8 ideas for family activities that won’t break the bank
We’re all excited about our family holidays this year but even without the price rises we’ve seen recently they can be a test for the family finances.
Luckily the North Yorkshire Moors has loads of low-cost options to make your family holiday fun and affordable. Here are our tips for some of the best cheaper things to do in the area.
Walks
Walking is free! There are lots of walks you can do from the doorstep of Lock Cottage, saving on fuel and parking. Take a look at our May blog to see some of the easier routes. If you want to make a day of it we provide lots of plastic storage so you can take your sandwiches without them getting squished!
Watch steam trains
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway can be pricey at peak season but at the time of writing you can access the platform at Pickering Station for free and watch the trains chug in and out. You can also walk down to Levisham Station (approx. 2.5 miles from Lockton/1.5 miles from the Horseshoe Inn) for a more picturesque station setting.
Beck Isle Museum, Pickering
Just 5 miles from Lock Cottage, Beck Isle Museum documents local life and the history of the local people and the area.
At £18 for a family ticket it’s a great option for a rainy day. They have exhibitions, behind-the-scenes demonstrations, craft days and activities during the school holidays. Your ticket is valid for a full year and you can come back as often as you like.
Dalby Forest
The walking and cycling trails are free of charge as is the play area next to the visitor centre. Parking usually costs £10 for a full day (£5 during the off-peak season) but we supply a visitor pass for our guests so you can park for free.
Go to the beach
Not a free option but it can be done cheaply. You’ll need to pay for parking but a day at Sandsend or Robin Hood’s Bay potentially costs you nothing on top. Build sandcastles, skim stones, paddle to your heart’s content. Take your own packed lunch and you’ll have enough left over to buy everyone an ice cream.
At Robin Hood’s Bay you can also visit the Old Coastguard Station and Ravenscar Visitor Centre to find out a bit more about the history of the area – both are free of charge.
To break up the day even further (and if you’ve got older or particularly energetic kids) head down the Cleveland Way to Boggle Hole. It’s just a mile from Robin Hood’s Bay; you can explore the cave, do some fossil hunting and have a cup of tea in the café before heading back.
Danby Lodge
The North Yorkshire Moors National Park Centre at Danby Lodge is around a 35-minute drive from Lock Cottage. They have a play area, mini woodland trail, gallery, sculptures, lots of activities for adults and kids and entry to the centre is free. There is a parking charge (payable by card or app – no cash) and all funds go to the National Park.
Watch the stars
The North Yorkshire Moors is a designated dark sky area. If you visit in October or February you can attend one of the Dark Skies Festivals. There are lots of activities, walks etc in the area – some of which are free or available at a nominal cost. Check their website for details or just sit on the balcony at Lock Cottage and enjoy the sky!
Sutton Bank and Helmsley
According to James Herriot Sutton Bank has ‘the finest view in England’ and I’m not going to disagree with him. The bank itself is a short walk from Sutton Bank National Park Centre (around a 45-minute drive from Lock Cottage). Like Danby Lodge, there is a parking charge (which goes towards the upkeep of the national park) but entry to the centre itself is free. The walk out to the White Horse on Sutton Bank is easy and runs alongside an airfield – if you’re lucky you’ll see the gliders taking off.
Take in the magnificent view before heading back and stopping off at the lovely market town of Helmsley. The only market town in the National Park, Helmsley is perfect for a quiet afternoon. Wander through the town square, admire the many listed buildings, explore the independent shops and marvel at the castle (owned by English Heritage but can be seen from the town).
There is plenty to do in the area and it doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. Do you have any other tips for low-cost or free activities in the North Yorkshire Moors? If so we would love to hear them!
Lock Cottage is a self-catering holiday home sleeping 6, situated in the heart of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park. Check availability, find out more about the cottage and book your stay here.
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