Fun Filled Family Days Out in Yorkshire This Summer
Keep the whole family entertained all summer long
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
All aboard the North Yorkshire Moors Railway to explore 24 miles of North Yorkshire scenery, stopping at Pickering, Levisham, Goathland, Grosmont and Whitby. Every fare-paying adult can bring one child aged four to 15 free on standard services. There’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained across the heritage line including special events and station story times (including The Three Little Pigs on 30th July). The annual steam gala takes place in September but before that don’t miss your chance to see Tornado from 27th July to 8th August. No. 60163 Tornado is one of Britain’s most famous steam locomotives and will be be hauling special services through the spectacular North York Moors National Park.
Pickering Station, 28 Park Street, Pickering YO18 7AJ
01751 472508
nymr.co.uk
Castle Howard
A Baroque masterpiece, as seen on screen, the architecturally stunning Castle Howard was designed by Sir John Vanbrugh, and is home to world-class art collections. This year Castle Howard is commemorating the 300th anniversary of Sir John Vanbrugh’s death with a year-long programme celebrating his legacy. But there’s plenty more to see outside. The 120-acre arboretum is home to more than 7,000 trees from around the globe, and there are lakes, temples, follies, woodland and statues to discover throughout the gardens and grounds. Your children will love Skelf Island, the huge adventure playground with treetop nest structures connected by rope bridges, slides, nets and climbing equipment, and where friendly, faerie-like creatures live during the school holidays.
York YO60 7DA
01653 648333
castlehoward.co.uk
Pride of Yorkshire
Pride of Yorkshire is roaring into Barnsley this summer as part of one of the UK’s biggest free public art trails, and 150 beautifully designed lion sculptures have appeared across South Yorkshire, including 20 locations in Barnsley, celebrating 150 years of Sheffield Children’s Hospital. Families can follow the trail, discover incredible artwork and explore places old and new, while helping raise funds towards the redevelopment of the hospital’s Emergency Department. With 150 large lions and 150 cubs to spot, it’s the perfect free summer adventure.
Regionwide
visitbarnsley.co.uk
The Forbidden Corner
Get lost in follies, tunnels and chambers at The Forbidden Corner, where surprises await at every turn. Within a four-acre garden in the heart of Tupgill Park, you’ll discover the temple of the underworld, the eye of the needle, a huge pyramid made of translucent glass, paths and passages that lead nowhere, and striking statues. It’s your challenge to make your way out. There’s a play park for the kids, and The Forbidden Corner will be staying open late during the school summer holidays.
Tupgill Park Estate, Middleham, Leyburn DL8 4TJ
01969 640638
theforbiddencorner.co.uk
Kynren
Kynren – An Epic Tale of England takes centre stage each summer, attracting visitors from around the world to its powerful outdoor performance that journeys through 2,000 years of history (from Roman Britain to Viking invasions and medieval England), performed on a vast 7.5-acre stage by a cast and crew of 1,000 volunteers. New for summer 2026, Kynren – The Storied Lands opens on 18th July as an ambitious live-action day park, where history, myth and legend unfold through a series of spectacular shows and immersive experiences. Across the park, stories will be brought vividly to life through birds in flight, skilled horsemanship and moments of drama and action, set within striking, purpose-built landscapes.
Bishop Auckland DL14 7SF
01388 436030
kynren.com
Mother Shipton’s Cave
A curious and fascinating place, Mother Shipton’s Cave is England’s oldest tourist attraction. Open since 1630, it’s the legendary birthplace of England’s most famous prophetess and you can learn about her life in the cave where she was born. Don’t miss your chance to see the amazing geological phenomenon, the petrifying well where the uniquely high mineral content in the water ‘turns items to stone’ (tell the kids it’s magic). This summer the enchanted forest is transforming into Oz, with spellbinding photo opportunities and themed displays inspired by the Wizard of Oz.
Prophecy Lodge, High Bridge, Knaresborough HG5 8DD
01423 864600
mothershipton.co.uk
York Maze
The UK’s biggest corn maze (made with more than one million living, growing maize plants) reopens for the summer on 11th July. This award-winning day out promises plenty of fun for the whole family including rides, attractions and shows. There’s a new theme each year and this year it’s David Attenborough’s 100 years on Earth. Don’t miss the cornival and foam party, see The Corniest Show on Earth, and test how many mazes you can get lost in. The newest addition is the Pharaohs Corn-quest.
Elvington Lane, York YO19 5LT
01904 608000
yorkmaze.com
Catterick Racecourse
Racing at Catterick Bridge began as early as the mid-17th century, and this racecourse remains steeped in tradition. As well as being one of the busiest racecourses in North Yorkshire, with racing all year round, it’s also a relaxed and family-friendly place to experience the thrill of horse racing. As well as Ladies Day this summer (26th August), dedicated family days include the Salute Our Heroes Family Day on 4th August and the Family Sports Day on 17th August. All under 18s are admitted free of charge when accompanied by an adult.
Catterick Bridge, Richmond DL10 7PE
01748 811478
catterickbridge.co.uk
William’s Den
The award-winning indoor and outdoor play areas at William’s Den can keep the kids busy for hours. Whether they’re climbing towers, swinging down zip lines, or immersing themselves in the sensory elements of the play park, they can let their imaginations run wild. Don’t miss Den Fest from 17th July with a new element this year – two stages for live entertainment. Book a three-night camping stay to make the most of the whole festival. Meanwhile, The Big Summer Rewind is taking place all summer long, celebrating everything we love about the ‘80s and ‘90s.
Castle Farm, Wold Hill, North Cave HU15 2LS
01430 472230
williamsden.co.uk
