The humble walking holiday is an extremely underrated option for family getaways. All too often parents can feel pressured to invest heavily in exciting and exotic holiday trips when magical places are right there to be discovered, practically on the doorstep. Yorkshire is chock-full of these magical places, all of which beg to be explored by you and yours. But which are the best?
Hebden Bridge
Hebden Bridge is an utterly charming town in West Yorkshire, cradled in the Upper Calder Valley and near-equidistant from Manchester and Leeds. It is a town surrounded by lush greenery, stunning landscapes and incredible walks that reveal more of the area’s natural beauty. One of the better Hebden Bridge walks is Hardcastle Crags, a National Trust estate exemplified by its dense woodland – the perfect place for young ones to explore.
Dalby Forest
If you’re exploring the East Riding of Yorkshire, and heading towards York for a brief stint in the city, there is a small detour you can take to one of the most beautiful forests in the North: Dalby Forest. Dalby Forest is a sprawling woodland area, with over a dozen different routes to explore and enjoy. Some of these routes are better-suited for hardcore walkers, but there are shorter and accessible routes; one such route is based around the Superworm kid’s book, and teaches biodiversity in a fun and engaging way.
Yorkshire Dales
The Yorkshire Dales is a humongous expanse, and by no means a singular destination; it contains multitudes, extending northwards from the tip of Leeds to the further reaches of the Pennine mountains. There are myriad places within the Yorkshire Dales National Park to consider visiting, from the geological majesty of Brimham Rocks to the rolling hills of Semer Water. The Dales is best experienced over multiple days, as a camping or caravanning trip to end all trips.
Hardraw Force
Deserving of its own section, though, is Hardraw Force in Leyburn. This is one of the largest waterfalls in the UK, and the largest of its kind. It is an unmissable sight, particularly for kids hooked on spectacle. For the adults, the waterfall lies close to The Green Dragon Inn, an amazing traditional pub worth the trip alone.
Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Last but by no means least, there is Yorkshire Sculpture Park – a spacious open-air monument to some of the world’s most gifted artists. Seasonal exhibitions ensure there is something new to discover every visit, and its rural backdrop makes for an innately relaxing day of exploration for everyone.
This post was featured by Twinkl in their UK Days Out Blog.