The North Yorkshire Moors National Park is well-known for being wonderful walking country – but did you know that it’s also jam-packed full of fantastic family-friendly attractions?! Boasting both countryside and coastal locations, North Yorkshire is the ideal location to whisk your family away for a fun-filled weekend or extended holiday.
Discover our guide to the top family attractions in the North Yorkshire Moors below…
The Magical Monk Park Farm
Situated in the heart of Herriot country, Monk Park Farm is a great location for a fun family day out. Get up close to a variety of animals including lambs, sheep, ponies, pigs, cattle, deer, hens, rabbits, guinea pigs, llamas, alpacas, wallabies and more in the feeding areas, before heading to the adventure playground to let the kids blow off some steam. You can explore the farm on a fascinating barrel ride, or head on a nature walk around the lake.
The Thrilling Thirsk Birds of Prey Centre
The Thirsk Birds of Prey Centre is home to one of the largest collections of flying birds in Northern England. There are around 100 birds and 50 different species to discover, with 3 spectacular flying demonstrations taking place daily; usually featuring a selection of owls, vultures, and eagles. Birds range from the tiny 16lbs Stellers Sea Eagle to the giant 2oz African Pygym Falcon – be sure to keep an eye out for the kookaburra and caracaras, too!
The Riveting Ryedale Miniature Railway
If your children are train lovers, we highly recommend a trip to the Ryedale Miniature Railway. Sundays are the best days to visit, as you can ride the real steam engines (and occasional diesel locomotive) for a small charge. Twice a year, the Ryedale Society of Model Engineers runs an annual rally, with scale model trains running to a full day timetable. These events are extremely popular with train enthusiasts!
The Lively Lightwater Valley Theme Park
With over 40 rides and attractions catered to under 12s, you’ll find adventure around every corner at Lightwater Valley. Whether your kids fancy riding on flying swings, meeting modern-day dinosaurs, or enjoying a lazy ride on the Eagle’s Creek farm tractor, there’s something for everyone here! Don’t miss the Treetop Trails for your chance to explore the giant net walk-through experience, lurking high above the theme park.
The Brilliant Big Sheep & Little Cow Farm
Big Sheep & Little Cow Farm is a unique hands-on farming experience for children and adults alike, with a range of indoor and outdoor play activities to enjoy. Children can hold and feed animals such as chinchillas, goats, pigs, llamas, and donkeys, as well as meeting tortoises and Shetland ponies. Once you’re done with the animals, let the kids blow off some steam in the Woolly Jumpers Play Barn with fun slides, swings and tunnels to discover.
The Handsome Helmsley Open Air Swimming Pool
The charity-run Helmsley Open Air Pool is the only open-air swimming pool in the whole of Yorkshire, nestled in a quiet corner of Helmsley. With its excellent water quality, lack of crowding, and constant water temperature of 28 degrees, you can head to the pool with your family and friends between mid-June to early September each year. Because nothing beats a warm swim in the open air!
The Fun-Filled Flamingo Land Resort
Flamingo Land is a fun family adventure park with over 100 thrilling rides and attractions to enjoy. Discover the UKs only motorbike launch roller coaster, the exhilarating free-falling Cliffhanger coaster, and the suspended looping Kumali roller coaster. The park is also home to the UKs largest privately owned zoo, with many exotic species including giraffes, lions, rhinoceros, tigers and more.
The Notorious North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Climb aboard a steam or diesel train on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and experience 24 miles of Yorkshire’s finest scenery. Arrive at the 1930s-style Pickering Station and discover the history of the railwway, before passing through Levisham, Goathland, Grosmont and arriving in the seaside town of Whitby. Be sure to stop off at Goathland, which served as Hogsmeade Station in the first Harry Potter film.
Family-Friendly Breaks in the Heart of Yorkshire
Our six charming holiday cottages are situated in the beautiful surroundings of Old Byland, near Helmsley in North Yorkshire. If you’re seeking a fun-filled family staycation in the heart of the North Yorkshire Moors, look no further than Valley View Farm Cottages!
Our upcoming availability is as follows:
- Friday 19th – Friday 26th September at Form, Granary & Drey Cottage
- Friday 5th – Monday 8th September at Form, Holt, Granary & Drey Cottage
- Monday 8th – Friday 12th September at Holt, Granary & Drey Cottage
- Friday 12th – Monday 15th September at Form, Holt, Couch, Granary & Drey Cottage
- Monday 15th – Friday 19th September at Holt, Granary & Drey Cottage
- Monday 22nd – Friday 26th September at all cottages
Click here to book your family break in the heart of North Yorkshire today!
