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:
Helmsley under Siege! (Online tickets) Sat 12 – Sun 13 Aug Muskets and cannon roar, swords clash and drums beat, as the forces of Parliament attempt to wrest control of mighty Helmsley Castle from the determined Royalist Garrison. Experience the action as it unfolds during the day, and visit the troops of both sides as they prepare for the coming assaults.
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.
After the beauty of the Broken Spectre light show which lit the Abbey so beautifully in April, there are some fun things to look forward for the Children this summer, including:
Stories and Sword School Sat 29 & Sun 30 Jul, Sat 5 & Sun 6 Aug, Sat 12 & Sun 13 Aug, Sat 19 & Sun 20 Aug, Sat 26 – Mon 28 (bank holiday) Aug, Sat 2 – Sun 3 Sep Join us 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
Yorkshire Abbey Season Sat 23 – Sun 24 Sep, Sat 30 Sep – Sun 1 Oct This September, enjoy a programme of events at some of Yorkshire’s greatest abbeys and priories. At Rievaulx come and witness fantastic displays of falconry.
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.
Hands on History – Medieval Sat 22 – Fri 28 Jul, Sat 29 Jul – Fri 4 Aug, Mon 7 – Fri 11 Aug, Sat 12 – Fri 18 Aug, Sat 12 – Fri 18 Aug, Mon 21 – Fri 25 Aug, Sat 26 Aug – Sun 3 Sep Join us during the school holidays at Scarborough Castle, where the Hands on History crew have a range of medieval activities for you to try. From dressing up and craft activities, to dancing and sword fights – there’s something for everyone!
Scarborough dates to a 4th-century Roman signal station, one of several on the Yorkshire coast. Prominently located on the headland at the cliff top, to warn of approaching hostile vessels, and took advantage of a natural source of fresh water which became known as the “Well of Our Lady” The castle grounds are reputed to be haunted – by three ghosts, among them a Roman soldier. English Heritage promises to take you back to these times which a great weekend in August.
Roman Scarborough (Online tickets) Sat 5 & Sun 6 Aug March up to Scarborough Castle this weekend and prepare your charges to experience the most popular sport in roman times – chariot racing. Your little Roman soldiers can have a go at becoming a mighty horse in our chariot racing, who will win the race and rule the Castle? Experience Roman life, witness cavalry demonstrations and fascinating displays of falconry.
Scarborough at War (Online tickets) Sat 19 & Sun 20 Aug Remember Scarborough! Discover history from both World Wars at Scarborough Castle this weekend. Learn about the 1914 bombardment of the castle and experience living history in our WWI and WWII zone. Children will be able to take part in interactive activities.
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 29 & Sun 30 Jul, Sat 5 & Sun 6 Aug, Sat 12 & Sun 13 Aug, Sat 19 & Sun 20 Aug, Sat 26 – Mon 28 Aug, Sat 2 & Sun 3 Sep Think you know the story of Dracula? Think again. To truly understand Bram Stoker’s gothic icon, you need to watch his tale performed live in the setting of the writer’s inspiration, Whitby Abbey. Take in the gothic splendour of one of the most atmospheric abbeys in England, as three actors bring the famous story of Dracula to life before your eyes. Move throughout the abbey with the high-energy actors as the story unfolds. Promenade performances suitable for all the family.
Hands on History: Seafarers Mon 24 – Fri 28 Jul, Mon 31 Jul – Fri 4 Aug, Mon 7 – Fri 11 Aug, Mon 7 – Fri 11 Aug, Mon 14 – Fri 18 Aug, Mon 21 – Fri 25 Aug, Tue 29 Aug – Fri 1 Sep Hear tales from life at sea, including Whitby’s most famous seafaring captain James Cook. Have a go at sea themed crafts and learn navigational skills to help you get home after a great day at the abbey.
Magical Travelling Circus (Online tickets) Thu 17 – Sun 20 Aug Roll up, roll up, the circus is in town! This summer we’re pitching a Big Top at the Abbey. Step inside and enjoy the curiosities of a travelling show and marvel at the skills of circus performers, in this amazing setting.
Some events run on multiple days, so make sure you check a property’s individual listings to get full details of what’s on.
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/summer-events-2017/yorkshire-events/
