Last Updated on March 12, 2024 by Suzy McCullough
This post contains ideas of places to visit for families in Yorkshire with plenty to do outdoors. We have covered the main attractions with things to do outdoors across – East Riding Yorkshire. North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire and South Yorkshire. Many of these attractions also have things to do indoors.
Many of the following attractions still require you to pre-book so make sure you check their websites before leaving home.
EAST RIDING YORKSHIRE Outdoors Days Out
Allerthorpe Lakeland
Location: Melbourne Road, Pocklington, York YO42 4RL
A Bit About – Open for day visitors to enjoy lakeside walks and playparks, watersports activities and open-water swimming sessions. The Lakeside Cafe will be open and the AquaPark opens in early May. FIND OUT MORE
Bridlington Animal Park
Location: Covert Lane, Carnaby, Bridlington YO15 3QF
A Bit About – If you were to just walk around this animal park it would take you no time at all. But this isn’t what this park is about, this park is about the animal experiences that you can have. Firstly, make sure you purchase some animal food from their shop as there are plenty of animals waiting to be fed. Secondly, make sure you check out the what’s on board.
When we visited we were able to join in with the feeding of the wallabies. You all meet at a certain time and you are allowed to enter their pen. You can then hand-feed them with a variety of vegetables. This is such a unique experience. FIND OUT MORE
Burnby Hall Gardens
Location: 33 The Balk, Pocklington, York YO42 2QF
A Bit About – The highlight of a visit is feeding the fish. Make sure you buy plenty of pots of fish food (expensive at £1.20 a pot) but we kept going back for more as it was so much fun.
There must be thousands of young fish in the lake that all want feeding and will virtually clamber over each other with their mouths open waiting to be fed. Plus the lake they live in is beautiful and soon to be covered in lilies once again. FIND OUT MORE
Burton Agnes Hall
Location: Rudston Rd, Burton Agnes, Driffield YO25 4NB
A Bit About – At Burton Agnes, you can explore the historical house with many lavishly decorated rooms. There is a woodland walk and an excellent woodland play area. Plus a walled garden with oversized board games and a mini-maze. FIND OUT MORE
Burton Constable Hall
Location: Skirlaugh, Hull, HU11 4LN
A Bit About – In the countryside north of Hull in East Yorkshire there is a large Elizabethan country house which you can look around. There are grounds of around 300 to explore which were designed by Capability Brown. They don’t really have a play area at Burton Constable.
There are a few small wooden items for smaller children near the orangery but nothing for older kids. If you visit in the school holidays they will usually have themed trails etc. on for the kids around the grounds and in the hall. Find Out More
East Park Hull
Location: Holderness Rd, Hull HU8 8JU
A Bit About – This is the largest park in Hull, of around 120 acres. It’s a really beautiful park located on Holderness Road in the heart of the city. There are plenty of accessible paths around the park and you could spend a good length of time walking around. There are plenty of facilities at the park including outdoor gym equipment, fishing, a library and a cafe. Some of the facilities are seasonal.
There is a large playground with a good choice of equipment. There is something to suit all ages. Most of the play equipment is in good condition and relatively new. They also have a fantastic new outdoor splash area which is open in the warmer months. FIND OUT MORE
Let Loose
Location: Hull Rd, Woodmansey, Beverley HU17 0RS
A Bit About – This is an outdoor activity centre for children and their adults. They have a range of activities including high and low rope courses, family archery sessions, a Big Leap and a drop slide. If you aren’t taking part in any of the activities there is a small entrance fee.
All the activities (and the entrance fee for those not taking part in activities) include access to the adventure playground and the inflatables. Activities have separate costs but both the high ropes and low ropes include the drop slide, big leap and play areas. FIND OUT MORE
RSPB Bempton Cliffs
Location: Cliff Ln, Bempton, Bridlington YO15 1JF
A Bit About – RSPB Bempton Cliffs is a nature reserve on the cliffs of the Yorkshire coastline. It is a very popular place for nesting sea birds including gannets, puffins, guillemots, razorbills and more.
It’s a lovely spot to go for a walk along the cliff edges and to see what birds you can spot. Make sure you pick a nice clear day for your visit though as the mist can easily block your view. FIND OUT MORE
Sewerby Hall and Gardens
Location: Church Ln, Sewerby, Bridlington YO15 1EA
A Bit About – There is a relatively small playground but it has lots in it. It suits most age groups. We really like the zoo at Sewerby. OK, it’s small and more of a mini wildlife park but it’s lovely.
There are parrots you can chat to, penguins that are literally on the other side of the wall and pygmy goats that love to be stroked. There are some beautiful gardens waiting to be explored, plus a putting green and you can look around the house. FIND OUT MORE
Sledmere House and Gardens
Location: Sledmere House, Sledmere, Driffield YO25 3XG
A Bit About – Sledmere House and Gardens are located inland in the East Riding of Yorkshire. There are things to do indoors and outdoors, although if you do wish to visit the house it has limited opening dates compared to the grounds, farm and play park.
Outdoors you will find a circular walk around the perimeter of the deer park and straight across it. (close during some special events and during the rutting season). There are other grounds you can still walk around including a very impressive walled garden. Find Out More
William’s Den
Location: Castle Farm, Wold Hill HU15 2LS
A Bit About – William’s Den is a great day out for families as it will tick a lot of boxes for your kids. An added bonus to any visit to William’s Den is the food. They have an excellent sit-down restaurant and we can highly recommend the pizzas.
The indoor area is like a big wooden treehouse with things to climb on, nets to walk across and all sorts to explore. There are lots of extra additions such as wooden musical instruments and a fab sand area where kids can help each other to pull sand up and tip it back down chutes. FIND OUT MORE
NORTH YORKSHIRE Outdoors Days Out
Beetle Bank Open Farm
Location: Moor Ln, Murton, York YO19 5XD
A Bit About – Beetle Bank Farm is an open farm and wildlife sanctuary located near York in North Yorkshire. They have a range of farm animals, outdoor play, a sandpit, a bouncy castle and more. It is suited more to younger children.
Their animals include goats, turkeys, rheas and even pygmy hedgehogs. They have lots of animals for you to get to know and their friendly staff are on hand to answer your questions and to help you look after their animals. They have animals you can feed and even pet. FIND OUT MORE
Beningbrough Hall and Gardens, National Trust
Location: Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens, York YO30 1DD
A Bit About – Beningbrough Hall is maintained by the National Trust and is a Georgian mansion near York.
There are three floors to explore within the hall which include plenty of family-friendly interactive exhibits. The first floor has wonderfully decorated rooms to show off its Georgian past plus dress-up and other games and challenges.
The walled gardens are amongst some of the best I’ve ever seen and kids can pick up a watering can and help the volunteers water the plants, flowers, vegetables and trees.
There is an outdoor playground at Beningbrough Hall. It’s not one of the National Trust’s biggest but there is plenty to play on. Find Out More
Bolton Abbey
Location: Bolton Abbey, Skipton BD23 6AL.
A Bit About – A highlight of any visit is crossing the 60 stepping stones that lie across the river. They were once the crossing point for the lay workers of the priory. If the stepping stones aren’t for you or there’s been some heavy rainfall covering the stones there is a bridge further up that you can safely cross.
North of here there is a large beach area popular with families. It’s a great spot to have a paddle. Plus kids will love the wellie walk. Be prepared for lots of fun and mud! FIND OUT MORE
Castle Howard
Location: Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA.
A Bit About – One, well two, of the best things for families about Castle Howard, is its adventure playgrounds. They already had one excellent play area with lots to play on including climbing frames, slides, swings and more. Then recently they added Skelf Island.
This is an adventure play area which you get to by crossing a bridge to an island (there’s even a rope bridge if you dare). Skelf Island has zip wires, lots to climb on, rope bridges and slides. You can also explore the grounds and the Italian-style mansion house is magnificent. Find Out More
Dalby Forest
Location: Dalby Forest Dr, Low Dalby, Pickering YO18 7LT
A Bit About – Dalby Forest visitor centre is a good first point of call for any visit to this vast forest. Here you can find out what trails they have and pick up explorer packs plus maps with walking and cycle trails. There are 13 walking trails and 6 cycling trails plus 4 running trails. The forest is stunningly beautiful and it has a series of valleys.
The main playground has a large climbing structure with a tube slide plus other slides, an assault course, swings, toddler area and more. There’s a shallow stream at the bottom perfect for paddling in. In another part of the forest, there is another adventure play area plus the new Superworm trail. Dalby Forest has one of the many nationwide Go Ape treetop courses. FIND OUT MORE
Filey Bird Garden
Location: Scarborough Rd, Filey YO14 9PG
A Bit About – Filey Bird Garden and Animal Park is located on the outskirts of Filey near the coast in North Yorkshire. It’s a lovely little farm park, perfect for a morning or afternoon visit. They have donkeys, ponies, goats and alpacas that you can feed.
Plus other animals such as meerkats, racoon dogs, chipmunks and more. The animal park isn’t big but most of the animals do have decent-sized enclosures. There is a relatively new adventure playground. Find Out More
Flamingo Land
Location: Kirby Misperton, Malton YO17 6UX
A Bit About – Flamingo Land is a great theme park for those wanting thrill rides. They have 8 thrill rides with pretty tall height limits. Some of the family rides also have height restrictions. There are 13 family rides including water rides, mini rollercoasters, dinosaur-themed rides, pirate ship and more. 8 of these 13 rides are open in the winter.
They also have 8 rides, especially for younger children most of which are also open in the winter (parents can accompany children on three of these 8 rides). Other fun things for kids to enjoy at Flamingo Land are the Peter rabbit-themed playground, pirate shows, play areas and a splash pad. Find Out More
Forbidden Corner
Location: The Forbidden Corner, Middleham, Leyburn DL8 4TJ
A Bit About – The Forbidden Corner is located near Middleham in North Yorkshire. It is a collection of follies not long been put together. You can only visit with a pre-purchased ticket. You are handed a map of sorts and from that, you have to try your best to find everything.
There are 58 things to find and we found all but four. Virtually everything at the Forbidden Corner is a surprise and not what you expect. It is such a unique day out with tunnels, follies, chambers, water features that get you wet and so much more. FIND OUT MORE
Fountains Abbey
Location: Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, Ripon HG4 3DY.
A Bit About – Fountains Abbey is maintained by the National Trust. We spent a staggering seven hours there and we still didn’t manage to do everything we had wanted to do. Fountains Abbey is the largest monastic ruin in the UK. It was founded in 1132 by thirteen Benedictine monks which later increased to 200 Cistercian monks.
Make sure you pick up a map as the grounds are vast and there is a lot to find and see. There is an excellent adventure playground with a huge amount of things to climb and play on. It’s mostly wooden and blends nicely into the forest setting. There are also follies to find and explore in the picturesque Royal Water Garden. FIND OUT MORE
Helmsley Castle
Location: Castlegate, Helmsley YO62 5AB
A Bit About – Helmsley Castle has a 900-year history and you can discover how it has evolved over the centuries. It started life as a medieval fortress, then a luxurious mansion, to a Civil War stronghold and then a romantic Victoria ruin. Although a lot of the castle still remains intact today. Find Out More
Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park
Location: Hutts Lane, Ripon HG4 3DA
A Bit About – The park is enhanced by three lakes and a number of features for visitors to enjoy. Their sculptures are all open-air and there are plenty to find. Sculptures include a bronze leopard stalking a roe deer, a giant floating magnolia, a mini stone henge, a Japanese pagoda and more.
Other larger features include a summerhouse, a Himalayan shelter, a contemplation circle and a Norse hut. In the woodland, there are over 300 different trees covering 12 acres. Kids will love the wooden adventure play area and looking for the fairy doors dotted around the gardens. FIND OUT MORE
How Stean Gorge
Location: Lofthouse, Harrogate HG3 5SF
A Bit About – How Stean Gorge is a spectacular limestone ravine that has been carved out by thousands of years of water flowing through it. Today it is home to an outdoor pursuits centre and is great for families to try something a bit more adventurous. Outdoor activities include a Via Ferrata, gorge walking, caving, rock climbing, canyoning and abseiling. They even have camping pitches if you want to stay for longer.
They’ve adapted the gorge and its surroundings to offer activities that can be led by qualified instructors and enjoyed by all. The gorge limestone is so special that it is graded as an SSSI – a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The walkthrough to the caves takes you past lots of attractions that are some of the most beautiful and unique parts of the Yorkshire Dales. Find Out More
Ingleton Waterfalls Trail
Location: Broadwood Entrance, Ingleton, Carnforth LA6 3ET
A Bit About – The Ingleton Waterfalls trail is a walk that follows a well-defined footpath that runs as close to the edge of the two rivers as possible. Thus providing spectacular views of the waterfalls. The trail begins and ends in the village of Ingleton in North Yorkshire.
The path includes a large number of steps making it unsuitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. The wearing of walking boots or strong shoes is advised. The route is a 4.3-mile circular walk that takes around 2 to 4 hours to complete. Highlights include the famous Thornton Force which is regarded as one of the finest waterfalls in Yorkshire. Find Out More
Kiplin Hall and Gardens
Location: Richmond DL10 6AT
A Bit About – There are some beautiful walks around the grounds and a wonderful walled garden. Kids will love to play and explore. There is a play ship, zip wire, wooden obstacles, a bog garden and pond dipping. Plus giant garden games, trails and a family activity room. They also host annual events some of which are aimed at families. Find Out More
Lightwater Valley
Location: Water Ln, North Stainley, Ripon HG4 3HT
A Bit About – Lightwater Valley is near Ripon in North Yorkshire. It has 35 rides and attractions and is a theme park aimed at children aged 10 and under. Make sure you pick up a map so that you can plan your route through the park.
Most days there is a cute train running to take you from one area to the other which we loved, but it doesn’t take too long to walk around. For an extra £2.50 they have an excellent dinosaur-themed 18-hole crazy golf course. FIND OUT MORE
Monk Park Farm
Location: Green Ln, Bagby, Thirsk YO7 2AG
A Bit About – My 7-year-old loves animals, any kind of animals, insects, birds – you name it. He was feeling a bit down about not being able to feed and interact with animals due to the pandemic. After a couple of farm visits, he was still feeling disappointed. Luckily Monk Park farm was just the tonic and it was a perfect day out for him.
We started the day with one large bag of animal food. We ended the day having bought four more. We were happily overwhelmed with the number of animals that you can feed at Monk Park Farm. FIND OUT MORE
Mother Shipton’s Cave
Location: Prophecy House, Harrogate Rd, High Bridge, Knaresborough HG5 8DD.
A Bit About – Did you know that Mother Shipton’s Cave in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire is one of the oldest tourist attractions in the UK? It is in an idyllic part of Yorkshire in a setting right next to the river with woodland and the village of Knaresborough on the opposite bank.
It is known to be the oldest tourist attraction to charge a fee in England and has been open to tourists since 1630. You can see the small cave where Mother Shipton was born and make a wish in a well. There is the enchanting waterfall that turns everyday objects to stone and an excellent adventure playground. FIND OUT MORE
Murton Park
Location: Yorkshire Museum of Farming, York YO19 5UF
A Bit About – Murton Park Yorkshire Museum of Farming is located near York. It is a little-known attraction but has plenty there to keep families entertained. Outdoors they have plenty of animals including rabbits, sheep, hens and goats. You can’t feed them but they mostly like to be stroked.
There is a small playground with a playhouse and things to swing, climb and slide on. They have a nature trail going around the perimeter of the site with a couple of historical areas to explore along the way and fun interactive elements such as musical instruments. FIND OUT MORE
Newby Hall and Gardens
Location: Newby Hall, Skelton-on-Ure, Ripon HG4 5AE.
A Bit About –
Newby Hall and Gardens is located near Ripon in North Yorkshire. The adventure playground is excellent. As well as the chain ferry there’s plenty to play on with things to climb and swing on. Plus a zip wire, a fort, a wobbly bridge across the water and old-fashioned wooden swing boats.
Another highlight is the little boats kids can take around a moat by themselves. There is a miniature railway and a boat ride (additional cost for both) plus a doll’s house museum and gardens. FIND OUT MORE
Newham Grange Farm
Location: Wykeham Way, Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough TS8 0TG
A Bit About – Newham Grange Farm is a family-friendly farm park in Coulby Newham, near Middlesborough, North Yorkshire. There are animals to meet, play areas, crazy golf and more. It is one of only 16 farm parks nationally approved by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.
They have a great range of animals including donkeys, cows, goats, birds, pigs, sheep, wallabies and more. Indoors in the Discovery barn are smaller animals you can pet including guinea pigs and rabbits. The farm park has a large adventure play zone. Find Out More
Northwood Fairy Trail
Location: Sunley Hill, Muscoates Lane, Nunnington, York, YO62 5XQ (Office address only) trail postcode is YO41 1AP.
A Bit About – Deep in the heart of the woods, somewhere near York, you will find a secret place where fairies, goblins and other wonderful characters of folklore live. This is a natural woodland experience for young and old. It is guaranteed to set imaginations alight and bring out the child in all of us. FIND OUT MORE
Piglets Adventure Farm
Location: Towthorpe Grange, Towthorpe Moor Ln, Towthorpe, York YO32 9ST
A Bit About – Piglet’s Adventure Farm is a relatively large farm park located near York. There is plenty to do and a lot of it you won’t find at most regular farm parks. Outdoors you will find a big new ‘beach’ area which has sand and water play. They even have beach huts which you can hire. In the summer months, there is a maize maze at the farm and water wars where you can shoot water at each other.
There is a farmyard trail where you can meet lots of different farm animals. You are not allowed to feed them but we found them to be very friendly and most wanted to be stroked including sheep, donkeys, Shetland ponies and alpacas. Inside here there is a petting area. FIND OUT MORE
Playdale Farm Park
Location: Carr Ln, Cayton, Scarborough YO11 3TL
A Bit About – Outdoors they have two play areas with lots to climb on and slide down. Both have picnic benches next to them. There is a really good Go-Kart track and even adults are welcome to have a go. Plus they have two wooden sledge runs which are great fun.
We found a few more animals outdoors and frisbee golf. Which basically involves throwing frisbees through holes to score. There are indoor animals to feed, a hay play barn and an indoor soft play area. Find Out More
RHS Garden Harlow Carr
Location: Crag Ln, Harrogate HG3 1QB.
A Bit About – They have three main play areas for kids. The play areas are as natural as possible and are mostly made of wood. Just before you reach the woodland you will find a few different pieces of play equipment dotted around. Make sure you pick up a map as this is needed to find the play areas.
Craggle top treehouse has a mini assault course around it and then in the middle, there is a large fun wooden treehouse. The third play area is the Logness monster. This again has a mini assault course but the highlight is a big ‘monsters’ mouth that kids can climb in and then slide out of.
The grounds are stunning and well cared for. I can recommend visiting in Spring or Summer when most of the flowers will be in bloom. My favourite part was the stream running through the middle. It’s so pretty with its bridges and wonderful flowers. FIND OUT MORE
Stockeld Park
Location: Wetherby Rd, Wetherby LS22 4AN.
A Bit About – Stockeld Park is a great family-friendly day out near Wetherby and not too far from Harrogate in North Yorkshire. It is a large adventure park mostly set in woodland. It’s a really magical place and it is certainly one of our favourite days out. My son is seven now and I am sure he will enjoy visiting here for a good few more years.
Stockeld Park is somewhere you can easily spend the whole day visiting as there is so much to see and do. The highlight for us is the fairytale woodland trail and the huge maze that is certainly a challenge. They also have the most amazing indoor play area. FIND OUT MORE
Studfold Adventure Trail
Location: Studfold Farm, Lofthouse, Harrogate HG3 5SG
A Bit About – Studfold Adventure Trail is a nature walk through some lovely Yorkshire Dales scenery. There is a lot more to it than just a country path. Along the way, there are plenty of little adventures and activities for children. Children can borrow fairy wings to wear on their adventures.
Enjoy the views on the walk up the slope. Every now and again you may find fairy homes and there is also a huge stone hedgehog. Further round you may build a den and ride go-carts. They have also recently added a new adventure playground. Find Out More
Thornton Hall Country Park
Location: Thornton-in-Craven, Skipton BD23 3TS.
A Bit About – Thornton Hall Country Park is a family-friendly farm park with animal encounters, play areas and more. It is an award-winning family-run park near Thornton-in-craven, North Yorkshire. They even have camping pitches so you can stay overnight.
The farm has a great range of daily activities so make sure you find out what’s on and plan your day accordingly. They have animal petting sessions, egg collecting, farmyard tours, lamb and calf feeding (seasonal), paddock walk, pony grooming and pig brushing. FIND OUT MORE
Thorp Perow
Location: Thorp Perrow Arboretum, Bedale DL8 2PS
A Bit About – The Arboretum is a maze of pathways, no two walks around the grounds will be the same. We chose to randomly wander around. They have a handy map with all the different points of interest. we managed to find most of them.
Points of interest include islands, the Bothy, monuments and oak trees. There is also an adventure playground with an intriguing climbing frame and a mini assault course. Plus an excellent bird of prey area with daily displays and another area for small animals. Find Out More
Woldies Lavender and Nature Farm
Location: Thorp Perrow Arboretum, Bedale DL8 2PS
A Bit About – Woldies Lavender Nature Farm is located a few miles out of Malton in North Yorkshire. The 12-acre site is planted with over 6 acres of all kinds of wonderful lavender (the lavender won’t be ready for Easter). This attraction isn’t just about the lavender though. They’ve thought of all sorts of lovely things to make a day out here a lovely way to spend some time. Find Out More
SOUTH YORKSHIRE Outdoors Days Out
Aston Springs Farm
Location: Mansfield Road Aston, Rotherham S26 5PQ
A Bit About – Farm park with animals indoors and outdoors. Also outdoors there is a new play area with wooden play equipment. You can hire a fishing net and go pond dipping in their wildlife ponds. If you want to feed the animals you can purchase food when you arrive.
The walk you take can be as short or as long as you want with some parts of the trail being quite steep. There are plenty of picnic areas to take a rest. Find Out More
Boston Park Farm
Location: Bawtry Road, Hatfield Woodhouse, Hatfield, Doncaster DN7 6DS
A Bit About – Boston Park Farm is a small and cheap farm park near Doncaster. It is a popular place which I think is a lot down to its price. Next to the cafe, they have an indoor soft play area. It looks relatively new and although not massive my son spent a lot of time in there and he made plenty of friends. There’s also a smaller soft play area for babies.
When you arrive don’t forget to purchase some animal food at 50p a bag. You will quickly walk around the animal enclosures that they have there if you don’t buy some food. Outside there are a couple of playgrounds with a playhouse, things to slide and climb on, swings and more. In the warmer months, there is a small bouncy castle. They also had a stack of hay which the kids all loved climbing on and a nature trail around the outside edge of the field. There is also a small indoor sandpit. FIND OUT MORE
Brodsworth Hall and Gardens
Location: B6422, Brodsworth DN5 7XJ.
A Bit About – Brodsworth Hall and Gardens is an English Heritage property located a few miles northwest of Doncaster in South Yorkshire. It is one of the most complete surviving examples of a Victorian country house in England.
The gardens have been beautifully restored and the flower displays were amazing. I can’t remember the last time I saw such impressive flower displays. There were people there that had come to just take photos of the gardens. There is also an outdoor play area. FIND OUT MORE
Cannon Hall Farm
Location: Bark House Ln, Cawthorne, Barnsley S75 4AT.
A Bit About – Cannon Hall Farm is a large, family-run farm attraction. Sitting in the rolling Pennine foothills, it is home to hundreds of animals. The farm features one of the biggest and best adventure playgrounds in the north of England and the largest tube maze in Europe. There is also a large indoor soft play area, lots of indoor animals and fun things to do. FIND OUT MORE
Gulliver’s Valley Theme Park
Location: Mansfield Rd, Sheffield S26 5QW
A Bit About – Discover a number of themed areas across the theme park such as the Lost World of the Living Dinosaurs, Smugglers Wharf and Western World. There’s a wonderful selection of attractions and activities that the entire family can enjoy. Gulliver’s caters for younger children too with carefully designed play areas, these are perfect for pre-schoolers who are not quite ready for the bigger rides just yet. FIND OUT MORE
Tropical Butterfly House
Location: Woodsetts Rd, North Anston, Sheffield S25 4EQ.
A Bit About – A tropical butterfly house with lorikeets, butterflies and more that you walk through. Play areas include sand and water play, daily talks and displays, other unusual animals, a trail with dinosaurs, interactive displays, more animals and so much more. FIND OUT MORE
Wentworth Woodhouse
Location: Wentworth, Rotherham S62 7TQ.
A Bit About – You can explore the 50 acres of gardens and you can book a tour of the house. In the grounds, you can find 18th-century follies, monuments, a wildflower meadow and more.
A popular route begins at the mansion and takes in the West Terrace. You can see sweeping views from the Ha-Ha and south Terrace, plus you will take in the Ionic Temple and Camelia house. FIND OUT MORE
Wentworth Castle Gardens
Location: Park Dr, Barnsley S75 3EN
A Bit About – Wentworth Castle Gardens are 60 acres of gardens maintained by the National Trust near Barnsley in South Yorkshire. The house itself is closed to the public but the gardens and parklands are beautifully maintained and are a great family-friendly place to visit.
As well as gardens, woodland and parkland to explore they often have annual family-friendly trails. All year round there is a Wilderness Sensory trail. There is a large wooden play area with a large castle-like structure, plus plenty to climb, swing and slide on. It’s a lovely place for a picnic. FIND OUT MORE
Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Location: Warning Tongue Ln, Old Cantley, Doncaster DN4 6TB.
A Bit About – The Yorkshire Wildlife Park is a unique wildlife park located just outside Doncaster, South Yorkshire. The wildlife attraction brings families in touch with some of the world’s most beautiful and at-risk species including Polar Bears, Black Rhino, Lions, Tigers and Giraffes.
They have some excellent new animal areas including sea lions, red pandas and more. Plus two large outdoor wooden adventure play areas and indoor soft play. FIND OUT MORE
WEST YORKSHIRE Outdoors Days Out
Diggerland Yorkshire
Location: Willowbridge Ln, Castleford WF10 5NW
A Bit About – Some of the rides do have height restrictions of around 80 to 100 cm. Rides include Dig-a-round where you ride in a digger claw, mini Landrovers for kids to drive around a course and mini tractors for the family. Plus Go-karts indoors and outdoors.
The outdoor 80cm+ Go-karts are included in the price. For those not afraid of heights you can sit in a digger arm and reach the dizzying heights of 50 metres. Robots is a really fun ride where kids 110cm and over can drive their very own digger around a track! Safari is an off-road experience in a 4×4 (you are driven around). FIND OUT MORE
Harewood House
Location: Sandy Gate, Harewood, Leeds LS17 9LE
A Bit About – Harewood House is a late 18th-century country house near Leeds in West Yorkshire. We usually spend around 3 hours visiting and it’s a lovely family-friendly day out. with a good range of things to do.
There is plenty to climb, slide and play on in their outdoor play area with something to suit most ages. There are plenty of picnic benches so it’s certainly a nice spot to sit with some lunch and let the kids run wild. You can explore the grand house and there are some lovely gardens to explore and boat trips on certain days. FIND OUT MORE
Lotherton Hall
Location: Off Collier Lane, Aberford, Leeds LS25 3EB.
A bit about – Outdoors there is plenty to do at Lotherton. There is a playground for under 8’s and also an adventure playground for older children with twin zip wires and more. This is located near to the house, a little further on from here you will find their wildlife park. There is also a lovely woodland walk. Indoors you can explore the house with its grand rooms. FIND OUT MORE
Nostell Priory
Location: Doncaster Road, Nostell, Wragby, Wakefield WF4 1QE
A Bit About – Nostell Priory and Parkland is a National Trust-owned property near Wakefield in West Yorkshire. The parkland has walking, cycling and running paths. We picked up a map and followed a couple of walking routes. The map also has estimated times it would take to walk these paths which is useful for planning your visit.
There are gardens to see, an adventure playground including a great zip wire, a swing and a few things to climb on. The main walking 2.5-mile route takes you around the two large lakes where you can also see an arch, Menagerie, pleasure grounds and a boathouse. We hadn’t heard of this house before we visited and we were very impressed. There are two floors of rooms to explore. FIND OUT MORE
Ponderosa Zoo
Location: Temple Newsam Rd, Leeds LS15 0AE
A Bit About – Ponderosa Zoo is located near Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire. They are home to over 140 animals and a couple of outdoor play areas. They first opened in 1991 and although not a large zoo there has been a lot of recent investment and it is a nice day out.
There are a couple of outdoor play areas. There is a play frame for older kids plus one for younger kids including a bouncy castle, climbing net and a tube slide. A little further around there is another play frame that is suited to toddlers. FIND OUT MORE
Temple Newsam
Location: Temple Newsam Rd, Leeds LS15 0AE
A Bit About – Temple Newsam is a vast and free-to-visit parkland in Leeds, West Yorkshire. You can spend a good few hours walking and exploring the gardens, park and lake. Or if you want you can extend your visit and pay to visit the Tudor-Jacobean house or see their animals at Home Farm.
Next to the Go Ape car park, you will find Temple Newsam’s free-to-use adventure playground. The parkland at Temple Newsam is huge and popular in the warmer months with families having picnics, riding bikes and zooming down the hill on scooters or skateboards. FIND OUT MORE
Whistlestop Valley
Location: Park Mill Way, Clayton West, Huddersfield HD8 9XJ
A Bit About – If one train ride isn’t enough a standard day ticket allows unlimited travel on the day you visit (subject to availability and not available on special event days). There are excellent outdoor play areas at both of the stations. Also at Clayton West station, there is the Clayton Flyer.
This is a 71/4-inch miniature ride-on railway that takes on a trip around the duck pond. You can enjoy two loops for just £1 per person. Walking routes are accessible from Clayton West, Skelmanthorpe and Shelley. FIND OUT MORE
Yorkshire Sculpture park
Location: Yorkshire Sculpture Park, West Bretton, Wakefield WF4 4LG
A Bit About – Yorkshire Sculpture Park is located near Wakefield in West Yorkshire. We’ve visited the park twice and both times we spent hours there and didn’t in any way manage to see everything.
The park always has at least 80 different sculptures set in the sprawling countryside, some of these are permanent and some change every now and then. The views are just as incredible as the sculptures. FIND OUT MORE
