Six of the Best: Yorkshire Days Out

A Stellars Sea Hawk and his handler at the Duncombe Park Bird of Prey Centre. Picture Kathryn Bulmer.

Before our brains become saturated with festive fayre and muddled with a multimedia onslaught in the run up to the big day, you might want to get away from it all... so here are six places to visit in Yorkshire

National Centre for Birds of Prey - North Yorkshire

Helmsley is home to some amazing attractions and after winning Small Attraction of the Year at this week’s White Rose Awards, the one that is truly soaring right now is the National Centre for Birds of Prey (NCBP).

Situated in the magnificent Duncombe Park Estate in Helmsley, within the world famous North York Moors National Park, NCBP is a relatively new visitor attraction; having only opened in March 2013. However, the team has not wasted any time in establishing NCBP as an amazing day out in the county.

PIC POST:
Bolton Abbey sunset reflected in the River Wharfe. 26 August 2016. Picture Bruce Rollinson
Tech Details : Nikon D4, 17-35mm Nikkor, 8secs @f16, 100asa, Graduated and Neutral Density filters. — PIC POST: Bolton Abbey sunset reflected in the River Wharfe. 26 August 2016. Picture Bruce Rollinson Tech Details : Nikon D4, 17-35mm Nikkor, 8secs @f16, 100asa, Graduated and Neutral Density filters.

Telephone: 08447 422 035.

Oxygen Freejumping - Kirkstall

Whether you’re looking to shift a few pounds for the Christmas party, or simply want to keep the kids entertained after school, a trip to Oxygen Freejumping will not disappoint.

With nine different jumping zones, an obstacle course, foam pit, a giant airbag, and more than 120 trampolines spread across the room (even on the walls) it is every child (and adult’s) dream day out.

2nd April 2013
Magazine feature on Kilnsey Park
Pictured 3 year old Lottie and 5 year old Phoebe Oliver on the Kilnsey Park trail
Picture by Gerard Binks — 2nd April 2013 Magazine feature on Kilnsey Park Pictured 3 year old Lottie and 5 year old Phoebe Oliver on the Kilnsey Park trail Picture by Gerard Binks

After a quick safety briefing, you get to run, bounce and flip to your heart’s content – try perfecting your front flips in the foam pit. Telephone: 0203 846 1386.

Keighley and Worth Valley Railway - North Yorkshire

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, snow has started to fall and festive spirit is already all around.

Although the white stuff isn’t a given, one thing that can definitely be promised is a magical time on board the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway’s Santa Steam Specials.

Date:21st September 2016. Picture James Hardisty.
Photo Essay........At the new ultimate trampoline park for both adults and chidren Oxygen Freejumping, Cardigan Fields Leisure Park, Kirksatll Road, Leeds. Pictured Having fun in the new centre Jamie Dewhirse. — Date:21st September 2016. Picture James Hardisty. Photo Essay........At the new ultimate trampoline park for both adults and chidren Oxygen Freejumping, Cardigan Fields Leisure Park, Kirksatll Road, Leeds. Pictured Having fun in the new centre Jamie Dewhirse.

Every year KWVR run their Santa Specials, inviting visitors to join them for an enchanted journey on one of their iconic steam locomotives for a heap of festive fun.

Telephone: 01535 645214.

Bolton Abbey - North Yorkshire

FOR a fantastic day out whatever your age, look no further than Bolton Abbey.

The Augustinian priory and church lies on the banks of the River Wharfe in 30,000 acres of beautiful Yorkshire Dales countryside. There’s almost 80 miles of footpaths where you can admire the breath-taking scenery from all angles, making it the perfect place for a cosy winter walk. Experienced walkers can head up the Valley of Desolation towards Simon’s Seat where they will find spectacular views across the surrounding countryside. Telephone: 01756 718009.

Kilnsey Park Estate - Yorkshire Dales

Autumn has arrived in Yorkshire and there’s no better place to enjoy the crisp mornings, cool afternoons and nature’s stunning displays than at the glorious Kilnsey Park Estate.

Tucked underneath the iconic limestone cliff of Kilnsey Crag in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, the 800-year-old estate was originally farmed by monks from Fountains Abbey and was given by Henry VIII to one of his nobles. It was later passed on to the Roberts family, who still live there today.

Telephone: 01756 752150.

York Dungeon - York

For a spine-tingling show that will leave you quaking in your boots, head to the York Dungeon – the Home of Halloween – this half term; where you’ll come face to face with the infamous Wicked Women of York.

Visitors will be transported back to a cool, cloudy day in York’s Square, in 1649, where the Spring Assizes are underway and 21 criminals are awaiting their fate. Nostrils are filled with the revolting smell of fire and death and reports of witchcraft are rife. Among the 21 criminals will be stranglers, poisoners, arsonists and murderers. Telephone: 0871 423 2260.