Family friendly days out
Family-Friendly Days Out
Diggerland Yorkshire
Construction-themed adventure park where kids can ride and drive diggers, dumpers and other machines (all safely supervised).
Family-Friendly Days Out
Emmerdale Village Tour, Harewood
Guided walking tour of the Emmerdale village set with iconic locations like The Woolpack and David’s Shop. Plenty of photo opportunities and stories from the guide. Well-run and fun even if you’re not a superfan.
Family-Friendly Days Out
Eureka! The National Children’s Museum, Halifax
A large hands-on museum designed entirely for children. Interactive exhibits include a mini town, health centre, science zone and outdoor play. Best for children up to 10, and ideal for rainy days.
Family-Friendly Days Out
Flamingo Land Resort, Malton
Theme park and zoo rolled into one, with rollercoasters, rides for all ages and animals from giraffes to sea lions. A full day out.
Family-Friendly Days Out
Hesketh Farm Park, Bolton Abbey
A well-run working farm with tractor rides, guinea pig cuddling, animal feeding, a straw maze and indoor and outdoor play. Great for under 10s and pairs nicely with a stop at Bolton Abbey itself. Café and picnic space on site.
Family-Friendly Days Out
Kirkstall Abbey, Leeds
Impressive ruined Cistercian abbey with a museum, riverside walks and a playground. Free entry to the ruins and grounds.
Family-Friendly Days Out
Meanwood Valley Urban Farm, Leeds
Community farm with animals, gardens and a café. Small and inexpensive, good for a morning or afternoon with younger children.
Family-Friendly Days Out
Nidderdale Llamas, near Pateley Bridge
Llama trekking experiences in the Dales. From short meet-and-greets to longer guided walks, it’s gentle, unusual and very well run. Older children especially love it.
Family-Friendly Days Out
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Historic steam railway running through the North York Moors to Whitby. Atmospheric stations and beautiful scenery make it a memorable trip.
Historic Houses & Gardens
Ripley Castle
A privately owned historic house… Gardens open daily. House tours on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays (April to September only)
Family-Friendly Days Out
Stockeld Park, Wetherby
A big hit with families that changes with the seasons. Summer brings adventure playgrounds, go-karts, obstacle courses and a giant maze. Winter features an enchanted forest, ice skating and Santa’s grotto. Always themed with attention to detail. Book ahead.
Family-Friendly Days Out
The Forbidden Corner, Coverdale (near Leyburn)
A surreal interactive garden of tunnels, towers, doors and sculptures. Unique, slightly bonkers, and hugely popular with children 6+. Tickets limited, book ahead.
Family-Friendly Days Out
The Web Adventure Park, York
Large adventure park with indoor play, fairground rides, climbing and animals. Excellent for younger children, with lots of variety.
Family-Friendly Days Out
Thorp Perrow Arboretum, Bedale
Beautiful spot with woodland walks, a bird of prey centre and space to run about. Flying displays, animal sessions and seasonal trails make this a peaceful countryside version of a zoo day out.
Family-Friendly Days Out
Whistlestop Valley (Kirklees Light Railway)
Narrow-gauge heritage railway with steam trains, playgrounds and picnic spots. Great for younger children and train enthusiasts.
Family-Friendly Days Out
Yorkshire Wildlife Park, near Doncaster
A full-day wildlife park with polar bears, lions, tigers, giraffes, lemurs and more. Flat, easy to get around, with play areas and cafés. A longer drive but worth it for a zoo-style day out.
Nearby Cities, Towns and Villages
Nearby Cities, Towns and Villages
Harrogate
An elegant Victorian spa town…
Nearby Cities, Towns and Villages
Ilkley
A smart and civilised little spa town… Market day: First Sunday of each month
Nearby Cities, Towns and Villages
Knaresborough
A very pretty market town… Market day: Wednesday
Nearby Cities, Towns and Villages
Leeds
An easy trip from Arthington… Market open daily except Sunday
Nearby Cities, Towns and Villages
Otley
One of the closest towns to Arthington… Market days: Tuesday, Friday and Saturday
Nearby Cities, Towns and Villages
Skipton
A busy market town known as the ‘Gateway to the Dales’… Market days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday
Nearby Cities, Towns and Villages
Wetherby
A small, attractive town on the River Wharfe… Market day: Thursday
Historic Houses and Gardens
Historic Houses & Gardens
Beningbrough Hall
A grand red-brick country house near York… Usually open March to October, with café and gardens open longer. Check opening times before you go
Historic Houses & Gardens
Castle Howard
A vast 18th‑century stately home… Open from spring through autumn – times vary by exhibition
Historic Houses & Gardens
Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal
A huge, atmospheric World Heritage Site… Open daily, all year round
Historic Houses & Gardens
Harewood House
One of Yorkshire’s finest Georgian houses… Open daily from 24 March to 19 October
Historic Houses & Gardens
Kiplin Hall & Gardens
Built in the 1620s… Open year-round – new visitor centre and café open for 2025
Historic Houses & Gardens
Parcevall Hall Gardens
A spectacular 24-acre garden rising up a hillside in Wharfedale… Open April to October – last admission around 4.30pm
Historic Houses & Gardens
RHS Harlow Carr
Lovely gardens on the edge of Harrogate… Open all year round. Hours vary seasonally – generally 9.30am to 6pm in summer, and until 4pm in winter
Historic Houses & Gardens
Temple Newsam House
Set in over 1,500 acres of Capability Brown-designed parkland… House and gardens open most of the year – seasonal events and rooftop tours available
Museums, Galleries and Rainy Day Ideas
Museums, Galleries & Rainy-Day Ideas
Abbey House Museum, Kirkstall
Just outside Leeds city centre… Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm
Family-Friendly Days Out
Brimham Rocks, near Pateley Bridge
National Trust site full of towering rock formations to scramble over and explore. Kids love climbing and the views are superb. Wear shoes with grip and bring a picnic.
Pubs, Tea Rooms & Places to Eat
Farmhouse, Harrogate & Leeds
Modern, all-day dining with a stylish feel…
Family-Friendly Days Out
Golden Acre Park & Tropical World, Leeds
Indoor tropical house with butterflies, meerkats, reptiles and exotic birds. Small but fun, especially with Roundhay Park right next door for playgrounds, ducks, gardens and cafés.
Family-Friendly Days Out
JORVIK Viking Centre, York
Award-winning interactive museum bringing Viking York to life with sights, sounds and even smells. Popular with children and adults alike.
Museums, Galleries & Rainy-Day Ideas
Leeds Art Gallery & Henry Moore Institute
Right in the city centre… Open Tuesday to Sunday – 10am to 5pm (closed Mondays)
Family-Friendly Days Out
Lotherton Hall & Wildlife World
A good all-rounder with house exhibits, dressing-up rooms, and a wildlife park home to penguins, flamingos, tapirs and otters. Add in a deer park, play areas and woodland trails for a full family day.
Museums, Galleries & Rainy-Day Ideas
Mother Shipton’s Cave, Knaresborough
Good fun on a damp day… Seasonal opening, usually March to October – check before visiting
Museums, Galleries & Rainy-Day Ideas
National Science and Media Museum, Bradford
Good for children and families… Open Wednesday to Sunday – 10am to 5pm (closed Mondays and Tuesdays)
Historic Houses & Gardens
Newby Hall & Gardens
An elegant Georgian house… Seasonal opening March to September
Family-Friendly Days Out
Ripley Castle Grounds & Village
Castle tours may be too formal for little ones, but the deer park, lake walk and gardens make for a lovely family stroll. Ice cream shop and café in the village are excellent.
Museums, Galleries & Rainy-Day Ideas
Royal Armouries, Leeds
One of the best free museums in the north… Open daily, 10am to 5pm
Museums, Galleries & Rainy-Day Ideas
Salts Mill, Saltaire
A beautiful old mill building… Open daily (generally 10am to 4.30pm)
Museums, Galleries & Rainy-Day Ideas
Thackray Museum of Medicine, Leeds
An unusual and surprisingly engaging museum… Open Wednesday to Sunday – 10am to 5pm
Fine Dining & Michelin-Level Restaurants
The Box Tree
Elegant modern French restaurant, once Michelin-starred and still highly regarded for its tasting menus.
Museums, Galleries & Rainy-Day Ideas
The Mercer Art Gallery, Harrogate
A small public gallery… Open Tuesday to Sunday – 10am to 4pm (closed Mondays)
Museums, Galleries & Rainy-Day Ideas
The Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery, Leeds University
A hidden gem within the university campus… Open Monday to Friday
Museums, Galleries & Rainy-Day Ideas
Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Set in 500 acres of parkland near Wakefield… Open daily, 10am to 5pm
Walks and nature spots
WALKS AND NATURE SPOTS
Bolton Abbey Estate
A beautiful historic estate in the heart of Wharfedale, with over 80 miles of footpaths through woodland, riverside and moorland scenery. You can visit the abbey ruins, cross the stepping stones, walk up through Strid Wood or just find a quiet spot by the river for a picnic.
WALKS AND NATURE SPOTS
Fewston and Swinsty Reservoirs
Two linked reservoirs in the Washburn Valley, just a short drive from Arthington. The paths here are mostly level and well-surfaced, making them perfect for a gentle walk or a family bike ride. Swinsty is slightly shorter; Fewston a little wilder in feel. Lots of benches and picnic spots, and beautiful year-round.
WALKS AND NATURE SPOTS
Ilkley Moor and the Cow and Calf Rocks
A Yorkshire classic. You can park near the Cow and Calf pub and walk straight out onto the moor. The rocks are a fun spot to scramble over (especially for children) and the views across Wharfedale are stunning. Plenty of trails to follow, including a loop that takes you up to the Twelve Apostles stone circle if you fancy a longer walk.
WALKS AND NATURE SPOTS
Meanwood Valley Trail
A wooded trail starting near Woodhouse Moor and winding north through Meanwood Park to Golden Acre. You can walk it in full or dip into shorter sections – great for dogs and shady on hot days.
WALKS AND NATURE SPOTS
Otley Chevin Forest Park
A lovely mix of woodland, heath and open ridge with far-reaching views across the Wharfe Valley. There are lots of different walking routes here, from gentle trails through the trees to steeper climbs up to Surprise View. It’s ideal for walking, running, or just finding a quiet spot to sit. There’s also a sculpture trail and some well-marked circular routes if you want something easy to follow.
WALKS AND NATURE SPOTS
The Washburn Valley
Quieter and more off-the-beaten-track than some nearby spots, this area has a real sense of Yorkshire countryside. There are circular routes around Thruscross Reservoir, walks through woods and farmland, and great views from higher ground. It’s a good option if you want a peaceful, less busy walk.Pubs, tea rooms and places to eat
Pubs, Tea Rooms & Places to Eat
Bettys Tea Room, Harrogate or Ilkley
The classic Yorkshire tea room experience…
Family-Friendly Days Out
Billy Bob’s Parlour, near Skipton
Retro American diner with brilliant indoor and outdoor play barns. Kids can clamber through forts and towers while parents enjoy coffee, shakes and 1950s diner food. Best for younger children, though older ones often enjoy it too.
Pubs, Tea Rooms & Places to Eat
Brownlee Arms (Horsforth)
Contemporary pub popular with families.
Pubs, Tea Rooms & Places to Eat
Buon Apps (Italian)
Riverside Italian restaurant for pizzas, pasta and views.
Farm Shops & Speciality Food
Fodder Farm Shop (RHS Harlow Carr)
Showcasing Yorkshire food and drink, with a butcher, deli and café.
Pubs, Tea Rooms & Places to Eat
Fodder, Harrogate Showground
Run by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society…
Pubs, Tea Rooms & Places to Eat
Fox & Hounds (Bramhope)
Classic village pub with a cosy atmosphere.
Pubs, Tea Rooms & Places to Eat
Horse & Farrier (Otley)
Brew York taproom with craft beers and relaxed dining.
Pubs, Tea Rooms & Places to Eat
Leathley Farm Shop & Café
Just a few minutes drive from Arthington…
Pubs, Tea Rooms & Places to Eat
New Inn (Eccup)
Leafy country pub, dog-friendly with hearty meals.
Pubs, Tea Rooms & Places to Eat
Red Lion (Burley-in-Wharfedale)
Classic village pub with decent food and ales.
Pubs, Tea Rooms & Places to Eat
Shoulder of Mutton (Kirkby Overblow)
Traditional country pub with well-regarded dining.
Pubs, Tea Rooms & Places to Eat
Square & Compass (North Rigton)
Popular country pub with generous portions.
Pubs, Tea Rooms & Places to Eat
The Cow & Calf, Ilkley
Set just beneath the famous rock formation…
Pubs, Tea Rooms & Places to Eat
The Curious Tea Room, Otley
A pretty and relaxed little café in Otley…
Pubs, Tea Rooms & Places to Eat
The Fleece (Otley)
Traditional town pub serving hearty plates.
Pubs, Tea Rooms & Places to Eat
The Fox, Ilkley
Contemporary country pub with a polished menu…
Pubs, Tea Rooms & Places to Eat
The Mustard Pot (Chapel Allerton)
Large beer garden and excellent Sunday roasts.
Farm Shops & Speciality Food
The Royal Oak – Wetherby
A proper Yorkshire pub with good food, open fires and a cosy atmosphere. They do traditional pub dishes well, and the town location makes it handy if you’re out for the day in Wetherby.Pubs, Tea Rooms & Places to Eat
The Royalty (Otley Chevin)
Known for its panoramic Chevin views and family-friendly feel.
Farm Shops & Speciality Food
The Scotts Arms, Sicklinghall
Main Street, Sicklinghall LS22 4BD Approx 9 miles Charming 16th-century inn with low beams, log fires and classic home-cooked meals.Farm Shops & Speciality Food
The Swan & Talbot – Wetherby
34 North Street, Wetherby LS22 6NN Approx 10 miles Historic inn with centuries of character, a varied menu and a cosy pub atmosphere.Pubs, Tea Rooms & Places to Eat
The Timble Inn (Timble)
Smart country inn with award-winning dining.
Pubs, Tea Rooms & Places to Eat
The White Hart (Pool)
Country pub with reliable food and real ales.
Pubs, Tea Rooms & Places to Eat
Thirty Nine Kitchen and Bakehouse, Ilkley
One of the best newer cafés in Ilkley…
Pubs, Tea Rooms & Places to Eat
Weetons, Harrogate
Previously known as Crimple Hall…
Pubs, Tea Rooms & Places to Eat
Wheatley Arms (Ben Rhydding)
Stylish inn with good food, bar and rooms.
Farm shops and speciality food
Farm Shops & Speciality Food
Bondgate Bakery, Otley
Independent bakery famous for breads, pies and cakes.
Farm Shops & Speciality Food
Robertshaw’s Farm Shop (Pool Bridge Farm)
Fresh fruit, veg, meat and deli products, ideal for stocking up on local produce.
Farm Shops & Speciality Food
The Cheerful Chilli Farm Shop
Vegetarian deli and shop with local produce, preserves and treats.
Farm Shops & Speciality Food
Weeton’s Food Hall
Upmarket food hall with butcher, deli, patisserie and café.
Fine dining and Michelin level restaurants
Fine Dining & Michelin-Level Restaurants
The Star Inn at Harome
Charming 14th-century inn with a Michelin Star, offering fine dining in a historic village setting.
Fine Dining & Michelin-Level Restaurants
Bavette
Refined French bistro, recently named the UK’s best local restaurant by the Good Food Guide.
Fine Dining & Michelin-Level Restaurants
Ox Club
Stylish grill restaurant with open-flame cooking and Michelin Guide recognition.
Fine Dining & Michelin-Level Restaurants
FIFTY TWO
Modern British cuisine with creative menus, featured in the Michelin Guide.
Fine Dining & Michelin-Level Restaurants
The Black Swan at Oldstead
Michelin-starred countryside restaurant by Tommy Banks, known for seasonal produce and inventive dishes.
Pubs, Tea Rooms & Places to Eat
The Box Tree, Ilkley
If you are celebrating something…
Supermarkets and shops
Supermarkets & Food Essentials
Booths, Ilkley
Premium northern supermarket, known for local produce and deli counters.
Supermarkets & Food Essentials
One Stop, Pool-in-Wharfedale
Handy for everyday essentials, open late.
Supermarkets & Food Essentials
Co-op Food, Bramhope
Convenience store for top-ups and late-night basics.
Supermarkets & Food Essentials
Morrisons, Guiseley
Large supermarket with bakery, fishmonger and café.
Supermarkets & Food Essentials
Waitrose, Otley
Upmarket supermarket with good fresh produce and deli counter.
Supermarkets & Food Essentials
Sainsbury’s, Otley
Mid-sized supermarket with groceries, household goods and parking.
Supermarkets & Food Essentials
M&S Foodhall, Guiseley Retail Park
Quality groceries, ready meals and bakery.
Supermarkets & Food Essentials
Asda Superstore, Holt Park (Leeds)
Large store with groceries, clothing, pharmacy and petrol station.
Supermarkets & Food Essentials
Aldi, Otley
Budget supermarket, good for fresh basics and value wines.
Supermarkets & Food Essentials
Tesco Superstore, Harrogate Rd
Large supermarket with groceries, clothing and home section.
Petrol Stations
Petrol Stations (nearest first)
Asda Petrol Station, Holt Park
Cheap fuel, part of the Asda superstore.
Petrol Stations (nearest first)
Shell Harrogate Rd (near Leeds Bradford Airport)
Convenient for airport travellers, with shop and cashpoint.
Petrol Stations (nearest first)
BP Pool-in-Wharfedale Service Station
Petrol station with small shop, next to Sainsbury’s Local.
Petrol Stations (nearest first)
Shell Bramhope
Fuel station with convenience store.
Petrol Stations (nearest first)
Morrisons Petrol Station, Guiseley
Located at the Morrisons supermarket.
Petrol Stations (nearest first)
Esso Otley
Fuel station with shop close to Otley town centre.