8 must-see Yorkshire Dales attractions

The Yorkshire Dales is a place known for outstanding natural beauty and is a popular destination for walkers and people interested in general outdoor activities. However, there are a variety of other Yorkshire Dales attractions that will suit the interests of everyone in your family.

1. Bolton Abbey

Bolton Abbey (pictured above) is a beautiful priory ruin situated near Skipton easily accessible from the A59. Set in around 30,000 acres of stunning countryside, there are miles of footpaths and woodland to take relaxing walks and do some wildlife spotting. There are cafés nearby but we recommend enjoying a family picnic on the river bank while taking in the surroundings. Open everyday from 9am, admission prices are £7 per vehicle or free if you travel there via public transport. There are also good camping facilities nearby.

2. Skipton Castle

Set in a stunning landscape, this popular attraction is over 900 years old and steeped in fascinating history. Skipton Castle is very well-preserved and provides lots of interesting things to look at and learn about in the comprehensive guide book issued to you on arrival. The children will love seeing the actors dressed in costumes telling stories about the castle and watching them practising archery on the lawn. A family ticket is around £22. There is a very good tea room providing refreshments along with other good facilities.

3. White Scar Caves

Located in Ingleton, you will be mesmerised by what you see here on the longest cave tour in Britain! A twisty 4 mile man-made footpath takes you deep into this mysterious natural cave where you will witness breath-taking waterfalls, unusual rock formations and huge stalactites! The White Scar Caves are open from 10am daily February through October and during weekends from November to January. An adult ticket is £9.50, children aged 3 to 15 cost £6 while a family ticket is about £23. Bear in mind the tour lasts around 80 minutes, so you may want to pre-warn your younger children!

4. Lightwater Valley

Situated a little north of the city of Ripon, Lightwater Valley is a fantastic theme park great for all the family. Open from March to October, the park has many rides including roller coasters, water rides and boats you can hire on the river, so there is something for everyone! Ticket prices are based on each person’s height and if you book online you can save around 30%. Plus you'll find affordable camping nice and close to Lightwater Valley.

5. The Forbidden Corner

This is a real hidden gem of a place and totally different from other attractions. Set in a beautiful 4-arce garden near Leyburn, the Forbidden Corner is a labyrinth of secret doors and pathways where puzzles need to be solved and tricks and traps avoided! It is a magical, fantasy world that children and adults alike will find utterly delightful! Tickets to this must-see attraction are around £40 for a family and is open everyday from March to October.

6. Haworth

The small village of Haworth was made famous by the Brontë sisters. The family moved to the village in 1820 to live at Haworth parsonage which is now a museum dedicated to their lives. Each year the village also hosts events such as the Flower and Vegetable Show and the Keighley Agricultural Show, both of which make excellent days out. Be sure to visit the Keighley Valley Railway where the whole family can enjoy travelling through the Yorkshire countryside for around £35.

7. Thorntonhall Farm Country Park

On the boarder of the Dales lies this family-run farm which has lots of animals to see. There’s a large play area, giant sand pits and tractor rides. You can even have a ‘safari’ in a 4X4 land rover and visit the llamas and cattle on site. The older children will love having a go on the farm’s quad bikes for a bit of exhilarating fun! There is also a tea room where the adults can stop for a rest while the children run around in this clean and safe environment that has plenty of good facilities. Tickets are around £20 for a family of four.

8. Parcevall Hall Gardens

This is a little treat for the adults, but the whole family can appreciate the peaceful surroundings of this often overlooked attraction. Found near the picturesque North Yorkshire village of Appletreewick, this stunning garden is home to an interesting variety of plants and flowers, including a number of apple trees. There is a tea room where you can relax which serves a lovely selection of locally produced food and drink.

The Yorkshire Dales is an ideal place to visit for a family holiday. There are many fantastic attractions to see for all the family with camping facilities never too far away. If you are looking for even more fun places to go, Ripley Castle and Kilnsey Park are both excellent days out that everyone will enjoy.