English Heritage North Yorkshire Attractions have lots to offer the families of Ryedale
Helmsley Castle has experienced the turbulent times of medieval times, 
paid host to Tudors and ruined by the Roundheads. It is steeped in history and remains today a great place to visit, with plenty of room to run around playing kings and queens, knights, soldiers etc. Bring the imaginary play to life with the costumes on the first floor. There is plenty for the adults to find out about whilst enjoying the picturesque view of Duncombe Park. The free audio guide wasn’t something I was able to make the most of due to my ”wing man” Eliza but it is something that those without “wing men” or “assistants to manage wing men” should make the most of. A handy long stay car park behind means you don’t have to walk far. Dare I say it, the gift shop is good too, with lots of local produce that is higher quality than your average gift shop! In addition, enjoy a cup of tea and slice of cake in Helmsley afterwards. The castle is situated in the centre of Helmsley and is so easy to explore it as well as this beautiful market town, during the same trip. There are some lovely events coming up over the summer:
Clash of Knights at Helmsley Castle Sat 4 – Sun 5 Aug 2018 Experience this all-action contest as teams of knights battle it out for victory armed only with clubs and shields, strength and skill. In this adrenalin-fuelled combat only one team will triumph.
Soak up the atmosphere in the medieval encampment as food cooks over an open fire, colourful banners flutter and the musicians play. There are battle drills for budding young knights so that they can also enjoy a moment of triumph.
Kirkham Priory
is a fabulous
place for a picnic next to the river 
watching the locals and visitors jump off of the bridge into the river. Let the children’s imagination run wild amongst the ruins! During World War II, it was used for D Day Landing practice and Winston Churchill even visited on more than one occasion. Parents can enjoy a drink in the Stone Trough afterwards!
Wharram Percy is located in a remote and beautiful valley in the Yorkshire Wolds, the village was continuously occupied for six centuries before it was abandoned soon after 1500. Today you can trace the outlines of many lost houses on a grassy plateau above the substantial remains of the church and the millpond. For over 60 years, archaeologists have worked hard to understand what life was like in the village and why it was eventually deserted.
It is a beautiful location for a picnic on a nice day but be aware that it is a long walk (about ¾ mile) from the car park to the site, parts of which are steep and muddy. The walk is not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies so remember your carriers and this is maybe one for when the children get older and can run along. Dogs on leads are welcome.
Pickering Castle was used by medieval Kings as a hunting lodge, holiday home and stud farm. It is situated on the edge of
Pickering, a lovely market town on the edge of the North York Moors National Park.
It was a great place for the “mini mumblers’” to run off some energy, play roly poly and “crocodile snap”. A great place to enjoy a picnic and have some fun family time without any pressures.
The gift shop was again a revelation, local brews, ciders and spirits as well as helmets and swords for sale. The lady in the gift shop was lovely with the children. Parking is very handy and it’s easy to pop into Pickering afterwards for an ice cream.
Rievaulx Abbey
Why not take the beautiful walk from Helmsley Castle to Rievaulx? It takes approximately an hour then you can enjoy well deserved refreshments in the café.
Stories and Sword School: August 25th & 27th September 1st & 3rd 2018 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Join Rievaulx Abbey this summer as our performer runs fun activities for children. The monk in residence will share stories from life at the Abbey and encourage young visitors to get test their skills in Sword School.
Illuminating Rievaulx: September 28th – 30th at 7:00pm to 9:00 pm 2018
Experience the beautiful abbey bathed in illuminations, an evening of light and sound deep in the Rye valley. With marshmallow toasting and a shuttle bus to Helmsley, enjoy Rievaulx abbey in a whole new light.
Scarborough Castle is beautifully situated on the cliffs overlooking the North Sea and Scarborough. 
After the success and fun of the Kite Festival over Bank Holiday, there are several more events this summer.
Medieval monarchs recognised Scarborough as an important fortress that guarded the Yorkshire coastline, Scarborough’s port trade, and the north of England from Scottish or continental invasion.
Kite Festival Sat 26 – Mon 28 May 11am – 5pm 2018
Get to grips with the art of kite flying at Scarborough Castle. Expert kite flyers will dazzle you with their skills as they create a spectacle on the headland. See gigantic kites in flight, watch synchronised demonstrations to music, have a go at making your very own kite and try it out in the family flying area where we’ll also give you some top tips on making it soar. If you have a kite at home make sure you bring it along to join in the fun!
Tournament: Joust and Melee at Scarborough Castle. Sat 11 Aug – Sun 12 Aug 2018 11am – 5pm 2018
Jousting goes back to its roots in this no-holds-barred contest of strength, skill and horsemanship. Marvel at the power of our four daring knights as they battle it out in this authentic 13th century competition. It’s every man for himself as, with only chainmail and a lance for protection, they compete for victory.
Perched high on a cliff, it’s easy to see why the haunting remains of Whitby Abbey were inspiration for Bram Stoker’s gothic tale of ‘Dracula’. English Heritage promise to re-enact the famous story this summer over a series of weekends:
Dracula Sat 26 – Mon 28 May 11am – 5pm 2018
Think you know the story of Dracula? Think again! To understand Bram Stoker’s gothic story, you need to watch his legendary tale performed live in the ruins that inspired him. This unmissable strolling show is back for 2018 – catch a performance at 11am, 1pm or 3pm.
Captain Cook Sat 7 – Sun 29 Jul 2018, every weekend (except 14 & 15) 11am – 5pm
Celebrate the 250th anniversary of Captain Cook’s first expedition to the South Seas by visiting the great man’s home port of Whitby. It’s here he learnt his seafaring skills and set sail on his famous voyage into the unknown. Enjoy a specially commissioned play by Time Will Tell theatre which will transport you back to the 18th century and the excitement of an age of exploration and discovery.
Vikings! Sat 25 – Mon 27 Aug 2018 11am – 5pm 2018
Come and face our marauding vikings as they continue their wave of terror along the north east coast. Explore their encampment and see spectacular displays of combat. Hear tales of daring conquests, and learn about the weapons and skills which made the vikings feared throughout Europe. There will even be a chance for your young warriors to learn some battle skills and take part in their own viking skirmish!
Some events run on multiple days, so make sure you check a property’s individual listings to get full details of what’s on.
