Thinking of going to the Studfold Adventure Trail?

Because why would you not?! The magical Studfold trail is hidden in the uppermost reaches of Nidderdale (near Pateley Bridge) and is one of the most unique trails the Yorkshire Dales has to offer. The family run farm is absolute oozing with intrigue, not only in the magical sense, but it’s steeped in history, in geological marvellery and…. well it has EPIC views!

So if you fancy a fantastic family day out, then keep reading to find out….

All you need to know about the Studfold Adventure Trail!

These photographs were taken as part of a PR Trip after being invited to review the trail for our social media pages. However, we have been coming to the trail for years (on a personal basis) and whilst we were asked to cover the trail on our blog, we will wholeheartedly recommend this trail.

Tell us more about the Studfold Adventure Trail!

There is SO much going on at Studfold…. where shall I begin…..? OOH I know! The beginning!

This family run farm has been in the Walker family for 16 generations!

But it’s only in 2011 that the fairy trail began to be developed with the introduction of the fairy houses hidden in the woodland and waterfalls on the farm. Before then, the farm was (and still is) a campsite and touring park!

Since the Studfold fairies started to move in, more and more of them have come out to play and with even more additions to the collection of bespoke fairy houses, the award winning trail has gone from strength to strength!

And we can say that for sure, because we have been going to see the Studfold fairies now for YEARS!

What was once a trail around the beautifully designed houses has become……. EPIC. Heard of a room escape?

Well the cheeky Studfold Pixies have created a ……. FIELD ESCAPE!

A fairy trail AND a field escape game?

Yes! This is such a cool and unique twist on a fairy trail and we LOVE it! There has been an element of code cracking for a couple of years now, but this year the Studfold pixies have gone to town with you having to find three separate codes to enter each different area of the trail.

But what else is there going on with the fairies?

LOADS! Not only will you have codes to crack, but there is a trail around the farm where you will find stunningly created houses, each with a unique story to tell! There are fairies in the trees, fairies in the houses, fairies in the toilet….. (true!)

There is a trail sheet to complete and lots of clues to find hidden around the farm. You’ll find poetry and the stories behind all of the fairies and their homes, you can plant wishes at the Fairy Wish House and let’s just say…. you might even find some fairy gold!

So is it just about the fairies?

No! This is why Studfold is fantastic, because there is so much more going on than the fairy and pixie trail!

There’s a nature trail too!

Did you know that there is a type of moss that grows in Studfold that grows NOWHERE else in Yorkshire? True fact, from the owners’ mouths themselves!

But moss aside, this place is THE place to go nature spotting. There is so much going on that Studfold have their own trail for it! So if you don’t fancy the fairy trail (or maybe you fancy both) then go head out on the nature trail as well! You can find the bird hide., wildflower meadows, the sensory boxes, den building, insect hunting and gigantic animal footprints to find….

Fancy a go on the Studfold go karts?

Well they have those too! (There are varying sizes, the smaller version is pictured below.)

Oh and the BUNNIES! The Studfold bunnies are elusive and tricky to find, but keep your eyes peeled they’re there to be found!

Do they have a play area?

Oh YES they do! This was a new addition in recent years and it has sand play, a slide, climbing, an obstacle course, ride ons and a fairy house.

All next to the historical Studfold barn.

Want to know what’s in the barn?

Of course you do! Aside from the fairies, you’ll be able to find out all about the history of the old working farm and with 16 generations of Walkers running it, you can be assured that they will be able to tell you all about the fascinating history of Studfold too. There are information boards and examples of the historical machinery used once on the farm in the barn to check out.

So with a fairy trail, a nature trail, go karts, a museum, nature play and more there is PLENTY to fill your time at Studfold!

Right….. what are the need to know bits about Studfold?

Ok. Hang onto your bootlaces, here are the hard and fast FAQs!

How long does it take?

The trail can take anywhere between 1.5 hours and 3 hours dependant on how much time you spend on each puzzle, poem, fact and fairy house, how long you spend riding the go karts, den building, playground playing or exploring the museum! You get the drift right?! So set aside a full morning or afternoon to really give yourself the time to fully enjoy the trail.

How much walking is there?

The trail in terms of mileage is around 1-2 miles (dependant on how much time you spend having to push them round on the go karts! Or how much time you spend hunting down the elusive Studfold bunnies!)

What ages is the trail suitable for?

Well technically all ages (even I enjoy it!) But the most enjoyment will be gained by kids from preschool ages (around the age of 3) up to the upper reaches of primary school age, at around 10 years old.

Is the Studfold Trail dog friendly?

Yes, well behaved dogs on leads are welcome.

Is the Studfold Fairy Trail pushchair friendly?

It is, but only for sturdy all terrain pushchairs. Some of the trail is over grassy fields, some on paths, some areas are gravel and bark too. All can be muddy in places so bear that in mind. If it were me, I would choose to take a carrier over a pushchair.

Is the Studfold Fairy Trail wheelchair friendly?

Get in touch with the lovely owners. They will be able to have a chat with you about that.

What footwear should I wear?

Wellies. The trail is muddy in places. Or if you don’t have wellies, sturdy trainers that you aren’t worried about getting muddy will do!

Can I bring a picnic?

Yes, there is a picnic area with benches at the entrance to the trail and also at the play area. The Nidderdale Way Cafe offer a free service to deliver your own picnic to you at the play area should you not wish to carry it around the trail with you. Awesome right?

Can I buy food there?

Yes, the family run Nidderdale Cafe is located on the site of the Studfold fairy trail and you can order picnic baskets to be delivered to the play area picnic benches on the trail at designated time slots throughout the day too! They have a selection of light bites, cakes, drinks (hot and cold) also available at the cafe itself.

How do I order a picnic basket?

You simply order it on the day at the cafe before you start the trail!

What about ice cream?

You can buy ice cream from the cafe or Studfold gift shop (where you can also buy a whole host of other goodies including the new Studfold Fairy Doll!)

Are there any toilet facilities?

Yes, they are located at the start of the trail next to the Nidderdale Cafe. There is also an eco toilet at the play area too.

Do I have to book the Studfold Fairy Trail?

Yes, booking is required and at peak times the trail can get fully booked, so booking well in advance is advised.

Where do I park?

There is a car park and overflow car park on site, so plenty of space to park! Check out the website for directions, as the Sat Nav will not get you there! The trail is very clearly signposted though!

Can I get to the Studfold Adventure Trail by public transport?

Yes, but only during the Summer season. The bus stops at nearby Lofthouse and it is only a short walk to the fairy trail from there. You can find out more about the operating dates and timetable over on the DalesBus website.

Is the trail open all year round?

No. This is a seasonal trail. The Fairy and Pixie adventure runs between the 22 April 2023 and the 24th September 2023.

(They also hold an annual Easter Egg Hunt)

What are our favourite parts of the Studfold Fairy Trail?

In a nutshell these are our don’t miss bits of the Studfold Fairy Trail!

Peeping in the Fairy Cake Cafe and checking out the viewpoint, hopping from one animal footprint to another, saying hi to the Spider and checking out the birds and activities in the bird hide. Doing many, MANY circuits of the wild flower meadow in the go karts. Smelling and feeling what’s inside the sensory boxes, checking out the history of the lead mining in the area (OK, maybe that’s more of a me thing), cracking the code to enter the secret fairy village of Two Stone Wishes and gazing at the waterfall… (Me again!) Spending aaaaages in the play park (the kids this time) and sand area, hunting high and low for the elusive Studfold bunnies and munching on a fab cake from the Nidderdale Cafe.

What would your favourite part be?

Want to book the Studfold Adventure Trail?

You can book the trail through the Studfold Adventure Trail website.

Prices (as of April 2023) are:

Adults £7.50

Children (ages 3 and over) £6.50

Under 3s FREE

Family Day Ticket 2 Adults and 2 Children £25

Did you know that Studfold has a camping and caravan site?

We were lucky enough to be able to stay in one of the camping pods that Studfold has to offer and you can read all about our Studfold Camping experience too!

What else is there around Studfold Adventure Trail?

There is plenty to fill a full day out!

Why not check out nearby Scar House Reservoir for a walk, or pop for a picnic at Nidd Waterfalls (also known as Fairy Falls….. appropriate!) Or you can find out loads more about what’s on offer at Pateley Bridge by checking out our visit with kids guide too!

Enjoy! Any questions? Then drop us a comment below!

(All opinions shared in this blog are our own. Information is correct as of April 2023)