With Easter behind us, we’re only a few short weeks away from Whitsun half term in England. I have popped together a few ideas of things to do in Yorkshire this May half term. Hopefully there is a spot/attraction close by to where you are in the Yorkshire area that ticks the box for a variety of family fun. As always a lot of our ideas are outdoors based, so hopefully come rain or shine you can make the most of some Yorkshire days out this May half term.
Roman Festival in York Museum Gardens
From 31 May – 2 June, Roman Eboracum comes to life in the beautiful York Museum Gardens with a Roman Living History camp, Kids Army, demonstrations and activities for all ages.
Special family-friendly activities will take place throughout the Yorkshire Museum; see if you measure up for the Roman Army, make mini catapults and more!
On Saturday and Sunday, don’t miss the Roman Parades as the Roman Emperor, six Roman Legions and Roman civilians march through the iconic streets of York.
Activities in the Museum Gardens and the Roman Parades are free. Museum admission applies to activities in the Yorkshire Museum. If your littles aren’t as interested in the history of the Rotten Romans then let them explore the Jurassic exhibition and become a dinosaur detective.
Yorkshire Dales River Paddling/Swimming spots
The river Wharfe has some of the best wild swimming spots in Yorkshire. Whether your kids are after a paddle with a fishing net, more adventurous dinghy fun or a potter around Bolton Abbey; here is a great online list of beauty riverside spots to explore.
You can combine your visit with some Yorkshire Dales camping or a visit to Billy Bob’s Ice cream parlour
Yorkshire Lavender Farm -Terrington
A beautiful show of lavender fields, with spectacular views of the surrounding area. There is a small cafe with indoor and outdoor seating, a lavender maze, play park and lavender maze. For the green fingered there is an opportunity to purchase plants in their nursery. We love to pop here for a visit and play before heading onto a few other favourite spots in the Howardian Hills.
Open daily 10am-5pm
Adults £3.50 Children ages 3-16 £2 Family (2 +2) £10
The Balloon Tree Farm & Cafe Strawberry Picking
Keep up to date with when this year’s pick your own fruit on their facebook page to see when the berries will be ready to pick and eat at Balloon Tree Farm Cafe. The fruit is usually ripe around early June, so maybe a few days off May Half term but this cafe is still worth a visit as the food is yummy and the kids can play in the playground whilst you take a breather.
Dalby Forest
Situated on the Southern slopes of The North York Moors is Dalby forest. A forestry England forest with 13 walking and 6 cycling trails, 2 play parks, adventurous GoApe activities and a cafe. There is certainly plenty to explore in this extensive forest. The little ones can also be entertained by the Zog Activity trail through one of the walking trails.
Parking daily is £9 in peak months. Activity Trail leaflet is £3
Yorkshire Sculpture Park
One on our list to visit, I have heard that this cultural spot is a real delight for a picnic and play. Located 7 miles outside of Wakefield this 500 acre parkland known as “art without walls” is a family friendly way to introduce art. With art that you can touch and treasures to hunt for, this makes for a family cultural day out. Look out for the ARTcart over half term to keep little ones busy.
Beningbrough Hall
A half term days out guide wouldn’t be complete without an addition of a National Trust property and especially one of our favourite spots. We love the family activities that take place in the gardens.
- Have fun with sticks – Sunday
- Discover what’s in a pond – Monday
- Build a den – Wednesday
- Go cloud watching and create wild art – Friday
- Get to know a tree – Sunday
- Activities will run between 11am-3.30pm with specific timings to be confirmed.
With two cafes, playpark, shop and most importantly coffee available at the playpark, its hard to beat this as a day out. The gardens are already looking beautiful with the blossoms and flowers already blooming this month.
I would love to hear what you have planned or if you know of any other things to do in Yorkshire this May half term.
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