The summer holidays are almost upon us…
…and with them, the opportunity to enjoy an entire range of incredible things to see, do and experience – particularly if you’re making a trip to the Yorkshire Dales with your family, or while your children are off school!
In fact, family days out in the Yorkshire Dales are among some of the most unusual, favoured and memorable in the UK during this time of year, and we’re exceptionally lucky to be within an easy reach of many of them here at Akebar Park.
With that in mind, we’ve outlined just a few of our top recommendations below to help you plan your itinerary before you arrive…
7 unmissable Yorkshire Dales attractions to visit during the summer holidays:
1. Big Sheep Little Cow Farm
Big Sheep Little Cow Farm is an absolute favourite amongst our younger visitors here at Akebar Park! Located just a short distance away in Bedale, this attraction offers a unique, hands-on farm experience for children and adults, which includes the opportunity to hold and feed the animals.
Not only that, but they have a fun-packed play barn and onsite café, where you can enjoy a coffee and a slice of cake before your guided farm tour begins. You can even bring your own picnic!
Address: Big Sheep Little Cow Farm, Bedale, North Yorkshire, DL8 1AW
Phone: 01677 422125
Email: [email protected]
2. Billy Bob’s Parlour
Is a summer holiday really a summer holiday without ice cream?
Thankfully, Billy Bob’s Parlour is just down the road from us in Skipton – and has so many different ice cream flavours on offer that, chances are, you’ll need to visit more than once!
That’s not all, though. Billy Bob’s American-style diner is also brimming with dishes inspired by the United States, from hot dogs to chilli dogs, handmade burgers and much more. On top of that, they also have indoor and outdoor play areas – great to keep the little ones entertained before dinner!
Address: Billy Bob’s Parlour Ltd, Calm Slate Farm, Bolton Abbey, BD23 6EU
Phone: 01756 711826
3. Bolton Castle
If you make a visit to Bolston Castle during your stay in the Yorkshire Dales, you’ll be in for quite the treat! As one of the country’s best preserved medieval castles, it is steeped in over 600 years of intriguing history and offers a wealth of exciting activities and tours.
Just some examples of what you can do there include:
- Living History Weekend, a dramatic retelling of King Charles’ fight against parliament
- their Falconry Experiences, such as Hawk Walks
- a visit to their Restaurant Guru-recommended tearooms
- a stroll around their medieval gardens
Address: Bolton Castle, Nr Leyburn, North Yorkshire, DL8 4ET
Phone: 01969 623981
Email: [email protected]
4. Lightwater Valley
Lightwater Valley theme park is set to open for a “summer full of fun for young families”! With an abundance of different rides and attractions, including the likes of the Lightwater Express Train, Swan Boats, Hot Air Balloons and more, you’ll be nothing short of exhilarated after a day trip here.
For those less adrenaline-inclined, they also have a children’s adventure playground, treetop trails and bustling safari. The options really are almost endless!
Address: North Stainley, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 3HT
Phone: 01765 635321
Email: [email protected]
5. Inspired Chocolate
If you haven’t quite had your fill of sweet treats from Billy Bob’s parlour, then we cannot recommend Inspired Chocolate enough! Not only can you take a tour to watch the chocolatiers at work in their Wensleydale factory, but you can even choose your own box of chocolates to be made up for you.
Plus, if you’re feeling creative, they also run chocolate making workshops throughout the summer, where parents and children can make chocolate pizzas, lollies, plaques and more.
Address: Inspired Chocolate, Chocolate House, Leyburn Business Park, Leyburn, North Yorkshire, DL8 5QA.
Phone: 01969 625288
Email: [email protected]
6. White Scar Cave
Step out of the summer sun and into the cool of Britain’s longest cave tour at White Scar Cave – when it comes to family days out in the Yorkshire Dales, this one is pretty special.
This mile-long adventure features some incredible rock formations, including “The Witches Fingers” (an apparent favourite among younger visitors), The Squeeze (where visitors have to pass through sideways) and The Devil’s Tongue (which is still growing to this day)!
Address: White Scar Cave, Camforth, LA6 3AW
Phone: 015242 41244
Email: [email protected]
7. Wensleydale Equestrian
If you’re looking for a unique way to enjoy the splendour of the Yorkshire Dales natural beauty, then horse riding is the way to go!
At Wensleydale Equestrian, you can enjoy a leisurely guided trek through Wensleydale and Raydale and enjoy some spectacular views across Semerwater and beyond – whether you’re an experienced rider or a complete novice.
Address: Wensleydale Equestrian, Gill Edge, Bainbridge, Leyburn, North Yorkshire, DL8 3DB
Phone: 01969 650367
Email: [email protected]
This list only scratches the surface of the amazing family days out in the Yorkshire Dales on offer.
What’s more, many of them are available throughout the year, and not just during the summer holidays. So, chances are, you’ll be wanting to visit a few times to tick them all off your list!
One of the best ways to do this without all the stress of booking nearby accommodation every time is by owning your very own holiday home.
Here at Akebar Park, we have a number of beautifully-designed static holiday homes and lodges for sale, all nestled right in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales and right by all the above attractions – making it the perfect place to come home to after a long day of exploring!
To book a viewing of our holiday homes and lodges for sale in preparation for your summer holiday, simply follow the link below…
