This May half-term is all about fun and playing in nature here at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal. This 800-acre site is bursting with life and splashing its colour. How do you play in nature? Do you run and jump through the long swaying grass? Or do you sit still and watch the nature around you, spotting a frog in the water, watching the birds fly overhead or seeing little beasties flee as you lift a log? Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal has so much for you to explore.
Get crafting in Swanley Grange with our free family-friendly drop-in sessions every day from 27 May – 4 June. Design and create your own bug house using sustainable and natural materials. Once completed, explore the estate and gather materials to go inside. Who knows which bugs will make their new home there? We have quiet crafting sessions daily between 2-3 pm for those who might find quiet crafting a better experience.
Join the family trail, every day from 27 May – 4 June, exploring nature in the deer park. Discover and learn where different animals and insects live. What beasties will you find living in the grassland, woodland or freshwater habitats?
Walk with the wildlife volunteers on Saturday 27 May to find out more about the Red, Sika and Fallow deer that call Studley Royal deer park their home.
There are acres of space for little legs to run riot at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal. Wobble, jump and climb your way through the play area. Why not take a walk through the summer garden or climb to the high ride to see some of the best views?
All of our activities are free with normal admission and there’s no need to book, just pop along and have fun!
Fountains, Ripon HG4 3DY
Running 27 May – 4 June 2023
This May Half Term, gather all your SHIPmates and join us for an ARRRR-mazing expedition!
Collect your Treasure Map and follow the clues to uncover hidden riches – once you get started you’ll be HOOKED!
During your quest, you’ll SEA plenty of KRACKEN photo opportunities and explore abso-LOOT-ley epic nautical scenes, but be sure to watch out for the swashbuckling PIRATE!
Venus the Voodoo Princess will also be waiting to tell your fortune and may even cast a spell before your very AYES!
Dressing up is thoroughly encouraged, prizes will be awarded to Mother Shipton’s favourites when you share them on social media #mothershiptons.
There’s something for the whole family at England’s Oldest Tourist Attraction, including the birthplace of the Yorkshire Prophetess Mother Shipton, the incredible Petrifying Well, a large children’s Adventure Playground (access is subject to weather conditions), and a Museum & Gift Shop.
Scrumptious ice cream is available to purchase as well as hot dogs, pies, sweet and savoury treats, take-away coffee, tea, hot chocolate and refreshments from our lovely vintage-style kiosks in the middle of the woodland walk.
There are plenty of picnic benches and scenic views. Dogs on a lead are welcome everywhere except the adventure playground for a picturesque mile-long walk along the River Nidd.
Knaresborough, HG5 8DD 01423 864600
Running 27th May – 4th June.
Get sowing this May half term at RHS Garden Harlow Carr and learn how to grow your own food.
From sowing peas to edible garden tours with the Garden Detectives, take part in the veg olympics, or explore a family trail with plenty of grow-your-own ideas to inspire you along the way.
All activities are included with garden admission. Free to RHS members and children under 5.
Sow Awesome family trail
Saturday 27 May – Sunday 4 June
9.30am – 6pm, self-led trail
Sowing peas
Monday 29 May and Friday 2 June
Drop-in sessions from 10.30am – 12.30pm and 1pm – 3pm, location TBC
Salad growing workshops
Monday 29 May – Friday 2 June
12noon – 3pm, Sunley Room
Veg Olympics with the Garden Detectives
Tuesday 30 May and Thursday 1 June
11am – 2pm, Main Lawn
Edible garden tours with the Garden Detectives
Tuesday 30 May and Thursday 1 June
3pm, Kitchen Garden
Story yoga sessions
Wednesday 31 May
11am, 1pm and 3pm, Main Lawn (weather dependent)
Running 27th May – 4th June
Crag Ln, Beckwithshaw, Harrogate HG3 1QB
Here comes the sun and all the fun at Stockeld Park this spring, get your pirate fancy dress ready and let us entertain you! Spend the day hunting down the hidden passwords in the enchanted forest, laughing through the magical maze, flexing your creative muscles during arrrrts and crafts and boogieing down during the pirate party dances. Catch all these activities and more around the park throughout the spring adventure.
Don’t forget about ‘Scout’s about’ – Our tree-rific park mascot will be popping up to meet you all too!
Running 27th May- 4th June
Stockeld Park, off the A661 Wetherby Road, LS22 4AN
Mission Out is an active family day out where children and adults can experience epic challenges in the great outdoors!
Explore our THRILL-SEEKING active zones including The Tower Jump Pillow, The Assault Course, The Lake and much more! Experience ACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT and EPIC CHALLENGES in the GREAT OUTDOORS!
Why not level up
You now have the option to add The High Ropes course to your Mission Out experience at a selected time a lot during your visit with our High Ropes time slot. This means NO MORE LENGTHY QUEUES and more time to explore and have fun.
Running 27th May – 4th June
Tingley Garden Centre, Thorpe Lane, Tingley, Leeds WF3 1SL
It’s time for our Half Term Events- have you booked one of our special events yet?🦕 Prehistoric Dino Egg Hunt. Book your cave entry ticket and participate in our competition to find all of the hidden dino hatchlings hidden in our caves to reveal a secret word.🦕 Half Term Fossil & Gem Digs with our Cavewoman. She will be showing you some of our awesome treasures, and there’s an Half Term treat to take away 😀🦕 Half Term Cavewoman Games in the Caves – Saturday 27th May to Sunday 4th June 2023, 4pm to 5pm – celebrate half term with our Cavewoman, with stones and bones games and learn all about her ancient world.Gemstone Waterfall 💦💦🤩Buy your bag of playdirt in the gift shop and then go panning for crystals and GOLD 🤩 can you find one of our Megladon missing teeth? If you do you win a fabulous prize!!💦💦Outside sandpit with dinosaur bones and ammonites hidden to find 🦕
Running 27th May – 4th June.
B6265, Greenhow Hill, Pateley Bridge HG3 5JL
Hop along to Grass Hoppers indoor and outdoor play area at Tong Garden Centre and Tingley Garden Centre for a proper playtime!
You’ll find a huge outdoor adventure playground with sandpits and bouncing pillows and a large indoor play area, with a sports court, a big play frame and a baby and toddler zone, where your young ones can enjoy playtime – whatever the weather!
There’s also great grub including pizzas, toasties and award-winning ice cream in Woody’s Kitchen!
For more information and to book your playtime session, CLICK HERE
Booking required. Suitable for babies and toddlers.
Running 27th May – 4th June.
Tong Lane, Bradford, BD4 0RY and Thorpe Lane, Tingley, Leeds
Visit Lotherton for Spring half term as we delve into stories old and new and travel around the world in 80 stories.
There will be stories for all ages, excitement and adventure around the estate for families to get involved in.
Pick up a trail and follow the stories around the estate using your map. Pop into the house for more stories and dressing up, and then head into the beautiful gardens for outdoor games and a picnic if it’s nice!
Take a stroll to Wildlife World to see amazing animals and meet Edwardian zoologist Dr Henrietta Wright-Legge for lively tales of animals from around the world. There will be family activities in the Nestbox, all themed around Love Your Zoo Week, and plenty of opportunities to find out more about the animals that call Lotherton home.
Don’t miss Wildlife Corner with natural den building, the deer hide, bird spotting, and lots of space to let off steam!
Normal admission applies, booking essential.
Running 27th May – 4th June.
Off Collier Lane, Aberford, Leeds LS25 3EB
Newborn lambs, eggs hatching in our incubators, beautiful fluffy chicks to hold and baby guinea pigs to cuddle after a lonely winter.
On the tractor ride during the month of May, the cows will be outside enjoying the lush grass with their new baby calves.
No booking required.
Running 27th May – 4th June.
Bolton Abbey, Skipton BD23 6HA
We are exploring ‘Happy’ this week for May half term. Come along and take part in activities that make us feel good. Discover your happy place at Temple Newsam!
Join us for fun activities in the house and garden for all the family. Make sure to visit the animals at Home Farm, explore the grounds, and stop off at the café too!
Temple Newsam Estate, Temple Newsam, LS15 0AD Leeds
Running 27th May – 4th June.
For lots more ideas for May Half Term see our May Half Term Specials or visit our Days Out page.
Why don’t you join our Wharfedale & Craven Mumbler chat group where you can share reviews of days out/activities and get ideas from others.
We hope you have a great Half Term.
