10 Family Activities to try in the Yorkshire Dales

Quality family time is important, try these 10 places in the Yorkshire Dales 

Family holidays are always difficult to get right, especially with so many different opinions and preferences. In the Yorkshire Dales, however, you’re certain to find something for everyone – even if it’s the first time you’ve given it a try. We’ve listed some of our favourite family activities here:

  1. Lightwater Valley
    As far as family parks go, Lightwater Valley is right up there in terms of both size and variety of attractions. With everything from theme park rides to adventure golf and treetop adventures, children and parents alike can enjoy fun and thrills in the Yorkshire Dales. Set in 175 acres of wonderful Yorkshire countryside, Lightwater Valley even has a falconry centre with more than 35 glorious birds to admire and a café for a relaxing bite to eat.

     

    More Information: https://www.lightwatervalley.co.uk/

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  3. Bolton Abbey
    Bolton Abbey, situated in the Wharfedale region of the Yorkshire Dales, has been attracting families for generations. From those looking to savour the history of the estate there are tours running at regular intervals, or you can sit in the wonderful surroundings for a picnic and a paddle down at the river. You can also experience the enchanted woodlands, play catch and light a barbecue for some alfresco family dining against such a wonderful backdrop.

     

    More Information: http://boltonabbey.com/your-visit/families/

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  5. The Forbidden Corner
    Winner of the White Rose Award for best large attraction in 2015, The Forbidden Corner consists of a series of unique tunnels, chambers and surprises within Tupgill Park. With something to see at every turn it’s a real challenge for families to decide which way to go and, when you never quite know what lurks around the next corner or down the next path, it’s a unique way of experiencing some of the Yorkshire Dales’ natural beauty.

     

    More Information: http://kilnseypark.co.uk/site/

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  7. Aerial Extreme
    Climb, swing and jump your way through the Yorkshire Dales for a different view of the area and to get the pulse racing. Aerial Extreme offers a range of family-friendly activities in the heart of the Dales for those looking to get away from the peace and quiet for a few hours at least. The high rope adventure courses present challenging obstacles at different heights – providing options for those who aren’t too keen on heights – with plenty of obstacles thrown in for good measure. Safety is obviously of paramount importance and briefings will be provided before you commence.

     

    More Information: http://www.aerialextreme.co.uk/locations/north-yorkshire

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  9. Mother Shipton’s Cave
    You can’t go to the Yorkshire Dales without visiting England’s oldest visitor attraction. First opened way back in 1630, Mother Shipton’s Cave has become a mystical venue as a tribute to the Prophetess with her famous ability to predict the future. It features the Petrifying Well with more than 3,200 litres of water pouring over the sides every hour with millions having visited to learn more about Mother Shipton’s story and to experience the marvellous, natural beauty of the Royal Forest of Knaresborough.

     

    More Information: http://www.mothershipton.co.uk/

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  11. Stump Cross Caverns
    The Stump Cross Caverns were first discovered by miners in 1860 and the location has since gone on to become a highly popular attraction for families and tourists in particular. The series of show caves are open to the public and the visitor’s centre features a series of exhibits and items removed from the caves that are now on display for all to see. The open areas of the caves go as far as 6km at present, with plans in place to expand this in the years to come.

     

    More Information: http://stumpcrosscaverns.co.uk/about.php

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  13. Hesketh Farm Park
    A farm park is fun for all the family with plenty of working machines and, of course, animals to see. Group, individual and family visits are available and Hesketh Farm Park is just a mile away from Bolton Abbey and 5 miles from Skipton, making it easily accessible for any families staying in the most central and most popular parts of the Yorkshire Dales. Come and see the cattle, sheep, pigs and many more animals; along with touring the fields and barns to see how the farm works.

     

    More Information: http://www.heskethfarmpark.co.uk/

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  15. Thornton Hall Country Park
    A traditional working farm located in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, Thornton Hall Country Park offers the chance to get up close and personal with farm animals and the chance to see how a real farm works on a daily basis. For adults and older children you can experience a 4×4 adventure or relax in the on-site tearoom, while the little ones enjoy getting close to sheep, pony trekking and Tractor Ted – new for 2016.

     

    More Information: http://www.thorntonhallcountrypark.co.uk/farm-park

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  17. Low Mill Outdoor Centre
    Low Mill Outdoor Centre is a great way for the whole family to try something new and adventurous with all kinds of activities to have a go at. Opened in Wensleydale in 1976, Low Mill offers activities such as abseiling, canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, mountain biking, raft building and much more for families with a love of the great outdoors.

     

    More Information: http://www.lowmill.com/about.html

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  19. Kilnsey Park Estate
    Right in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales is the fabulous Kilnsey Park. Wharfedale is a beautiful area, and this estate is the ideal family-friendly way of enjoying everything the area has to offer. With plenty of activities to keep the children entertained ranging from fishing to pony trekking, and – of course – plenty for parents too including cycling, nature reserve and hill walking. After all that you can visit the café for their famous pink fish and chips.

     

    More Information: http://kilnseypark.co.uk/site/

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