Adventure Days Out Across Yorkshire for the Whole Family
Need inspiration for a fun family day out?
Go Ape! Dalby Forest
With 13 walking trails, six cycling trails, four running trails, visitor centre, café and shop, and even the chance to stargaze, it’s easy to spend the whole day here but families love to visit Dalby Forest to Go Ape. But beware, the challenge course is a high one – 35 metres up in the air in fact. The famous 50 metre-high, valley-to-valley zip wires are why daredevils return to this Go Ape site time and time again. Push yourself to the max with a Treetop Challenge, find your young adventurer’s feet with a Treetop Adventure, or explore the beauty of the forest (and its 8,000 acres) on the Forest Segways. There are picnic areas if the weather suits al fresco dining, or you can refuel in the café.
Low Dalby, Thornton-Le-Dale, Pickering YO18 7LT
goape.co.uk/locations/dalby
forestryengland.uk/dalby-forest
York Maze
More than 20 rides, attractions and shows mean York Maze is always a fun day out for the family. Created from over a million maize plants, York Maze’s Maize Maze is the largest maze in Europe. Get lost in one of the mazes, take your seat for the Crazy Maze Show and don’t miss the Cornival and Foam Party. The House of Cornfusion has mind-bending illusions (and it’s a fun place to hide from the rain), Cornula 1 is a motorsport competition like you’ve never seen before and the Crowmania Ride’s animatronics and live action actors make it a ride to remember. York Maze reopens on 15th July.
Elvington Lane, York YO19 5LT
01904 608000
yorkmaze.com
Read More: 13 Festivals, Open-Air Theatre and Cinema Screenings Across the North East
Swinton Estate
The Swinton Estate has been owned by the Cunliffe-Lister family since the 1880s, and is home to 20,000 acres of the most beautiful landscape on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. While it’s a breathtaking place to stay and dine, it also plays host to a wide range of activities for the whole family. Swinton Cookery School, the open demonstration kitchen housed in a converted Georgian stable wing, offers you the chance to become a chef for the day, but you can also take part in wild swimming, forest bathing, laser clay shooting, fishing and nature trails. Plus, there’s a play area at Swinton Bivouac where your children can burn off some energy. The Druid’s Temple, one of Yorkshire’s most interesting follies, is located in the woods at Swinton Bivouac with various trails to follow. Don’t miss the performance of David Walliams’ Bad Dad at Swinton Bivouac this summer (4th August). The Swinton Pizza Trailer will be available to pre-order your wood-fired pizza.
Swinton Estate, Masham, Ripon HG4 4JH
01765 680900
swintonestate.com
Calypso Cove Waterpark
Make a splash at Calypso Cove where you’ll find some of the UK’s fastest flumes. Terror Torrent is an adrenaline rush and Eruption is a slide inside a volcano, but Kraken is much more family friendly and children can choose their own music before sliding down. Whether they’re walking the plank, racing down the four-lane slide or firing at their friends from the ship’s water canons, your children will have plenty of fun here. Retreat to The Hideout, the poolside café, for a quick bite to eat. Happy Hour runs for 60 minutes at the end of weekend sessions, offering a shorter burst of fun at a lower price.
Metrodome Leisure Complex, Queens Ground, Queens Road, Barnsley S71 1AN
01226 730060
calypsocove.metrodome.org.uk
Xscape
From skiing on real snow and rock climbing to playing a round of golf in the dark, it’s all possible at Xscape. Go to war in LaserZone with state-of-the-art laser packs and phasers, join the dinosaurs at Volcano Falls Adventure Golf, let the little ones run free at Xplore soft play and don’t miss Snozone – the UK’s leading snow centre for indoor skiing and snowboarding on real snow. There are plenty of foodie destinations on site to refuel.
Colorado Way, Glasshoughton, Castleford WF10 4TA
01977 664794
xscapeyorkshire.co.uk
Read More: 10 Fascinating Museums, Historic Houses and Gardens to Visit Across Yorkshire this Summer
Hole of Horcum
This is not just any old hole in the ground. It’s one of the most spectacular features in the National Park that attracts hikers, strollers and people who simply want to park up and stare at a 120-metre deep, 1.2km-wide hole. Local legend has it that this ‘devil’s punchbowl’ natural amphitheatre was formed when Wade the Giant scooped up a handful of earth to throw at his wife during an argument. Sadly, it was actually created by water welling up from the hillside and weathering away the rocks over thousands of years. Take the five-mile scenic walk with a camera to capture the dramatic panorama from Saltergate over the hole and discover important archaeological remains. A more challenging diversion takes you to the stunning viewpoint of Skelton Tower.
Levisham Moor YO18 7NR
01439 772700
northyorkmoors.org.uk
Read More: 10 Great Days Out Across Yorkshire
Web Adventure Park
Web Adventure Park has one of only five double-decker carousels in the whole of the UK as well as a whole host of rides including Miami, Crazy Bulls, Formula, Sizzler Twist, Apple Coaster, Pony Express, Balloon Ride, Ferris Wheel, and Inflatable Bumper Cars – plenty to keep children entertained. Don’t miss their new Lightyear Game Zone where space cadets can play laser tag, and the animal zone where you’ll meet the resident pigs, ponies, alpacas, goats and sheep.
Wigginton Road, York YO32 2RH
01904 692221
webadventurepark.co.uk
The Forbidden Corner
The Forbidden Corner in Tupgill Park is a weird and wonderful place, with a labyrinth of underground tunnels and chambers, strange statues, surprising follies and plenty of dead ends just to confuse you. At every turn there are decisions to make and tricks to avoid. Originally designed as a private garden and folly (but opened to the public due to popular demand), this is a day out with a difference which will keep everyone entertained. One of the newest additions to The Forbidden Corner is the castle tower, with a beautiful stained-glass window which was originally housed in the Carlton Church. When you want to take a break, check out The Corner Café or The Saddle Room Restaurant next door.
Tupgill Park Estate, Middleham, Leyburn DL8 4TJ
01969 640638
theforbiddencorner.co.uk
