Our Three Best Days Out in Yorkshire

Thorp Perrow is one of North Yorkshire’s finest days out for the whole family with over 100 acres of beautiful woodland to run wild and free in, boasting one of the largest collections of shrubs and trees in the North of England.

Now is the perfect time to enjoy a family day out in the great outdoors discovering the Arboretum which houses a large collection of exotic birds of prey, offering fascinating flying demonstrations as well as a mammal centre for the chance to meet Colin the Turkmenian Eagle Owl, and Douglas, the hand-reared baby Meerkat at Meerkat island, after a stroll through Wallaby Wood. You’ll find a tearoom offering delicious home-cooked food and a great children’s playground with plenty of play equipment to keep them entertained. The Arboretum is open 7 days a week 10-5pm.

Hardraw Force is another must-see attraction and now is no better time, situated in a secluded area of some enchanting woodland, this is the highest single-drop waterfall in England at over 100 feet. These famous falls were used as a location in the hit Hollywood blockbuster Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and it is estimated that the waterfall was formed over 15,000 years ago toward the end of the last ice-age.

JMW Turner was one of Britain’s greatest landscape painters, watercolourists and printmakers. Turner visited Hardraw Force on 27 July, as part of his 1816 grand tour, and spent the night in the village at the Green Dragon Inn. It was already a well-known attraction in Turner’s time, with fellow contemporaries such as Wordsworth also visiting. Turner made two large sketches of the falls which show that the site has changed quite markedly in character since 1816.

The Green Dragon Inn is the perfect spot for a locally brewed Cask ale after exploring the extensive 15-acre grounds, walking through pleasant paths, ancient woodland and crossing the Beck over oak footbridges to witness at the head of the gorge the impressive Hardraw Force.

The Waterfall is open daily, with access granted through the Heritage centre located at the back of the pub car park.

Discover the perfect day out for all the family at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, a stunning World Heritage Site run by the National Trust. Close to Ripon, a characterful North Yorkshire market town, this is one of the largest and best-preserved monastery ruins in England.

Whether you’re looking to soak up the history and atmosphere at this National Trust site or to explore the miles of award-winning scenic gardens and tranquil moon ponds or discover deer in the deer park, Fountains Abbey will always have a special place in your memory.

The abbey, water garden, visitor centre car park, restaurant and toilet facilities at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal are now open.