Child friendly places in the Yorkshire Dales
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Yorkshire Dales – September 2024
Please mention Thirsk Tourist Information when you make contact
See also Children’s events
Child friendly places to go
Bedale Heritage Trail
Bedale DL8 1AA.
Tel 01677 424604
Website https://bedale.org/the-heritage-trail
Child notes Beckside walk with ducks.
Big Sheep & Little Cow
Bedale DL8 1AW.
Tel 01677 422125
Email enquiries@farmattraction.co.uk
Website https://www.bigsheeplittlecow.co.uk
Child notes Children's farm, play barn, outdoor play, barrel train ride.
Bolton Abbey
Bolton Abbey, Skipton BD23 6EX.
Tel 01756 718000
Email tourism@boltonabbey.com
Website https://boltonabbey.com
Child notes Special events for children, see website.
Bolton Castle
Castle Bolton, Leyburn DL8 4ET.
Tel 01969 623981
Email info@boltoncastle.co.uk
Website http://www.boltoncastle.co.uk
Child notes Maze, archery, falconry, dressing-up in medieval costume, toys, games and trails. Wild boar feeding.
Brimham Rocks
Summerbridge, Harrogate HG3 4DW.
Tel 01423 780688
Email brimhamrocks@nationaltrust.org.uk
Website http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/brimham-rocks
Child notes Climbing, geocaching, tracker packs, orienteering
Brymor Ltd
High Jervaulx Farm, Masham, Ripon HG4 4PG.
Tel 01677 460337
Email hello@brymordairy.co.uk
Website https://brymordairy.co.uk
Coldstones Cut
Greenhow Hill, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate HG3 5.
Tel 01423 711356
Website http://www.thecoldstonescut.org
Constable Burton Hall Gardens
Constable Burton Hall, Leyburn DL8 5LJ.
Tel 01677 450428
Email estate@constableburton.com
Website https://www.constableburton.com
Child notes Specially designed garden trail.
Craven Museum & Gallery
Skipton Town Hall, High Street, Skipton BD23 1AH.
Tel 01756 706397
Email townhall@cravendc.gov.uk
Website https://skiptontownhall.co.uk
Child notes Museum trails, feely boxes, hands-on interactives and audio-visual games.
Dales Countryside Museum
Station Yard, Hawes DL8 3NT.
Tel 01969 666210
Email hawes@yorkshiredales.org.uk
Website http://www.dalescountrysidemuseum.org.uk
Child notes Hands on fun and explorer packs for children throughout the Museum, outdoor trail, 'creation station' and interactive displays in the railway carriages.
Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway
Bolton Abbey Station, Bolton Abbey, Skipton BD23 6AF.
Tel 01756 710614
Email office@ebar.org.uk
Website https://www.embsayboltonabbeyrailway.org.uk
Child notes Steam traints and events.
Forbidden Corner
Tupgill Park Estate, Coverham, Middleham, Leyburn DL8 4TJ.
Tel 01969 640638
Email info@theforbiddencorner.co.uk
Website https://www.theforbiddencorner.co.uk
Child notes Play area. Under fours free
Some dark areas to be
warned about
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal
Estate Office, Ripon HG4 3DY.
Tel 01765 608888
Email fountainsabbey@nationaltrust.org.uk
Website https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountainsabbey
Child notes School holiday trails, craft areas, children's acitivities - see website.
Foxglove Covert Nature Reserve
Ava Road, Catterick Garrison DL9 3PZ.
Tel 01748 830045 / 07754 270980
Email foxglovelnr@btinternet.com
Website https://www.foxglovecovert.org.uk
Child notes A range of activity sheets available which are also downloadable from the website. Pre-booked school and group visits welcome.
Please do not attempt to remove any birds that you see in the mist nets. Trained bird ringers check the nets every twenty minutes, no harm comes to the birds and they are released.
Harlow Carr
Crag Lane, Harrogate HG3 1QB.
Tel 01423 565418
Email harlowcarr@rhs.org.uk
Website https://rhs.org.uk/harlowcarr
Child notes Family trails, Natural Play Features, Logness Monster, Craggle Top Treehouse and buggy friendly paths. Activities during school holidays.
Harrogate Climbing Centre
Hornbeam Park Avenue, Hornbeam Park, Harrogate HG2 8QT.
Tel 01423 815024
Email info@harrogateclimbingcentre.com
Website http://harrogateclimbingcentre.com/
Child notes Kids activity clubs, daily during school holidays.
Harrogate Paintball Centre
Paintball North Ltd, York Road, Flaxby, Harrogate HG5 0XJ.
Tel 01423 860606
Email info@paintballyorkshire.co.uk
Website http://www.paintballyorkshire.co.uk
Child notes Laser Combat (6+), Low Impact Paintball (for 9+), 11+ for regular paintball.
Harrogate Theatre
Oxford Street, Harrogate HG1 1QF.
Tel 01423 502116
Email info@harrogatetheatre.co.uk
Website http://www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk
Child notes Harrogate Youth Theatre
Hesketh Farm Park
Bolton Abbey, Skipton BD23 6HA.
Tel 01756 710444
Email info@heskethfarmpark.co.uk
Website https://www.heskethfarmpark.co.uk
Child notes Children's farm
How Stean Gorge
Lofthouse, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate HG3 5SF.
Tel 01423 755666
Email admin@howstean.co.uk
Website https://www.howstean.co.uk
Child notes Gorge, caves, walkways and glass floor viewing area.
Ingleborough Show Cave
Clapham LA2 8EA.
Tel 01524 251242
Email info@ingleboroughcave.co.uk
Website https://ingleboroughcave.co.uk
Ingleton Waterfalls Trail
Broadwood Entrance, Ingleton LA6 3ET.
Tel 015242 41930
Email info@ingletonwaterfallstrail.co.uk
Website http://www.ingletonwaterfallstrail.co.uk
Child notes Children's activity sheet available to buy from the ticket office. Take pencil rubbings at wooden posts around the trail.
Jervaulx Abbey
Park House, Jervaulx, Ripon HG4 4PH.
Tel 01677 460226 / 460391
Email ba123@btopenworld.com
Website https://www.jervaulxabbey.com
Knaresborough Castle & Museum
CastleYard, Knaresborough HG5 8AS.
Tel 01423 556188
Email museums@harrogate.gov.uk
Website https://www.visitharrogate.co.uk/business-directory/knaresborough-castle-museum
Child notes Selection of medieval games
Lightwater Valley Theme Park
North Stainley, Ripon HG4 3HT.
Tel 01765 635321
Email leisure@lightwatervalley.co.uk
Website https://www.lightwatervalley.co.uk
Lost Earth Adventures
Studford Farm Activity Centre, Lofthouse, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate HG3 5SG.
Tel 01904 500094
Email info@lostearthadventures.co.uk
Website https://www.lostearthadventures.co.uk
Child notes Outdoor activities for children aged 7+.
Markenfield Hall
The Gatehouse, Markenfield Hall, Ripon HG4 3AD.
Tel 01765 692303
Email wehaveamoat@gmail.com
Website https://markenfieldhall.com
Child notes Children's sheet
Mother Shipton's Cave
Prophecy Lodge, High Bridge, Knaresborough HG5 8DD.
Tel 01423 864600
Email info@mothershipton.co.uk
Website https://www.mothershipton.co.uk
Child notes Play area, Free quiz for children, Petrifying Well, Cave. Museum & Shop
Newby Hall & Gardens
Estate Office, Newby Hall, Skelton on Ure, Ripon HG4 5AE.
Tel 01423 322583
Email info@newbyhall.com
Website https://www.newbyhall.com
Child notes Adventure playground for children up to 12, miniature railway, boats and Dolls house and Teddy Bear exhibitions.
Nidderdale Llamas
Wilsill, Pateley Bridge.
Tel 01423 711 052
Email info@nidderdalellamas.org
Website http://nidderdalellamas.org
Child notes Family Llama & Alpaca Experience, suitable for children above 7yrs only. Trekking from 10yrs + Nidderdale trek, ages 12+. Sorry no babies or young children permitted.
Nidderdale Museum
Old Workhouse, King Street, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate HG3 5LE.
Tel 01423 711225
Email info@nidderdalemuseum.com
Website http://www.nidderdalemuseum.com
Child notes Normally there are question sheets in each room and a simple quiz.
North Yorkshire County Show
Camp Hill, Kirklington, Bedale DL8 2LS.
Tel 07787 387831
Email secretary@northyorkshireshow.co.uk
Website http://www.northyorkshireshow.co.uk
Child notes Lots of animals and other attractions.
Nosterfield Nature Reserve
Nosterfield, Bedale DL8 2QZ.
Website https://www.luct.org.uk/nosterfield
Child notes Wildlife. Dipping pond. Deep water on site - must be accompanied by an adult.
Richmond Castle
Riverside Road, Richmond DL10 4QW.
Tel 01748 822493
Website http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/richmond-castle
Child notes Interactive displays, children's books and a great place to run around.
Richmond Walking/Book Festival
22 Bargate, Richmond DL10 4QY.
Tel 01748 821738
Email info@booksandboots.org
Website https://www.booksandboots.org
Child notes Children's book talks in August
Richmondshire Museum
Ryders Wynd, Richmond DL10 4JA.
Tel 01748 825611
Email admin@richmondshiremuseum.org.uk
Website https://www.richmondshiremuseum.org.uk
Child notes Experience life in Victorian Richmond through dressing-up, playing shop. Sight, sounds, smells. Toy gallery & play area.
Ripley Castle Estate
Ripley, Harrogate HG3 3AY.
Tel 01423 770152
Email enquiries@ripleycastle.co.uk
Website https://www.ripleycastle.co.uk
Child notes Children's castle tour, garden activities & trail.
Ripon Museum trust
Sharow View, Allhallowgate, Ripon HG4 1LE.
Tel 01765 690799
Email info@riponmuseums.co.uk
Website http://riponmuseums.co.uk
Child notes Trails & some hands-on activities at all three sites. Events in school holidays.
Ripon Prison & Police Museum
Marygate, Ripon HG4 1LX.
Tel 01765 690799
Email info@riponmuseums.co.uk
Website https://riponmuseums.co.uk/prison-police-museum
Child notes Interactive displays, prison uniforms to try on.
Ripon Scenic Cruises
12, Canal Wharf, Ripon HG4 1AQ.
Tel 01765 609777 / 07712 774089
Email ripon.scenic.cruises@gmail.com
Website http://ripon-scenic-cruises.co.uk
Skipton Boat Trips
Wharf Office, Waterside Court, 3 Coach Street, Skipton BD23 1LH.
Tel 01756 790829
Email info@canaltrips.co.uk
Website http://www.canaltrips.co.uk
Skipton Castle
Skipton BD23 1AW.
Tel 01756 792442
Email info@skiptoncastle.co.uk
Website http://www.skiptoncastle.co.uk
Child notes Historical interest particularly for schoolchildren studying castles at school.
Details of why and how the castle was built.
St Gregory's Church
The Old Grammar School, North End, Bedale DL8 1AF.
Tel 01677 425985
Email admin@bedale.church
Website https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/3349
Child notes Children's toy & book corner.
Studfold Adventure Trail
Lofthouse, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate HG3 5SG.
Tel 01423 755228
Email info@studfold.com
Website https://www.studfold.com
Child notes Discover the secret world of Studfold fairies and pixies . Find treasure and the answers to Clues. Explore the Magical wood with fairy houses and a story. Giant animals. Play area with sand pit, ride on go-karts, tractors and den building.
Stump Cross Caverns
Greenhow Hill, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate HG3 5JL.
Tel 01756 752780
Email enquiries@stumpcrosscaverns.co.uk
Website https://www.stumpcrosscaverns.co.uk
Child notes Underground caverns
Swaledale Museum
The Green, Reeth, Richmond DL11 6TX.
Email helen@swaledalemuseum.org
Website http://www.swaledalemuseum.org
Child notes Accompanied children 12 and under Free, trails, hands-on exhibits, mystery objects
The Frazer Theatre
Off High Street, Knaresborough HG5 0EQ.
Tel 07759 053804
Email enquiries@frazertheatre.co.uk
Website http://www.frazertheatre.co.uk
Child notes Annual pantomime
The Georgian Theatre Experience
Georgian Theatre Royal, Victoria Road, Richmond DL10 4DW.
Tel 01748 823710
Email admin@georgiantheatreroyal.co.uk
Website http://www.georgiantheatreroyal.co.uk
Child notes Family trails
The Georgian Theatre Royal
Victoria Road, Richmond DL10 4DW.
Tel 01748 825252
Email foh@georgiantheatreroyal.co.uk
Website http://www.georgiantheatreroyal.co.uk
Child notes Many shows are for families or younger audiences and the guided tours are suitable for all ages.
The Green Howards Museum
Trinity Church Square, Richmond DL10 4QN.
Tel 01748 826561
Email museum@greenhowards.org.uk
Website https://www.greenhowards.org.uk
Child notes Children under 10 get free admission
The Himalayan Garden
The Hutts, Hutts Lane, Grewelthorpe, Ripon HG4 3DA.
Tel 01765 658009
Email info@himalayangarden.com
Website https://www.himalayangarden.com
Child notes Woodland Playground, Fairy Doors Trail, Discovery Activity Booklet and school holiday activities.
The Station Cinema
The Station, Richmond DL10 4LD.
Tel 01748 823062
Email info@stationcinema.com
Website http://www.stationcinema.com
Theakston Visitor Centre
T&R Theakston Ltd, Masham, Ripon HG4 4YD.
Tel 01765 680000
Email info@theakstons.co.uk
Website http://www.theakstons.co.uk
Child notes 10yrs and older only.
Thorp Perrow Arboretum
Thorp Perrow, Bedale DL8 2PS.
Tel 01677 425323
Email enquiries@thorpperrow.com
Website https://thorpperrow.com
Child notes Animal Encounters, Flying Displays, Birds of Prey, Mammal Centre, Play Area, Childrens' Trails, Children's events - see website.
Wensleydale Creamery
Gayle Lane, Hawes DL8 3RN.
Tel 01969 667664
Email creamery@wensleydale.co.uk
Website https://www.wensleydale.co.uk
Child notes New interactive experience - drive the milk tanker, see how a cow makes milk, play the truckle roll game and more. Clips of Wallace & Gromit films. Plenty to keep them entertained, including colouring kits, quizzes and puzzles - including a new truckle trail!
Child friendly accommodation
Akebar Park
Wensleydale, Akebar, Leyburn DL8 5LY.
Tel 01677 450201 ext 1
Email stay@akebarpark.com
Website https://akebarpark.com
Archway, Granary and Byre Cottages
West Leas Farm, Galphay, Ripon HG4 3PB.
Tel 01765 658416
Email westleas@btinternet.com
Website http://www.westleas.co.uk
Child notes Happy to show children round the farm especially to see young calves or lambs
Aysgarth Falls Hotel
Aysgarth, Leyburn DL8 3SR.
Tel 01969 663775
Email info@aysgarthfallshotel.com
Website https://www.aysgarthfallshotel.com
Child notes Children's menu in bar and family rooms available.
Bainbridge Ings Country Park
Hawes DL8 3NU.
Tel 01969 667354
Email info@bainbridge-ings-countrypark.co.uk
Website https://bainbridge-ings-countrypark.co.uk
Brompton on Swale Caravan Park
Brompton on Swale, Richmond DL10 7EZ.
Tel 01748 824629
Email brompton.caravanpark@btconnect.com
Website http://www.bromptoncaravanpark.co.uk
Child notes River, play park, games room.
Camp Kátur
The Camp Hill Estate, Kirklington, Bedale DL8 2LS.
Tel 01845 202100
Email hello@campkatur.com
Website https://campkatur.com
Colman's of Aysgarth
Town Ends, Aysgarth, Leyburn DL8 3AQ.
Tel 01969 662666
Email info@aysgarthcamping.co.uk
Website https://aysgarthcamping.co.uk
Child notes Play park
Dower House Hotel & Spa
Bond End, Knaresborough HG5 9AL.
Tel 01423 863302
Email enquiries@dowerhouse-hotel.co.uk
Website http://www.dowerhouse-hotel.co.uk
Holiday Home Yorkshire
Unit 3, Reeth Dales Centre, Reeth, Richmond DL11 6SP.
Tel 01748 900420
Email contactus@holidayhomeyorkshire.co.uk
Website http://www.holidayhomeyorkshire.co.uk
Jervaulx Abbey
Park House, Jervaulx, Ripon HG4 4PH.
Tel 01677 460226 / 460391 (evening/day)
Email ba123@btopenworld.com
Website https://www.jervaulxabbey.com/caravan-site
Kings Head
Market Place, Masham, Ripon HG4 4EF.
Tel 01765 689295
Website https://www.chefandbrewer.com/pubs/north-yorkshire/kings-head
Child notes family rooms
Lindale Holiday Park
Newton Le Willows, Bedale DL8 1TA.
Tel 01677 450842
Email info@lindalepark.co.uk
Website https://lindalepark.co.uk
Child notes No children's play area but lots of wild birds to observe.
OYO The White Horse
61 North Street, Ripon HG4 1EN.
Tel 01765 603622
Email david.bate13@btinternet.com
Website http://www.white-horse-ripon.co.uk
Park House
Keld, Richmond DL11 6DZ.
Tel 01748 886159
Email info@swaledaleyurts.com
Website http://www.swaledaleyurts.com
Ripon Spa Hotel
Park Street, Ripon HG4 2 BU.
Tel 01765 602172
Email info@riponspa.com
Website http://www.riponspa.com
Child notes Croquet club
Riverside Meadows Holiday Park
Ure Bank Top, Ripon HG4 1JD.
Tel 01723 584311
Email info@flowerofmay.com
Website https://www.flowerofmay.com
Shaw Ghyll Farm
Simonstone, Hawes DL8 3LY.
Email shawghyllcamping@outlook.com
Website http://www.shawghyll.co.uk
Studfold Holdings
Studfold, Touring Park & Adventure Trail, Lofthouse, Harrogate HG3 5SG.
Tel 01423 755228
Email info@studfold.com
Website https://www.studfold.com
Child notes Studfold Adventure Trail nearby - suitable for pre-school and primary aged children. Lost Earth Adventures - a range of pre-booked activities for older children
Swaleview Caravan Park
Reeth Road, Richmond DL10 4SF.
Tel 01748 823106
Email info@swaleviewpark.co.uk
Website https://swaleviewpark.co.uk
Child notes Play park, river, woods
Swinton Estate
Swinton, Ripon HG4 4JH.
Tel 01765 680900
Email reservations@swintonestate.com
Website https://www.swintonestate.com
Child notes Games, nature trails, swimmings & extensive grounds.
The Buck Inn
The Village Green, Thornton Watlass, Ripon HG4 4AH.
Tel 01677 422461
Email the-buck-inn@btconnect.com
Website http://www.buckwatlass.co.uk
Child notes Childrens play area in the beer garden
The Crown Hotel
Crown Place, Harrogate HG1 2RZ.
Tel 01423 567755
Website http://crownhotelharrogate.com
The Jonas Centre
Redmire, Leyburn DL8 4EW.
Tel 01969 624900
Email stay@jonascentre.org
Website https://www.jonascentre.org
Child notes Animals and children's play area. Family friendly accommodation.
The Old Deanery
Minster Road, Ripon HG4 1QS.
Tel 01765 600003
Email reception@theolddeanery.co.uk
Website https://theolddeanery.co.uk
Child friendly clubs, societies & organisations
Aysgarth Falls Visitor Centre
Aysgarth Falls Nat Park Centre, Aysgarth Falls, Leyburn DL8 3TH.
Tel 01969 662910
Email aysgarth@yorkshiredales.org.uk
Website http://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk
Child notes Woods and waterfalls.
Bedale Golf Club
Leyburn Rd, Bedale DL8 1EZ.
Tel 01677 422451
Email office@bedalegolfclub.com
Website https://bedalegolfclub.com
Child notes In restaurant & junior competitions.
Catterick Golf Club
Leyburn Rd, Catterick Garrison DL9 3QE.
Tel 01748 833268
Website https://www.catterickgolfclub.co.uk
Child notes Junior Membership, Junior Lessons.
Craft & chat group
Village Hall, Thornton le Beans, Northallerton DL8 3SN.
Tel 01609 774325
Email maureenandstevehague@btinternet.com
Child notes Age 6+ who are able to do crafts.
Grassington Information Centre
National Park Centre,, Hebbden Road, Grassington BD23 5LB.
Tel 01756 751690
Email grassington@yorkshiredales.org.uk
Website https://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/places/grassington_national_park_centre
Child notes Colouring table
Harrogate Golf Club
Forest Lane Head, Harrogate HG2 7TF.
Tel 01423 862999
Email manager@harrogate-gc.co.uk
Website http://www.harrogate-gc.co.uk
Child notes Learning to play for free. Free junior membership for children aged 7 - 11
Masham Golf Club
Swinton Rd, Masham HG4 4NS.
Tel 01765 688054
Email info@mashamgolfclub.co.uk
Website http://www.mashamgolfclub.co.uk
Child notes Junior Lessons available
Ripon Choral Society
Ripon Cathedral, Ripon HG4 1QS.
Website https://www.riponchoralsociety.org.uk
Child notes Young people (with parents) are welcome to join - please make enquiries in advance to the Secretary
Ripon City Golf Club
Palace Rd, Ripon HG4 3HH.
Tel 01765 603640
Email admin@riponcitygolfclub.com
Website https://www.riponcitygolfclub.com
Child notes Families welcome. Junior golfing.
Ripon Library
The Arcade, Ripon HG4 1AG.
Tel 01609 536623
Email ripon.library@northyorks.gov.uk
Website http://www.northyorks.gov.uk/riponlibrary
Child notes Board games, a Monday young people's art club, weekly storytimes, Bookstart Bear scheme, young people's council, regular activities for children & families, Saturday coding club.
Ripon Theatre Festival
The Operatic Hall, Allhallowgate, Ripon HG4 1LU.
Email info@ripontheatrefestival.org
Website https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org
Child notes Many of our events are for families and children.
Settle Information Centre
Town Hall, Cheapside, Settle BD24 9EJ.
Tel 01729 825192
Email settle@ytbtic.co.uk
Website https://www.cravendc.gov.uk/tourism
Child notes Things to do in the area, quiz sheets.
Child friendly shops & services
Catterick Caravan and Camping Centre Ltd
Gatherley Road, Brompton on Swale, Richmond DL10 7JB.
Tel 01748 818391
Email superstore@catterickcaravans.com
Website http://www.catterickcaravans.com
Hello Coopers
8A Market Place, Bedale DL8 1EQ..
Tel 01677 424252 / 01609 772295
Email info@hellocoopers.co.uk
Website http://www.hellocoopers.co.uk
Leisure Resorts
Westholme Estate, Aysgarth, Leyburn DL8 3SP.
Child notes Play Area. Yorkshire Dales Restaurant.
Middleham Antiques
Corner House, Kirkgate, Middleham, Leyburn DL8 4PF.
Tel 07917 571180
Email angiwal@yahoo.com
Website https://www.facebook.com/angurios5
Child notes Former Early years Teacher interested in sharing knowledge of antiques with children.
Roper's Leisure
Gatherley Road, Catterick Bridge DL10 7SL.
Tel 01748 818666
Email enquiries@ropersleisure.co.uk
Website https://www.ropersleisure.co.uk
Child notes Family holidays. Some accessories specifically for children (chairs, crockery etc.).
Tennants Auctioneers
The Auction Centre, Leyburn DL8 5SG.
Tel 01969 621146
Email info@tennantsgardenrooms.com
Website https://www.tennants.co.uk
Child notes Art, Exhibitions and Events. Family friendly Cafe & Bistro.
York House Gifts
60 Market Place, Richmond DL10 4JQ.
Tel 01748 850338
Email info@yorkhousegifts.com
Website https://www.yorkhousegifts.co.uk
Child notes An Aladdin's cave on three floors with outside area.