Discover Lotherton, a country estate, historic hall and Wildlife World zoo.
The expansive grounds and gardens are lovely walking spots, with or without four-legged companions. Each season brings new surprises including wild garlic in the spring, a sea of colourful blooms in summer in the formal gardens and stunning autumnal colours later on in the year.
The two playgrounds mean there’s plenty of space for running about and letting off steam, with zip wires for older children to enjoy.
The evolving zoo, Wildlife World, is a real highlight and visitors can see the Humboldt penguins splash and swim in their pool. Other colourful characters include Arthur the tapir, porcupines and a flamboyance of pink flamingos. New for 2021 is the Nocturnal House with a kinkajou, armadillo and more!
To discover the history of the estate step inside the former home of the Gascoigne family and wander the rooms. A fascinating collection of artworks and objects fill each room and tell the story of its former residents and the community around them. The Museum is also home to an annually-changing exhibition on the first floor.
The traditional stables area courtyard is where you’ll find the Stables café serving a range of lunch options, cakes and ice creams.
To make the most of Lotherton there is an annual membership available which means regular trips, invitations to exclusive events and behind-the-scenes updates straight to your inbox.
All visitors, including members, require a timed ticket to visit the estate between 9 am – 4 pm,
Children under 5 can visit for free.
Lotherton Hall, Collier Lane, Aberford, LS25 3EB. Tel: 0113 378 2959.
Open weekends in March, then every day from April – December for pre-booked tickets.
Within historic woodland along the River Nidd is Mother Shipton’s Cave, the birthplace of Yorkshire’s famous prophetess. It is situated next to the Petrifying Well, England’s oldest visitor attraction. The attraction tells the story of Mother Shipton and the water which turns objects to stone.
The park is a unique, unspoilt remnant of the Royal Forest of Knaresborough. During a visit it is an old tradition to make a wish. The Wishing Well is fed by the same magical waters as the Petrifying Well and has been wished upon for over 300 years. Many visitors have been in touch to tell us their wishes have come true!
The park has several scenic picnic areas, an adventure playground and a museum and a gift shop. Dogs are welcome in all areas, apart from the playground.
Themed events run during the school holidays. For more information about family events visit our website.
Visitors can now book online! For general admission and events, discounted tickets are available at: https://mothershipton.digitickets.co.uk/tickets
Please check the website for up-to-date opening times and any unforeseen park closures.
Website
Email: info@mothershipton.co.uk
Phone: 01423 864600
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Themed events run during school holidays.
If you have any more questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@mothershipton.co.uk
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. They are located on the B6265 between Pateley Bridge and Grassington and open seven days a week (9 am-6 pm). They run special offers throughout the year – so check out their website for the latest offers!
***Open Daily – come join us for some Summer Holiday Fun!***
The caves and shop are open daily from 9 am-6 pm and The Time Cafe serves delicious hot and cold food and drinks from 10 am – 5.30 pm.
You can rent our cinema for your own private viewing – only £6 per person. We have hundreds of movies for you to choose from or feel free to bring your own! Order from the Time Cafe and we’ll serve it straight to your chair! The ultimate movie experience!
There is a brilliant fairy trail to keep little ones entertained whilst down the caves – as well as a huge outdoor sandpit to search for old dinosaur bones!
For something a little special, why not rent out our Time Out Pod for private dining with some spectacular views.
We have late-night openings for UV Thursdays – where you can enjoy self-guided UV tours of the cave from 4 pm – 6 pm.
We also have the Stumpy Van serving delicious ice creams – weather dependent!
Something for all the family – even the dog is welcome!
Open daily!
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.
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
01756 752780
Open daily 10am – 6pm (last entry 5pm), closed 24th/25th December.
Located in Hull, The Deep is an award-winning aquarium home to 3,500 fish including green sawfish, spectacular sharks, rays and a colony of Gentoo penguins. Journey through the story of the world’s oceans travelling through a unique blend of spectacular marine life from warm tropical waters to the cold Antarctic seas. Highlights include daily dive shows, animal presentations, touch pool sessions, the amazing glass tunnel and a ride in the glass lift through the 10m Endless Oceans exhibit.
Tower Street, Hull, HU9 4DP (Sat Nav HU9 1TU)
Phone 01482 381000.
Tropical World will be open daily 10am to 4pm with last entry at 3.30pm. Online booking is preferred, please book in advance here to avoid disappointment.
We have implemented new ways of working with enhanced safety measures in place so everyone can enjoy the full Tropical World experience. We ask everyone to follow these new guidelines to keep everybody safe.
Please note facial coverings are mandatory for visitors throughout all areas of the attraction, including admissions, retail, café (unless dining in) and the zoo
Don’t miss out on a 50% discount on all food and drink when you dine in with us, Monday to Wednesday throughout August, as part of the government’s “Eat out to help out” scheme*. (*Maximum discount of £10 per head. )
The café is open daily from 10am to 3.30pm with both indoor and outdoor seating over-looking Canal Gardens, and offering a full menu of delicious meals, sweet treats and snacks.
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.
Tropical World is wheelchair accessible and allows free admission for carers on a 1:1 basis.
Under 5s FREE, on bus route and off road parking available.
Tropical World, Princes Avenue, Roundhay, Leeds, LS8 2ER
Bracken Hall Countryside Centre and museum is situated on the edge of Shipley Glen, a popular beauty spot. The Centre has displays relating to the natural history, geology, archaeology and local history of the area. The colourful interactive wildlife exhibits delve into the lives of badgers, frogs and bats. There are interactive displays about other animals and foodwebs.
The small charming garden attracts different kinds of wildlife throughout the year from tadpoles to butterflies and honeybees. The garden is designed to show how people can attract wildlife to their own gardens, and also features bee-hives and a pond.
Bracken Hall Countryside Centre, Glen Road, Baildon, Shipley, West Yorkshire, BD17 5EA
Phone 01274 584140
http://www.bradfordmuseums.org/venues/brackenhall/index.php
Dramatic moorland rock formations. Explore Brimham Rocks and have a great day out at nature’s playground. This amazing collection of weird and wonderful rock formations makes a great day out for families, climbers and those wanting to enjoy the simple pleasures of fresh air and magnificent views over Nidderdale.
There’s no admission charge at Brimham Rocks. Parking is free for National Trust members.
Non-National Trust members, car parking charges are as follows: £4 up to three hours, £5 thereafter
Brimham Rocks Summerbridge, Harrogate, HG3 4DW, Tel: 01423 780688
Open Monday to Saturday | 9.30am till 4.30pm
FREE ENTRY
Connect with local characters and landscapes from the past in our family-friendly, accessible museum. We care for a treasure trove of around 60,000 objects representing millions of years of Craven history. Whether you like rocks or rare books, photographs or furniture, art or taxidermy – you’ll find it at Craven Museum. The museum is family-friendly and fully accessible.
Located in: Skipton Town Hall
Address: High St, Skipton BD23 1AH
With tickets available on the day or recommended to be booked in advance 0-2 years go free & 3-15 years only £5.50, what child wouldn’t love a trip on a traditional steam train. The Santa specials are brilliant, a great annual trip for the family.
Bolton Abbey, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 6AF.
Phone 01756 710614
Eureka! Science + Discovery is designed for children and young people up to 14 years to discover how Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) influence and shape their lives. Through connecting the everyday with the extraordinary, we ignite curiosities and present possibilities.
Booking in advance is essential
Victoria Pl, Wallasey CH44 6NR
This museum is a fantastic day out and is really highly recommended for children up to about 11. There are specific areas for the under 5’s and even a couple of special non-walker areas.
The concept of the museum is that you learn through play and everything there is hand-on. I visited with my 18month old and 4 year old and they were both devastated when we had to leave after 4 hours and have been begging me to go back since!
There is a mini M& S shop for the children to work and shop in, a bank and post office. There is a car garage where you can do a MOT, the sound garden, the desert area and so much more.
There is a cafe and gift shop on site although there are indoor and outdoor picnic benches if you want to take your own. Best of all, the cost of the admission gives you for free entry for 12 months. Parking costs around £3
Please note, they are usually closed on MONDAYS during term time and the new All About Me Gallery is now open.
Eureka! The National Children’s Museum
Discovery Road, Halifax, HX1 2NE
01422 330 069
http://www.eureka.org.uk/whatson
info@eureka.org.uk
Prices from 1 April 2017
Free with Standard Admission/Annual Pass. Pay once and come back as many times as you want for a year:
Adult/Child (age 3+): £12.95 each, Toddlers (age 1-2 years): £5.25, Babies (under 1 year): FREE
*Additional charge may apply on some events
Opening Times
Weekends, half-terms, holidays and bank holidays open daily 10am -5pm.
Term-time weekdays open 10am -4pm. Closed Mondays during school terms, 24th-26th December and 1 January.
with Real Yorkshire Tours
This trip is ideal for the young dinosaur hunter who wants to step back in time and discover Yorkshire’s own Dinosaur Coast.
Millions of years ago – Yorkshire was under a great ocean full of strange shellfish and huge marine reptiles. It then changed slowly into a large delta leaving behind dinosaur footprints in the mud, before turning into a shallow tropical sea home of corals and sharks.
How do we know all this – the story is in the rocks…let us guide you and bring to life this Jurassic ocean, taking you back 150-200 million years.
We’ll start our tour in Whitby, where I have been fossil hunting for years. After a short walk around the coast past Whitby’s famous gothic Abbey, we’ll arrive at one of Yorkshire’s secret top fossil hunting locations where after a short talk – we’ll be able to start hunting for our own fossils. There’s a great chance of finding your own ammonite and belemnite fossils to take home. On our return we’ll point out the dinosaur footprints – long lost casts of a real life Jurassic Park.
We cant guarantee it, but we have found friendly grey seals on the beach the last two times we have done this trip!
Back in Whitby, there will be time for refreshments and looking at our finds over fish and chips or a sandwich and cake in Sanders Yard.
After our refreshemnts we’ll visit a Whitby Museum in Pannet Park – a traditional old fashioned museum with glass cases stacked with fossils. The museum is home to some world famous speciments of huge icthysaurs and pleisiosaurs, as well as the museums most treasured fossil, a 3 meter long marine crocodile found in 1824.
The fossil hunting in Whitby is tide dependent, so the timing of the trip itinerary may need to be organised accordingley. We insist children wear hard hats and safety goggles (supplied by us along with geological hammers!).
The fossil hunting trip lasts 3-4 hours and can be strenuous. It is not recommended for people with pushchairs or walking disabilities. It is recommended that walking boots or wellington boots are worn.
http://realyorkshiretours.co.uk/family-adventures/fossils-dinosaurs.php
Harewood House is a country house in Harewood near Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. Designed by architects John Carr and Robert Adam, it was built between 1759 and 1771 for wealthy plantation owner Edwin Lascelles, 1st Baron Harewood. There are over 100 acres of gardens at Harewood. They are full of variety, with plants from all over the world. The large adventure playground is a big hit with children as are the penguins and the bird garden. There is a café and gift shop and usually some sort of seasonal activity in the eco-pods & regular events being held.
Harewood House Trust, Harewood House
Harewood, Leeds LS17 9LG
Phone +44 (0)113 218 1010
Regular events
Muddy monkeys messy play – every Tuesday (term time) (10am to 11am)
Join us at Kirkstall Abbey for messy creative fun with natural and art materials. Please wear suitable messing clothing as sometimes we paint, sometimes we get muddy and if the weather is nice we go outside in the ruins!
Knights, dragons and princesses activities – second Thursday of the month (10am to 11am)
Is your under 5 a budding knight, lovely princess or little dragon? Then come along and join us for fun at the abbey. Come dressed up but remember we may get messy!
Fairy fun activities – third Thursday of the month (10am to 11am)
For all under 5s fairies and their carers! Join us for creative fairy fun. There are things to make, dressing up and things to play with. Feel free to come in your fairy outfits, but please be aware that sometimes we use paint and glue.
Multi monkeys stay and play – last Wednesday of the month (10am to 11am)
A monthly stay and play session for parents and preschool multiple births children. Please wear suitable messy clothing as sometimes we paint and sometimes we get muddy and if the weather is nice, we go outside in the ruins!
Phone 0113 230 5492
www.leeds.gov.uk/kirkstallabbey
SatARTday Club – First Saturday of the month (11am to 4pm)
Drop-in workshop for families who want to have fun being imaginative and creative together. Booking is essential for large groups, contact (0113) 247 8254.
Leeds Art Gallery
Monday closed. Tues-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12pm-4pm. Closed on bank holidays.
Admission free
Phone 0113 247 8256.
www.leeds.gov.uk/artgallery
The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 3AA.
Regular events
Rory’s Saturday Club – every Saturday (11am to 12:15pm)
Family arts and craft activities relating to the museum displays.
Tiny tigers toddler group – first Friday of the month (10am to 11:45am)
Come along and make your own historical mess, suitable clothing advised. Suitable for the under fives and their carers.
Leeds City Museum
Mondays closed (except bank holiday Mondays 11am-5pm), Tues-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat and Sun 11am-5pm.
Admission free
Phone 0113 224 3732.
Millennium Square, Cookridge Street, Leeds, LS2 8BH.
www.leeds.gov.uk/citymuseum
The Science Adventure Centre is a hands-on experience, packed with interactive exhibits and fascinating displays. Explore the wonders of Science and Technology in our four pavilions – Air, Earth, Fire & Water! Splash in water, operate real JCB’s in Earth, marvel at a tornado made of fire and even explode a rock face! Magna is a coats-on experience; set in the old Templeborough steelworks, The Big Melt and Face of Steel offer an exciting journey into the world of steelmaking.
A fantastic day out for all the family!
Sheffield Road, Templeborough, Rotherham, S60 1DX
Phone 01709 720002
Pricing (April 2017)
| Adult | £10.95 | £11.95 |
| Child 4 to 15 | £8.95 | £9.95 |
| Child 2 to 3 | £4.50 | £4.95 |
| Child Under 2 | Free of Charge | Free of Charge |
| Concession | £9.95 | £10.95 |
| Family Ticket Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Type | Online Price | On The Day Price |
| Family of 3 | £28.95 | £30.95 |
| Family of 4 | £36.95 | £39.95 |
| Family of 5 | £44.95 | £48.95 |
| Family of 6 | £52.95 | £57.95 |
| Maximum of 2 adults | ||
Family tickets are for children aged 4 to 15, and a maximum of 2 adults. Tickets for children aged 2 to 3 should be purchased separately.
With nine floors of galleries to explore, three cinemas including Yorkshire’s biggest IMAX screen, and a packed programme of events, you’re sure to find something to inspire you.
National Media Museum, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD1 1NQ
Open Daily 10-6pm (Museum and Shop)
Free entry to museum.
Home to over 300 years of history and over a million wonderful objects. Visit and you can marvel at iconic locomotives, watch engineering work in progress in the Workshop, browse the object-filled Warehouse, and let off steam in the outdoor play area. Younger visitors will love letting off steam in the railway-themed outdoor play area. Plus, you can take a ride on the nearby miniature railway and enjoy the scenery.
NRM York, Leeman Road, York, YO26 4XJ
Opening Times 10am–6pm daily Closed 24, 25, 26 Dec
FREE ENTRY
Newby Hall is an eighteenth-century country house situated on the banks of the River Ure at Skelton-on-Ure, near Boroughbridge in North Yorkshire, England, and is a Grade I listed building. Open March- September. You can take a picnic and we’d recommend swimmers (for the water fountain bit!), there is adventure play and a great little train ride and with a Dolls house exhibit there is something for both boys & girls!
Newby Hall & Gardens, Ripon, HG4 5AE
Phone 01423 322583
Runs from Pickering to Whitby over 24 miles of beautiful Yorkshire Scenery.
Old fashioned steam engines running through the beautiful countryside, you can jump on and off at various villages.
Regular special events for children.
01751 472508
Just a short distance from Harrogate town centre, this beautiful garden makes a great family day out. Enjoy some fresh air, catch up with friends and entertain the children all year round.
As well as beautiful planting displays, the garden also homes many fun natural play areas for adventurous children, including the Craggle Top Tree House, Log Maze, Logness Monster and the giant Woodland instruments.
After spending some time in the garden, why not relax and enjoy coffee or lunch at the famous Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms? Children are well catered for and Betty’s delicious organic breads, cakes and gifts are available to take away.
There are many entertaining and educational events for all the family throughout the year, including half-term activities, outdoor theatre, wildlife discovery days, and guided walks. For more information and to find out what’s on visit the Harlow Carr website.
Additional info:
• Seasonal events and activities for children • Picnic areas within the garden and baby changing facilities • Plenty of free parking • Paths suitable for pushchairs & wheelchairs.
www.rhs.org.uk/harlowcarr
Ripley is a lovely place for a stroll around the gardens and deer park.
Within the pleasure grounds there is a small children’s play trail. Let your children release their energy and hunt for clues on our informative Treasure Hunt whilst you wander around.
There is a small outdoor play area in the grounds and they do run tours of the castle specifically aimed at children over 5yrs.
Normal adult admission is £6 and kids under 5 are free. Season tickets are just £20 per adult and RHS card holders are admitted for free (exclusions apply)
Phone 01423 770152
http://www.ripleycastle.co.uk/
Opening times
Daily 10am – 5pm last admission 4.30. The museum is closed 24-26 December.
Admission
Free: some events may be chargeable.
Free Taxi Boat also available outside.
Address
Royal Armouries Museum Armouries Drive Leeds LS10 1LT
Phone 0113 220 1999
https://royalarmouries.org/leeds/
This unique tramway was built in 1895 and operates narrow-gauge ‘toastrack’ cable-hauled trams. Two trams with canopy tops, run up and down a steep wooded hill every 3 minutes or as required. Restored and operated by volunteers. Museum open at bottom station – pictorial history and artefacts relating to Shipley Glen and tramway.
A short walk from the world heritage village of Saltaire.
Wheelchair access is good to both top and bottom station. Wheelchairs can ride on the trams.
Guide Prices
Adult Day Rover
£2.50 per adult
Junior return 5-16yrs
£1.00 per child
Junior Single 5-16yrs
£0.50 per child
Single
£1.50 per adult
Prams and bikes are welcome – we just want you to enjoy the tramway!
Dogs, accompanied by well-behaved owners are welcome too.
Open Sundays only from January to Easter 12:00 to 16:00 pm
From 31st March Saturday & Sunday 12:00 to 16:00 hrs
The trams run continually during these times so we cannot pre-book seats.
Prod Ln, Baildon, Shipley BD17 5BN
01274 589010
Book online at skiptoncastle.co.uk for your Castle visit and all day parking at the Bailey Car Park.
If you are a Friend of Skipton Castle, please call the office on 01756 792442 or admin@skiptoncastle.co.uk to book your visit. We will need your contact details: Name, Tel, Email and the number in your group to make your booking. You will receive a confirmation email which you will need to bring along with your Friends card. Please note your friends membership has been extended by 4 months.
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
01756 792442
With its beautiful park & gardens, house tour & Home Farm, Temple Newsam is a great day out, throw in the play area and a picnic and you are set.
Farm Winter opening hours: Tue – Sun 10.00 – 16.00
Last entry 45 minutes before closing
Tea Rooms: Mon – Fri 10.00 – 16.30; Sat – Sun 10.00 – 17.30
Winter opening hours: Tues – Sun 10.30 – 16.00
Please note: Last admission 45 minutes before closing.
The House, Farm and cafe are open on bank holidays, excluding Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
Tickets are valid for the entire day on which they are purchased.
Visitors are advised to telephone 0113 3367460 for more details.
http://www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/Pages/Temple-Newsam.aspx
Temple Newsam Road
Off Selby Road
Leeds
LS15 0AE
The Forbidden Corner is a unique labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, follies and surprises created within a four acre garden in the heart of Tupgill Park and the Yorkshire Dales. A tourist visitor attraction unlike anywhere that you have been before, ideal for the adventurers and those young at heart!
Tupgill Park Estate, Coverham, Middleham, Leyburn, DL8 4TJ Tel: 01969 640638
COVID-19 UPDATE
We are delighted to announce that from Wednesday 3rd June, Thorp Perrow Arboretum will OPEN again to visitors. Thank you for your patience in allowing us to open and ensure we safely operate within the current Government guidelines.
We look forward to your visit and are thrilled that we get to share the beauty, fresh air and space of the Arboretum with you all again!
We are taking the safety of our staff, volunteers, visitors and local community very seriously, so please see below for our new operational guidelines:
– Open Wednesday through to Sunday (Closed mon & Tuesday). 10am to 5pm
– The playground will remain closed
– The Bird of Prey and Mammal centre will be open and operating flying displays as normal
– The tearoom will be operating a take-away service, with sandwiches, sausage baps, soups, cakes, hot and cold drinks
– Groups and guided walks are not yet allowed
We are counting on your sense of responsibility and ask you to continue respecting the current Government safety measures (keeping a 2m distance, no large gatherings, washing hands) to keep our staff and other visitors safe and healthy.
See you soon!
Thorp Perrow – Arboretum and Bird of Prey & Mammal Centre, Thorp Perrow Arboretum, Bedale DL8 2PS
William’s Den is a new and exciting adventure attraction, giving children the chance to connect with nature and get active as they explore a custom designed complex that brings the great outdoors inside. A unique environment, inside and out, where children can play, explore, run, climb, build dens and learn, all in an open, rural and natural setting with a range of facilities tailored to families.
William’s Den, Castle Farm, Wold Hill, North Cave, East Riding Of Yorkshire, HU15 2LS.
MUMBLER TIP: Book online until Midnight the day before you visit to get 10% off!
For more information please call 01430 472230
