The Prettiest Places to Stretch Your Legs in Yorkshire
From glorious gardens to curious caves, there's so much to discover in Yorkshire
White Scar Cave
The longest accessible cave in Britain, White Scar Cave is a sight to behold. On entrance get your camera ready for the first waterfall, take a closer look at the curious formation of ‘The Witch’s Fingers’, avoid being dripped on by the Devil’s Tongue and take a look at the white shape at the far end of the Battlefield Cavern – what does it look like to you? This guided tour is certainly a unique experience you won’t forget.
Ingleton LA6 3AW
01524 241244
whitescarcave.co.uk
Ingleton Waterfalls Trail
Don your walking boots and take on this four-and-a-half-mile hike to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Much of Ingleton Waterfalls Trail has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest by Natural England. In summer, follow the riverside path through shaded woodland and see if you can spot the pretty purple dog-violet flowers, birds and butterflies, grey wagtail and dipper. Your four-legged friends are welcome to join you too but they must remain on a lead.
Ingleton LA6 3ET
01524 241930
ingletonwaterfallstrail.co.uk
Ingleborough Cave
Step inside Ingleborough Cave to go on a journey through 450 million years of geology and history. Follow in the footsteps of Victorian explorers to discover a cave that was once the outflow for the streams that flow through the world-famous 17 km Gaping Gill cave system, but luckily a concrete path now allows you to travel more than half a kilometre into the hillside. This is truly a natural wonder.
Clapham, Lancaster LA2 8EE
01524 251242
ingleboroughcave.co.uk
Read More: Where to Go With Your Family in Yorkshire This Summer
Hole of Horcum
This natural amphitheatre (literally speaking a 120-metre deep, 1.2km-wide hole) is one of the most spectacular features of the North York Moors. Local legend has it that this ‘devil’s punchbowl’ was formed when Wade the Giant scooped up a handful of earth to throw at his wife during an argument. An alternative theory suggests that it was the result of water welling up from the hillside and weathering away the rocks over thousands of years, but we know which we prefer. 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
Thorp Perrow
Thorp Perrow’s 100-acre arboretum is the proud home of some of the largest and rarest trees and shrubs in England, including five National Plant Collections. Children can let off steam in the adventure playground, the whole family will enjoy the Bird of Prey displays, and you can even hand-feed the wallabies in the Mammal Centre. Don’t forget to try the homemade cakes and treats in the tearoom before you leave, and make sure to check their calendar for workshops and talks on subjects ranging from bird of prey photography to introductions to fungi.
Bedale DL8 2PS
01677 425323
thorpperrow.com
Standedge Tunnel
Discover Britain’s longest, deepest and highest canal tunnel and learn how it helped to fuel the Industrial Revolution. Hop aboard one of Standedge Tunnel’s family boat trips this summer or enjoy a canalside stroll before completing your visit with cake and a cuppa in The Watersedge Coffee House. Or why not see the canal from an entirely different perspective by joining one of their paddlesport sessions (canoeing or paddle boarding)?
Standedge HD7 6DH
03030 404040
canalrivertrust.org.uk
RHS Garden Harlow Carr
From running water to woodland and wildflower meadows, the rich and varied growing landscapes of Harlow Carr make it a delightful place in every season. At Queen Mother’s Lake you might see emperor dragonfly (particularly in early summer) and moorhens which nest in the floating duck house, alongside the bees, butterflies and hovering insects that throng the perennial wildflower meadow by the the western lakeside. Streamside, one of the original and most iconic areas of the garden, is home to a wide range of wildlife including dippers, tree creepers, weasels and voles. This summer, The Wonder of Pollen, an exhibition taking place across the garden, is using the latest technology to take visitors into the microscopic world of pollen.
Crag Lane, Beckwithshaw, Harrogate HG3 1QB
01423 565418
rhs.org.uk/gardens/harlow-carr
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal
It might be a ruin (courtesy of the dissolution of the monasteries), but this World Heritage Site remains one of the largest and best preserved Cistercian monasteries in England. Founded in 1132 by 13 Benedictine monks, the beautifully preserved remains of Fountains Abbey have retained a majestic, and somewhat magical, beauty over the centuries. In the 18th century, the surrounding woods and valleys were turned into the Georgian water gardens of Studley Royal by the politician John Aislabie, who set about creating a European-style water garden of mirror-like ponds, statues and follies, incorporating the romantic abbey ruins in his design. The estate, which you can explore under your own steam or on one of the free daily tours, is also home to Fountains Mill, built by the monks in the 12th century, and the gardens are flanked by a deer park that’s now home around 300 wild deer.
Ripon HG4 3DY
01765 608888
nationaltrust.org.uk
Read More: The Amazing Health Benefits of Woodland Walks and Why We Should all Spend Time in Nature
Brimham Rocks
Brimham Rocks have been sculpted by the movement of entire continents and hundreds of thousands of years of ice, rain and wind, gradually emerging into the weird and wonderful formations we see today. See if you can spot the shapes of the Dancing Bear, the Eagle and the Gorilla, or crawl through Smartie Tube, and balance on the Rocking Stones. Some of the most iconic rock formations can be seen just a ten-minute walk from the car park, but we suggest you take your time to explore this amazing site, taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside – they sit on a site of special biological and scientific interest covering more than 180 hectares. For an extra-special experience, book into one of their events, with options like geocaching, climbing, abseiling and orienteering to choose from for kids and a variety of guided walks for adults..
Summerbridge, Harrogate HG3 4DW
nationaltrust.org
