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8 Brilliant family days out in Yorkshire
Whether your children love meeting animals, exploring mysterious tunnels, chasing waterfalls or enjoying thrilling rides, Yorkshire is packed with family attractions for every age. Many of the county's best family days out are within easy reach of Together Travel's Yorkshire Dales retreat, making it easy to fill your holiday with memorable adventures while returning to peaceful countryside surroundings each evening.
1. Forbidden Corner, Leyburn
Forbidden Corner is one of the Yorkshire Dales' most popular family attractions, filled with hidden tunnels, secret passages, quirky sculptures and unexpected surprises within a unique Victorian garden. Children love discovering what lies around each corner, while adults enjoy exploring just as much.
It's around 20 minutes from Together Travel's Yorkshire Dales retreat, making it an ideal half-day adventure.
Quick facts
Best for: Ages 5+ (younger children welcome, though some areas may feel spooky)
Allow: 2.5 to 3 hours
Indoor/Outdoor: Mostly outdoor with some covered sections
2. Big Sheep Little Cow Farm
For hands-on animal encounters, Big Sheep Little Cow Farm gives children the chance to meet everything from chickens and goats to alpacas and sheep. Daily feeding sessions and opportunities to get close to the animals make it particularly popular with younger families.
It's approximately 35 minutes from Together Travel's Yorkshire Dales retreat, making it an easy morning or afternoon trip.
Quick facts
Best for: Ages 1-10
Allow: 2-3 hours
Indoor/Outdoor: Mix of indoor and outdoor
3. Aysgarth Falls
One of Yorkshire's best-loved natural attractions, Aysgarth Falls features three beautiful waterfalls connected by family-friendly woodland walks. Parts of the route are suitable for pushchairs, and there are plenty of places to stop for a picnic or simply enjoy the scenery.
It's just 15 minutes from Together Travel's Yorkshire Dales retreat.
Quick facts
Best for: All ages
Allow: 1-2 hours
Indoor/Outdoor: Fully outdoor
4. Flamingo Land
Combining a popular theme park with one of Yorkshire's largest zoos, Flamingo Land offers everything from rollercoasters and family rides to giraffes, penguins and tigers. Arriving soon after opening gives you plenty of time to enjoy both the rides and animal experiences.
It's around 1 hour 30 minutes from Together Travel's Yorkshire Dales retreat, making it a fantastic full-day excursion.
Quick facts
Best for: Ages 4-14
Allow: 6-8 hours
Indoor/Outdoor: Mostly outdoor with some indoor zoo areas
5. Lightwater Valley
One of Yorkshire's best-known family theme parks, Lightwater Valley offers a mix of rides, indoor attractions and play areas suitable for a wide range of ages. It's an excellent option for families looking to add a little excitement to their Yorkshire Dales holiday.
It's approximately 45 minutes from Together Travel's Yorkshire Dales retreat.
Quick facts
Best for: Ages 6-16
Allow: 5-7 hours
Indoor/Outdoor: Mostly outdoor
6. Bolton Abbey
Bolton Abbey combines historic ruins with miles of riverside walks, woodland trails and open spaces where children can explore freely. Seasonal events throughout the year make every visit a little different.
Access to the estate is included with the parking charge, making it an affordable family day out.
It's around 35 minutes from Together Travel's Yorkshire Dales retreat.
Quick facts
Best for: All ages
Allow: 2-4 hours
Indoor/Outdoor: Fully outdoor
7. Wensleydale Creamery
Famous as the home of Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese and well known from the Wallace & Gromit films, the Wensleydale Creamery offers much more than a shop. Families can watch cheese being made, enjoy interactive displays and relax in the café afterwards.
It's approximately 15 minutes from Together Travel's Yorkshire Dales retreat.
Quick facts
Best for: Ages 3-12
Allow: 1-2 hours
Indoor/Outdoor: Mostly indoor
8. Studfold Adventure Trail and Stump Cross Caverns
Combine imaginative outdoor play with underground adventure by visiting Studfold Adventure Trail before heading to nearby Stump Cross Caverns. Fairy houses, den building, go-karts and spectacular limestone caves make this one of Yorkshire's most varied family days out.
The attractions are around 45 minutes from Together Travel's Yorkshire Dales retreat.
Quick facts
Best for: Ages 3-12
Allow: 5-6 hours
Indoor/Outdoor: Mix of indoor and outdoor
Which attraction is right for your family?
| if your children love | visit |
|---|---|
| Animals | Big Sheep Little Cow Farm |
| Adventure | Forbidden Corner |
| Rollercoasters | Flamingo Land |
| Nature | Aysgarth Falls |
| History | Bolton Abbey |
| Rainy Days | Wensleydale Creamery |
| Outdoor Play | Studfold Adventure Trail |
Making the most of a family break in the Yorkshire Dales
Most of these attractions are between 15 and 90 minutes from Together Travel's Yorkshire Dales retreat in Swaledale, making it easy to combine exciting days out with relaxing time in the countryside. Many families spend one day exploring a major attraction such as Flamingo Land before slowing the pace with a visit to Aysgarth Falls or Bolton Abbey the following day.
Back at your lodge, woodland walks, open green spaces and family-friendly facilities provide plenty of opportunities to unwind before your next adventure.
Stay with Together Travel
From exciting theme parks and fascinating animal encounters to peaceful waterfalls and historic landmarks, Yorkshire offers family days out to suit every age. Staying with Together Travel in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales puts many of the region's best attractions within easy reach, giving you more time to make memories together.
Explore our Yorkshire Dales accommodation and find the perfect lodge for your next family holiday.