With school holidays just around the corner, it’s the perfect time for an adventure to the Yorkshire Dales! There is so much to do in the Dales all year round, but especially so as we head towards the summer. From family days out to couple’s trips, there is something for everyone…
Forbidden Corner
The Forbidden Corner is a unique labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, follies and surprises, created in a four acre garden in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. Made up of paths and passages that lead nowhere and extraordinary statues at every turn, there are decisions to make and tricks to avoid. It’s certainly a day out with a difference that will challenge and delight children (and adults) of all ages!
Pay a visit to The Saddle Room while over at Tupgill Park for a delicious meal. The restaurant was converted from race horse stables and throughout there are nods to their past training yard glory, with horse buckets, racing memorabilia and saddle stool!
Thorp Perrow
Thorp Perrow is another wonderful outdoor attraction in the area, with plenty of space for the kids to run around and let off steam. Thorp Perrow is the home of one of the UK's finest collections of trees, including five National Plant Collections, and a leading centre for protection of birds of prey. Take a stroll in the Arboretum, watch your children explore the adventure playground, enjoy the wonderful Bird of Prey displays, or hand feed the wallabies in the Mammal Centre.
Throughout the year, they have a brilliant calender of events, featuring seasonal trails, family event days, open-air concerts, workshops, and more!
Wensleydale Creamery
The Wensleydale Creamery, based at Hawes, is home of the famous Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese and a popular Visitor Centre. A great day out for the whole family, the centre offers cheese making demonstrations, a small museum and viewing gallery, cafe and shops. You might even spot Wallace and Gromit during your visit!
While in Hawes, you can also discover the stories of the people and places of the Yorkshire Dales at the Dales Countryside Museum, and head over the renowned Buttertubs Pass to Swaledale.
Local Castles
Bolton Castle was built in 1336 and its scars bear testament to over 600 years of fascinating history including the imprisonment of Mary Queen of Scots and a Civil War siege. It’s one of the country’s best preserved medieval castles, with many interesting rooms and features to discover.
Ideal for a family visit, there is something for everyone to enjoy including wonderful falconry displays, archery demonstrations, children’s trails and activities. The Castle gardens have been restored along medieval lines and include a well-stocked herb garden, rose garden, walled vineyard, bowling green and maze - children will love finding the centre of the maze!
Travel slightly further from our pods to see some more local historical sites, including Richmond Castle and Middleham Castle.
Leyburn’s Artisan market
Our local market town, Leyburn, is just a short drive away and has recently welcomed a new artisan market to the square! Launched by market company Little Bird Made and scheduled to run once a month during the summer, the market features array of stalls all selling handmade items, locally sourced produce and high-quality goods, including candles, skin and body care, homeware, arts and crafts, clothing, jewellery, food and drink.
There are also street food vendors to tempt you with their amazing food and drinks, whether you are looking for some brunch, lunch, a sweet treat or a coffee. The upcoming dates for the market are: June 25th, July 23rd, August 27th.
As we head into the summer, there’s also plenty of events going on in the area, from historical talks, performances and guided walks to various festivals and shows - more than enough to keep you occupied! And, bringing the summer to a close is the Wensleydale Show, taking place on the August Bank Holiday weekend.
For more information and a wider selection of the events in the Yorkshire Dales, please take a look at The Visitor 2022 guide on the Yorkshire Dales National Park website.
Of course, wherever your Dales adventure takes you, there’s always our pods to retreat back to after a full day! Book online to secure our few remaining pods for the perfect escape this summer.