Celebrate the May bank holidays in North Yorkshire with our picks of the best family-friendly adventures.
Spring's here. That means time in the sunshine and a slew of work-free Mondays for the bank holiday season. Hooray!
There's plenty to do in North Yorkshire for the upcoming May bank holidays. The beautiful Yorkshire Dales National Park is known for its stunning natural landscapes and family-friendly activities. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Skipton Castle and market town
Skipton in North Yorkshire is both a charming market town and home to one of the most well-preserved and historically significant castles in England.
Skipton Castle boasts interactive displays and educational boards to help visitors learn about its history, which goes all the way back to the 12th century. The family-friendly tours often feature reenactments to bring the history to life with battles, royal figures and sieges.
The most iconic feature is the fortified tower (the keep) which offers stunning views of Skipton town and the surrounding Yorkshire Dales. The gardens and grounds are also perfect for picnics and exploring.
Fancy a spot of shopping? The castle is only a short walk from Skipton's bustling market, which has operated since the 1300s.
Grassington village
Grassington is a picturesque village in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It's known for its quaint cobblestones and traditional feel. A central landmark of the village is St Michael and All Angels Church, which was built in the 19th century.
Grassington itself has plenty of family-friendly places to eat and pockets of history to delve into. The town used to be a hub for lead mining.
Nearby, you can explore Grass Wood Nature Reserve or enjoy the popular Grassington to Linton Falls walking route. This promises an easy walk through meadows until you reach the beautiful waterfall.
For families or groups more interested in history, the Thornborough Henges are just a short drive from Grassington (approximately seven miles through very scenic countryside).
Theme parks and zoos
In Wetherby, Stockeld Park promises a great day out for all ages. Kids and adults can explore the Enchanted Forest or jump aboard the Flying Stocksman for a quick train ride across the 2000 acres of parkland. There's even a maze.
Dubbed "the strangest place in the world", the Forbidden Corner is a unique labyrinth of chambers, surprises and explorations within Tupgill Park Estate, North Yorkshire. It's a great day out at the best of times, but the seasonal events are truly enchanting. After the Easter Dragon Hunt, Forbidden Corner is taking a break from special acts until the Wizards turn up in June. However, the standard attractions are still a wonder to behold.
Adrenaline junkies large and small should visit one of North Yorkshire's two theme parks: Web Adventure Park on Wigginton Road or Lightwater Valley in Ripon. Both parks offer indoor playgrounds, roller coasters, roleplay villages and daily programmes for entertainment. Check out the websites for ticket prices, opening times, and any special surprises planned for the May bank holiday weekend.
Those more interested in wildlife than adrenaline can seek out the Yorkshire Wildlife Park on the outskirts of Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Here, you can enjoy 150 acres of wild adventures, including three walk-through animal reserves. The park is also home to the UK's largest polar bear collection. Wow!
Go back to nature
There's no doubt about it: Yorkshire has everything you need for a truly magical May Bank holiday.
But some of its most famous assets aren't zooming around a roller coaster track or swimming with the sea lions. What makes Yorkshire so special is its stunning collection of natural wonders. From long hikes to lunch in a historical town, there's plenty to see and do.
How about a nice, calm walking trail? North Yorkshire has more than its fair share of family-friendly routes to enjoy.
Waterfall-seekers can enjoy the Blea Gill Waterfall near Grimwith Reservoir. This four-mile route is circular and flat, making it the perfect choice for families, couples and dog walkers.
The reservoir walk is beautiful and scenic despite being on easy mode, making it a great choice for a peaceful bank holiday ramble. And best of all, you can start the walk right here at Stump Cross Caverns.
Just up the road, you'll find Bullfront Waterfall (approximately 10 minutes northeast by car) and Linton Falls (15 minutes southwest). Why not make a day of it and visit all three?
While you're in the vicinity of Stump Cross Caverns, don't miss The Coldstones Cut – Yorkshire's biggest public artwork and best-kept secret. You can't even see the structure from the road – but trust us, it's massive!
Created by Andrew Sabin, this impressive structure took four years to build. Its true magnitude can only be appreciated from a bird's eye view, where it looks like two snails with curling shells.
Visitors can hike there, walk one of several circular routes or drive.
A few words of warning: The Coldstones Cut is a very exposed place. The weather here can be unpredictable, even on the sunniest days – and the path to the site is steep, with loose stones underfoot. Be sure to take a jacket and wear sturdy trainers or walking shoes.
Stump Cross Caverns
Stump Cross Caverns is a local bank holiday favourite – and for good reason.
There's loads of fun to be had here, come rain or shine. (In fact, it's great when it's raining because most of our activities are indoors. Bonus!)
While you're here, you can trudge through our enchanting caves, which burst with crystals and stalactites. Take our self-guided tour, and you'll spend about 45 minutes underground, exploring hidden nooks, marvelling at the unspoilt ancient rock formations and learning about our 300-million-year history.
And that's not all. We also hold regular activities like gem panning, fossil digs and educational workshops for the kids. Or why not kick back with a cuppa and enjoy the view at our dog-friendly cafe?.
At 3 PM, things get even more magical thanks to our incredible UV Experience. Equipped with a special UV torch, children and big kids can witness the underground realm in a whole new light. It makes an unforgettable finale to your day at Stump Cross Caverns.
We can't predict the bank holiday weather. But whether you're looking for rainy-day activities in Yorkshire or some outdoor fun in the sunshine, Stump Cross Caverns will scratch that bank holiday itch. Ready for a great day out? You'll get the best deal if you book your tickets online.
