10 North Yorkshire Visitor Attractions

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Snainton Riding Centre, Snainton – With over 40 years of experience and fully qualified instructors, there are few days out that’ll be as thrilling as horse trekking! With everyone aged 4+ welcome, regardless of ability. The facilities are brilliant and the horses are all exceptionally friendly and well trained!

Doodlepots, Whitby – Why not try your hand at some pottery and painting? Pick your pot and spend as much time as you like decorating it with the huge selection of materials at Doodlepots! Very modest charges for the studio time and pots. Pop back a couple of days later and your pot is glazed, fired and ready to take home!

Peasholm Park Battleships, Scarborough – Home of the ’smallest manned navy in the world’! Watch miniature battleships disrupt the peace and quiet in the tranquil park surroundings as they reenact battles of days gone by! A thrilling day out and the perfect addition to walking around the wonderful park.

Go Ape, Thornton-le-Dale – Ready for an al action day out? Go Ape is definitely for you! High wires, tarzan swings, zip slides and rope bridges all in the canopy of the Dalby Forest national park! Booking is essential and age limits apply so call in advance! Get ready for an adrenaline fuelled day!

Beck Isle Museum, Pickering – Home of the first agricultural college in the UK and now the site of a stunning grade 2 listed building that houses some fantastic galleries. 27 rooms of agricultural history covering hundreds of years. Photography fans will be right at home too with hundreds of images shot by local photographers.

Falconry UK Birds of Prey Centre, Kirkby Wiske – Over 70 birds from 30 species feature at the centre and you’ll see some of the most amazing bird handling in the UK. The kids will be thrilled as the birds swoop inches over their heads and come to rest just a few feet away!

Inspired By… Gallery, Danby – A collection of art work and sculpture by a large range of artists, all inspired by the beautiful North Yorkshire Moors. Admission is free and and with a wide range of opening times this is great place to drop into on a rainy day!

Castle Howard, York – Sat in 1000 acres of stunning park land, dotted with fountains, temples, statues and lakes. You can take a boat trip around the Great Lake and then wander through the house and admire the huge collection of family heirlooms and history. A wonderful selection of shops and cafes mean you won’t go hungry either!

Yorkshire Wolds Gallery, Staxton – A wonderful contemporary art gallery with some fantastic pieces that’ll appeal to a wide age range. If you haven’t already eaten you’ll find some excellent homemade food and great teas and coffees to enjoy while looking out onto the stunning views of the Wolds.

Wolds Way Lavender, Malton – A wonderful family run attraction just outside Malton. You’ll get to look out over the huge lavender fields as you follow some of the tranquil nature trails. There’s plenty of opportunity to eat and drink in the tearoom before exploring the sensory areas and miniature railway!

10 Theatres in North Yorkshire

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Skipton Little Theatre, Skipton – A litany venue with a big heart! Always warm and welcoming, the Little Theatre stages a variety of plays throughout the year. With a history going back into the 1930s you’re bound to be won over by the charming Theatre and the Skipton Players Drama Society.

The Royal Hall, Harrogate – After being restored between 2006-2008, The Royal Hall is a breathtaking venue and was, in years gone by, considered one of the most significant entertainment venues outside of London. Built in 1903 it is the only surviving ‘cure hall’ in the UK and has played an important role in Harrogates history. Worth visiting on one of the Theatres open days for a thrilling guided tour.

Theatre Royal, Richmond – Built in 1788, the Theatre Royal is a Georgian masterpiece. It boasts some of the most historical set scenery and is still home to ballet, comedy, drama and much more. A winner of numerous awards and now with an 11 month programme, it really is a ‘must visit’ if you’re in North Yorkshire!

Harrogate International Centre, Harrogate – One of the counties, if not the countries, most impressive venues. Known as the ‘palace of glittering gold’! Here you’ll find world class music, comedy and drama. Home to the Harrogate International Festival, the Centre continues to welcome the biggest names in music, dance, ballet and much much more. Not to be missed!

The Victoria Hall, Settle – A fantastic venue with a wide range of shows, from Rock music to world cinema, there’s something for everyone here. Seating 230 people, the Victoria Hall is an intimate venue and never fails to please.

Frazer Theatre, Knaresborough – Hidden off the high street and home to the ‘Knaresborough Players’, the Frazer is home to a number of shows every year as well as the film theatre which shows a selection of the latest comedy, action and children’s features. Make sure you book early if you plan to see one of the ever popular pantomimes, they’re always guaranteed to sell-out!

Pateley Playhouse, Pateley Bridge – Starting life as a Methodist Chapel in mid-1800s, the Playhouse is a truly wonderful place to spend time. Although a tiny venue holding only 73 people, you’ll regularly find touring shows, charity events, film shows and lots more. Home to the Pateley Bridge Amateur Dramatic Society whose performances often surpass professional standards.

The Mart Theatre, Skipton – As the name would suggest, the Mart theatre is placed in a working auction mart and is totally unique, the only one in the UK! Partly funded by the auction mart, the theatre considers itself ‘non-traditional’ and offers an experimental programme with a mix of productions, workshops and events.

Harrogate Theatre, Harrogate – Sat right in the heart of Harrogate and known as the ‘Grand Opera House’. The spectacular theatre was designed by Frank Tugwell, who also designed the incredible Savoy Theatre in London. From Charlie Chaplin to Sir Ben Kingsley, the theatre has played host to the greats of stage and screen. After recent renovation the theatre should not be missed if you’re in town!

Open Air Theatres – Found at Fountains Abbey, RHS Harlow, Carr Gardens and Ripley Castle. Not a traditional ‘theatre’ venue but well worth keeping an eye out for! Be quick though, these open air performances sell out very quickly. Keep you fingers crossed for a sunny day!

9 Must Visit Market Towns in North Yorkshire

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Thirsk
A picturesque cobbled marketplace surrounded by some fantastic local pubs, great eateries and local shops. One of North Yorkshire’s gems, Thirsk Market attracts some interesting stalls every Monday and Saturday and you’ll find plenty of parking within a stones throw!

Helmsley
An ancient settlement that was thriving before the doomsday book was even thought of! Traditionally the market attracted attracted weavers and tanners although now you’re more likely to find pretty little boutique shops and fabulous food! Weekend attracts cyclists and motorcyclists alike who flock from miles around to enjoy a well earned rest and feed in the historic market place!

Richmond
There are few places in Yorkshire where you’ll find so many different architectural influences – from the soaring Normal castle to the stunning Georgian townhouses – all built around the largest marketplace in the UK. Prepare to fall in love with the scenery around the area. Why not take your paintbrushes? Richmond has inspired artists throughout the ages!

Malton
Leave yourself plenty of time to explore! The marketplace runs parallel to a main street filled with fantastic shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs. If you’re visiting on a Saturday you’ll be able to enjoy some local produce from the farmers market – bring a big bag! A fantastic market and a fantastic town you’ll definitely visit again.

Northallerton
You won’t come closer to escaping the modern retail world than you will in Northallerton. A huge selection of local shops run by local people. Prepare to be fascinated by the plaques you’ll find dotted around the town, marking sites of historical note. Wednesday and Saturday are market days – the high street suddenly turns into a thriving market!

Leyburn
Be sure to take your camera when you visit – Leyburn marketplace is one of the highest in the UK and offers stunning views over the Yorkshire Dales. The weekly market arrives on Friday, boasting produce from the local area and much more. If you’re looking for livestock, or just fancy watching, have a wander to the Auction Mart where you’ll find some of the finest sheep in the UK changing hands!

Masham
For those who are familiar with ‘Theakston’s’ and ‘Black Sheep Ale’ Masham and it’s breweries are a must visit location! Some great eateries and watering holes surround a spectacular marketplace that was established early in the 13th Century. Wednesday and Saturday are market days and offer a great chance to buy a picnic lunch to enjoy in the fabulous park nearby!

Settle
A small market town with a big heart! A friendly local community means that there’s never a dull day in Settle. A regular haunt for walkers tackling the 3 peaks of Ingleborough, Penyghent and Whernside. Plenty of places to refuel tired legs if you’re on foot or just drop in for some great food if you’re not! Tuesday is market day or, if you find yourself here on the second Sunday of the month you’ll find a bustling Farmers Market.

Pickering
One of the most historic towns in the North of England, Pickering is thought to date back to around 280BC. Every turn you take is met with historic buildings and wonderful local businesses. On Monday the market sets up nice and early and can easily be a full days entertainment when added to some fantastic local food and drink. If you’re looking for a way to persuade the kids – let them know parts of PIckering featured as Hogsmeade in the Harry Potter films!

Seven Places To Take Your Kids In North Yorkshire When It’s Raining

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1. National Railway Museum – With over 300 rail vehicles on display the NRM is considered one of the finest railway museums in the world. Thousands of exhibits and plenty of photo opportunities in period dress next to some iconic locomotives! You’ll go in, around, under and over some of the most amazing trains of all time. There’s plenty of interactive exhibits for the easily bored! A fantastic free day out you won’t forget!

2. Eden Camp – Set on the site of a World War II prisoner of war camp this multi-award winning museum is a fantastic family day out. You’ll have a chance to experience the camp from a POW’s point of view and let the kids see if they can play guard and spot the prisoner’s plans to escape! There’s a host of WWII memorabilia to enjoy and if you’re hungry, there’s the ‘Prisoners Canteen’ or an indoor eating area for you to bring your own rations!

3. Jorvik Viking Centre – If you think you’re ready to step back in time to a time when Vikings ruled over the country then this one’s for you! Sit aboard a carriage that will take you through a recreation of a viking settlement, sights, sounds… and smells! This multi-awarding winning venue is home to stunning artefacts and the family can even have a go at making Viking coins!

4. Malton Museum – In Maltons old town hall you’ll find a fascinating insight into village life in through the ages. Roman artefacts, interactive displays and a recreation of the dig that uncovered a lot of the museums collection! The kids will love the ‘Wharram Percy’ exhibition – a fabulous reproduction of a medieval village home – including life-size occupants (both human and animal!).

5. Wensleydale Railway – If you’ve got budding train drivers in your family this could be just the ticket! Take the 17 mile trip across the beautiful Yorkshire Dales on a 1960’s carriage. There are fantastic views and often a chance to sit behind the driver. Check before you go for dates the steam locomotive will be pulling the carriages!

6. Scarborough Sea Life Centre – Explore the wonders of the oceans without getting wet! Seahorses, sharks, turtles, rays and much more. The kids will feel like they’re walking on the seabed when they experience the underwater tunnel! Check for feeding times and you’ll get to watch the penguins, otters and seals enjoy lunch!

7. Terror Tower – If you’re feeling brave why not take the family to explore the sets of some of the scariest movies of all time! With both real actors and high-tech Animatronics to add to the thrills you’re sure to be in for a fright. Definitely not one for the faint hearted!

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These are just a few examples of things to do in North Yorkshire when its raining. The Lodges in Yorkshire blog searches out the best locations to visit for you and your family.