10 Fun Family Days Out in Yorkshire
Plan the perfect Bank Holiday with your family with these fun-filled family days out
The Hepworth Wakefield
Open every day of the summer holidays this is a great place to spend the day with family. On sunny days, explore the gardens at The Hepworth and take advantage of the free Garden Play sessions which happen every Tuesday to Sunday during the holidays. There’s no need to book either, just turn up and have fun. Inside the gallery, families can explore everything from workshops to exhibitions. Keep an eye out for the Art Pod (taking place every Monday, Friday and Saturday), where kids can make, draw and create, taking inspiration from the artwork on display.
Gallery Walk, Wakefield WF1 5AW
01924 247360
hepworthwakefield.org
Eden Camp
Built on the site of a real prisoner of war camp, the award-winning Eden Camp isn’t your average World War II museum. Each hut shines a light on different areas of wartime Britain on the home front and the front line, beginning with the rise of the Nazi Party then progressing through stories of rationing, propaganda, women at war, The Red Cross and, a newer addition, the Blitz experience in Hut 5. Don’t miss their Living History Weekend from 24th–25th August, where reenactors will be bringing the past to life at every corner. With live music, the chance to try authentic ration recipes and learn about some of Eden Camps’ fascinating military vehicles, this is one you don’t want to miss.
Malton YO17 6RT
01653 919464
edencamp.co.uk
Royal Armouries
The national museum of arms and armour, Royal Armouries is home to fascinating artefacts from ancient times to the present day (from Japanese samurai to iconic movie props). In the War Gallery explore how technology has changed how we fight and make peace with each other, discover the history of jousting in the Tournament Gallery and marvel at an elephant in full body armour in the Asian and African Gallery. Plus, visitors can see a walking stick that’s also a gun and a vampire slaying kit. Have a go at shooting a real crossbow or immerse yourself in an Escape Room.
Armouries Drive, Leeds LS10 1LT
royalarmouries.org/leeds
Castle Howard
Castle Howard is one of the finest stately homes in Britain, so much so that it has played ‘Brideshead’ in not one, but two adaptations of Evelyn Waugh’s classic. The house is also home to works of art of international significance, with a priceless collection gathered by the third, fourth and fifth Earls as they travelled widely in Europe. It includes paintings by Italian masters Bassano, Bedoli, Bellini, Carracci and Titian, and English artists including Sir Joshua Reynolds, Johann Zoffany, and Thomas Gainsborough. With this in mind, the best way to really understand the incredible history of Castle Howard is to book onto a guided tour. This summer they will be hosting an exhibition of Tony Cragg’s work, with sculptures in the garden and works on paper in the house. The gardens (especially the walled garden) are always a delight, and kids will love their new adventure playground Skelf Island.
York YO60 7DA
01653 648333
castlehoward.co.uk
Eureka! The National Children’s Museum
With six zones designed to maximise play, this is guaranteed to be a fun-filled day out with the kids. The zones have hundreds of interactive exhibits designed to help young minds be curious about the world around them (including zones like Desert Discovery, SoundSpace and the Imagination Space). Their latest digital exhibition Pixel Play can be found in the upstairs Spark Gallery, featuring a digital sandbox of dancing pixelated projections and playful creatures. They also host regular baby and toddler days, dedicated to their youngest visitors. Head along this summer holidays for six weeks of family fun.
Discovery Road, Halifax HX1 2NE
01422 330069
eureka.org.uk
Teamworks York
Adrenaline junkies, this one’s for you. Hold on tight at North Yorkshire’s only karting circuit for both adult and junior racers. Specially designed cadet and bambino karts mean younger racers won’t miss out on any of the fun at this indoor circuit whilst lightning-fast indoor karts mean adults can be as competitive as they want. Don’t worry if it’s your first time – the friendly team are on-hand to help and will give you a full briefing before you take to the track.
Kathryn Avenue, Monks Cross Leisure Park YO32 9JS
01217 036165
teamworkskarting.com
Xscape
Need to let off some steam? From the North’s first multi-level E-karting, to skiing on real snow, it’s all possible at Xscape. Join the dinosaurs at Volcano Falls Adventure Golf, take a leap of faith at Gravity Aerial Adventures, 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.
Colorado Way, Glasshoughton, Castleford WF10 4TA
01977 664794
xscapeyorkshire.co.uk
York’s Chocolate Story
Learn about York’s delicious history with chocolate and the three families who made York the UK’s home of chocolate at York’s Chocolate Story. Book a guided tour to learn about everything from how chocolate came to the UK to the industry secrets that make York the ‘chocolate city’. At the end of the tour, experience a live demonstration from an expert chocolatier (with samples to enjoy of course). There are plenty of activities to get stuck into as well, including regular chocolate masterclasses and truffle-rolling. Make sure to stop by the shop before you leave!
King’s Square, York YO1 7LD
01904 527765
yorkschocolatestory.com
Danum Gallery, Library and Museum
The Danum Gallery, Library and Museum in Doncaster houses an art gallery, two museums, a library and a rail heritage centre (equipped with two Doncaster-built locomotives). This summer, a special exhibition created by a group of local people will be telling the story of Doncaster 40 years ago (during the 1984–1985 Miners’ Strike) through items from Heritage Doncaster collections as well as objects loaned by local communities. Meanwhile, an exhibition in the art gallery will be telling the story of Sir Nigel Gresley, the designer of the Flying Scotsman. Everything is free to visit, they have a shop and Café 1910 sells light bites, sweet treats and great coffee.
Waterdale, Doncaster DN1 3BZ
01302 737555
dglam.org.uk
Sledmere House & Gardens
One of East Yorkshire’s finest country homes, Sledmere has been captivating visitors for more than 200 years. Spend time outside this summer exploring the beautiful walled garden, have a picnic in the grounds and say hello to the animals in the Rare Breed Farm Park (make sure to visit the Adventure Play Area too). Inside, enjoy the carefully curated fine art and breathtaking architecture and book a guide to learn more about the fascinating history of the house. Home to the Sykes family for generations, the house is filled with fascinating antiques and unique furniture which is steeped in local history.
Sledmere, Driffield, Yorkshire YO25 3XG
01377 236637
sledmerehouse.com
