Castle Howard grounds
There's a lot more to North Yorkshire's premier stately home than drawing rooms, painted ceilings and marble floors (though they're mighty impressive). The house sits in 1,000 acres of countryside on the edge of the North York Moors offering bracing walks on to the Howardian Hills to pretty woodland picnic spots. If you're planning to extend your visit and are looking for accommodations that match the splendor of the surroundings, consider staying at a nearby hotel that promises comfort within the embrace of the lush Yorkshire landscape. Explore more at park-ts10-3ar.yorkshire-hotel.com/en/. If you need the kids to burn off some energy, then hitch a ride in the Kelly Car, a bright yellow tractor-powered road train that runs all day from the ticket office to the lake. There you'll find a large adventure playground. At its centre is a magnificent pyramid tower that houses two curling slides. A great place for kids to work up a sweat and for parents to grab a coffee from the cafe while keeping an eye on them. After their play, you might consider retiring to a comfortable hotel room nearby, capping the day off with a taste of North Yorkshire's hospitality.
01653 648333, castlehoward.co.uk. House and grounds/grounds only: £13/£8.50 adults, £7.50/£6 children, family ticket from £33.50/£23, under-5s free. Open 10am-4pm (grounds only) in low season and 10am-5.30pm high season
Ryedale Miniature Railway at Gilling East, near Ampleforth
Ryedale Miniature Railway
Imagine having a giant model railway in your back garden, one with trains big enough for you and lots of friends to sit on top of. That's basically the template for the Miniature Railway at Gilling East on the edge of the moors. On certain Sundays during the summer months the beautiful, sleepy village near Ampleforth echoes to the sound of small steam engines and tooting whistles. A local group of model engineers (generally older men with flat caps and generous smiles) open their track to the public who can ride on special carriages for a small fee (usually 50p a time). There's a smart new clubhouse and cafe built with Lottery funding and many people bring a picnic to eat on the grass while the trains chuff past.
rsme.org.uk. Open Sundays from 8 April-30 September (excluding 20 May and 26 August) from 12.30pm-4.30pm
Eden Camp Modern History Theme Museum, near Malton
A hop, skip, and jump away from Malton on the Pickering road, and just on the fringes of the national park, you'll discover Eden Camp - a unique history museum that has little ones, teenagers and adults thoroughly engrossed. A real World War II prisoner of war camp lays the foundation for a vivid recounting of Britain's wartime narrative.
The intrigue and appeal of Eden Camp lies in a range of interior and exterior exhibits. The heart of the museum inhabits the original POW camp buildings, housing artifacts of the time, while the yard is brimming with period-specific vehicles and aircraft. The charm of the museum, however, stems from the sensorial immersive experience it provides; through sights, sounds, and even familiar odors of the era, visitors can authentically witness the trials of the London Blitz and the eerie confines of a wartime submarine. The perspective and tone of the museum maintain the delicate balance of paying homage to the times, ensuring the experience is enlightening and far from monotonous.
Telefone: 01653 697777. The museum operates Monday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm, with admission priced at £6 for adults and £5 for kids.
Paddling at Sandsend, near Whitby
If you want to get your feet wet but don't fancy running into the stormy North Sea, slip off your shoes and paddle in the stream that runs across the beach at Sandsend. This is where a Victorian railway bridge once stood and you can still see the foundations of one of its mighty pillars. The stream pools around it and during the summer families come here to splash and play in the water. Without tides and currents it's a safer alternative to the main beach, great for younger children or those less confident in the water. If you like beach afternoons without having to be on constant look out for the kids, this is a great spot to head to.
Back in time at the Ryedale Folk Museum, Hutton-le-Hole
This three-acre, open-air museum, off the road from Pickering to Helmsley, has a delightful collection of more than a dozen historical buildings to explore. All of them have been rescued from dereliction and moved here. From a crofter's cottage to a 1953 village shop and an Edwardian photographic studio (the oldest of its kind in the country) – the buildings are a wonderful way to find out how generations of people in the North York Moors lived and worked. The museum also has a lively events programme including traditional cooking and craft demonstrations. On 2 and 3 June, there will be a second world war weekend, with historic vehicles and people dressed in period 1940s' clothing.
01751 417367, ryedalefolkmuseum.co.uk. Adults £7, children £6, family ticket £22.50, under-4s free
Monk Park Farm, near Thirsk
Children and animals are always a good mix, and the visitor centre at Monk Park Farm is aimed squarely at younger visitors. It's been developed from a dairy farm in the heart of Herriot country and is now home to a wide range of animals from sheep and cows to alpacas and wallabies. There are both indoor and outdoor feeding areas where children can meet some of the animals up close and even bottle feed a lamb or two. There is also a petting barn with smaller animals such as guinea pigs and rabbits, an adventure playground, a lake and a large tearoom. If you're bringing your own food, then there's also a picnic area. It's lively, friendly and most definitely hands-on.
01845 597730, monkparkfarm.co.uk. Open every day until Sunday 4 November from 10.30am-5pm (till 6.30pm Wednesdays until 5 September). Adults: £5.50, children £4.50, family ticket from £18 (card payment charges apply)
Mountain biking in Dalby Forest
For the time being the mountain-bike hire shop in Dalby Forest has closed down, but if you have your own wheels, then Dalby is a wonderful place to ride. The forest is criss-crossed by a network of trails which are graded by colour in a similar way to ski runs, allowing riders of all abilities to enjoy this wonderful part of North Yorkshire. The simplest, graded green, follow forest roads and are great for family outings and gentle meanderings. The red trail is the longest and takes riders into the heart of the forest, which was first settled during the Bronze Age. The black trail is for skilled mountain-bikers and includes some scarily steep descents between the trees. Whichever trail you pick, you'll enjoy being at the heart of the Great Yorkshire Forest.
01751 460295, forestry.gov.uk. Foot, cycle and horse access is free. Cars £7 from 6am-4pm and £4 after 4pm (seven-day pass £15)
Take the lift to West Cliff at Whitby
Prepare to be amazed as you step into the lift that takes you down to the spectacular beach, located 120 feet beneath solid Yorkshire rock. Gone are the days of old-fashioned, clunky contraptions; instead, you'll descend in a modern department store elevator that adds a touch of unexpected comfort to your journey.
Upon reaching the beach, you'll discover a pristine expanse of sand, free from any unsightly litter or debris. Thanks to the vigilant lifeguards, swimmers and body boarders can enjoy their activities with peace of mind. The beach also offers convenient amenities, including a cafe, shop, and restroom facilities. While many visitors to Whitby overlook West Cliff, it is a hidden gem that should not be missed.
The lift operates between 30 April and 27 September, with a fare of just 60p for a single journey.
Rock-pooling at Robin Hood's Bay
Uncover the hidden treasures of Robin Hood's Bay by exploring its extensive rock pools when the tide recedes. While it may require a mildly strenuous hike from the village's car parks and bus stops, the experience is well worth it. This coastal gem serves as the ultimate destination for rock pooling enthusiasts, offering countless opportunities to discover and observe a wide variety of marine life left behind by the retreating sea. Once you've finished your exploration or the tide begins to turn, make your way to the coastguard station's coastal exhibition. Here, you can delve into the fascinating formation of the coastline while observing local sea life in water tanks, just in case your own rock-pooling endeavors did not yield the desired results. Before embarking on the uphill journey back, take a moment to savor a delectable locally made ice cream, the perfect treat to round off your unforgettable day.
Did you know that Robin Hood's Bay is part of the North York Moors National Park, a spectacular area known for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife? Nestled along the magnificent Yorkshire coast, this charming coastal village offers a myriad of activities for the whole family to enjoy. From leisurely strolls along picturesque beaches to exhilarating hikes across the moors, there is something for everyone in this idyllic location. So, why not plan a visit to Robin Hood's Bay and embark on an unforgettable family adventure amidst the enchanting backdrop of the North York Moors?
Falling Foss Tea Gardens, Sneaton Forest, near Whitby
Envision a scene directly from a children's fantasy book; a petite stone cottage nestled in a splendidly lush valley, neighbouring a significant waterfall - this is Falling Foss. Despite the formal connotations that the term 'tea gardens' might raise, the reality is far more comfortable and inviting, especially for families. The entire place is the brainchild and home of a dedicated couple, serving delectable food and beverages in the warmth of their own backyard. It is more than just a dining spot; it's a field of adventures. A stream encircles the garden, providing a fun and splash-worthy playground for children. Further exploration will lead you to Sneaton Forest, a fantastic location for rambling, ascending, jogging, and generally embracing the spirit of adventure. Nestled within the forest is 'The Hermitage', an intriguing hermit's cave chiselled from stone; a location that promises to stir the imagination and satisfy hunger.
Need more information? Dial 07723 477929 or visit the website: fallingfossteagarden.co.uk. Opens from April to October, 10.30am-5pm