Free Summer Days Out

In and around theYorkshire Dales

Totally FREE stuff to do in (and around) the Yorkshire Dales

School’s out for Summer right? And that 6 weeks is looking like a long old stretch! But what can you do with the kids in and around the Yorkshire Dales that’s totally and completely free?!

You’ll find all the ideas right here! No parking charges or admission charges apply to these activities (although if you choose to access them via public transport, obviously you’ll need to factor in the travel costs or petrol costs!)

We have tried to make these free ideas substantial enough so you can fill a day for free (or at the very least half a day!)

Jumping in front of White Wells
Sitting on the Coldstones Cut in NIdderdale

Above: White Wells Spa on Ilkley Moor

Left: The Coldstones Cut in Nidderdale

Go visit the Coldstones Cut and Toft Gate Lime Kiln, Nidderdale

[Modern Art - Working Quarry - Historic Ruins - Something to Explore - Picnic Area]

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! There’s a picnic area located next to the car park too…

Oh and parking? Free.

You can even hang back a while to…..

Go Star Gazing at Coldstones Cut, Nidderdale

[ Star Gazing - Dark Skies ]

Did you know that the Car Park at the Coldstones Cut is a designated Dark Sky Discovery Site? This means 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).

Find out more about star gazing in the Yorkshire Dales on our Star Gazing page!

Ilkley Moor

[Walks - Picnic - Paddle - Feed the Ducks]

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, maybe even take a dunk! (for the price of a cup of tea, 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!)

Wildlife Explorers at Ilkley Tarn - Friends of Ilkey Moor

[ Nature Event - Guided Session - Wildlife ]

Taking place on the 20th August 2024, this nature session is for children to discover the landscape of the moor and the animals, insects and plants that live there. There is wildlife identification, pond dipping and seed planting (dogs welcome). Booking required through the Friends of Ilkley Moor page.

Playing in the sand at Embsay Reservoir
Paddling in Force Gill waterfalls on a sunny day

Above: Playing in the sand at Embsay Reservoir

Left: Force Gill waterfall near Ribblehead

Go Animal tracking at Nidd Gorge

[Nature Play - Woodland Walk - Picnic - Riverside]

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. 

Go Bug Hunting at Embsay Reservoir

[Nature Play - Walk - Reservoir - Park]

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.

Go see the Ribblehead Viaduct, go trainspotting and take a picnic to Whernside’s secret waterfall!

[Waterfall - Walk - Landmark - Train Spotting - Picnic]

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 to a Family Fun Day at Ilkley Manor House Museum

[Museum - Family Fun]

On the 10th August, Ilkley Manor House Museum are holding a family fun day (between 2 and 3.30pm)

the chainsaw sculptures on the chevin sculpture trail
The folly of Mowbray Castle in Hackfall Woods

Above: One of the chainsaw sculptures on the Otley Chevin Sculpture Trail

Left: Mowbray Castle folly at Hackfall Woods

Hackfall Woods near Ripon

[Woodland Trail - Follies - Riverside - Waterfall - Picnic]

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!

Head on the Otley Chevin Sculpture Trail

[Sculpture - Trail - Woodland Walk]

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!

Head to Spofforth Castle

[Ruin - Picnic - Explore]

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!

Go to the Buckden Duck Race

[Event - Family Activities]

On the 25th August 2024, Buckden is holding its annual duck race, so why not check it out? You’ll also find the Buck Inn, which is a family friendly pub and from the village you can walk to Cray Gill Waterfalls, or a shorter walk to Buckden Beck Waterfalls.

Cartwheeling in front of Easby Abbey

Above: Ilkley Town Centre

Left: Easby Abbey ruins

Visit Easby Abbey and see the legendary Drummer Boy Stone

[Picnic - Explore - Ruins]

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).

Do the Grassington Lead Mining Trail

[Historical Trail - Ruins - Walk]

This trail can be found just above the town of Grassington and will take you deep 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 the end of Moor Lane at W3W unearthly.breakfast.streamers .

Go Cycling on Harrogate Greenway’s Dirt Bike Track

[Cycling - Bike Track - Nature Reserve ]

We love this totally free bike track to visit!

Located next to the Hookstone Wood Nature Reserve, just off the Harrogate Greenway (What 3 Words location league.rated.prop) this track can be found in the old quarry area behind the Harrogate Showground and is a series of ramps and jumps.

Combine it with a picnic and a wander around the nature reserve. Parking is available at What 3 Words intervals.sailor.shape.

Go to a Skipton Family Fun Day!

[ Free Kids Activities - Bouncy Castle - Games ]

The Family Fun days are back for 2024! On selected dates between the 22nd July and 29th August at various recreation grounds across the town, there will be plenty of activities including bouncy castles, crafts and sports classes too!

Check out Skipton Town Council for more information.

Swinging on the Tree Swings at the Otley Chevin
Blackberry picking on the moors in late summer

Above: Swinging on the tree swings at the Chevin

Left: Picking blackberries on Ilkley Moor

Visit nature’s playground on the Otley Chevin

[Rope Swings - Woodland Walk - Blackberry Picking ]

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! (Please note it is not known who puts the swings up in the trees, so check before you swing and if in doubt don’t)

Go blackberry picking!

[Blackberry Picking - Nature Reserve - Walk ]

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 West Burton Waterfalls.

Visit Brough Castle

[Historic Ruins - Optional Ice Cream and Play Park]

Brough Castle is a gem of a ruin, which lies just outside of the Yorkshire Dales National Park in the Pennine National Landscape, near Kirkby Lonsdale, just off the A66. Managed by English Heritage, the castle ruins are free to explore and contain plenty of information about how the castle will have looked back in the day.

In the Castle Grounds is a local run Ice Cream parlour and cafe serving ice cream, light bites and hot and cold drinks. There is also a play area in the grounds of the castle for the customers of the parlour! Parking for the castle is limited but also free!

Do the Jurassic Jungle Trail in Ilkley

[Augmented Reality - Family Friendly Trail]

Come and join in the dino fun this Summer in Ilkley. Uncover fossils and identify fascinating insects and creatures at various locations throughout the town. Download the Discover Ilkley app for free either on the Apple Store or Google Play.

Exploring Yordas Cave with a flashlight
Paddling in the water at Cauldron falls

Above: Exploring Yordas Cave

Left: West Burton Waterfalls

Go birdwatching at West Burton Waterfalls (Cauldron Falls)

[ Paddle - Walk - Park - Picnic - Bird Watching ]

The waterfall at West Burton in Wensleydale is popular with wild swimmers, and is an excellent splash spot (just be aware that wild 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.

Explore Yordas Cave

[Cave - Waterfall - Exploring ]

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!

Ride your Bike to Burley Stepping Stones

With a brand new surfaced permissive path, this route is now fully cyclable, and also sturdy pushchair friendly! So grab your bikes and head to the stepping stones to throw stones! !

(Just be aware that the water quality here is not good, so swimming is not advised, neither is picnicking on the river bank as the landowners do not permit it. However there is a super picnic spot at Grange Park in Burley in Wharfedale, where you can find cafes and ice cream too!)

Head to the Park ANY Park!

Did you know we have an A-Z directory of all the play parks in the Yorkshire Dales?

So wherever you head this Summer, you can find the nearest park!

More Summer Days Out?

Looking for more ideas for Summer Days Out with the Kids?

Well we don’t stop at free! We have so many ideas, that we have categorised them into four categories…

Free Days Out

Cheap as Chips Days Out

Days out for Under £20

Days out for Over £20

Scroll using the arrows for all our Family Friendly Walks

Helpful Information!

⭐ We hope you enjoy our walks, but please exercise common sense as routes can change with the weather conditions and seasons! The routes have been walked by our own two feet, but you know your own limits. Always take a back-up map, don’t rely on GPS alone, wear appropriate clothing for the weather and take adequate snacks and refreshments with you (although as a parent, I know you already know that bit!)

⭐ Leave no trace! Take nothing away and leave nothing behind, take all rubbish home with you.

⭐ If you choose to paddle, be aware of bio security. Always wear clean dry water shoes (if worn) to avoid cross contamination of species between watercourses, this is a particular issue in the Yorkshire Dales, to help protect the white clawed crayfish.

⭐ If you decide to paddle, be aware that wild water can be dangerous, and water levels will vary season to season. Always supervise children around water. Check out the safety information on the Royal Life Saving Society website.

Playing in Aysgarth Falls in the autumn leaves

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