Yorkshire at Christmas: a festive 5-day itinerary

Christmas has always been about more than just Christmas Day. After all, 'tis the season to be jolly – not the 50 odd hours from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day.

If you're lucky, you've got a nice chunk of time off to spend decking the halls and making merry – or, if that sounds too much like hard work, just get some much-needed R 'n' R.

But somehow, the Christmas season has a way of passing by in a blur of chores – family or no family, decorations or no decorations. Needing a holiday to recover from your holiday is a cliche for a reason.

Well, here at Stump Cross Caverns, we hope you get the time off you deserve. But how to spend it? Luckily for you, Yorkshire at Christmas is a veritable smorgasbord of activities.

From crafts to sports, from grottos to castles, there's something for everyone – even the Scrooges and Christmas sceptics among you.

So, however you're spending Christmas this year, follow our festive five-day itinerary to make the most of your time off.

Day one: Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal

Address: Fountains, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 3DY

Opening times: Saturday to Thursday, 10:00 to 16:00; closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

All year round, the ancient abbey ruins at Fountains beguile visitors from around the world. It's not for nothing that this historical location with its enchanting water garden has been made into a World Heritage Site.

This Christmas, there's plenty going on at Fountains Abbey and the Studley Royal Estate.

Christmas is about stories. Think of the three ships, the three kings and the legends surrounding Santa Claus. So, it's fitting that Fountains Abbey and the Studley Royal Estate are hosting storytelling sessions run by author Dawn Casey.

There's also deer spotting, carols, festive decorations in the abbey and even a Boxing Day pilgrimage. This four-mile walk recreates the journey taken by a group of Cistercian monks who set out from Ripon on Boxing Day, 1132 AD.

So, whether you're looking for story time with the kids or some local history, check out Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal this Christmas.

Day two: Wentworth Castle

Address: Park Drive, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S75 3EN

Opening times: Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 15:30; closed on Christmas Day but open on Christmas Eve

Like Fountains Abbey, Wentworth Castle is a National Trust property.

They sure know how to pick them! At Wentworth, you get 60 acres of gardens, park and woodland surrounding a grand stately home.

The house has a long and storied history. It was built in 1670 for Sir Gervase Cutler and named Cutler House in his honour. Today, it's a popular destination for tourists and historians alike.

This Christmas, why not swing by Wentworth Castle for a wreath-making workshop, community toy swap or wildlife trail?

Christmas is about cosiness, sure. But a walk in a woolly jumper is pretty darn festive, too. Take a guided walk around the estate before warming up in the Long Barn Cafe with a hot drink and a slice of cake.

And if you're strapped for present ideas, that wreath-making workshop could be just the ticket. You could even give yourself one! Go on – you deserve it.

Day three: Embsay and Bolton Abbey Polar Express

Address: Bolton Abbey, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 6EX

Opening times: selected dates and times until 24 December

What's that thick, snowy plume on the horizon? Is it Santa's beard dangling from his sleigh in desperate need of a trim? No! It's the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Train.

This much-loved heritage railway used to be on the Midland Railway route from Skipton to Ilkley. Shut down by British Rail in 1965, it was opened as a steam train route in 1981. Since then, it's given around 100,000 passengers a year the ride of a lifetime.

If you've not taken a ride on a steam train before, trust us: you're in for a treat. As well as the simple pleasure of those pistons turning and the steam billowing, it provides a fascinating insight into a time gone by.

This Christmas, the railway is hosting the Polar Express. This is a theatrical recreation of Chris Van Allsburg's story of the same name. Expect an immersive, captivating retelling of a classic children's tale.

It runs from November through to Christmas Eve, departing each time from Bolton Abbey station. Passengers can travel in standard or premium class – and there's a relaxed coach available for people with special educational needs and their companions.

So, what are you waiting for? Book today and get some choo-choo-choo with your ho-ho-ho!

Day four: Ice skating in Stockeld Park

Address: Wetherby Road, Wetherby, LS22 4AN

Opening times: open throughout December except Christmas Day and Christmas Eve; last entry at 20:00 

At Christmas, ice skating doesn't have to be confined to music boxes, cards and cartoons. Kids getting restless at home? Could be time to get their skates on…

Stockeld Park is home to a family-friendly skating rink. This 630-square-meter rink gives you the best of both worlds: it's covered (meaning no rain or snow) and offers spectacular views of the park.

Day five: Stump Cross Caverns

Address: Greenhow Hill, Pateley Bridge, Yorkshire, HG3 5JL

Opening times: Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00; closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day but open on 23 and 24 December

Maybe it's just the festive anticipation talking, but we reckon Stump Cross Caverns is pretty Christmassy all year around. Some of those formations are white as marzipan – and the grotto-like caves could be home to Santa and his chortling elves.

But it's not just the caves getting Christmassy this year. We've put together a programme of Christmas events and packages that's suitable for all the family.

There's Santa's grotto, where children get to share their Christmas wishes and receive a special gift. There's a reindeer food workshop, where kids can make and take home snacks for Santa's little helpers.

There's a cave quiz. There's a tour of the caves by magical UV light. There's even a Christmas film in the cinema.

So, if you're looking for some festive frolics, join us at Stump Cross Caverns. We look forward to sharing the Yuletide spirit with you all.

Fancy joining us for Christmas at Stump Cross Caverns? It's quick and easy to book tickets online.