The Yorkshire Dales with Kids: A Family Guide
The Yorkshire Dales National Park is one of the best places in the UK for a family countryside break.
With open space, fresh air, and a wide range of activities, it offers the perfect setting for children to explore, play, and enjoy the outdoors—while giving parents the chance to relax and slow the pace.
Whether you’re planning a weekend or a longer stay, the Yorkshire Dales makes family travel feel easy and rewarding.
Outdoor Adventures for All Ages
One of the biggest draws of the Yorkshire Dales is the variety of walks and outdoor experiences available.
For families, routes like the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail are ideal. With bridges, woodland paths, and a series of waterfalls along the way, it keeps children engaged while still being manageable for most ages.
Ingleton also offers even more family fun beyond walking, including the Ingleton Outdoor Swimming Pool for summer days and the Ingleton Climbing Wall for children who want to try something active and different.
For shorter outings, gentle riverside walks around Clapham and Austwick provide plenty of space to explore without needing a full day of hiking.
Unique Experiences to Keep Kids Engaged
For something a little different, a visit to White Scar Cave or Ingleborough Cave offers an unforgettable underground adventure.
Another standout family attraction is The Forbidden Corner, a unique maze-like garden filled with tunnels, surprises, sculptures, and hidden passages that children absolutely love exploring.
Guided cave tours and imaginative attractions like this add variety to your stay and help balance outdoor time with something more structured and playful.
Castles & Historic Adventures
The Yorkshire Dales is also rich in history, and exploring its castles adds an extra layer of adventure for families.
One of the most impressive is Bolton Castle, a well-preserved medieval fortress where children can explore towers, courtyards, and seasonal falconry displays.
Skipton Castle is another great option, offering winding staircases, atmospheric rooms, and woodland walks nearby that help bring history to life.
These stops are ideal for breaking up walking days with something immersive and memorable.
Steam Trains, Scenic Journeys & Rail Adventures
The Yorkshire Dales is one of the best places in the UK for scenic rail journeys.
The Embsay to Bolton Abbey Steam Railway offers a nostalgic experience, perfect for families, with heritage carriages and countryside views as you travel through beautiful surroundings.
For something even more dramatic, the mainline Settle to Carlisle Railway is one of the most spectacular train routes in the country, crossing viaducts and open moorland through the heart of the Dales.
Even just watching the trains pass or stopping at stations along the route becomes part of the adventure.
Family Attractions & Farm Experiences
For younger children, the Yorkshire Dales has plenty of hands-on experiences.
Hesketh Farm Park near Bolton Abbey is a favourite, offering animal feeding, tractor rides, play areas, and plenty of space to explore.
It’s the kind of relaxed, interactive day out that works well for all ages and gives children a chance to connect with farm life.
Space to Explore Freely
One of the biggest advantages of a family break in the Yorkshire Dales is the sense of space.
Unlike busier destinations, the Dales allows children to run, explore, and enjoy nature in a way that feels safe and unrestricted.
Fields, footpaths, and open views create the perfect environment for simple outdoor play—often the moments children remember most.
Nearly every village also has a playground, making it easy to stop, rest, and let children burn off energy during days out.
Easy, Enjoyable Days Out
Some of the best family days in the Yorkshire Dales are also the simplest.
Locations like Bolton Abbey offer a relaxed setting where children can explore stepping stones, picnic by the river, and enjoy a full day outdoors without a fixed plan.
In Hawes, you’ll find a mix of attractions including the Dales Countryside Museum, Wensleydale Creamery, and a welcoming village playground—ideal for breaking up the day.
Your First Family Hiking Adventure
For families with older children, the Yorkshire Dales offers a brilliant introduction to hiking and even the chance to bag their first mountain. The famous Yorkshire Three Peaks—Ingleborough, Whernside, and Pen-y-ghent—provide a real sense of achievement, with well-trodden routes and unforgettable views across the national park.
For something slightly less demanding, the surrounding hills and lower-level fells still deliver a rewarding challenge, helping older kids build confidence in the outdoors while experiencing some of the most dramatic scenery in the Yorkshire Dales.
Mixing Adventure with Downtime
Travelling with children is all about balance.
The Yorkshire Dales makes this easy, with the ability to combine active mornings with relaxed afternoons. A walk or activity can be followed by a slower pace—whether that’s a café stop, time back at your cottage, or simply enjoying the surroundings.
This flexibility helps make each day feel enjoyable rather than rushed.
Where to Stay for a Family Break
Choosing the right base makes all the difference when travelling with children.
Staying at New Thornber offers the space, comfort, and flexibility that families need. With room to relax, easy access to key locations, and the freedom of self-catering, it allows you to shape each day around your family—rather than the other way around.
Plan Your Family Getaway
A family break in the Yorkshire Dales is about more than just ticking off attractions. It’s about time outdoors, shared experiences, and the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Whether it’s waterfalls, caves, castles, railways, or simply open countryside, the Dales offers something for every family to enjoy.
Plan your family stay at New Thornber and discover how easy and enjoyable a Yorkshire Dales getaway with kids can be.