From the dramatic peaks of Wensleydale and the North York Moors to the sandy beaches of Scarborough, North Yorkshire offers some of the UK’s best staycations.
From luxury lodges with private hot tubs to off-grid woodland glamping, this guide rounds up five of the top family-friendly accommodations across North Yorkshire – complete with local dining tips, packing hacks, and nearby attractions.
Looking for a day out in Yorkshire with the kids? Check out our guide to 35 fantastic and free family days out in Yorkshire.
Aysgarth Lodges
Luxury lodges nestled in a quiet conservation area with roaring waterfalls just a stone’s throw away? It is the ideal recipe for a relaxing family break in Yorkshire. These kid and pet-friendly lodges have huge hot tubs perfectly positioned for prime views. There’s loads to do, a bar and restaurant, and plenty of ways to wear the little ones out in the very freshest of Yorkshire air.
There’s a great range of lodges, from small but well-equipped through to top-end Optimum Eight lodges with four bedrooms, two bathrooms and loads of space. While the interior decor is more functional than ultra-luxurious, the dramatic views from your private sun deck and hot tub more than compensate.
It’s just a short wander to Aysgarth Falls, you can take each other on at mini-golf (there’s a nine-hole course) or just leap in the hot tub for a soak. There’s plenty to discover nearby, from Bolton Castle to the Wensleydale Creamery. The endlessly quirky Forbidden Corner is only eight miles away – it’s a genuine one-off.
Food-wise, the Falls End restaurant on site ticks the boxes for burgers and pizza, but also serves up more ambitious dishes such as salt & pepper squid or sea-bass fillet. The Street Kitchen goes further with jerk chicken, crispy pork belly tacos and a footlong hot dog that’s ideal for hungry kids. Country pubs dot the nearby landscape should you fancy a change.
In terms of packing for your trip, it’s a really well-equipped place. We took our dogs and they’d even left out toys and treats for them – but it’s always a good idea to take more towels for the hot tub, and there’s never enough coat hangers for a whole family so take some extras.
Where is it? Aysgarth Lodges, Westholme Bank, Leyburn, North Yorkshire, DL8 3SP.
What does it cost? Stays for a family of 4 start from £459 for 3 nights.
Book it: leisureresorts.co.uk
Camp Wilderness at Castle Howard
Castle Howard itself is a great place to head to with the kids but Camp Wilderness makes a visit there even better. You can book a three or five-day family stay or send the kids off on three and five-day explorer camps too. It’s very back-to-basics, but it’s a great way to introduce kids to life skills, with experts on hand to teach them activities that will stand them in good stead.
All this is set in 2,100 acres of lovely Yorkshire woodland. You’ll stay in a bell tent that can comfortably accommodate a family of up to six. It’s a no-frills experience, however, with shared loos, and they recommend that you really embrace nature when there by saving the shower until you get home.
You and your kids can learn the basics of building shelters, lighting fires, bushcraft, camouflage and trap making. All the activities are safe and fun, and hopefully you’ll be taking home a budding Bear Grylls or two.
Credit: Tom Arber
At Camp Wilderness, food is a communal experience. You’ll build a fire and barbecue over it, share pizza, burgers and campfire classic s’mores then tuck into a giant cooked breakfast on the second morning. They cater for dietary requirements and allergies, just be sure to let them know about it in advance.
They provide you with a full list of stuff to take, but you’ll need your own sleeping bag, pillow, waterproofs and more. It’s basically like packing for a camping trip, but remember that there’s not much on site, so take any essential meds and snacks.
Where is it? Camp Wilderness, Castle Howard, York, North Yorkshire, YO60 7DA.
What does it cost? Three day family stays are £540.
Book it: campwilderness.co.uk
Forest Holidays at Keldy
Credit: Forest Holidays
A lodge with a hot tub and a log burner sounds like the perfect couple’s weekend away, but the Forest Holidays site at Keldy in North Yorkshire is in fact perfect for a Yorkshire family break. A stay here puts you within a short drive of the North York Moors National Park and seaside towns like Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay. If your kids are avid nature lovers who prefer zip-lining and bike trails over soaking in the hot tub all day, Keldy provides endless outdoor entertainment right on the edge of the North York Moors.
Dog-walking is a joy here, with flower-strewn meadows and pretty nightjars swooping past at dusk. Little ones can head to the children’s play area, take part in fun mini forest ranger training or hire bikes and take on a cycling trail. There are also daily craft workshops for the budding artists among you and for thrill-seekers, there’s a zip wire.
The Golden Oak Treehouse is a real favourite with kids, as you have to cross a wooden bridge to one of the rooms. The four bedrooms make it ideal for big families or those travelling with friends. At the top end, the White Willow Premium cabin has an outdoor kitchen for al fresco joy.
When everyone gets hungry, there’s a Forest Retreat where you can grab breakfast, simple bites for lunch and family-friendly dinners like pizza or burgers. You can also order food, wine and groceries to be delivered to your cabin. Want to DIY? Many cabins have their own pizza ovens for piping-hot pies.
All cabins come equipped with utensils, bed linen and all the basics, so just pack like you would for a holiday. Swimwear for the hot tub is essential, and you’ll want woodland-appropriate clothes. If you forget anything, the shop on-site stocks most necessities.
Where is it? Forest Holidays, Keldy Cabin, Keldy Castle, Pickering, North Yorkshire, YO18 8HW.
What does it cost? Prices very much depend on the season and cabin. You can pre-book food bundles at a discount.
Book it: forestholidays.co.uk
Humble Bee Farm
Located in the rolling Yorkshire Wolds just 20 minutes from Scarborough beach, Humble Bee Farm offers brilliant accommodation options for families of all sizes. Trust us, however, the Wigwam cabins are simply adorable. There’s plenty to do on-site and nearby, while each season sees a new range of events launched. Not only that, the whole of the wonderful Yorkshire coast is yours for the exploring.
From bell tents to yurts through to three different kinds of wooden wigwam, you can do this your way. We love the Premium Wigwam with its private hot tub, but huddling round the fire pit outside the five-berth Big Chief cabin is the stuff family memories are made of.
Resident alpacas Olive and Clover are on site, ready to bond with your children during bookable walks. Events might include family shows and games nights, and the Mini Bees Play Area and sports field is the perfect place for energetic tikes to burn off some steam. As if that’s not enough, you’re only a 20-minute drive from the beach at Scarborough. That means you can have lazy days at ‘home’ and then get your fix of fun by the sea.
The Hive Cafe Bar operates on weekends and selected weekdays during peak season. For a self-catering treat, hire the site’s private BBQ hut or pick up fresh fish and chips from Harpers of Staxton, located just a five-minute drive away.
You won’t need to pack too much either. The cabins are fully stocked, but it’s a good idea to bring spare towels for the hot tub and stuff for the nearby beaches.
Where is it? Humble Bee Farm, Flixton, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO11 3UJ.
What does it cost? Prices change seasonally. Keep your eyes peeled on their website for deals, late availability and shorter stays.
Book it: humblebeefarm.co.uk
Jollydays Glamping
Credit: Jollydays Glamping
Set in 200 acres of North Yorkshire woodland near the Northwood Fairy Sanctuary, Jollydays offers a screen-free escape. The Woodland Bothies feature grand, atmospheric interiors and covered verandas. However, larger families should note that the smaller Woodcutter Huts feature one double bed and a double sofa bed, which can feel cozy for groups of four or more.
There are no TVs, so it’s a real back-to-nature experience. Enjoy the blanket of stars, explore the woodland for animal encounters and then make for the Northwood Trail, the adjacent and very magical fairy sanctuary. Craving more action? The cobbles of York and the splendour of Castle Howard are close.
Credit: Charlotte Graham
You can enjoy a BBQ on your covered veranda, or duck into the atmospheric Northwood Kitchen with its trees and menu of deli boards and open sandwiches. Closer than York, neighbouring Stamford Bridge has the lovely No. 10 Cafe Bar & Bistro for fajitas, nachos, burgers and more family fare.
It feels properly away from it all, so just take a torch, towels, woodland-appropriate shoes and all of your food and drink. It’s the perfect place for a wonderful, screen-free break with the kids.
Where is it? Jollydays Glamping, Buttercrambe Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO41 1AP.
What does it cost? Woodcutter huts from £350 for two nights, family bothies from £495.
Book it: jollydaysglamping.co.uk
