Nestled within the heart of the North York Moors, along the banks of the River Esk, Danby Lodge is the perfect place to start exploring the National Park.
Home to walking trails, relaxing gardens, café, shop, and changing exhibitions in our Inspired by… gallery, this is the place where stories are told, ideas are sparked, and the North York Moors landscape is a constant source of inspiration.
And new for 2024… our fantastic new adventure playground – Danby Den – is now open! With something for all ages, this accessible playground features swings, zip wires, slides, tunnels and so much more. A place inspired by nature for future generations.
Entry to the Centre is FREE.
North York Moors National Park, Lodge Ln, Danby, Whitby YO21 2NB
Now there’s a new way to take a look into the past as you explore North Yorkshire’s County Town, guided by the ‘Discover Northallerton’ app in the palm of your hand.
Discover more about the heritage of Northallerton and uncover hidden stories of fascinating people, places and events that shaped this historic market town through the centuries.
With 2 trails, there is loads of fun to be had!
‘Autumnfest trail with the Mowbrees’ enjoying the sights as we watered Tinker Mowbree’s veggie patch near the phone box, threw conkers in Applegarth Park, searched for treats hiding in pumpkins in Zetland Street, and danced with the twins, Violet and Spike Mowbree, by the pedestrian crossing!
‘Portals into the Past’ entitles the second trail, which is packed with information about the history of the town and we had chance to have a little look, but would love to return another day to take in the details of the trail. Here you can uncover Northallerton’s hidden stories of fascinating people, places and events, including the Town Hall and Shambles, the Rutson Hospital, Register House, and the original site of Northallerton Grammar School before it moved to Grammar School Lane and then became Northallerton College. This would be a great trail for schools to use as part of a local history project.
Read our review HERE
Whether you’re a beginner or more experienced rider, our cycle trails give you access to miles of bridleways, roads and tracks across the North York Moors.
Our cycle trails use a mixture of natural and man made trails similar to those found in a purpose built trail centre. Using the same style of trail marking, the mountain biking trails available are:
We also have two purpose-built all-weather cycling tracks: a pump track offering the thrills of riding a loop of banked turns and rollers; and a family-friendly cycle trail that doubles as a cyclocross track for some competitive events during autumn and winter. The family cycle trail, a 2.5km figure-of-eight, provides a longer and wider start to the existing Cliff Trail enabling families to ride side-by-side through woodland, as well as providing better access for those using adapted cycles such as handcycles.
Sutton Bank National Park Centre
North York Moors National Park, Sutton Bank, Thirsk YO7 2EH
Photograph Credit: Dependable Productions.
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
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
28th May 2024
Scarborough Library 2pm – 4pm
Pickering, Whitby and Ripon Libraries, 10am – 12noon
29th May 2024
Malton, Northallerton and Knaresborough Libraries 10am – 12noon
Norton Hive Library 2pm – 4pm
Skipton Library 10.30am – 12.30pm
Catterick Library 2pm – 4pm
30th May 2024
Filey and Thirsk Libraries 2pm – 4pm
Selby Library 10am – 12noon
31st May 2024
Harrogate Library 2pm – 4pm
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.
A trip to the library to choose a children’s book is a great activity to do for free. Below is a list of all the libraries in our area. Many libraries also run children’s activities, see our weekly listings for the latest info.
Located next to York Railway station. Great free day out for children. Large display of trains and old steam engines some of which children can get on, historic station, activities, outdoor play area and miniature train, good cafe. Also run regular school holiday activities for children. Open Wednesday to Sunday 10am – 5pm.
Leeman Road, York, YO26 4XJ.
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
There are lots of good parks for children in the Ryedale District which are all free to attend. If you are not sure where your nearest one is, have a look at our extensive list here Park and Playgounds.
Recommendations as to where to paddle “inland” from Mumblers’
Approx 1 hour 30 min drive from Malton. FREE entry but it is recommended to book via the website in advance. Open daily 10am – 5pm.
National Science and Media Museum, Bradford. BD1 1NQ
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.
On a nice day, there isn’t a much better way to see the beautiful city of York than walking around the walls. Children can enjoy following the route via the golden disks on the floor and remember to take some paper and crayons so they can complete the map rubbings at each of the bars. The walls go most of the way around the city, just having to get down to street level a couple of times. Not strictly buggy friendly but I know many who have managed it fine. Always a friendly visitor or local on hand to help.
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.
