids is £12.50.
Middleham Castle near Leyburn in the Yorkshire Dales
Family Days out in the Yorkshire Dales for over £20 (Ordered from low to high)
And finally, it’s the big boys! Arranged from low to high, these days out are all priced over £20 for a family.
Go to the Maize Maze at Birchfield Ice Cream Farm
We love the Maize Maze! Included in the admission price of farmyard entry, Birchfield Ice Cream Farm is a great day out, just outside of Pateley Bridge (near Harrogate) in Nidderdale! With animals to see, a play area, an indoor bouncy castle and construction area, go-karts and a woodland trail, there is plenty going on! And £5.95 admission / person (no difference between adult and child prices) we think it’s great value!
No booking necessary.
See the Gorge and Caves attraction at How Stean Gorge
This one is a firm favourite of ours! Located in Lofthouse, Upper Nidderdale, How Stean Gorge is a place of insane natural beauty! The Cave and Gorge visitor attraction allows you access to the gorge, the Narnia themed sculptures (and if you go, you’ll see the reason why…. Narnia is the perfect way to describe it!), How Stean Tunnel (cave) and Tom Taylors Cave. It is a fab trip and a bargain at £7/ adult, £5/ child. There is also a small play area, cafe and shop on site too.l
Pre-booking is required, you can find the How Stean Gorge booking link here!
Exploring the tunnel of How Stean Gorge
The Himalayan Gardens and Sculpture Park
Located in Grewelthorpe, near Masham, kids go free at The Himalayan Gardens! There is a play area, and fairy doors to spot amongst the stunning gardens and sculptures. This one’s on our list is it on yours?
Adults £12/ person.
Booking is preferred, find the Himalayan Gardens booking page here!
Go on the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail
At £8/ adult (16+) and £4/ child (0-16 no concessions for under 5’s) why not head and see a fine collection of waterfalls! Located in Ingleton, at the southern edge of the Yorkshire Dales, the trail is about 4 miles and involves some ascent. With a handily positioned ice cream van at the half way point, and plenty of picnic spots, it’s a great way to while away an afternoon.
The trail takes between 2-4 hours, and does get extremely busy on sunny days, weekends and bank holidays. NO pre- booking required.
Go on a fairy and pixie hunt at Studfold Adventure Trail
This is an annual event for the kids, we LOVE Studfold adventure trail (also just down the road from How Stean Gorge in Nidderdale). The magical trail takes you around the stunning Nidderdale countryside, to see all of the beautifully crafted fairy houses. With a play area too and go karts, this place is well worth a visit! A family ticket is £25 (2 adults 2 children) Adults £7.50 Children £6.50. Under 3’s free.
Studfold does require pre-booking so tap the link to head to the booking page!
Looking at one of the fabulous Studfold Fairy houses!
Have fun on the farm at Hesketh Farm Park
This one is a classic favourite! Hesketh is all about the fun on the Farm! Located at Bolton Abbey, the park has animals to see and pet, an indoor and outdoor play area, a tractor ride (additional cost) and more! Adults £7 Children £7, Under 2’s £3.50 Under 1’s £1.
No pre-booking is required.
Go to Clip and Climb!
Clip and Climb is an ace way to spend a rainy morning! Located in Ilkley, these brilliantly kid friendly climbing walls area open to kids and adults alike!
At £10 per session for a Tots 25 minutes (ages 2.5 - 6) or £14/ session for a full 50 minutes (ages 4 upwards) we love heading here!
Pre-booking for Clip and Climb is required. Tap the link to head to the page.
Go on a Magical Woodland Adventure with Mother Shipton
The fairies and pixies will be arriving in the woodland around Mother Shipton’s cave this Summer! As well as the adventure trail, there is the usual adventure playground, woodland walks, the museum and of course the main event Mother Shipton’s Cave and Petrifying Well. For £32/ car (up to 5 people) we love a day out at Mother Shiptons!
Pre-booking is required, tap on the link to head to the Mother Shipton’s website.
The petrifying well at Mother Shipton’s cave in Knaresborough
Explore Skipton Castle
We love Skipton Castle! A super cool place to run around and explore, this is not a case of ‘STOP DON’T TOUCH’ because well there’s nothing in it! But it is cool to explore, and there is a medieval toilet sooooooo…. You can also head for a wander in Skipton Castle Woods afterwards. A family ticket costs £34 (2 adults 3 children), Adults £10.20, children £6.90, Under 5’s free.
Pre-booking is advised, head to the Skipton Castle website to do so.
Go to the Gaping Gill Winch
Yup. It’s back again! The Winch takes place between the 12th - 19th August and takes you down into one of the largest underground caverns in the country, with Craven Caving club (an earlier winch runs with Bradford Caving Club in May).
The cave is usually inaccessible to the general public, but on winch days that changes! Located on the side of Ingleborough check out how to do this with the kids by reading our blog from May! It costs £15/ person to be winched down!
You cannot pre-book this event, it is first come first served and it gets VERY busy, so getting there early is essential.
The Gaping Gill Winch on the side of Ingleborough
Marvel at the Mirror Pools at Ingleborough Cave
In my humble opinion, Ingleborough Cave is the prettiest cave ever! I am a sucker for water, and the mirror pools in Ingleborough are amazing! We love this place!
Family (2 adults 2 children) £37 Adults £13 Children £6.50 Under 3’s free. (PRICES INCLUDE THE ESTATE NATURE TRAIL ADMISSION COST)
No pre-booking.
Take a stroll through the longest cave in the Country, White Scar Cave
White Scar Cave is epic! The Yorkshire Dales is lucky to be the home of 3 incredible show caves and this one is the longest! Each one gives you a totally different vibe, and to be honest…. In a heatwave, I’d head underground if I were you!
White Scar Cave gives you a guided tour, with an expert at the helm who will fill you in on all the cool facts and history of the exploration of the cave! A family ticket (2 Adults 2 children) is £40. Adults are £14 children are £10 Under 3’s are free.
Pre booking is not available.
Exploring Ingleborough Cave
Dig for fossils and hunt for fairies at Stump Cross Caverns
My WORD Stump Cross Caverns know how to make caving an EVENT! We love this place, with its cinema (available for private hire) outdoor areas and tip top café, we love, love LOVE a trip here. So it’s absolutely on the list! During the summer months, you can also dig for fossils in the outdoor sandpit, and make sure you have a chat to their very own Cavewoman, who is full of Stump Cross facts! £13/ adult £9/ child under 3’s free unless you want to do the fairy trail!
Pre-booking is required you can find the booking for Stump Cross here.
Go on a garden adventure at Harlow Carr
This Summer Harlow Carr has trails, forest school activities and more going on, all set in the stunning RHS gardens. With adventure play areas, nature to spot and loads more, Harlow Carr is a great day out!
£14.25 adult (inc gift aid, excluding this will be cheaper) £7.25 children, and under 5’s go free.
Pre-booking is not essential, but is advised.
Bolton Castle
Located in Wensleydale, Bolton Castle is a castle (duh) in fact one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the country. Enjoy the gardens, maze, archery and falconry displays as well as the castle itself. Family ticket £48 (2 adults and 3 concessions, inc at least 1 child), Adults £12.50 Concessions (inc children 5-16) £9/ person.
If you wish to access the gardens only, the family ticket is only £20 (and includes boar park, falconry flying, gardens, bee observation and children’s trail). Adults £5 and concessions £4.
Pre-booking is advised and you can find the Bolton Castle website here.
Exploring the fairy houses at Stump Cross Caverns
Go to the family fun fancy dress day at Ripon Races!
On the 1 August 2022, Ripon Races are holding a family fun day event alongside the races. With face painting, shows, two playgrounds and more, children under 18 go free to the races. A basic adult ticket costs £23.
You can book tickets on the Ripon Races website.
Forbidden Corner. Because it’s a crazy place!
This place is literally on the kids’ minds 24/7 and so is our splurge day out this Summer! We love Forbidden Corner! A labyrinth of mazes, follies, tunnels, and well…. What can only be described as out of this world bizarreness, the Forbidden Corner will certainly give you a day that will never be forgotten! A family ticket is £50 (2 adults 2 children) Adults £14.50 Children £12.50 (Under 3’s are free).
Pre booking well in advance is advised as it gets very busy at Forbidden Corner!
Getting wet at the Forbidden Corner near Leyburn!
Go on a Nature Detectives Summer Adventure at Fountains Abbey
Located just outside of Ripon, Fountains Abbey is asking you to get your nature detective heads on over Summer with their nature trail. There are also crafts going on at Swanley Grange too! A brilliant place to explore, with the Abbey Ruins, the water gardens, follies and a brilliant adventure playground, we love a day at Fountains Abbey! A Family ticket is £46.50 Adult £18.70 Child £9.40 1 Adult 2 kids £28.10 (prices are with Gift Aid)
Obviously, if you are a National Trust member, this is a free day out!
No pre-booking is required.
Go to the Family Fun weekend at Thorpe Perrow
Located in Bedale, the family fun weekend at Thorp Perrow takes place on the 6th and 7th August and promises inflatables, obstacle courses and more outdoor fun! There is also a Summer Trail running all Summer too, and the ticket also gives you access to the Birds of Prey and Mammal Centre! We love Thorp Perrow!
Family (2+2) £41.50 Family (2+3) £49.65 Adult £13.30 Child 4-16 £8.50 Under 4’s free (free for members of Yorkshire’s Great Houses, Castles and Gardens Child Family Fun wristband is an additional £5.
Pre-booking is advised on the Thorpe Perrow website.
Fountains Abbey near Ripon in North Yorkshire
Stockeld Park
We love Stockeld in the Summer! Located between Wetherby and Harrogate, Stockeld Park is a great day out for the family, with a maze, several inflatable play areas, and its many, many adventure playgrounds! There are boats (additional cost) go karts and MORE with Stockeld opening one of the largest indoor play zones in Europe, the Play Hive. This summer, they are holding a superhero themed trail too!
Tickets for the adventure park and fixed time entry to the playhive are £19.50 per person (under 2’s free). Tickets to the Adventure Park only are £16.50. For any time entry entry tickets are £23 per person.
Pre-booking for Stockeld Park is essential.
So there you go!
A whole LOAD of Yorkshire Dales based fun!
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