We’re making it really easy for you to plan your summer, see what’s open, what’s new, where you need to book, is it buggy friendly, is there a baby change…all the essential things that you need to know when booking a family day out.
Whether you want to spend a day in town or get out and about in some of the great venues and open spaces, Wharfedale & Craven is a vast place with lots of things to do and explore.
A is for Aireville Park
COST: FREE
PREBOOKING REQUIRED: NO
Aireville Park is a large open space with sporting facilities and play areas in the heart of Skipton.
It dates back to the 1830s when it was created by Henry Allcock as part of the Aireville Estate. Upon his death, wealthy Skipton mill owners, the Dewhurst family, purchased the estate and Aireville Hall.
The park boasts a brand-new children’s playground – with an exciting range of play equipment including climbing frames, slides, swings, tunnels, a spinning swing, a den-building area, a sand-pit, musical instruments and a willow dome and tunnel. A Wheel park for BMX, skateboards and rollerblades, a Pump track for bicycles, a 14-hole pitch & putt course and a Zip wire.
Grab a ball and make use of the Multi-Use Games Area for football, tennis, netball and basketball!
Skipton BD23 1US
Image rights Craven District Council
B is for Bolton Abbey Estate
COST: Estate Admission £12.50 when booked in advance, £15.00 when booked on the day.
PRE-BOOKING REQUIRED: YES
There is so much to see and do at Bolton Abbey! Whether you wander beside or a paddle in the river, cross the exposed purple heights of the heather moorland or explore the woodland nature trails, there is something for everyone. With the stepping stones over the river and the numerous seasonal extras on offer, Bolton Abbey makes a great day out! The cafe is well stocked if you are hungry or thirsty with ice creams being available at both the shop & the kiosk! Other activities included in the Estate admission include:
Bolton Abbey, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 6EX
C is for Cinema. Ilkley Cinema
COST: Kids Club £7.50pp
PREBOOKING REQUIRED: YES
Two-screen independent cinema in the heart of Ilkley. Showing films and events, plus a popular balcony terrace to enjoy a prescreening drink, bar and lounge area serving food and drink to your luxurious, roomy sofa seating during the film. Every Saturday morning at 10.00 am they have a special Kids Club film which is suitable for a younger audience and accompanying grown-ups alike.
46A Leeds Rd, Ilkley LS29 8DP
D is for Dan’s Den at Christchurch
COST: £5.00 Admission includes 2 hours of play and a child snack. No need to pay for accompanying adults or babies.
PREBOOKING REQUIRED: YES
Not only is it a fun and exciting place for children of all abilities to play, but it is suitable for parents to relax and socialise.
Christchurch, The Grove, Ilkley LS29 9LW
E is for Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway
COST: Family 2 adults and 2 children £35.
PREBOOKING REQUIRED: NO
The Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway is a heritage railway in North Yorkshire, England, formed in 1979 and opened in 1981. What child wouldn’t love a trip on a traditional steam train? Take a return journey in historic rail vehicles of approximately one hour through the picturesque edges of the Yorkshire Dales with the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway. Your ticket, we will also grant you admission to the museum on platform 2 at Embsay – on days that we are open. With tickets available on the day or recommended to be booked in advance.
We always head up to Billy Bob’s for lunch and a play after our trip on the train!
Bolton Abbey Station, Skipton BD23 6AF
F is for Fruit Picking
COST: Varies per site
PREBOOKING REQUIRED: Varies per site
Is there anything better than juicy strawberries and cream? We all know they taste even better when you have picked them yourself! The kids will love a day out to one of these MUMBLER Top Picks for PYO! We may not have many PYO venues in Wharfedale & Craven but there are plenty to pick from within easy driving distance listed here.
G is for Golden Acre Park
COST: FREE
PREBOOKING REQUIRED: NO
Golden Acre Park has a lovely walk around the lake with plenty of ducks to feed. With a newly refurbished cafe, a regular ice cream van and plenty of space for a picnic you can spend the day! For a longer walk add Adel Dam Nature Reserve to your route.
Adel Dam is a tranquil nature reserve tucked out of sight, that has emerged from a centuries-old working dam and the surrounding land. A rare combination of wet and dry woodland surrounds a lake and pond frequently visited by kingfishers – the number one attraction. Make sure you spend a few minutes in the hides to see what you can spot! It can be accessed through Golden Ace Park. Instead of walking across the new wooden bridge at the back of the lake verve down to the left and enter the nature reserve through the gate. It’s a beautiful peaceful walk with lots of species of birds previously spotted.
Alternatively, follow the path to the right before the tunnel entrance for a lovely walk to Paul’s Pond complete with a stream to paddle in – It’s all fun & games until your wellies fill with water! We love a paddle at Paul’s Pond, whether it’s wellies in winter or sandals in summer!
Otley Rd, Bramhope, Leeds LS16 8BQ
H is for Hesketh Farm Park
COST: Adults – £7.00, Children – £7.00, Under 2’s – £3.50, Under 1’s – £1.00
PREBOOKING REQUIRED: NO
Voted Wharfedale & Craven Mumblers 2022 Favourite Family Day Out, Hesketh Farm Park is set in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, just 1 mile from the picturesque village of Bolton Abbey. This summer catch up with friends and enjoy a picnic in the beautiful surroundings. There is lots to keep everyone happy with go-karts, Spiders Web, an Outdoor sandpit and our large playhouse. On a hot day, as well as enjoying a carrot, our Shetland ponies love to be brushed, you can meet the farm animals, play in the park and take a tractor ride.
Bolton Abbey, Skipton BD23 6HA
I is for Ilkley Riverside Park
COST: FREE
PREBOOKING REQUIRED: NO
A large fenced park with lots of play equipment, a sand pit and large grassy areas in a great location by the river – it is a lovely place for a picnic, a paddle or a stroll!
Fish and chips are available until 8.00pm at the Riverside Gardens Hotel (01943 607338 for more information)
Toilets are situated near to the Riverside Gardens Hotel (but in a separate building). Open 9.00am – 5.00pm – and are free to use.
There is free parking though it fills up quickly on a sunny day.
Riverside Gardens Park, Bridge Lane, Ilkley. LS29
J is for Jumping at Gravity Kirkstall Road
COST: £12.95 pp
PREBOOKING REQUIRED: YES
Looking for something fun and active for all ages and abilities? Try Gravity Active Entertainment, Leeds – The perfect day out. Grab your Gravity Socks and wristbands and get bouncing. Let loose as you jump, bounce, hop and dance through the air on our extreme trampolines. During OPEN JUMP, you can use all of the general park activity areas for an intense 60-minute session. Open Jump is suitable for all ages and abilities from 18 months up. Whether it’s your first bounce or your fiftieth, come and join the fun.
For those who are looking to relax, head upstairs to our Newtons café. Coffee, cake, ice cream and a full view of the park, what more is there to offer! Fancy something cold and refreshing grab one of our UNLIMITED slushes for just £4.95 with over 6 flavours to choose from.
An hour passes by, and lockers are emptied, but that’s not all… why not head over to the NEW premier Fun Box Arcade Gravity at the tap of a card. With around 35 games to play, why not give them a go and see if you can beat any og the high scores.
Cardigan Fields Leisure Park, Kirkstall Rd, Leeds LS4 2DG
K is for Kilnsey Park Estate
COST:
PREBOOKING REQUIRED: NO
Explore Kilnsey Park to discover a real experience of the Yorkshire Dales. From fishing and friendly farm animals to red squirrels and an award-winning cafe, there’s something to keep the whole family engaged and having fun. Enjoy the Nature Trail – with alpacas, angora and pygmy goats, red squirrels, lambs, piglets and bee hives along with our new improved family fishing pond and pony rides.
Kilnsey Park’s Family Fishing Pond offers a unique first fishing experience for all the family. Situated in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, it’s perfect for that refreshing ‘back to nature’ feeling and a great way for parents to bond with the children in a relaxed and safe location.
It couldn’t be more simple to fish with us. All you need to do is turn up and our helpful staff will provide you with all the tackle, bait and instruction needed, so you can get fishing straight away.
Open 9.30am-5pm – booking not necessary. Takeaway snacks and drinks available from the Cafe by the Lake.
Dogs on a lead are also welcome.
Kilnsey Park, Kilnsey, Skipton BD23 5PS
L is for Lido – Ilkley Lido
COST: Adult (16+) swim £8.60, Junior (3+)/Senior swim £4.40, U3s FREE
PREBOOKING REQUIRED: NO
With a big outdoor swimming pool and plenty of space to sunbathe. You can take your own food & drink and there are picnic tables for you as well.
The indoor pool is open all year round. The outdoor pool is summer only (not heated), see here for Ilkley Lido opening times.
The summer timetable runs up to Sunday, 4 September. Summer prices are applied throughout this period.
Swimwear, towels, goggles, armbands and sun cream are available to purchase from reception. Balls, floats and pool toys can be purchased from the café. The use of photographic equipment is not permitted around the swimming pool areas (including mobile phones).
Bag and body searches will be in operation throughout the busy summer period.
You do not need to book to swim at Ilkley Pool and Lido.
Denton Rd, Ilkley LS29 0BZ
M is for Micklesfield Park, Rawdon
COST: FREE
PREBOOKING REQUIRED: NO
Parklands in Rawdon with a variety of facilities Playgrounds, skate parks and an outdoor gym plus plenty of green space to enjoy a picnic!
Micklefield skatepark is a small concrete skatepark. The skatepark starts in one corner with a raised platform where the street area is and features stair sets, ledges, hubbas and manny pads. Leading on from this is the large transitions section which features bowls, hips, quarter pipes, spines, volcanoes, bump and a taco. This is the main attraction of the park and has been creatively designed to mean you can flow around the course all day by pumping and without having to push once.
8 Salisbury St, Rawdon, Leeds LS19 6BE
N is for Nature Reserves
COST: FREE
PREBOOKING REQUIRED: NO
We love exploring our local nature reserves. They are a great place to relax and spend time spotting the local wildlife. With different species to spot at different times of the year they are a place you can visit again and again. We are so lucky to have some great ones locally.
You can find full details of our favourite local ones here.
O is for Otley Chevin.
COST: FREE
PREBOOKING REQUIRED: NO
The winner of the Wharfedale & Craven Mumbler Awards 2022 FREE Day Out there is so much to explore! Otley Chevin is the perfect place to visit at any time of year and with plenty of different areas to explore and trails to follow there is something for all the family to enjoy! Aside from the breathtaking views the best part about Otley Chevin is that there are so many paths even if it is a busy day you don’t have to be surrounded by lots of other people and can fully enjoy the peace and quiet of nature.
There is free parking at the start of all the trails listed here with walks ranging from 1k to 5k and exploring sculptures, geology and more!
P is for Paddling
COST: FREE
PREBOOKING REQUIRED: NO
When the warm weather has got you looking for somewhere to go for a paddle or a splash with the kids, there are some great Mumbler recommendations in and around Wharfedale & Craven!
Please note some of the below recommendations involve open water and whilst other Mumblers have recommended these for places to paddle we would suggest checking these out yourself and ensuring a responsible adult is present at all times. You can find the full details here.
Q is for Quests!
COST: FREE – £5
PREBOOKING REQUIRED: NO
We are so lucky to have lots of trails and quests in Wharfedale & Craven! Try out one of the below trails and let us know your thoughts!
Clue Trails: Days out in towns and villages in & around Wharfedale & Craven have just got better! Buy a Clue Trail today (£5) and have screen-free fun, plus a head scratch, with your family & friends. Highly recommended for 8+ years. Explore the area, enjoy the challenge!
The Chevin Geology Trail, Otley
The Chevin Sculpture Trail, Otley
The Aire Valley Sculpture Trail, Saltaire
R is for Reservoirs.
COST: FREE
PREBOOKING REQUIRED: NO
We love a walk around a reservoir, there is so much wildlife to spot! We are very lucky to have some beautiful spots locally which you can enjoy. You can find our top picks here.
S is for Skipton Castle.
COST: £30 Family Ticket 2 Adults (Ages 18-100) + up to 3 Children (ages 5-17)
PREBOOKING REQUIRED: YES
Skipton Castle is a medieval castle in Skipton. It was built in 1090 by Robert de Romille, a Norman baron, and has been preserved for over 900 years.
Visitors can explore every corner of this impressive history-rich castle, which withstood a three-year siege during the Civil War. View the Banqueting Hall, the Kitchen, the Bedchamber and Privy. Climb from the depths of the Dungeon to the top storey of the Watch Tower.
Skipton Castle, Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 1AW
Make sure you head for a walk in Skipton Castle Woods once you finish at the Castle! Such a beautiful place to enjoy the peace and quiet! The best way to experience Skipton Castle Woods is to visit by walking along the spectacular tow path from Mill Bridge in the heart of Skipton. On arrival in the wood you will find a site map full of interesting features, suggested walking routes and more activities to try. Happy exploring!
T is for Thornton Hall Country Park
COST: Child £12.95, Adult £9.95, Under 2 £6.95, Under 1 FREE
PREBOOKING REQUIRED: YES
The farm park is a perfect family day out packed with lots to see and do! Experience hands-on animal encounter’s on a traditional working farm, hitch a ride in the 4 x 4 Adventure Experience and relax in the country tearoom while the little ones burn off the remainder of their energy in our huge fun filled Wizzick Play Barn… a fun filled, informative family day out, RAIN OR SHINE!
Thornton-in-Craven, Skipton BD23 3TS
U is for Underground at Stump Cross Caverns
COST: Adults £13.00, Children including trail sheet & prize (3-13) £9.00, (0-2) £2.00.
PREBOOKING REQUIRED: YES
Stump Cross Caverns is an ancient natural cave formation deep underneath the Yorkshire Dales. As well as the caves, they’ve also got a cinema, cafe, time-out private dining pod, shop and visitor centre on-site.
The caves at Stumps Cross were then discovered in 1860 by miners who looking for lead seams in the Yorkshire Dales. Although they didn’t find any lead, they did find the natural caverns which you can see today.
The cave system at Stump Cross extends well beyond the show caves which are open to the public, to an overall length of approximately 6km. Many of the deeper caverns are only accessible to experienced cavers, but there is a possibility of further sections of the caverns being opened to the public in the future. Indeed, the impressive reindeer cavern was opened to the public in 2000 after debris was removed and the cave was made safe.
Remains of Wolverines, a giant member of the weasel family have been discovered at Stump Cross. It is thought that these animals entered the caves looking for food such as Reindeer and Bison, the remains of which have also been found. The Wolverine remains are on display in the visitor’s centre. This Summer you can take advantage of all the outdoor seating AND our huge outdoor sandpit! Bring a bucket and spade and find some hidden fossils! We are dog friendly and there are some beautiful walks on our doorstep – just ask at the shop and we’ll tell you where to go! Then finish the day off with one of our amazing ice creams!
Pushchairs and baby back carriers are not permitted due to restricted access, however, front carriers are permitted.
Stump Cross Caverns, Greenhow Hill, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 5JL
V is for Victorian Streets at Abbey House Museum and Kirkstall Abbey.
COST: Abbey House Museum £13.50 for a family ticket (2 adults, up to 3 kids), Kirkstall Abbey FREE*
PREBOOKING REQUIRED: NO
Abbey House Museum is a local museum of Leeds’s social history with Victorian streets and nostalgic galleries. It’s a great family-friendly museum! Once you have explored the Victorian Streets why not head across the road to explore the ruins of Kirkstall Abbey!
Kirkstall Abbey, a fabulous example of Medieval Cistercian abbey ruins set on the banks of the River Aire in Leeds. There is free parking at Abbey House Museum and free entry to the Abbey Visitor Centre with cafe, toilets and baby change facilities!
Entry to the abbey ruins is free for Leeds residents and people who live in Leeds City Council tax postcode including those living in all LS postcodes as well as WF2, 3, 10, 12, 17 / BD3, 10, 11.
Abbey House Museum, Abbey Walk, Abbey Rd, Kirkstall, Leeds LS5 3EH
Kirsktall Abbey, Abbey Rd, Kirkstall, Leeds LS5 3EH
W is for Waterfall walk at Hebers Ghyll, Ilkley
COST: FREE
PREBOOKING REQUIRED: NO
This fabulous child friendly waterfall walk, will take you through the woods around Hebers Ghyll, up to the Swastika Stone and past the beautiful Ilkley Tarn. Parking is roadside or public car parks (and toilets) in are available in Ilkley town centre. The Hebers Ghyll path criss-crosses the descending water, with plenty of bridges to race over. There are so many paddling spots at the waterfalls on the way down so take your wellies or sandals and have a splash! The Swastika Stone is a scheduled monument, protected on account of it’s significance in the scale of cup and ring marked rocks. It is believed that the carvings date back to c.2800-500BC and this particular stone is really detailed and is one of the more rare examples of Neolithic stone carvings. Any budding historians will love it! We parked on Hebers Ghyll Drive and headed to the Swastica Stones first before joining the Millennium Way path to Hebers Ghyll and ending back up on Hebers Ghyll Drive. The route was about 3k.
X is for Xtreme Skating at one of our local skateparks
COST: FREE
PREBOOKING REQUIRED: NO
With 4 Skateparks to explore your child can hone their skills weekly during the holidays. Aireville Park in Skipton, Yeadon Tarn, Micklefield Park in Rawdon and Wharfemeadows Park in Otley all have lots of other activities on offer so why not take a picnic and make a full day of it!
Y is for Yeadon Tarn
COST: FREE
PREBOOKING REQUIRED: NO
With flat paths, all the way around the Tarn, it’s ideal for scooters, prams and wheelchairs. There are ducks galore, a new play park & a regular ice cream van making Yeadon Tarn is a great cheap day out! For older children, there is also a great skate park to try their stunts on.
Cemetery Road, Yeadon, Leeds LS28 7HN
Z is for Zoo – Tropical World
COST: Adult £7.60, Child (3-15) £3.80, U5s FREE
PREBOOKING REQUIRED: YES
Journey through Tropical World’s various exotic and interesting zones. Take a trek through the rainforest, desert, aquarium and waterfall areas and see some fascinating animals and creatures along the way including butterflies, crocodiles, rare birds, meerkats and many many more!
The fun doesn’t stop there as you can also unwind and bask in the heat with snakes, lizards and iguanas in the creature corner as well as discovering some of the more peculiar animals that roam the world while we sleep in the nocturnal zone.
Once you have finished exploring all there is on offer at Tropical World, you can grab a bite to eat and drink in the café which has a variety of hot and cold refreshments on offer. With a unique view of the canal gardens, the café is the perfect place to sit back and relax.
There is also plenty on offer outside of Tropical World in the popular Roundhay Park where it is located. Roundhay Park covers over 700 acres of rolling parkland, lakes, woodlands, formal gardens and playgrounds.
Princes Ave, Roundhay, Leeds LS8 2ER
