The Best Days Out for Families in Yorkshire
Go outdoors with your family this spring
SUTTON BANK NATIONAL PARK CENTRE
With the view described by James Herriot as the ‘finest in England’, you’d be a fool to miss out on the picture-perfect opportunity to visit Sutton Bank. Start your exploration at the National Park Centre then, whether you’re walking, running or on two wheels, there’s endless natural beauty to immerse yourself in. If you’d prefer to go at a slower pace, you can spot wildlife, grab a coffee in The Truffled Hog or discover the exhibition and shop at the centre itself. Children will love the on-site outdoor adventure play area, with treehouses, a stone castle and roundhouses, sandpit, mud kitchen and ‘swamp’. The centre is also at the heart of an International Dark Sky Reserve, and visitors can stargaze outside or head inside and experience a virtual tour of the universe.
Sutton Bank, Thirsk YO7 2EH
01845 597426
northyorkmoors.org.uk/suttonbank
RSPB BEMPTON CLIFFS
Bempton Cliffs, on the spectacular Yorkshire coast, is home to one of the UK’s top wildlife spectacles. The huge white cliffs at Bempton are impressive at any time of year, but between March and August half a million seabirds gather to raise a family. Puffins, gannets, kittiwakes and guillemots live life on the edge and the Grandstand viewpoint is the perfect place for visitors to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds and smells of the seabirds’ world for an unforgettable experience.
Cliff Lane, Bridlington YO15 1JF
rspb.org.uk/days-out/reserves/bempton-cliffs
THE DEEP
Deep dive into The Deep to explore the world’s oceans. See stunning marine life, interactive displays and presentations throughout your visit – perfect for a family day out. As well as being home to plenty of marine wildlife, there’s also a unique opportunity to discover The Deep after dark with a sleepover in the iconic venue – because why wouldn’t you want to spend the night beside sharks, rays and turtles?
Tower Street, Hull HU1 4DP
thedeep.co.uk
THE FORBIDDEN CORNER
Potentially the strangest place on our list, try not to get lost in The Forbidden Corner’s labyrinth of tunnels, chambers and follies. Originally designed as a private garden and folly (but opened to the public due to popular demand), this four-acre garden sits at the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. At every turn there are decisions to make and tricks to avoid. Download The Forbidden Corner Quest app to find even more hidden treasures when you visit.
Tupgill Park Estate, Middleham, Leyburn DL8 4TJ
01969 640638
theforbiddencorner.co.uk
MOTHER SHIPTON’S CAVE
The birthplace of England’s most famous prophetess. Mother Shipton’s Cave in Knaresborough is England’s oldest tourist attraction – and it’s dog friendly. This is a must-visit to marvel at the unique geological phenomenon of the petrifying well, where objects turn to stone (yes, really). For centuries people believed the water had miraculous healing powers because it ‘petrifies’ objects that it touches (once thought to be witchcraft). This Easter children can head on a springtime adventure through the woodland and follow the White Rabbit’s Tunnel Trail inspired by Alice in Wonderland.
Prophecy Lodge, High Bridge, Knaresborough HG5 8DD
01423 864600
mothershipton.co.uk
DALBY FOREST
With more than 8,500 acres to explore and endless walking, running and cycle trails, there’s so much to see at Dalby Forest. The whole family are welcome too, and kids will love the Gruffalo-themed adventures and Stick Man trail. Keep your eyes peeled for unique sculptures, and the wildlife that calls this forest home, or challenge your friends and family on the Go Ape courses. Dalby Forest is also a designated Dark Sky Discovery Site, so stay late to see the beauty of the night sky.
Low Dalby, Thornton-Le-Dale, Pickering YO18 7LT
01751 460295
forestryengland.uk/dalby-forest
WILLIAM’S DEN
With both indoor and outdoor opportunities to play at William’s Den, there are endless opportunity for fun. Children can whip up mud pies, build dens and make friends in a huge sandpit. This spring there’s an Easter show, egg and spoon challenges, a mission and the chance to decorate your own homemade biscuit, plus plenty of photo opportunities for the whole family.
Castle Farm, Wold Hill, North Cave HU15 2LS
01430 472230
williamsden.co.uk
STUMP CROSS CAVERNS
Head underground in the Yorkshire Dales National Park to travel back through time at Stump Cross Caverns – some of the best preserved prehistoric caves in the UK. Events take place here throughout the year including the family-friendly Cosmic Adventures and after 3pm, the lights are switched off for a magical UV experience where the walls begin to glow!
Greenhow Hill, Pateley Bridge HG3 5JL
01756 752780
stumpcrosscaverns.co.uk
BAWTRY PAINTBALL AND LASER FIELDS
One of the biggest paintball and outdoor activity centres in the UK, Bawtry Paintball and Laser Fields is set within 365 acres of natural woodland, with 16 game zones in which to battle your friends and family. But beware the Predator – a seven-foot-tall hunter who stalks the woods. Younger children can take part in low-impact paintball and there’s also laser combat, archery and a treetop tree trek to tackle.
Bawtry Forest, Great North Road, Bawtry, Doncaster DN10 6DG
01302 868841
bawtrypaintballfields.co.uk
