Things to Do in North Yorkshire
48 attractions and days out
Photo © John Mallin, Google Maps
North Yorkshire covers a lot of ground, and its days out reflect that. York is the obvious hub, with York Minster towering over a centre packed with attractions like the Jorvik Viking Centre and quirky additions such as The Wizard Walk of York and Star Street Escapes, plus plenty of trapeze, paintball and treasure hunt style activities for a livelier visit.
Outside the city, the market towns offer their own draws. Ripon has its long museum heritage through the Ripon Museum Trust, Richmond mixes castle grounds with modern additions like its Mystery Treasure Trail, and Skipton and Harrogate make good bases for exploring the Dales edge. Further out towards Bentham and Tadcaster, attractions thin out but reward those after tree-top adventures or a quieter pace, such as Raven Tree Top Adventure.
With so many options, it helps to decide whether you want a full day in York or a mix of smaller stops across the county, since travel between towns can eat into the day.
⭐ 4.6
Museums & Galleries
Jorvik Viking Centre
Step back in time on an immersive journey through Viking-age York, where ancient treasures and costumed characters bring Norse history vividly to life at this popular Coppergate attraction.
⭐ 4.6
Landmarks & Monuments
York Minster
One of Europe's most magnificent Gothic cathedrals dominates the city skyline with its soaring towers and stunning medieval stained glass windows that have captivated visitors for centuries.
⭐ 5.0
Birthday Party Venues
The Darling Woods of May
A magical woodland venue perfect for hosting children's birthday celebrations, featuring baby-changing facilities though some areas have limited accessibility for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
⭐ 5.0
Farm Parks
Nidderdale Llamas
Take the family on an unforgettable walking adventure with gentle llamas through the beautiful Yorkshire countryside, then refuel at the onsite restaurant after meeting these charming animals up close.
⭐ 5.0
Adventure & Activity Centres
All Bars Flying Trapeze Club
Experience the thrill of circus acrobatics at this exciting trapeze club located within 270 Climbing Park, where families can learn aerial skills in a wheelchair-accessible facility perfect for adventurous older children.
⭐ 4.9
Cycling & Bike Trails
Cycle the Solar System
Pedal through space on this unique cycling route where planetary markers are positioned at scale distances, bringing the vastness of our solar system to life along Moor Lane.
⭐ 4.9
Adventure & Activity Centres
Live For Today Adventures Ripley
This accessible activity centre in Ripley welcomes families with convenient facilities including parking, accessible toilets and baby changing areas, plus you're free to bring your own picnic.
⭐ 4.9
Zoos & Animal Parks
Talon Falconry
Experience magnificent birds of prey up close at this wheelchair-accessible falconry centre in Lightwater Valley, featuring flying demonstrations and an onsite restaurant for refreshments.
⭐ 4.9
Indoor Soft Play
Pendragon Community Trust
A welcoming indoor play space with full accessibility for wheelchairs and pushchairs, plus baby changing rooms. Families can enjoy on-site dining or pack their own picnic.
⭐ 4.9
Adventure & Activity Centres
The Pottery Shed
Get creative at this hands-on pottery studio where families can paint ceramics together in a fully accessible space with baby changing facilities and pushchair-friendly areas throughout.
⭐ 4.9
Adventure & Activity Centres
Live For Today Adventures Hazlewood
Adventure awaits at this activity centre set within Hazlewood Castle grounds, offering outdoor pursuits with onsite dining, picnic areas and accessible facilities for all the family.
⭐ 4.8
Inflatable & Bounce Parks
Harrogate Bounce
This wheelchair-accessible inflatable park at Spring House Farm offers bouncing fun for all the family, with pushchair-friendly facilities and baby changing areas throughout.
⭐ 4.8
Parks & Play Areas
Studfold Adventure Trail
Set in the stunning Yorkshire Dales countryside, this outdoor discovery trail offers hands-on play and exploration perfect for toddlers through primary-age kids, with parking and dining onsite.
⭐ 4.8
Sightseeing & Attractions
World of James Herriot
Step into the lovingly recreated 1940s home and veterinary surgery of Britain's beloved author and vet, offering families an engaging glimpse into Yorkshire's rural heritage with full accessibility throughout.
⭐ 4.8
Museums & Galleries
Museum of Victorian Science
Step into the fascinating world of 19th-century scientific discovery at this unique Glaisdale museum showcasing authentic Victorian-era experiments and innovations.
⭐ 4.8
Museums & Galleries
Beck Isle Museum
Step into local history at this charming museum featuring period rooms and exhibits celebrating Yorkshire life through the ages. Family-friendly with full accessibility, picnic-welcoming grounds and onsite facilities.
⭐ 4.8
Railways & Transport
Skipton Boat Trips
Cruise along Britain's longest waterway with entertaining guided canal trips departing from Skipton's historic waterfront, perfect for families seeking a relaxing day on the water.
⭐ 4.8
Parks & Play Areas
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal
Step back in time at this UNESCO World Heritage Site where magnificent medieval ruins meet stunning Georgian water gardens, perfect for family picnics and wildlife spotting adventures.
⭐ 4.8
Museums & Galleries
Eden Camp
Step back in time at this immersive wartime museum where families can explore authentic air raid shelters, tackle a children's assault course, and discover what British life was really like in the 1940s.
⭐ 4.8
Parks & Play Areas
Woldies
This fully accessible park welcomes families with pushchairs and wheelchairs throughout, offering baby changing facilities to ensure comfortable visits for parents with little ones.
⭐ 4.8
Parks & Play Areas
Guisborough Forest and Walkways
Explore scenic woodland trails suitable for all ages and abilities, with spectacular Teesside panoramas, family-friendly facilities, and welcome spaces for pushchairs, wheelchairs and dogs.
⭐ 4.8
Escape Room Challenges
Escape Games Middlesbrough
Challenge your family to crack codes and solve puzzles together in thrilling themed rooms on Linthorpe Road. Snacks available onsite, or pack your own picnic to fuel your detective work between adventures.
⭐ 4.8
Beaches & Coastline
Saltburn Beach
This Yorkshire coastal gem combines golden sands with a striking Victorian pier, welcoming families and four-legged friends alike for memorable seaside adventures with wheelchair access and picnic spots.
⭐ 4.8
Railways & Transport
Saltburn Miniature Railway
Take a delightful ride on this 15-inch gauge railway winding its way through Valley Gardens, offering families a nostalgic steam experience in scenic surroundings with accessible facilities.
⭐ 4.7
Swimming & Leisure Centres
Knaresborough Pool
Splash into aquatic adventures at this welcoming leisure facility featuring a warm bubble pool, exciting water flume and dedicated areas for little ones learning to swim, plus convenient parking and accessible facilities.
⭐ 4.7
Castles & Palaces
Knaresborough Castle
Explore the atmospheric ruins of this medieval fortress perched above the River Nidd, featuring a clifftop setting, fascinating history, and an onsite restaurant for refreshments during your visit.
⭐ 4.7
Trails & Treasure Hunts
Knaresborough Spy Mission Treasure Trail
Put your detective skills to the test with this challenging downloadable trail through Knaresborough's historic streets, starting from Market Place and perfect for families seeking adventure.
⭐ 4.7
Museums & Galleries
The Scarborough Fair Collection
Step back in time at this fascinating collection of fully restored fairground machinery and steam engines, all lovingly brought back to life and displayed in working condition at Lebberston Cliff.
⭐ 4.7
Farm Parks
Monk Park Farm Visitor Centre
This family-friendly farm in Yorkshire's famous Herriot countryside lets children get close to friendly animals, explore scenic walking paths, and enjoy all-weather fun in a covered straw barn.
⭐ 4.7
Railways & Transport
Bark Endeavour
Historic sailing vessel moored at Fish Quay offering visitors a glimpse into maritime heritage, with onboard refreshments and the option to enjoy your own picnic while exploring this traditional bark.
⭐ 4.7
Museums & Galleries
Whitby Museum
Explore fascinating local history and natural wonders at this family-friendly museum, fully accessible to wheelchairs and pushchairs with baby changing facilities available throughout.
⭐ 4.7
Parks & Play Areas
Dalby Forest
This expansive Yorkshire woodland offers miles of trails perfect for family walks and bike rides through stunning forest landscapes, with pushchair-friendly paths and facilities including baby changing areas.
⭐ 4.7
Railways & Transport
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Steam through stunning moorland scenery on this heritage railway journey, stopping at charming stations including the famous Harry Potter filming location of Goathland.
⭐ 4.7
Sightseeing & Attractions
Bolton Abbey
This vast 30,000-acre Yorkshire estate offers enchanting woodland trails, striking art installations and scenic riverside paths perfect for family picnics and outdoor adventures.
⭐ 4.7
Farm Parks
Hesketh Farm Park
Meet friendly farm animals and enjoy tractor rides at this 10-acre working farm in the stunning Yorkshire Dales, complete with a restaurant, picnic areas and full facilities for families.
⭐ 4.7
Caves & Mines
Ingleborough Cave
Venture into this spectacular underground world near Clapham where dramatic rock formations and prehistoric treasures line wide walkways, accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs throughout.
⭐ 4.7
Lidos & Outdoor Pools
Ingleton Open Air Heated Swimming Pool
Take a refreshing dip in the Yorkshire Dales at this charming outdoor heated pool, where families can enjoy open-air swimming with snacks available on-site and toilet facilities provided.
⭐ 4.7
Sightseeing & Attractions
Ingleton Waterfalls Trail
Follow this spectacular 4.5-mile circular route through ancient woodland to witness stunning cascades including the magnificent Thornton Force, showcasing Yorkshire's most dramatic natural scenery and fascinating rock formations.
⭐ 4.7
Sightseeing & Attractions
The Forbidden Corner
Explore this award-winning maze of mysterious passages, surprising follies and hidden chambers near Leyburn - an enchanting puzzle garden perfect for adventurous families seeking something truly different.
⭐ 4.7
Sightseeing & Attractions
Bolton Abbey Treasure Hunt Trail
Follow the clues through scenic Bolton Abbey as you track down treasures pinched by mischievous mythical creatures on this enchanting outdoor family adventure trail.
⭐ 4.7
Museums & Galleries
Dorman Museum
Explore fascinating collections spanning natural history, world cultures and local heritage at this welcoming museum on Linthorpe Road. Wheelchair accessible with onsite parking, restaurant facilities and toilets throughout.
⭐ 4.7
Climbing & Bouldering
Rock Antics
Scale challenging walls and test your climbing skills at this exciting indoor venue, though note facilities are limited with no toilets or wheelchair access on site.
⭐ 4.7
Zoos & Animal Parks
Kirkleatham Owl Centre
Experience spectacular free-flight demonstrations and meet over 100 feathered residents at this engaging wildlife centre, where families can enjoy close encounters with owls and other fascinating creatures.
⭐ 4.7
Beaches & Coastline
Port Mulgrave Beach
This wheelchair-accessible Yorkshire cove offers families a chance to hunt for ancient fossils while exploring fascinating remnants of the area's industrial heritage along its rocky shores.
⭐ 4.6
Farm Parks
Spilmans
Rural family farm near Thirsk offering seasonal fruit picking and indoor play facilities for youngsters, with pushchair-friendly grounds and baby changing amenities available.
⭐ 4.6
Sightseeing & Attractions
Richmond Castle
Explore this historic Norman fortress perched above the River Swale, featuring ancient walls and a commanding keep. Wheelchair accessible with nearby parking and facilities, though picnics aren't permitted.
⭐ 4.6
Indoor Soft Play
Mini Monsterz Scarborough
Let little ones burn energy at this spacious Eastfield soft play centre featuring go-karts, dedicated toddler zones and an onsite restaurant. Convenient parking and baby facilities make it ideal for families.
⭐ 4.6
Railways & Transport
North Bay Railway Scarborough
This charming miniature railway takes families on a scenic coastal journey with exciting activities including water-based fun and aerial adventures, plus year-round special events for all ages.
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