Where to Go With Your Family in Yorkshire This Summer
Now that summer's here, it's time to get out and about
Go Ape! Dalby Forest
Dalby Forest is spectacular from every angle, but there’s nothing like being suspended on a 50 metre-high, valley-to-valley zip wire to sharpen your appreciation of just how tall the trees are. With a Treetop Challenge course 35 metres up in the air, or a Treetop Adventure for younger adventurers to find their feet, Go Ape at Dalby Forest is a delight for daredevils of all ages. You’ll also want to budget time to explore some more of the forest’s 8,500 acres (all of them breath-taking). With walking trails, cycling trails (and bikes to hire), running trails, play areas, sculptures, a visitor centre, café and shop – and even the chance to stargaze – it’s easy to spend the whole day here.
Low Dalby, Thornton-Le-Dale, Pickering YO18 7LT
goape.co.uk/locations/dalby
forestryengland.uk/dalby-forest
Whistlestop Valley
A guaranteed day of fun for the family, Whistlestop Valley has everything you need to keep the little ones entertained including a ride-on miniature train, two outdoor adventure playgrounds, an indoor activity area (perfect for wet days) and a large jumping pillow. There’s plenty to enjoy besides the train too, including a nine-hole crazy golf course, a pedal car track and The Firebox Café which serves everything you could want (stone-baked pizzas, waffles, ice cream and brownies – what’s not to love?). Keep your eyes peeled for their special events taking place throughout the year, including the Steam and Diesel Gala, a Halloween Ghost Train and a Day Out With Thomas.
Park Mill Way, Clayton West, West Yorkshire HD8 9XJ
01484 865727
whistlestopvalley.co.uk
Web Adventure Park
Head to Web Adventure Park to enjoy unlimited rides on classic dodgems and cups and saucers. On rainy days, make the most of their indoor play offering, with plenty of options for children of every age. Don’t miss Webbinton, their new role play village (complete with café and barbers) or, if you’re after something a bit more sci-fi, try their Lightyear Game Zone where space cadets can play laser tag. Finally, there’s the adorable animal zone where you’ll meet residents ranging from pigs and ponies to alpacas and ferrets.
Wigginton Road, York YO32 2RH
01904 692221
webadventurepark.co.uk
Calypso Cove Waterpark
Whether they’re zipping down slides, having a whale of a time in the wave machine or honing their technique from the diving board, this pirate-themed waterpark guarantees a splashing afternoon of fun. If smaller swimmers haven’t quite got their sea legs yet, try one of their daily Little Finn’s sessions where the main flumes and diving boards will be unavailable and the splash and leisure pool is reserved for tots and their parents to ensure a calmer introduction to the water. Swimming is hungry work, so head to the Rigby Café afterwards.
Metrodome Leisure Complex, Queens Ground, Queens Road, Barnsley S71 1AN
01226 730060
barnsleymetrodome.com
York Maze
The giant Maize Maze at York Maze (how many times can you say maze?) might cover an area larger than eight Wembley football pitches, but it’s still only one of the 20 attractions at York Maze, which will open again on 13th July. When you’re not in the midst of this real-life puzzle, visit the House of Cornfusion for mind-bending illusions (and a fun place to hide from the rain), soak up the suspense at Cornula 1, or enjoy the show with the Crowmania Ride’s animatronics and live action actors. Need a sit down? Take your seat for the Crazy Maze Show, and muster all your energy for the Cornival and Foam Party.
Elvington Lane, York YO19 5LT
01904 608000
yorkmaze.com
The Forbidden Corner
Since it first opened to the public 30 years ago, The Forbidden Corner has become a staple of family days out, attracting visitors to adventure through its labyrinth of underground tunnels and chambers, strange statues, grand follies and confounding dead ends. At every turn of this four acre garden there are decisions to make, tricks to avoid and discoveries to delight, as well as multiple options for food and refreshments to keep you exploring.
Tupgill Park Estate, Middleham, Leyburn DL8 4TJ
01969 640638
theforbiddencorner.co.uk
Diggerland
When it comes to entertaining children, sometimes you don’t need to overcomplicate it. With this in mind, Diggerland is a destination that does exactly what it says on the tin. A theme park where you can ride, drive and operate diggers and other full-size construction machinery – this is every little (and big) persons’ dream. As well as the classic digger experiences, their 20 rides encompass the head-reeling Spindizzy, the lofty Skyshuttle and the off-road mayhem of Groundshuttle as well as an indoor soft play and a special play zone for under fives (who might not meet the height requirements of some of the other rides).
Willowbridge Lane, Castleford WF10 5NW
01634 711711
diggerland.com
Mother Shipton’s Cave & The Petrifying Well
Join the ranks of centuries of visitors to England’s oldest tourist attraction this summer with a day out at Mother Shipton’s Cave and The Petrifying Well. The latter was once believed to have miraculous healing powers, owing to its ability to ‘petrify’ (turn to stone) all objects that it touches. These days, visitors can marvel at incredible modern phenomena like the petrified Ewok in their museum. Next to the Petrifying Well, Mother Shipton’s Cave is the birthplace of the famous prophetess and home to a more conventional wishing well. Don’t forget there’s an adventure playground and a café too.
Prophecy Lodge, High Bridge, Knaresborough HG5 8DD
01423 864600
mothershipton.co.uk
Wensleydale Railway
Operating between Scruton and Leyburn, this is much more than a train ride. Learn more about the fascinating history of the 1900s railway from the living history interpreters and enjoy free guided tours, special event trains, visit historic stations and take in the stunning local scenery. From hosting regular, themed afternoon teas and musical days, to offering riders a fantastic driver’s experience where you can get to grips with how the impressive machinery works, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on the Wensleydale Railway.
1 Leases Road, Leeming Bar, Northallerton DL7 9AR
01677 425805
wensleydale-railway.co.uk
Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Containing a world class collection of contemporary sculptures in more than 500 acres of beautiful Yorkshire countryside, Yorkshire Sculpture Park is a great way to get out into the fresh air this summer. This summer, make sure to visit Alchemies, a major new exhibition by Bharti Kher whose work focuses on the female form and experience. If the weather takes a turn don’t worry – as well as having more than 90 outdoor sculptures, the park also has three indoor exhibition spaces to explore. Head to the Chapel to see Leilah Babirye’s carved trees, and in The Weston see Jonathan Baldock’s folklore-inspired work.
West Bretton WF4 4LG
01924 832631
ysp.org.uk
