Our Pick of Perfect Days Out for the Whole Family Across the North East and Yorkshire
Planning a family day out this summer?
The Plotters’ Forest
Raby Castle, Staindrop DL2 3AH
01833 660202
raby.co.uk
Towering amongst the trees in Raby Castle’s plantation you’ll find adventure playground The Plotters’ Forest. Enter through the towering gateway and disappear into the dense woodland, where you can explore ground-level forest trails, then climb to high walkways and towers. Visitors young and old will love getting lost amongst exhilarating views, sky-high turrets and treetop tunnels, before visiting the stargazing deck and slipping down the slide.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Hurst Lane, Doncaster DN9 3QY
01302 535057
yorkshirewildlifepark.com
Both a walk-through wildlife experience and dynamic centre for conservation, Yorkshire Wildlife Park is home to around 475 animals of more than 70 different species. Ranging from polar bears to giraffes, most animals you will discover at the park are threatened in the wild, and last month a new Amazonas walkthrough reserve was opened featuring rare species from South America such as critically endangered Golden Lion Tamarins and Silvery Marmosets.
York Maze
Elvington Lane, York YO19 5LT
01904 608000
yorkmaze.com
Created from over one million living, growing maize plants, York Maze is not just the largest maze in the UK (it’s the size of eight Wembley football pitches!), it’s an award-winning fun-filled day out in the countryside. As well as the giant maze of maize, you’ll also find more than 20 different rides, attractions and shows to enjoy at York Maze so you really can spend the full day here – and not just because you’ve got lost!
Lilidorei
The Alnwick Garden NE66 1FJ
01665 511350
lilidoreialnwick.co.uk
A magical village full of play where children can create their own narrative, Lilidorei is a must-visit. Aiming to create an environment that encourages both imaginary and physical play, there are no inhabitants in the village but you may hear them when walking around from the immersive soundscape that has been created. Plus, the magical kingdom is ruled by Lord Elfwin from high up in his tower of Elfwin Drin – the largest play structure in the world!
Read More: Where to See Animals and Wildlife Across Yorkshire this Summer
Spilmans
Church Farm, Sessay YO7 3NB
07754 857284
spilmans.co.uk
Pick Your Own Season is back at Spilmans and it’s a fun day out for all the family. They have a range of different varieties of strawberries waiting to be picked, as well as three acres of raspberries, plus gooseberries, redcurrant, blackcurrants and blackberries, and later in the summer their sunflowers and potatoes will be ready to pick too.
Ocean Beach Pleasure Park
Sea Road, South Shields NE33 2LD
0191 456 1617
oceanbeach.co.uk
Ocean Beach Pleasure Park is the place to be for family fun. Challenge your family to a game of mini golf at Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf, enjoy a game of laser tag at Quaser Laser, see what you can win in the arcades, and make sure you try out the hair-raising rides. As well as all the usual favourites, they’ve got new rides for this summer, including a log flume, pirate ship and Crazy Frog-inspired super jumper.
William’s Den
Castle Farm, Wold Hill HU15 2LS
01430 472230
williamsden.co.uk
Dedicated to indoor and outdoor play, William’s Den is a must-visit this summer. It’s a place for children to run free, push themselves to understand risk, learn from each other and get hands on with nature. From 30th June to 2nd July take part in The Big Camp Out mini festival – days filled with activities such as farmer’s golf, nature trails and treasure hunts, and nights of barbecues, outdoor cinemas, music and dancing, all on top of the usual adventure play.
