Yorkshire is a brilliant place for a family holiday. There are theme parks, caves, castles, steam trains and miles of countryside to explore. Here are our favourite family days out, grouped by the town you’re staying in.
From Ripon
- Lightwater Valley: rides and attractions for children of all ages, near Ripon.
- Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal: abbey ruins to explore, a water garden and a deer park.
- The Forbidden Corner: a maze of tunnels, follies and surprises in the Yorkshire Dales.
- Newby Hall and Gardens: an adventure playground and gardens near Ripon.
From Harrogate and Knaresborough
- Stockeld Park: outdoor adventures and seasonal events near Wetherby.
- Mother Shipton’s Cave: the famous Petrifying Well beside the River Nidd in Knaresborough.
- Rowing boats on the Nidd: hire a boat beneath Knaresborough’s viaduct.
- Brimham Rocks: huge, strange rock formations on the moors in Nidderdale, perfect for scrambling.
- How Stean Gorge: outdoor adventures in a limestone gorge in upper Nidderdale.
From Pickering and Thirsk
- The North Yorkshire Moors Railway: steam trains from Pickering across the moors.
- Dalby Forest: forest trails for walking and cycling.
- The World of James Herriot in Thirsk, the home of the famous vet and author.
- The seaside: Whitby, Scarborough and Filey are all within reach of Pickering. See our guide to family days on the Yorkshire coast.
Rainy-day ideas
- York Chocolate Story: learn about York’s chocolate-making history (with tasting).
- Tropical World at Roundhay Park in Leeds.
- Leeds City Museum, which has four floors of galleries and free events.
- Ingleborough Cave in the Dales, an underground adventure.
Where to stay with the family
- Ripon: Hygge House (sleeps 8), Cathedral Stay (sleeps 10) or Evergreen Eco House (sleeps 6, dog friendly). See our Ripon accommodation.
- Knaresborough: The Knaresborough Retreat sleeps 10. See our Knaresborough accommodation.
- Pickering: Daisy Cottage, The Farmhouse and The Chapel at Sands Farm each sleep 8. See our Pickering accommodation.
Keep the kids happy at the cottage too, with our tips on keeping children entertained on a self-catering stay.
