An Outdoor Playground
Looking for adventure? We have you covered. North Yorkshire is an outdoors destination, with outdoor spaces and gardens at the heart of our towns and the North Yorkshire landscape stretching out between them to a dramatic coastline.
With a choice of popular routes and waymarked paths, remote moorland tracks and isolated landmarks you can enjoy days of exploration and discovery.
So, lace up your boots or jump on the bike and get ready for some adventure. Let us inspire your next active holiday with varied terrain, amazing views, and a rich array of wildlife. North Yorkshire is the perfect place to experience the outdoors - whatever your interests are.
Your outdoor playground
We are the perfect base for an active break in the great outdoors. From adventure sports and thrill seeking, to gentle walks and the chance to unwind, we have it all. Find thrilling experiences tackling water, air, and stone.
Put the screens away and take the family outside to learn, discover, and play. Our outdoor attractions offer young children the perfect outdoor spaces to stretch their imaginations, burn off energy and learn in a fun and engaging way. Let play be as it used to be, let the imagination run wild, when your family visits North Yorkshire.

Ride the waves
If you are looking for something with more adrenaline, then make sure to take advantage of the superb range of water sports and instructors available up and down the Yorkshire Coast. Surfing is a firm favourite in Scarborough as well as Cayton Bay and Whitby. You can also try a host of other activities including paddle boarding or, if you need some speed, jet skiing!
Take advantage of the many walking trails, from a short bracing walk along the beach to more adventurous hikes including the White Rose Way or the Cleveland Way, the Yorkshire coast and North York Moors offer something to suit all levels of fitness and proficiency. Make sure to bring your camera with you to capture the breathtaking views you will discover on your journey.

An Outdoor Playground Experiences
Canoeing through Ripon
Join us on an unforgettable canoeing adventure. Led by our expert guides,… Join us on an unforgettable canoeing adventure. Led by our expert guides, our canoeing experiences offer a perfect blend of adrenaline and adventure,…
Stand Up Paddleboarding
Discover the thrill of Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) with How Stean Gorge,… Discover the thrill of Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) with How Stean Gorge, a leading provider of aquatic adventures in the heart of Yorkshire’s…
How Stean Experience
Get into How Stean Gorge - into the water, into the caves, into the air!… Get into How Stean Gorge - into the water, into the caves, into the air! Within this unique geological setting, the team at How Stean Gorge have…
The Ultimate Farmer
The Ultimate Farmer – the quintessential farming experience for grown ups!… The Ultimate Farmer – the quintessential farming experience for grown ups! Come with your herd, get stuck into real farm activities, have a proper…
An Outdoor Playground Stories & Inspiration
Find out where you can go wild swimming in North Yorkshire from secluded… Find out where you can go wild swimming in North Yorkshire from secluded woodland lakes and rivers to a bracing swim in the sea.
From bridleways and tracks to beaches and roads, North Yorkshire has the… From bridleways and tracks to beaches and roads, North Yorkshire has the perfect terrain to test your legs with steep climbs, rapid descents and spectacular views. See why the county is a great place…
North Yorkshire is a full of awesome activities for those families looking… North Yorkshire is a full of awesome activities for those families looking for a holiday that is full of adrenaline and excitement
Find out why North Yorkshire is your go to activity destination all year… Find out why North Yorkshire is your go to activity destination all year round and choose from a wide range of outdoor activities across the county allowing you to hit the heights of adventure and…
An Outdoor Playground Businesses
How Stean Gorge Activity Centre
How Stean Gorge’s activity centre offers professional high quality outdoor… How Stean Gorge’s activity centre offers professional high quality outdoor experiences onsite in this natural wonder and at other exciting locations…
How Stean Gorge
Explore natural caves, walk through flowing ravines, climb up rocks,… Explore natural caves, walk through flowing ravines, climb up rocks, participate in a high-wire adventure, and more!
Woldies
Award winning Family Day out! Award winning Family Day out!
Studfold Caravan, Glamping and Camping Park
Nestled in the Yorkshire Dales Studfold’s family-friendly ethos and… Nestled in the Yorkshire Dales Studfold’s family-friendly ethos and devotion to quality is only matched by the outstanding landscape, in the heart of…
Mother Shipton's Cave
Mother Shipton’s is a beloved Knaresborough landmark and England’s oldest… Mother Shipton’s is a beloved Knaresborough landmark and England’s oldest visitor attraction, open since 1630. This popular, award-winning visitor…
Stockeld Park
Welcome to Stockeld Park, a magical destination that will transport you to… Welcome to Stockeld Park, a magical destination that will transport you to a world of enchantment and adventure!Open every weekend and during holiday…
How Stean Gorge Chalet Lodges
Rustic lodges nestled amidst green rolling hills in the stunning Yorkshire… Rustic lodges nestled amidst green rolling hills in the stunning Yorkshire Dales. Set beside How Stean Gorge
Dalby Forest & Visitor Centre
Dalby Forest, located in the heart of the North York Moors National Park… Dalby Forest, located in the heart of the North York Moors National Park offers the perfect place to escape, relax and adventure. Home to over 8,500…
An Outdoor Playground Itineraries
3 days
Escape to the countryside for fun on the farm, historical ruins and North… Escape to the countryside for fun on the farm, historical ruins and North Yorkshire's only city on this three-day break.
5 days
North Yorkshire needs to be your activity go-to destination all year… North Yorkshire needs to be your activity go-to destination all year round. Find out how you can spend a few days in the area and have your choice of…
3 days
Escape to the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales for a weekend to remember.… Escape to the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales for a weekend to remember. Experience hilly landscapes, rolling fields, and waterfalls, discover what…
3 days
Find out how you can spend a weekend on the beautiful Yorkshire coast.… Find out how you can spend a weekend on the beautiful Yorkshire coast. From fish and chips and donkeys rides to fine dining and water fun. Plan your…
An Outdoor Playground Events
Start Date
End Date
Popular family festival on the Yorkshire coast. Popular family festival on the Yorkshire coast.
Autumn Daze' Festival will take place in the oriental themed Peasholm Park… Autumn Daze' Festival will take place in the oriental themed Peasholm Park on Scarborough's north side and feature a whole range of free, autumn…
This is a magical evening under the stars by the shimmering lake in… This is a magical evening under the stars by the shimmering lake in Peasholm Park, Scarborough. Staged by Animated Objects and North Yorkshire…
National Parks remain some of the darkest places in Great Britain and we… National Parks remain some of the darkest places in Great Britain and we celebrate our star-studded skies at Festivals throughout autumn and…