There are some fantastic places to take children on our doorstep and a short journey away, some of them also welcome dogs. Below are some suggestions, if you have any other suggestions for a family day out that you have enjoyed with your dog, or want to feature your attraction, please contact us here
Enjoy a fantastic family day out during the Easter holidays at Castle Howard. Take part in the Easter Animal Trail for children, and embark on an animal adventure around the Gardens; step into the magnificent House which reopens on the 29th March; and indulge in seasonal delights and Easter treats in our cafes and shops.
Skelf Island Adventure Playground, open daily
Embark on an adventure at Skelf Island Adventure Playground, the perfect place for young explorers to let off steam and explore the great outdoors. Navigate rope bridges, whizz down slides, discover ingenious treetop nests and don’t forget the zip wire.
Explore the Estate
With vast parkland to explore, there’s plenty to see as you wander through the Estate as the beautiful signs of spring are beginning to appear, a great way to reconnect with nature and blow away the cobwebs.
Dogs on leads are welcome
Castle Howard, The Estate Office, Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA
Farm shop, café and miniature railway situated between Pickering and Thornton le Dale.
Unique Pick Your Own with a train to take you to the fields.
Lovely events including the Strawberry Express, the Pumpkin Express and the Santa Express all incorporating rides on the train.
See the “Party Page” for details of a unique children’s party at Cedarbarn Farm.
They also have a Dog Walking Field, which is a secure field for you to exercise your dog/s. The 1.25 acre field is open daily from 7.00 am to 8.00 pm and is surrounded by 6′ high secure fencing and is fully lit for year-round use.
Cedarbarn Farm Shop, Thornton Road, Pickering. YO18 7JX
Lunch bookings 01751 475614
“Lovely place with great food and gluten free menu. Kids had a fab time, loved the railway.” KP Apr’18
Dalby Forest, in the heart of the North York Moors National Park offers the perfect place to escape, relax and adventure
Home to 8,000 acres of breath-taking views, endless walking, running and cycle trails and Gruffalo adventures, a great day out awaits at Dalby Forest.
Gruffalo Party Trail – Join in the celebrations! The Gruffalo is celebrating his 25th birthday this year. Can you us help find his missing party items? Pick up your pack for just £4 from our Visitor Centre information point, packed with fun things to do on your party adventure.
A visit to Dalby will uncover many magical things such as The Gruffalo orienteering course, Gruffalo Party Trail, some of the very best mountain biking trails and endless stunning views. Keep your eyes peeled along the way for our unique sculptures which are dotted throughout the forest, get the adrenaline pumping at Dalby Activity Centre or test your nerve and swing amongst the trees on their Go Ape courses.
Dalby Forest is home to an abundance of internationally important wildlife species and is also a designated Dark Sky Discovery Site, where you can experience the magic of seeing the Milky Way with the naked eye.
If one day leaves you wanting more, extend your forest adventure with a stay at the Forest Holidays cabins .
Please note that barbeques and fires are not currently allowed anywhere in the forest.
Dalby Forest, YO18 7LT
Located on the West side of Driffield we have two dog fields, Horsefair field and Foxy’s field. Both are secure, enclosed fields offering dog owners the space to let their dogs exercise off the lead and allowing users the sole use of the field for their booked slot.
Located near the roundabout of the A166 and A614 Driffield, the fields are well positioned to offer dog owners a great facility to let their dogs run free!
They are ideal for exercising and training dogs as well as providing a safe place for dogs (or their owners!) recovering from injury or treatment or simply for dogs who like their own space. It is a useful area for people who have a new dog, a rescue dog or rehomed dog, providing a secure area for you to be able to bond.
We allow up to 12 dogs at a time and prices start from £5 for half an hour’s use of the field. Open 7am – 9pm, everyday of the year.
Horsefair Field is the larger 5 acre field and has various tyres, weaving poles etc for your dogs to play on, we will be adding more. Foxy’s Field is field is smaller, at 2.5 acres so sometimes better for recall training.
Both fields have a shelter for those raining days, along with a picnic bench for the warmer days. Relax and enjoy watching your dogs have freedom to run around knowing they are safe and secure.
Driffield Dog Field, Horsefair Lane, Little Driffield, YO25 5XB
Enjoy the Freedom without the Worry
Pickering Dog Field consists of 2 x 1 acre sized fields called Florence Field and George Field. Each one offers dog owners the space to let their dogs exercise off the lead, with sole use of the field for their booked slot. Each field is “drive in” has the benefit of a shelter with a bench and optional obstacles such as jumps, tyres, tunnel and a balance beam. Appointments are booked online, last 50 minutes and cost £7.
Children are welcome with adults and dogs. They can bring a football too or enjoy a picnic whilst the dogs play.
Opposite Tofts Lane, Malton Road, Pickering, YO18 8EA
Enjoy the Freedom without the Worry
Ryedale Dog Field is an enclosed two acre field offering dog owners the space to let their dogs exercise off the lead, allowing users the sole use of the field for their booked slot. Booking the field gives the user exclusive access to the area for their allotted time of either 30 or 60 minutes.
Children are welcome with adults and dogs. They can bring a football too or enjoy a picnic whilst the dogs play.
Manor Farm
Broughton
Malton
YO17 6QJ
Sewerby Hall and Gardens offers a great mix of heritage, interactive trails, play features and best of all, the zoo. Be entertained in the zoo with the friendly penguins, pygmy goats and Eccy the parrot, who is always keen to chat. Relax in the Walled and Rose Gardens and be amazed by the giant monkey puzzle trees in the Pleasure Gardens. Check out the new events with Rusticus during school holidays on our website. Don’t miss a freshly baked scone and cup of tea from the Clock Tower Café – it certainly is a great day out for the whole family. Book your tickets today and find out more on our website.
Dogs welcome in most of the outdoor areas, but must be kept on a lead. There is a designated section in the cafe for dogs.
Find out more on the website here. Follow Sewerby on facebook here for more updates. Church Lane, Sewerby, Bridlington, YO15 1EA. 01262 673769
Sledmere, Driffield, Yorkshire YO25 3XG. 01377 236637
Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday 10am – 5.00pm (also open Bank Holiday Mondays)
Come and spend a day at Sledmere House and Gardens this May half term!
Explore the Grounds and Walled Garden, before heading off to the Adventure Play Area! We have a Rare Breed Farm Park with lots of animals to see – including a new foal and piglets too!
The House is open for Free-Flow self-led tours on Sunday 4th June (11.30am–3pm) – spend as long or as little time as you like looking inside the house which is steeped in history, with guides and stewards on hand to answer any questions!
Picnics are welcome, and we also have a state of the art Coach House Café, Farm Shop plus The Pantry for that all-important ice cream!
Dogs are always welcome, we just ask they are kept on leads.
Located on the cliff road from Bempton village (on the B1229 road from Flamborough to Filey), YO15 1JF, follow the brown tourist signs.
Great place for a walk and to watch birds, particularly puffins. 200,000 plus birds can be seen on the cliffs from April to August. New visitor centre with indoor discovery zone.
Dogs are welcome on the reserve, however they must be kept on leads at all times.
National Trust property. Families can let off steam in the wilderness play area or see what’s on offer in the school holidays. Refuel in the walled garden restaurant or brewhouse or grab something to take away as you explore. Choose from plants and an extensive home and garden range in the shop.
Dogs on a lead are welcome except in the restaurant, walled garden and wilderness play area
Beningbrough, York YO30 1DD
01904 472027
Hall, gardens and gift shop open every day 11am until 5pm. With a fabulous adventure playground, enchanted woodland village, giant board games, willow dens and a trail to follow, children will find so much to amuse and inspire here!
Dogs on leads are welcome in most outdoor areas.
Burton Agnes, Driffield, YO25 4NB. 01262 490324
Free to enter, Byland Abbey is the perfect place to stop on a family day out, explore the ruins and have a lovely time. Most areas are pram/wheelchair friendly. Afterwards maybe visit Coxwold for refreshments and to see the ducks on the pond.
Dogs welcome on a lead.
Byland, Coxwold, North Yorkshire, YO61 4BD
Duncombe Park is located in Helmsley in the North York Moors National Park. There are waymarked walks, discovery trails and orienteering courses for all ages which explore the woodlands, river valley, meadows, woodland skyline and commercial forestry. There is a small charge to visit.
Gardens open Monday 10th April 2023 – Thursday 31st August, 6 days a week, closed Saturdays
Well behaved dogs on a lead welcome.
Modern World War II history museum to experience the sights, sounds and smells of life on the frontline and homefront
Two great playgrounds for under 5s and over 5s.
Events during school holidays.
Dogs on a lead welcome, apart from in the children’s playgrounds.
Ample free parking.
Eden Camp, Malton, YO17 6RT
Telephone: (01653) 697777
A good family day out with lots to do. Many rides and areas suitable for young children, lots of outdoor play areas and a large zoo. Cafes get busy but lots of picnic areas to take your own food in. During the Winter Season, from November onwards the zoo is open to the public for a discounted price, no rides are open, but some of the areas are still accessible. There is also a caravan park on site to extend your stay.
Well behaved dogs on a lead are welcome in most areas theme park, but not in the zoo, Children’s Planet or Splish Splosh. Assistance dogs have unrestricted access.
Kirby Misperton Malton, North Yorkshire YO17 6UX
0800 40 888 40
Great place to bike. The two sites are connected. At either site there is free parking and a play ground as well as a lovely café. Well behaved dogs are welcome too!
Forest Holidays, Keldy Cabins, Cawthorne YO18 8HW
Forest Holidays Cropton, Cropton, Nr Pickering. YO18 8ES
Unlock 900 years of life at Helmsley Castle, a must-see for any visitor to the picturesque market town of Helmsley in the North York Moors National Park. Discover how the castle evolved over the centuries, from a mighty medieval fortress to a luxurious Tudor mansion, to a Civil War stronghold and a romantic Victorian ruin. Why not also visit Rievaulx Abbey and Byland Abbey nearby – the perfect stop on any family day out, or if you’re out walking or cycling.
Handy long stay car park behind! Dogs on a lead welcome.
Hutton-le-Hole is a small village and civil parish in the Ryedale district of North Yorkshire, England, about seven miles north-west of Pickering. Hutton-le-Hole is a popular scenic village within the North York Moors National Park.
‘We used to go to Hutton-le-hole as kids. Fab little streams to play in. Best in the summer months to take a picnic’
LH March 2017
“Visit Hutton le Hole on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors for a lovely family day out.
Bring a picnic and have a paddle in the pretty beck that runs through the village. There’s parking, a pub and shops selling ice cream. One of our favourite places!” Mumbler Recommended SC ’17
Dogs welcome but please be mindful of other families and local residents.
Murton Park is a must-experience, one-stop Living Museum for those who love to create memories that can span the eons of time. Perfect for all generations and crafted to especially engage the young. With our own museum, railway, animals, playground and Living History sites – there is something for everyone.
Well behaved dogs on a lead are very welcome on site but they are not allowed in any of the buildings.
Murton Lane, Murton YO19 5UF
01904 489966
Train from Pickering to Goathland, Grosmont and through to Whitby over 24 miles of beautiful Yorkshire Scenery.
UNLIMITED Annual Pass Ticket £49.50. Plus KIDS GO FREE! A Shorter Journey Ticket allows day return travel between up to one station (e.g. Goathland to Grosmont day return) for a fixed fare price of £13.50 per adult (16+) and up to two stations (e.g. Pickering to Goathland day return) for a fixed fare price of £25 per adult (16+). Both are free for children (0-15).
Pickering Station, YO18 7AJ. 01751 472508
Offers a range of watersport activities including aqua park (including one for Toddlers (Splash Kingdom), stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, open water swimming, sailing, canoeing. Plus walks, cycle track, cafe and a relaxing environment. Free parking, free entry, you only pay to play.
Well behaved dogs on a lead welcome.
Wykeham Lakes, Long Causeway Road, Scarborough YO13 9QU
01723 865052
A picturesque Yorkshire manor house and garden, with peaceful hidden spots, colourful peacocks and flowers, alongside the river Rye.
Dogs on short leads welcome in the garden, courtyards and wider estate.
Nunnington, York YO62 5UY
01439 748283
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.
The gift shop is really nice, 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.
Dogs on a lead are welcome.
Castlegate, Pickering. YO18 7AX
Telephone: 01751 474989
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. Escape to this tranquil valley of the North York Moors and discover the impressive ruins of one of England’s most powerful Cistercian monasteries.
Dogs on a lead welcome.
Rievaulx, Nr Helmsley, YO62 5LB
Phone: 01439 798228
There’s lots to see at Ryedale Folk Museum. Wander through our expansive Museum site including pretty cottage gardens, traditional cornfield, atmospheric historic buildings and find out how people have lived, worked and played in our area since pre-history.
Under 4s free and when you buy your adult ticket it’s an annual pass.
Dogs on a lead welcome.
Ryedale Folk Museum, Hutton le Hole, North Yorkshire, YO62 6UA
Phone: 01751 417367
Stately home in North Yorkshire with award winning Walled Gardens, Woodland Garden and Parkland. Often do children’s activities during school holidays. Open to the public from April to October.
Dogs are permitted in certain areas of the Parkland on leads.
Malton, North Yorkshire, YO17 8NG
01944 759111
Scarborough Castle is beautifully situated on the cliffs giving panoramic views of Scarborough and the Yorkshire Coast. Experience 3,000 years of history, play on the grassy headland, and grab a take away coffee from the coffee shed.
Dogs on a lead welcome.
Castle Road, Scarborough, YO11 1HY
01723 372451
Lovely farm shop and tea room with an animal paddock which includes friendly pygmy goats, llamas, Shetland ponies and ducks with new family members arriving shortly!
Dogs are welcome in the outside seating area, but only guide dogs are allowed inside the shop.
Howe Bridge Farm, Low Marishes, Malton YO17 6RQ
Susannah Hoggard 01653 669469
This region has plenty of outdoor spaces that you can visit, most of which are free. Check out this extensive list here Walks and The Great Outdoors to find walks, trails and outdoor areas that are great for families to explore.
Most of these places will be suitable for well behaved dogs.
You can uncover centuries of history at Whitby Abbey with the new interactive guide, and visit the revamped museum to find out more about how the abbey inspired Caedmon, the first named English poet, and Bram Stoker, the author of ‘Dracula’. The entrance to the abbey is fully accessible, and you’ll find improved facilities in the visitor centre, including a bigger shop. There is no need to book in advance, but it is recommended.
Dogs on a lead welcome.
Abbey Lane, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 4JT
01947 603568
The Yorkshire Arboretum offers 120 acres of peace and tranquillity in the heart of North Yorkshire. Experience exceptional natural beauty, a botanically diverse tree collection, sweeping vistas and wildflower meadows. The Arboretum Café serves delicious home-cooked food using locally-sourced ingredients – open all day. Dogs welcome, with an 11-acre off-lead area. Kids can take one of our tree trails, with additional activities on offer during school holidays.
Just 30 minutes from York, it’s yours to explore! Well behaved dogs on a lead welcome.
The Yorkshire Arboretum, Castle Howard, YO60 7BY
Yorkshire has many wonderful beaches, and they are all free to visit (apart from perhaps the cost of a parking ticket and an ice-cream!). See our extensive list here Yorkshire Beaches.
Some beaches have dog restrictions during the Summer months, but most are dog friendly.
Come and see our unique Lavender Maze, Gardens, Giant Games and much much more including fallow deer! Enjoy a coffee and or snack at EJs Tea Room.
Open daily April to September, 10am – 5pm. Free admission to shop, plant nursery & tea room. Admission charge to Gardens (Adults £3.50, Children £2, Senior Citizens £3)
We allow dogs in the Gardens, Shop and Specialist Plant Nursery except on Alpaca Experience Days. Dogs must be kept on lead at all times when visiting.
Yorkshire Lavender, Terrington, York YO60 6PB
01653 648 008
