Last Updated on March 12, 2024 by Suzy McCullough
Let’s face it, we are always looking for opportunities to get the kids off their screens and outside in the fresh air. The National Trust provides so many different ways to do this and the kids will have so much fun they won’t even put up a fight!
Plus, many of the properties offer an educational edge, so the little ones will be learning as they explore, without even realizing it. There are a wonderful number of family-friendly National Trust properties all over the UK but it is definitely fair to say that Yorkshire boasts more than its fair share.
You can choose from exploring castles, visiting historic houses, admiring gardens, walking on beaches and countless hikes to enjoy. There is such a rich variety of days out that all the family will enjoy that it is definitely worth considering investing in a family membership.
Beningbrough Hall
Beningbrough, York, North Yorkshire, YO30 1DD
Beningbrough Hall is a handsome and imposing property, which sits within eight acres of beautifully manicured gardens. It is worth noting that the hall itself is currently closed for a huge infrastructure project which is due to be completed by Summer 2023.
However, the surrounding grounds and gardens are open and offer plenty of opportunities for fun and exploration. There is a fabulous family-friendly wilderness area that features an adventure playground and picnic area. There is a restaurant on site which serves a splendid variety of homemade lunches, hot and cold drinks and delectable cakes and bakes.
Once you have enjoyed your refreshments be sure to visit the Stables Shop where you can browse the awesome selection of gifts and treats, inspired by National Trust properties. It is the ideal place to grab birthday pressies or stocking fillers if it’s Christmas time.
Brimham Rocks
Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Brimham Rocks in Harrogate are a unique and fascinating National Trust property. Here you will discover extraordinary rock formations, created 100 million years before even dinosaurs walked the earth.
This natural spectacle is the magnificent result of ice erosion, wind erosion and continental shifts. The rocks provide the perfect opportunity for an informal educational talk on geography and history, to feed younger minds with crucial knowledge of the planet we live on.
With a little imagination, many of the rocks take on the form of all manner of familiar, day-to-day objects and creatures. Challenge the whole family to see who can spot the Dancing Bear, the Turtle, the Mushroom, the Writing Desk (nick-named E.T.) and the Sphinx! A trip to Brimham Rocks is a great place for the whole family to visit, where you can enjoy a walk, a picnic and explore and examine the weird and wonderful rocks.
East Riddlesden Hall
Bradford Road, Riddlesden, Keighley, West Yorkshire, BD20 5EL
East Riddlesden Hall in Keighley is a stunning 17th-century manor house which has been sympathetically restored and maintained for the enjoyment of visitors wishing to explore the property and learn about the people who have lived there over the years.
Beautiful, colourful gardens surround the house, packed with many different bright, scented flowers and plants. Plus there is an orchard, which produces all sorts of fruit in the autumn. The on-site tea room serves homemade bakes and cakes, seasonal light bites and lunches and all sorts of drinks making it the ideal spot to rest and refresh after exploring the grounds.
There is also a well-equipped gift shop selling all sorts of useful items and souvenirs. East Riddlesden Hall is particularly family-friendly and offers some great features that little ones will love including a mud pie kitchen and an indoor crafting area.
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden
Fountains, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 3DY
Fountains Abbey in Ripon, North Yorkshire has been drawing visitors to admire its beauty and elegance for many years. The once magnificent and imposing abbey is today an awe-inspiring and atmospheric ruin.
It is one of the largest and best-preserved Cistercian monastery ruins in England. This fascinating and educational property has now received the accolade of being a World Heritage Site, and rightly so. Studley Royal Water Garden features sparkling ponds, elegant statues and amusing oddities and cleverly incorporates the stunning ruins into the design.
The river offers the perfect place for paddling and playing on hot days and the river bank is the ideal spot to lay down your picnic blanket and relax for the afternoon. After lunch why not take a stroll onto the designated walking paths where you may be lucky enough to discover some of the resident Red, Fallow or Sika deer grazing?
Hardcastle Crags
Gibson Mill, Midgehole Road, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, HX7 7AW
Hardcastle Crags is the perfect rustic day out for all members of the family. It comprises a magnificent, wooded valley showing a 19th-century Gibson Mill at the centre. More than 400 acres of delightful, unspoilt woodland surrounds it. You really will feel like you are reconnecting with nature here.
The site is an absolute paradise for walkers, and that includes the canine kind. Dogs are more than welcome to join the rest of the family as you navigate the 15-mile footpath network. Don’t worry though, there are short, scenic strolls for those who don’t have the time or inclination for a hefty hike up the valley.
The old cotton mill hosts regular historical and educational exhibitions and also houses the on-site café where you can enjoy hot and cold drinks, snacks and various other refreshments. Indoor and outdoor seating is available here.
Nostell Priory
Doncaster Road, Nostell, near Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF4 1QE
Nostell Priory showcases an ambitious and somewhat eccentric 18th-century house, which proudly displays fascinating interiors, a world-class Thomas Chippendale furniture collection and an exquisite 18th-century doll house.
Visitors are also treated to an extraordinary painting by Sir Thomas More, a hugely influential lawyer, judge and philosopher from the 16th century. In fact, there is all this and so much more to see and discover at this quintessential old English manor house.
After an educational tour of the house, let the kids have some downtime outside as you admire the stunning kitchen garden brimming with edible delights. Enjoy the scents and colours of the rose garden, and watch the kids let off steam in the woodland adventure play area which features a 30-metre zip wire!
Guests also have access to 300 acres of glorious park and woodland, either on foot or by bike. You are sure to find the perfect picnic spot out there.
Nunnington Hall
Nunnington, near York, North Yorkshire, YO62 5UY
Nunnington Hall is a handsome manor house, that boasts a beautiful location on the peaceful banks of the glistening River Rye. The first recorded dwelling on the site was as far back as 1249.
The existing property has been carefully and sympathetically restored and updated over the past few centuries. The house you are invited to visit today is a fascinating and effective mix of history and original features and refurbished modern additions. There are regular art exhibitions held at the hall.
The gardens at Nunnington Hall are immaculately kept and offer peace and tranquillity as well as a stunning array of colourful plants and flowers. Keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of the elegant resident peacocks too! The on-site tea room serves homemade treats, a variety of hot and cold drinks and delicious light lunches, an ideal pit stop after a day of exploring.
Ormesby Hall
Ladgate Lane, Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, TS3 OSR
Ormesby Hall in Middlesborough is a Georgian mansion which has been in the Pennyman family for many generations. Guests are invited to explore the grand house, which is packed full of interesting artwork and furniture and is classically decorated throughout.
Each part of Ormesby Hall tells a story of the different family members who have lived there over the centuries. In the servants’ wing, there is an impressive model railway. Younger guests will love the interactive layout with four circuits of track and buttons to push to make the trains move.
There is a café which serves a variety of hot and cold refreshments to eat inside or take away. There is also a very cool second-hand book shop which is sure to have reading material to suit all ages. Outside the property spans an impressive 240 acres, including farmland and parkland which is a haven for nature and wildlife.
Wentworth Castle Gardens
Wentworth Castle Gardens, Park Drive, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S75 3EN
A trip to Wentworth Castle Gardens is the ideal opportunity for the whole family to enjoy some outside exercise and activity. You can explore the stunningly kept formal gardens, learn about the historical statues and look around the castle itself.
Everything at Wentworth Castle was originally designed by Thomas Wentworth with the intention of showing off his wealth and status. The Union Jack Garden is a particularly striking example of this. This 18th-century wilderness garden was planted in 1713. Its distinctive criss-cross pattern marks the union of England and Scotland in 1707. It was successfully replanted in 2005.
The grounds are home to all sorts of wildlife including deer, badgers and numerous bird species. This is the perfect place to enjoy leisurely family walks and delicious picnics, plus it is just a very short journey from the bustling market town of Barnsley.
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