Castle Howard, a grand stately home near Malton, welcomes visitors with its formal gardens and a playground where the sound of laughter fills the air. At the Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster, lively animal calls and the rustling of wildlife create an engaging atmosphere, complemented by educational talks. The National Railway Museum in York captivates families with gleaming locomotives and interactive exhibits offering hands-on learning.
Other highlights include Eureka! Children’s Museum in Halifax, designed for younger children with tactile exhibits that invite touch and play, and the seaside town of Whitby on the North Yorkshire coast, where salty sea air accompanies beach walks and visits to the Captain Cook Memorial Museum. Entrance fees generally range from EUR 10 to EUR 20, with family ticket options providing good value.
Located about 15 kilometers northeast of York city centre, Castle Howard is reachable by car or local bus. Tickets cost EUR 17 for adults and EUR 9 for children aged 5-16, with free entry for under 5s. Visitors can wander woodland trails filled with the scent of pine and blooming flowers, get lost in the hedge maze, or let children enjoy the adventure playground buzzing with activity.
Plan for at least 4 to 5 hours to take in the house, gardens, and play areas. On-site cafés serve warm meals and refreshments, while picnic spots are available for those bringing their own food. For more details, see the Castle Howard: A Guide to Visiting.
Tours in yorkshire
Our Tours are the only way to see Yorkshire and its beauty in a single day with complete privacy, security and comfort onboard the magnificent Mercedes Benz V Class accompanied by Andrew the guide. Andrew always places your enjoyment of the day before everything else. No other Tour in the glorious north of England focuses so much on the overall quality of each and every guests experience. We believe that your vacation is the most valuable part of your year. We respect every minute of your vacation time, our philosophy is to make every moment of your time on vacation worthwhile. Before founding our company Andrew led a tour in another part of the UK that was ranked by TripAdvisor Travellers choice as the best tour in England and tenth best tour in the world. Lastly and most importantly every tour guarantees the sighting of at least a couple of very woolly Sheep!
From the Roman Empire to the Industrial Revolution, via Vikings, the Norman Conquest and the Wars of the Roses, the history of York is the history of England. This city has been at the heart of the action for nearly 2000 years. With York’s Hidden History, you’ll be at the heart of the action too, in the expert company of our local guides. Using knowledge and humour they'll tell the city's secrets whilst showing you the famous sights. On our Royal Route we’ll ramble regally through 2000 years of amazing history. Starting outside the Yorkshire Museum, in the shadow of the city’s ancient stone walls, we’ll explain how a Roman military outpost turned into imperial Eboracum. Making our way across the city via York Minster, The Shambles, Jorvik, and Clifford's Tower, we’ll tell tales of conquests and massacres, empresses and queens, before finishing our walk on King's Staith Landing, where many royal visitors arrived in York.
The Tours are the only way to see Yorkshire and its beauty in a single day with complete privacy, security and comfort onboard the magnificent Mercedes Benz V Class accompanied by one of the expert guides. The guides always place your enjoyment of the day before everything else. No other Tour in the glorious north of England focuses so much on the overall quality of each and every guests experience. We believe that your vacation is the most valuable part of your year. We respect every minute of your vacation time, the philosophy is to make every moment of your time on vacation worthwhile. Before founding our company Andrew Ward led a tour in another part of the UK that was ranked by TripAdvisor Travellers choice as the best tour in England and tenth best tour in the world. Lastly and most importantly every tour guarantees the sighting of at least a couple of very woolly Sheep!
Discover Yorkshire with Greg – Your Personal Guide to the Heart of the Moors. Step aboard a truly personal, private tour of North Yorkshire with Greg, your guide for the day. Follow the itinerary or change it to your own. For between 1-7 guests, Greg offers a relaxed, friendly experience that you won’t find with larger tour operators, Greg brings the region's history and culture to life with fascinating stories and insider knowledge. The highlight of the day is a scenic heritage steam train ride from the village of Goathland—best known as Hogsmeade Station from the Harry Potter films. (included). Your day will be filled with stunning landscapes, charming villages and, of course, the breathtaking Whitby where you will enjoy some free time. Whether you're snapping photos of the rolling moors, or simply chatting with Greg about local life, you'll find this tour is as much about the journey as it is about the destination – a relaxed and engaging experience for your private group.
Here’s what’s included A welcome Hooting Owl rum and mixer of your choice. A tour of the distillery Guided tastings of our Yorkshire rums Learn the history and myth of Sir Owlfred Tyton Hodgins and the origins of The Hooting Owl. Tasting samples our Hooting Owl Rum.
Step into the world of the Brontës on this very small-group day tour from York. Greg, your friendly and enthusiastic guide, will take you through the beautiful Yorkshire countryside to Brontë country. The first stop is at the location of Thorpe Green Hall where Anne was a Governess, then after a short comfort break we continue to Saltaire and the historic Salt Mills. Greg then takes us to attend the Brontë birthplace (entrance included) where Greg offers a personal and engaging tour at the family home where the famous siblings grew up. We then travel to Haworth, here enjoy two free hours to wander the cobbled streets, browse charming shops, enjoy a coffee, and visit the Brontë Parsonage Museum. The day concludes with a trip up Penistone Hill with sweeping views toward Top Withens. Entrance fees to the Brontë birthplace and Parsonage Museum are included, making for an engaging & memorable day. Gregs style is both informal but highly informative into the lives of these famous Sisters.
Family Days Out in Yorkshire
Location of Family Days Out in Yorkshire
The Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster is one of the largest, home to lions, polar bears, and red pandas. Visitors hear the roar of lions and chatter of monkeys while walking through open enclosures. Daily keeper talks offer insight into animal behaviour and conservation. Admission is around EUR 18 for adults and EUR 14 for children aged 3-15.
The Tropical Butterfly House, Wildlife and Falconry Centre near Sheffield allows families to stroll among fluttering butterflies and observe reptiles. Entry costs about EUR 12 for adults and EUR 8 for children. Both parks have cafés and gift shops, with wheelchair access throughout.
Just a 10-minute walk from York Railway Station on Leeman Road, the museum opens daily from 10:00 to 17:00. Visitors can see over 100 locomotives and carriages, including the Mallard and Flying Scotsman. Children engage with hands-on exhibits and simulator rides that bring railway history to life.
While admission is free, some special exhibitions or events may require tickets costing around EUR 5 to EUR 10. A café and picnic areas are on site, and stroller and wheelchair access is available. Booking guided tours in advance is recommended.
Walks like the 3-kilometer Aysgarth Falls trail near Leyburn provide views of waterfalls and chances to hear birdsong. White Scar Cave near Ingleton is England’s longest show cave, with guided tours lasting about an hour, suitable for kids aged 5 and up.
Farm parks such as the Dales Countryside Museum in Hawes let children meet farm animals and learn about rural life. Many activities are free or charge a small fee of EUR 5 to EUR 10. Wearing sturdy footwear and checking weather forecasts is advised.
"Yorkshire’s family days out blend rugged landscapes with warm village charm—whether splashing through Dales streams or exploring hidden castle nooks, locals know the best spots where history and nature spark joyful discovery for all ages."
Luca Moretti - Cultural Heritage Consultant
York has good train connections from Leeds and Manchester, with local buses and taxis providing access to places like the National Railway Museum and city centre. Castle Howard is reachable by bus from York, with services 415 and 416 running several times daily.
Some rural attractions such as the Yorkshire Dales or North York Moors have limited public transport, so car hire or organized tours are often necessary. Checking local transport websites and planning ahead helps families travel smoothly.
Eureka! The National Children’s Museum in Halifax caters to children up to 11 years old, with over 300 interactive exhibits and creative play zones. Admission is around EUR 15 for adults and EUR 13 for children, with family tickets available.
The Ryedale Folk Museum near Pickering presents outdoor exhibits and craft demonstrations, appealing to older children interested in local history. Many museums hold workshops and seasonal events that add educational value for families.
Whitby features sandy beaches, boat trips, and the Captain Cook Memorial Museum, with children enjoying rock pooling and visits to the ruins of Whitby Abbey. Scarborough features amusement arcades, a sea life centre, and two sandy beaches separated by a headland.
Many seaside activities are free, while some attractions charge fees between EUR 5 and EUR 15. Promenades are accessible, and family-friendly dining options are common.
Most sites are open from 10:00 to 17:00, with seasonal changes. Checking attraction websites before visiting is recommended. Parking is generally available onsite, with fees between EUR 3 and EUR 7 per day. Many locations provide cafés, picnic areas, ramps, and stroller-friendly paths.
Families can save by purchasing combination tickets or family passes when available. Booking online in advance helps avoid queues during busy times.
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Families frequently use the extensive network of public footpaths and bridleways for short countryside walks that suit children. Visiting farmers' markets or local food festivals in towns like Harrogate or Skipton is a popular way to enjoy regional produce affordably.
For savings, consider the York City Pass, which grants access to multiple attractions at a discounted rate. Many parks and museums offer free or reduced entry for children under five, so check eligibility when planning.
York features family-friendly walking tours such as the York Jorvik Viking History Walking Tour Adventure, featuring storytelling and interactive elements. For those interested in spooky tales, the York Witch Walk combines theatrical storytelling suitable for older children.
Private tours can be tailored to family schedules and interests. Tours usually last 1 to 2 hours and cost about EUR 15 to EUR 25 per person.
The Hooting Owl Distillery near York runs tours with rum tastings for adults while children enjoy nearby countryside walks. The Interactive Treasure Hunt Visit of York's Secret features families a playful way to navigate the city using clues and puzzles.
Smaller market towns like Helmsley or Grassington provide opportunities to browse local shops, visit cafés, and attend seasonal events away from larger crowds.
Many attractions are within a 15 to 30-minute walk of town centres or transport stops. For example, the National Railway Museum is a 10-minute walk from York station, while Castle Howard requires a short bus ride or 15-minute taxi drive from York.
Car hire is advisable for rural locations such as the Yorkshire Dales or North York Moors, where public transport is sparse. When using buses or trains, check timetables beforehand and consider day passes. Carrying a lightweight stroller or child carrier is useful for longer walks or uneven ground.
Menus typically include child-friendly dishes such as sandwiches, pasta, and snacks, priced between EUR 5 and EUR 12 per meal. Many outdoor sites welcome visitors bringing their own food, providing picnic tables and benches.
Local markets and town centres in places like Harrogate and Skipton offer additional dining options, featuring traditional British fare and international dishes. Families with dietary restrictions should check menus ahead or bring suitable snacks.
