Whether indoor or outdoor, sightseeing or something a little more active, there really is fun to be had for the whole family in North Yorkshire.
Monk Park Farm, Big Sheep & Little Cow Farm and Playdale Farm Park
For young children, you really can’t beat a day out to one of the County’s Farm centres. Monk Park Farm, near Thirsk, offers a fabulous day. There’s always a host of things to see, from the usual Old MacDonald animals to more unusual breeds, including some cute wallabies! Children can help feed the lambs in springtime and get close to the smaller animals in the petting barn. There’s also some wonderful walks, a fantastic outdoor play area and both indoor and outdoor picnic sites. Big Sheep & Little Cow Farm in Bedale is a really ‘hands on’ place, guaranteed to appeal to even the most hard to please children. Meanwhile in Scarborough, Playdale Farm Park offers animals and adventure on one amazing site. Its indoor play area is huge and means that the Park is able to offer something for all weathers!
Scarborough’s Sea Life Marine Sanctuary
From land to sea – Scarborough’s Sea Life Marine Sanctuary appeals to all generations. Little ones will be amazed at the colours and variety of sea life, especially the ‘Finding Nemo’ attraction, whilst older children and the young at heart can find out about different habitats, environmental issues and a range of unusual marine creatures. With regular talks and feeding demonstrations, the Sanctuary is well worth a visit. Tickets are pricey, but are valid for a full day and you can come and go if necessary.
Sion Hill Hall near Thirsk
And to the air! Sion Hill Hall near Thirsk is a fabulous Bird of Prey and Conservation centre, which is particularly interesting for older children and adults. There are daily flying displays, which are truly amazing, as well as opportunities for visitors to get close to the magnificent birds.
Steam Trains and Railways in North Yorkshire
In terms of museums, North Yorkshire has its fair share. The National Rail Museum in York is great for kids and adults. It is free to enter and there are both indoor and outdoor picnic areas. As well as a fabulous array of trains from the first engines to the modern day, there are great facilities for children. The outdoor play area is good and there is also a ride-on miniature railway. Indoors, there is a soft play area for very young children and many hands on, interactive and educational ‘toys’ for children and adults to try. For the real train enthusiast, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway is also worth a visit. Based in Pickering, visitors can see and ride on real steam trains.
Eden Camp for a Second World War Experience
Meanwhile, a visit to Eden Camp is a must for older children and adults. It really is a full day visit, with some fantastic displays in the former POW camp, which bring to life the realities of the Second World War.
Castles and Abbeys of North Yorkshire
Further back in history, North Yorkshire houses some fabulous heritage sites. Whitby Abbey, Fountains Abbey, Rievaulx Abbey and Mount Grace Priory, as well as York Minster, are some unique religious sites within the UK overall. Meanwhile, Pickering Castle, Helmsley Castle, Richmond Castle and Middleham Castle, are must visits, charting important periods and characters in British history.
Of course, if the sun is shining, the beaches are wonderful. The Scarborough and Filey coastline offers real seaside fun, with donkey rides and traditional seaside entertainment. For quieter days, Robin Hoods Bay, Runswick Bay and Whitby have golden sands and safe paddling opportunities for children.
There’s so much to do, a day really isn’t long enough! Whatever your interests as a family, whether it’s an outdoor or an indoor activity, North Yorkshire is a fantastic place to visit.
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