“It’s not somewhere you go with little ones is it?”
What??!! I was genuinely surprised when a friend said this to me last year. The North Yorkshire Moors are a brilliant holiday destination for young families and there is so much to do with small children.
Here are 5 of the best activities for primary and pre-schoolers in the North Yorkshire Moors national park and surrounding area.
Dalby Forest Centre: There are walks galore in Dalby Forest Centre with difficulty ranging from ‘proper hike’ to ‘toddler meander’. The trails include a buggy-friendly walkway and a Gruffalo Trail, which is spot-on for under-5s. Plus they have a super playground and visitor centre and loads of areas to sit down and have a picnic.
We even have a visitors’ pass as part of our information pack at Lock Cottage so if you book with us you don’t even have to pay for your parking.
The coast: a day at the seaside is perfect entertainment for little ones and you’ve got lots to choose form. In our opinion the best option with very small children is Scarborough. You have the choice of two beaches, you can buy ice cream, buckets and spades on the seafront and there are plenty of public loos (always a must when travelling with toddlers or pre-schoolers!). There is also a miniature railway, the Sealife Centre and a ruined castle to explore.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway: we all love a steam train and I’ve not met a pre-schooler yet who isn’t overawed by the real thing. The NYMR runs from April to October from Pickering to Grosmont (there is also a Whitby service but it can be a bit much for little ones). If you’re travelling with young children we recommend getting the train to Goathland and exploring the village before heading back down the line. Under-4s travel free.
Yorkshire Air Museum: this is a great day out if you have plane/vehicle enthusiasts in the family. There are loads of vehicles of all kinds, the exhibits are fascinating, staff are on hand to answer questions and there is also a nature walk and a café. Under-4s go free and your tickets last for 12 months.
Flamingo Land: this isn’t just a theme park; there is also a zoo and events aimed at younger children. The theme park is closed off-season but the other attractions are open all year round with lots aimed at the pre-school age bracket. The zoo has keeper talks, a playground and smaller rides for little thrill-seekers.
If you’re looking for somewhere to take a break with your young family Lock Cottage is the perfect spot. We are family-friendly with a travel cot, highchair, and plastic dinnerware and cutlery for the smaller members of the family. We also have DVDs and games in our Snug for rainy days (or early risers!). Book online or call us on 07918 400909 to find out availability.
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