Out into the world, out into sunshine we go as summer brings a world of adventure…
When summer comes around, the urge to go out and explore gets stronger. So why not? There are so many incredible attractions and natural wonders right on our doorstep that you’d have to be mad to miss them. From open-air sculpture parks to hidden follies, ancient abbeys to Victorian arboretums, start planning your next day trip and find out what Yorkshire has to offer.
Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Credit: Jonty Wilde
500 acres of rolling countryside await at Yorkshire Sculpture Park. But that’s not even the best bit because in amongst the trees and shrubbery, you’ll find over 100 open air sculptures and installations. From Barbara Hepworth’s ‘Squares with Two Circles’ to Henry Moore’s ‘Large Two Forms’, you can see the work of the greats in an incredible setting. Take a leisurely stroll, bring a picnic if you want, and soak up the scenery.
Yorkshire Sculpture Park, West Bretton, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF4 4LG. Adult tickets are £5, under 18s go free and all tickets must be booked in advance.
Thorp Perrow
Credit: James LePage
Thorp Perrow is a Victorian arboretum that covers a whopping 100 acres. It has one of the UK’s finest collections of trees, so you can get lost in the woodlands as you escape back to nature and detach from your screens. In amongst the wonders here, you’ll find birds of prey in flight and wallabies roaming freely through the woods, making this a must-visit for all the family. Be sure to visit the adventure playground after a day of wandering.
Thorp Perrow, Bedale, North Yorkshire, DL8 2PS. Adult tickets are £13.30, kids tickets are £8.50, booking ahead is recommended.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Credit: Neil Hutchinson
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! What better way to spend a sunny summer’s day than by exploring Yorkshire Wildlife Park. There are over 475 animals to see here – you can meet the world largest rodent (we’re looking at you capybaras) or count the stripes on their herd of zebras (that’ll keep the kids busy). And if you want to see the animals in action, be sure to pop in for one of their daily shows or feeding sessions.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Hurst Lane, Auckley, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN9 3HQ. Tickets are £22 for adults, £20 for kids aged 3-15 and free for under twos.
The Forbidden Corner
Credit: Copyright Lorna Mitchell licensed under creative commons for commercial use.
Tucked away in the Dales is The Forbidden Corner, one of Yorkshire’s most bizarre but best-loved attractions. It’s home to a labyrinth of underground tunnels and chambers, with plenty of dead ends to keep you on your toes. As you work your way through four acres of gardens, you’ll come across weird and wonderful statues and impressive water features, as well as stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
The Forbidden Corner, Middleham, Leyburn, North Yorkshire, DL8 4TJ. Adult tickets are £14.50, kids tickets are £12.50, kids under 4 go free and all tickets must be booked in advance.
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden
Studley Royal Park was one of the first sites to be inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage Site listings in 1986 – and it’s just as beautiful today as it was then. At over 900 years old, the abbey offers a unique glimpse into the past, and the park was built around it, creating a wonderful open space, filled with character. There are over 800 acres to explore here, with incredible vistas and secluded spots where you can escape the bustle of your day-to-day.
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 3DY. Adult tickets are £17, kids tickets are £8.50 and National Trust & English Heritage members go free.
