30 Brilliant Family Days Out Across the North East and Yorkshire
Here's how to make the most of the last days of the summer holidays
Whitehouse Farm
This award-winning family attraction has more than 40 acres of interactive animal encounters the kids will love. They can get hands-on a feeding time, and if the weather won’t play ball, you’ll be happy to know that at least 75 percent of the farm is actually undercover and kids can burn off any excess energy at the multi-level soft play or indoor racing cars. Outside, go-karting, tractor rides, a toboggan slide and jumping pillows will keep them entertained for hours, and there are lots of special events taking place over the summer holidays.
Morpeth NE61 6AW
01670 789998
whitehousefarmcentre.co.uk
Kynren
Five new shows have been added to the Kynren spectacle, making your journey through time even bigger and better – and there’s also a brand-new play area children will love. As well as travelling through 2,000 years of British history every Saturday throughout summer, with epic equestrian stunts and dazzling pyrotechnics, visitors can now also marvel at free-flying birds in a 2,500-seat amphitheatre, see more epic horse stunts, enter the Victorian Imaginariums, meet Vikings, and experience the Legend of the Wear on weekdays too.
Flatts Farm, Bishop Auckland DL14 7SF
01388 436030
kynren.com
Dunstanburgh Castle
Whichever way you approach the ruins of the castle on its rocky base jutting out into the North Sea, you can’t fail to be impressed with its sheer size and the engineering feat which helped it become one of only a handful of castles with a giant, three-storey keep. One of the most atmospheric and inspiring castles in England, surrounded by the sea on two sides and three meres (lakes) on the land side, the castle was the largest in Northumberland and the impressive keep was originally built in 1313 as an imposing twin-towered entrance – although around 1380, John of Gaunt blocked the original entrance and converted the massive gatehouse into a heavily fortified lord’s tower. Now under English Heritage, walk north from Craster or south around Embleton Bay to reach the imposing structure which is well worth exploring. Head along the rocky outcrop enclosed by the curtain wall and climb the viewing platforms for far reaching views and to spot the many nesting seabirds below.
Craster, Alnwick NE66 3TT
01665 576231
english-heritage.org
The Labyrinth
Cragside’s Labyrinth is a sprawling, tangled maze cut through a towering rhododendron forest. Suitable for ages five and over, it has its own car park but is just a short walk from the children’s play area and den building area. Covering just one mile of easy terrain, with four mini obstacle courses along the route and stunning views, it’s a fun challenge to make your way to the centre. Hunt for William the Wizard, create your own tale of courageous quests in the storyteller’s chair and see if you can find Nelly’s Den at its heart – and then find your way out again!
Rothbury, Morpeth NE65 7PX
01669 620333
nationaltrust.org.uk
Tees Barrage International White Water Centre
Experience the UK’s steepest artificial drop with white water rafting or try high-adrenaline hydrospeeding, surfing the rapids on specialised boards at this centre for outdoor adventure between Stockton and Middlesbrough. The calmer lake is perfect for kayaking, paddle boarding, raft building and bell boating and next to the white water course is the Air Trail with swinging bridges, balancing beams and cargo nets high above the River Tees.
Tees Barrage Way, Stockton TS18 2QW
01642 678000
tbiwwc.com
Kielder Water Park
Home to England’s largest forest and the biggest man-made lake in Northern Europe, there’s always something new to do here. With miles of picturesque walking trails and dedicated off-road cycle tracks there’s plenty of adventure for everyone. It’s a haven for wildlife such as red squirrels, roe deer, otters and water voles and is known for having the darkest night skies in England. This summer, have a go at water sports, learn about the universe at Kielder Observatory or visit the special Osprey Cabin for an introduction to these amazing birds.
visitkielder.com
Hamsterley Forest
Cool down under the dense shaded canopy of County Durham’s largest woodland. Explore the many trails, stroll along the Riverside Walk and keep an eye out for deer, adders and leaping salmon. Keen cyclists can perfect their skills or tackle the extreme single-track routes at Danny Hart’s Descend Bike Park, the North East’s only dedicated downhill and 4X park, whilst younger kids can explore the themed play areas, discover the Gruffalo sculptures and have a go at a Gruffalo orienteering course, whilst everyone will want to try out disc golf.
Bedburn, Hamsterley
forestryengland.uk
Ghyll Scrambling
Perfect for an action-packed adventure, Ghyll scrambling is suitable for age six plus and all abilities, and combines elements of rock climbing, hiking and swimming in a safe and fun environment. Explore the beautiful gorges and valleys of the North Pennines and tackle obstacles such as waterfalls and rock scrambles with the help of experienced guides. All necessary equipment and safety instruction is provided for what is bound to be a great day out to remember.
Endless Adventure, Heathworks, Lemington NE15 8RZ
0191 580 5056
endlessadventurenortheast.com
Raby Castle & Plotters Forest Adventure Playground
There’s always loads to see and do on this historic estate, where the Walled Gardens and Deer Park, and Plotters Forest Adventure Playground are open daily. This summer there’s a new Hidden Forest feature which will double the size of the original playground. This new attraction reveals a route into The Hidden Forest, featuring an informal ground level trail that gently climbs the hillside, with six new pieces of play equipment to encourage exploration, interaction, movement and discovery along the way, including swings, a cascading wall and new word games.
Staindrop, Darlington DL2 3AH
01833 660202
raby.co.uk
Beamish The Living Museum of the North
Families can immerse themselves in fascinating stories from the past and choose six adventures as they journey through Beamish. Discover time travelling transport, the 1900s pit village, 1940s farm, 1900s town and 1950s town, Spain’s Field Farm and 1820s Pockerley. After all that, take time out to enjoy traditional fish and chips, pick up mouthwatering sweets in the old fashioned sweet shop and Italian-style ice cream from the 1950s parlour.
Stanley, County Durham DH9 0RG
0191 370 4000
beamish.org.uk
Druridge Bay Country Park
Running from Amble to Cresswell, this seven-mile stretch of coast has beautiful wide sandy beaches and plenty of wildlife reserves. Perfect for a family day out, the outdoor activity hub and visitor centre with its café, play park and stepping stones is beside a freshwater lake (Ladyburn Lake) and sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, and paddle boarding are all available on the lake, with permits and equipment hire managed on-site by the Coquet Shorebase Trust. The network of nature reserves are hotspots for birdwatchers looking for eider ducks, red-throated divers and waders.
Northumberland NE61 5BX
Adventure Valley Durham
This huge adventure park has a mix of both indoor and outdoor activities (always good to know for the British summer). With family-friendly rides, go-karts, a ring slide, jumping pillows and three indoor soft play areas, farm animals to meet, reptiles to discover and a lake full of ducks and rare black swans, kids can be entertained for hours and hours.
Union Hall Farm, Durham DH1 5SG
0191 386 8291
adventurevalley.co.uk
Seaton Delaval Hall
Until the end of August, head to Seaton Delaval for a summer of fun, theatricality, drama and mischief, all inspired by the notorious 18th-century Delaval pranksters’ love of spectacle and surprise. Expect pop-up performances, activities and playful moments, and get stuck into high-energy play zones, sporty challenges, races and games to get everyone moving. Clamber over the hay bale scramble, find your way out of the Grass Maze, and test your balance with energetic, active play. If it rains, there’s still lots to see inside this intriguing Grade II-listed hall.
The Avenue, Seaton Sluice NE26 4QR
0191 237 9100
nationaltrust.org.uk
Lilidorei
It’s time for the third annual Liliympics at Lilidorei this summer. The eight clans are once again pulling out the stops and gathering all their favourite games; axe throwing, Booger Ball, spoon races and lots of new challenges to try. Join one of the clans to take part with winners declared each week. The King of Lilidorei will watch over the events from his tower at the very top of Elfwin Drin, the world’s largest play structure.
Gardeners Cottage, Greenwell Road, Alnwick NE66 1HB
lilidoreialnwick.co.uk
The Farne Islands
Renowned for spectacular wildlife, the Farne Islands are home to over 200,000 sea birds and a huge grey seal colony. Summer is the best time to see more than 40,000 breeding pairs of puffins, guillemots and shags, basking seals and recently there have been plenty of sightings of dolphins and orcas. With different sailings available daily (weather permitting), all leaving from Seahouses harbour, you can even hop on a two-hour evening sunset cruise around the islands and along the coastline to watch the sun set behind Bamburgh Castle.
Billy Shiel’s Boat Trips
01665 720308
farne-islands.com
North Yorkshire Water Park, Wykeham
One of Yorkshire’s largest water sports lakes, spanning an incredible 250 acres, this is the perfect place for adrenaline junkies and family fun seekers. Water-based activities include paddle boarding, kayaking, wakeboarding, windsurfing and splashing around with the family on the Warrior or Wipeout courses, or treating smaller family members to Splash Kingdom, an aqua park designed for little ones. Landlubbers can get their fix on the zip line and climbing wall, or try archery and axe throwing. Having too much fun? Stay onsite in the lodges or glamping pods.
Long Causeway Road, Wykeham, Scarborough YO13 9QU
01723 865052
northyorkshirewaterpark.co.uk
Tropical World, Leeds
Great for younger children (under 10) this compact, indoor zoo spread across various indoor climate-controlled zones (including a desert house, a rainforest canopy, a nocturnal section and an aquarium) is a brilliant rainy day distraction. Keep them occupied for a few hours as they meet the meerkats, cotton-top tamarins, ring-tailed lemurs, crocodiles, stingrays, seahorses, free-flying butterflies and leafcutter ants.
Princes Avenue, Roundhay, Leeds LS8 2ER
0113 535 2132
tropicalworld.leeds.gov.uk
Dales Countryside Museum, Hawes
Summer holidays are all about having fun, but you can also learn a lot as you go along. Take the kids to the family-friendly Dales Countryside Museum in Hawes where they can discover the story of the Dales and its people and explore an outdoor trail. With ever-changing exhibitions and drop-in sessions, find out about Roman clothing and let them make a peg doll to take away, learn about ancient remedies and poisons and join various themed walks throughout summer.
Station Yard, Hawes DL8 3NT
01969 666210
dalescountrysidemuseum.org.uk
Sledmere, Driffield
This charming country house sits high up on the Yorkshire Wolds, and whilst the house is only open to guided tours on selected dates there are special nature trails over the summer in the parkland and gardens and lawn games near the parterre. The walled garden, with its different areas, is well worth exploring. Visit the Angel Garden inspired by the sad and beautiful song ‘Angel’ by Sarah McLachlan, head to the new Wild Side crammed full of native wild flowers, wander along the Wisteria Walk and spend time in the Reflection Garden, with its warm colour palette, atmospheric dark pond and muted paths. Kids will love meeting the animals on the farm here, they can learn about the Wagoner’s Special Reserve, the brave men who became some of the first to go abroad in the First World War, driving the horse-drawn wagons with supplies of food, fodder and ammunition for the frontline in Sledmere’s tiny museum, and then burn off excess energy in the new Adventure Play Area and Play Barn.
Sledmere, Driffield YO25 3XG
01377 236637
sledmerehouse.com
National Coal Mining Museum, Wakefield
Let the family enjoy a whole day out digging into the history of coal mining. Discover how the miners lived and worked, and learn about the communities at the heart of the mining industry. It’s a truly fascinating insight into what was such a vital part of Yorkshire’s history and thanks to state-of-the-art technology, you can travel through time and discover the incredible stories of coal mining through the centuries.
Caphouse Colliery, New Road, Overton, Wakefield WF4 4RH
01924 848806
ncm.org.uk
Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Doncaster
A zoo, wildlife conservation and rehabilitation centre, at Yorkshire Wildlife Park you can take a walk-through wildlife adventure and from polar bears to tigers, giraffes and red pandas, there are so many animals to meet. Don’t miss your chance to see the four endangered cheetah cubs who have just taken their first steps into the main enclosure this summer, and join a sunset safari this August to explore the dusk-lit lawns of Tsavo. With six different play areas, come rain or shine, this is a great place to let the kids go wild.
Hurst Lane, Doncaster DN9 3QY
01302 535057
yorkshirewildlifepark.com
Snozone, Castleford
Who says you can’t go sledging in summer? At the UK’s largest indoor real snow centre, skiers and snowboarders of all ages and abilities can take to the slopes. Skis, poles, boards and boots are free to hire, helmets are compulsory and bring your own gloves, but whether you want to perfect your skills, or take a lesson, anyone can have a go. Just be sure to wrap up warm – and book your slot in advance.
Colorado Way, Castleford WF10 4TA
0333 003 0520
snozoneuk.com
York Maze, York
Book online before heading to the UK’s biggest corn maze (covering an area larger than eight Wembley football pitches) which has reopened for the summer, until 3rd September. Every summer a brand new maze design is cut, creating winding pathways, hidden challenge points and puzzles for families to solve together. Don’t miss the Corniest Show on Earth, and from the Maze of Illusions to the Mineshaft Maze, see how many mazes you can get lost in.
Elvington Lane, York YO19 5LT
01904 608000
yorkmaze.com
The Deep, Hull
One of Yorkshire’s most popular attractions, the award-winning aquarium is a must-visit. Interactive displays explore more than four billion years of ocean history, explain how climate change is affecting our oceans and you can join one of the daily talks taking place over the summer to understand even more about marine life. Between 18th July and 6th September, families can discover more about the fascinating creatures that call UK rock pools home at the special Rock Pools & Rocky Shores event, and in August join a seaside safari for some beachcombing and discover more about the amazing local coastline.
Tower Street, Hull HU1 4DP
thedeep.co.uk
Jorvik Viking Centre, York
Learning can be fun so travel back in time to 10th-century York at Jorvik Viking Centre. At this world-famous attraction, visitors take an immersive ride through the sights, the sounds and (prepare for) the smells of the Viking Age and can browse state-of-the-art interactive galleries, with lots of fascinating artefacts on display.
19 Coppergate Walk, York YO1 9WT
01904 615505
jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk
Dalby Forest, Pickering
Open all day, every day, and with more than 8,500 acres to explore you have endless walking and cycling trails in Dalby Forest. Kids will love The Gruffalo orienteering course, Room on the Broom Trail, and spotting the unique sculptures dotted throughout the forest, or head to Go Ape for some adrenaline-fuelled fun. Bike rentals are available on site and the forest is free to enter, but hourly parking charges do apply.
Low Dalby, Thornton-le-Dale, Pickering YO18 7LT
01751 460295
forestryengland.uk
Eureka! The National Children’s Museum, Halifax
Both educational and fun, Eureka! has six unique zones with interactive exhibits to explore. Learn about the latest interactive technology in the Spark Gallery, test and create sounds in SoundSpace, and explore the child-sized town square in Living & Working Together. Promising a packed day out for kids aged up to 11 and their families, children can look up a giant nose, and find out what they’ll look like in the future.
Discovery Road, Halifax HX1 2NE
01422 330069
play.eureka.org.uk
Cannon Hall Farm, Barnsley
This award-winning family attraction has lots to see and do and, home to hundreds of animals and indoor and outdoor adventure playgrounds, it’s a great day out, but book in advance as it does get busy here. Still a family-owned and operated working farm, their year-round breeding programme means there are always baby animals to see from donkeys to alpacas. There’s a reptile house, tractor rides, and ferret and sheep racing over the summer.
Bark House Lane, Cawthorne,
Barnsley S75 4AT
01226 790427
cannonhallfarm.co.uk
Brimham Rocks, Harrogate
Get the kids out into the fresh air and enjoy a fabulous and free day out at Brimham Rocks. This is a special place with pathways to race down, amazing rock formations to scramble over and acres of wildlife-filled moorland to explore. The giant rock formations were created by a river 100 million years before the first dinosaurs walked the earth, and sculpted by thousands of years of ice, rain and wind, the rocks are now weird and wonderful shapes (look out for the Dancing Bear and the Gorilla, and make sure you crawl through the Smartie Tube). Bigger kids will love the abseiling and climbing adventure days, and geocaching treasure hunt.
Brimham Moor Road, Summerbridge, Harrogate HG3 4DW
01423 780688
nationaltrust.org.uk
National Railway Museum, York
This summer, families can embark on a full summer holiday in just one day at this award-winning museum. With a unique programme of free activities, visitors can pick up a ‘passport’ and explore the countryside, have fun at the seaside and even go abroad on a Japanese bullet train – all without leaving the museum.
Leeman Road, York YO26 4XJ
0330 058 0058
railwaymuseum.org.uk
