Family Holiday Ideas in the Eastern Yorkshire Dales

Things To Do and Adventures for All the Family

Half Terms, Summer Holidays and Weekend Adventures with Children

Family holiday, abseiling and climbing experience
We want to share our top-tips for family-friendly staycations and day-trips in the Eastern Yorkshire Dales. Whilst we can’t guarantee the weather, we can guarantee you can keep the whole family entertained come rain or shine. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite Lost Earth Adventures and other local attractions to you to plan your British Staycation.

Come and join us on a Lost Earth Adventure!

Rock climbing and Abseiling

Rock climbing and abseiling are safe, fun, and challenging family activities, whatever your previous experience! Brimham Rocks is suitable for complete beginners to seasoned experts. Our instructors will select the best routes for your family for a great, adrenaline filled day in the great outdoors. For families with toddlers and pushchairs, there’s also plenty to explore on terra firma, plus an all-important ice-cream van.

Read more about rock climbing and abseiling.

Canoeing or SUPing

We want to let you in on a secret… we have one of the best locations in Yorkshire for canoeing and SUPing! Our secret lake is an idyllic flat-water spot; perfectly safe for complete beginners of all ages to have a blast on the water.

Gorge walking

We don’t like crowds, but we love waterparks! Join us in Studfold’s gorge to jump, slide and scramble in nature’s own, covid-safe waterpark. No previous experience is needed, just a sense of adventure.

Caving

Do you dare to explore what lies beneath? The Dales is home to caves just waiting to be explored by anyone aged 6+. Our fully qualified instructors are the best in the industry for running safe, exciting underground trips.

Go MAD in the Yorkshire Dales (East)

Cave | Abseil | Gorge Walk | High Ropes | Climb

Climb, abseil and gorge walk in Nidderdale on a epic MAD 3 adventure or add caving and underground high ropes for an unbelievable MAD 5 experience.

Gentle Exploration and Relaxation

The Eastern Dales is truly a spectacular place to visit, and we’re sure you will agree! In addition to the great adventures it offers, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite family days out in Eastern Yorkshire.

Pateley Bridge

This quaint market town sits in the heart of Nidderdale. It’s a great base for exploring the Dales, and a lovely place to spend the day wandering around. In fine weather, picnics by the river are highly recommended, or take advantage of the great pub grub available in town in more ‘English’ weather. It’s also home to The Oldest Sweet Shop in the World – an attraction as appealing to nostalgic adults as sugar-hungry children!

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water and Deer Park

Fountains Abbey, the beautifully preserved ruins of England’s largest Cistercian monastery, is hauntingly beautiful. With acres of woodland, a cave to discover and a tunnel to explore, it’s both a photographer’s dream and an epic location for hide and seek. Entrance is free for National Trust and English Heritage members.

Studfold: Adventure Trail & Nidderdale Café

The Adventure Trail is the best attraction around for families with pre-school or primary aged children (pre-booking is required). Discover resident fairies on the interactive Adventure Trail, complete with clues to solve, sensory boxes to discover, go-karts to drive and a play area to explore. Either take a picnic or stop off at the Nidderdale Way Café to get the most out of your day (we’ve even gone to the effort of taste-testing their cake selection prior to making this recommendation).

Family trekking with llamas in Yorkshire Dales

Nidderdale Llamas

(age 7+): Who says staycationing can’t be exotic? Trek with llamas and meet guinea pigs and chinchillas in Yorkshire’s answer to the Andes. Breaking with South American tradition, we are assured that their guinea pigs will not end up on a dinner plate. Visits require pre-booking.

Knaresborough

Just outside the Yorkshire Dales, Knaresborough has lots to offer. Explore the picturesque River Nidd either on foot or in a traditional rowing boat, and then take advantage of the many great pubs and cafes for lunch. Spend the afternoon at Mother Shipton’s Cave and Petrifying Wall, the birthplace of England’s most famous prophetess and where teddy bears get turned to stone, for a full day out. https://www.mothershipton.co.uk/ Entrance: £30 for a family of five.

Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway

Step back in time with a ride on a steam train. For special occasions, treat yourself to afternoon tea in a First Class saloon, or time your visit with one of the many special events held throughout the year. Advance booking is recommended.

How to Plan Your Holiday in the UK

1.) See our video below to see how happy you’re going to make your kids!
2.) Read about any of the experiences by clicking on the links above.
3.) Look at the map of where our adventures are located below.
4.) Either call 01904 500094, or email info@lostearthadventures.co.uk to check our availability.
5.) Book your accommodation immediately after checking our availability using either Booking.com, The Youth Hostel Association, Air BnB, or your favourite accommodation portal.
6.) Pay us a £100 deposit as soon as you’ve booked your accommodation. The balance is due 30 days prior.
7.) Turn up and enjoy your adventure holiday in the UK!

Map of Our Locations

We’ve activities close to Pateley Bridge, Harrogate, York, Ripon, Leeds, Otley, Ilkley and Masham.

Guided Walks or Navigation Courses
Mountain Biking
Climbing, Abseiling and Bouldering
Urban Abseiling
Gorge Walking and Canyoning
Caving
Canoeing, Raft Building and Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Team Building, Orienteering and Other Activities Suitable for Work Teams and Youth Groups