Plush lodges, glamping retreats, countryside getaways – it’s time to plan a break with all the family.
The best thing about planning a family break with the kids in Yorkshire is that, well, it’s in Yorkshire. Wonderful scenery is a given. But what else do you need to know to ensure that both the grown-ups and the children are happy?
Our pick of holidays in God’s Own County has you covered for loads of family-based activities, delicious food options for even the pickiest eater and what to pack as well.
Aysgarth Lodges
Luxury lodges in a conservation area with roaring falls only a stones throw away? Sounds like the dream family break in Yorkshire to us. These kid and pet-friendly lodges have huge hot tubs perfectly positioned for prime views. There’s stacks to do, a bar and restaurant, and ways aplenty to wear the little ones out in the very freshest of Yorkshire air.
There’s a great range of lodges, from small but well-appointed through to top-end Optimum Eight lodges with four bedrooms, two bathrooms and loads of space. The decor doesn’t feel premium – it’s pretty functional – but that’s compensated for by the views from your patio.
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 fare 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 heck, 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, DL8 3SP.
What does it cost? Stays for a family of 4 start from £399 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 sprogs 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 in 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, YO60 7DA.
What does it cost? Three day family stays are £540.
Book it: campwilderness.co.uk
Forest Holidays at Keldy
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 nature lovers, there’s tons to do if gently poaching all week in a hot tub isn’t for them.
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, 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
You have stacks of options for booking a family break at Humble Bee Farm in the Yorkshire Wolds, and what you plump for will depend on both budget and the size of your mob. 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 Bee’s 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 on site is open at the weekends and select days during the week and you can hire the cute BBQ hut to cook for yourself. Other than that, you can self cater or get fresh and fabulous fish and chips from Harpers of Staxton, only minutes 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, 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
If you go down to the woods today, you’re sure of a big surprise – Jollydays Glamping is set in 200 acres of woodland which, though only a short drive from York, feels perfectly like the middle of nowhere. Go as rustic as you want – it’s an eco camp that feels truly at one with nature, albeit with a level of decor that makes it all the more cosy.
The Woodland Bothies have dramatically decorated interiors, kitchens and a veranda with an outdoor bbq – take your pick of four including ‘King Auberon’ or ‘The Magicians’. The Woodcutter huts are a touch cosier in all senses, and bigger families may struggle with one kingsize bed and a double sofa bed.
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, YO41 1AP.
What does it cost? Woodcutter huts from £750 a week, family bothies from £1300. Shorter stays are available.
Book it: jollydaysglamping.co.uk
