Days Out Halifax & Calderdale

Museums, Attractions & Gardens

Have a child who loves trains? Ravensprings Park is a private park owned by the Brighouse and Halifax Model Engineers. You can ride miniature locomotives on two different railway tracks on specific dates throughout the year. There is also a large grassed area and a club house serving refreshments. Pay once at the gate and ride for free all afternoon. Adults £3, children £2, concessions £2.

The portable track is even taken out to various events across Halifax and Brighouse. The trains are usually steam operated with diesel backup.

Another World Adventure Centre

Outdoor activity centre in Ogden with a wide range of activities. Choose from  mountain boarding, grass sledging, archery, low rope courses, slingshots with paintballs, archery, air pistols and more.

Just turn up and have a go – no need to book!

Birthday parties for ages 5+ include packages such as archery, low rope challenge course, go-kart building and racing, tag archery and group and team games.  From mid-April to late November you could also choose mountainboarding, grass sledging, dirt scooters or bumper balls. We offer a popular BBQ buffet for afters, in a heated log cabin, under the shade of the marquee or outside in the sunshine.

Another World Adventure Centre, Moss Farm, Ogden. Phone 01422 240700.

Axe-A-Lot

Axe throwing sessions for anyone aged five and over.

Full safety briefing and instructions throughout and balloons can be put on targets and popped with knives to make it easier.

Call for opening hours and availability.

  • Netherton Mill, Holdsworth Road, Halifax. 07885 859803.

Bankfield Museum

Bankfield is a lovely (free!) museum in Halifax that’s great for the kids to run around in.

It’s been a museum since 1887 and tells the story of Halifax and Calderdale, using its rich and diverse collections.

It’s set in a Victorian mansion in Akroyd Park – perfect for a picnic on a sunny day – and it’s nice and airy with friendly staff, highchairs and sometimes there is colouring set out, or toys to play with. It also houses Akroyd library (although it has it’s own opening hours), which is nice to call in to and read a few children’s books.

The displays cover local history, costume, art, toys, military history, jewellery and textiles from around the world and there are temporary exhibitions, including costume, embroidery, quilting, textile art, paintings and photography.

It’s all free entry, and there’s a shop with reasonably-priced refreshments (a cuppa is only £1!)

Opening times: Monday: closed, Tuesday-Saturday: 10am-4pm, Sundays: closed.

Bankfield Museum, Akroyd Park, Boothtown Road, Halifax. Phone: 01422 352334

Bracken Hall Countryside Estate & Museum

Bracken Hall Countryside Centre and museum is situated on the edge of Shipley Glen, a popular beauty spot.

The Centre has displays relating to the natural history, geology, archaeology and local history of the area. The colourful interactive wildlife exhibits delve into the lives of badgers, frogs and bats. There are interactive displays about other animals and foodwebs.

The small, charming garden attracts different kinds of wildlife throughout the year, from tadpoles to butterflies and honeybees. The garden is designed to show how people can attract wildlife to their own gardens, and also features bee hives and a pond.

Check out Wild Wednesdays for family activities.

Bracken Hall Countryside Centre, Glen Road, Baildon, Shipley, West Yorkshire, BD17 5EA
Phone 01274 584140

Dare 2 Air Huddersfield

Huge inflatable theme park with eight different zones. Kids and adults alike can bounce and burn off energy on the drop slides, balance beams, freefall area and inflatable Wipeout zone.

Play dodgeball, basketball, volleyball, or just jump around all session – the choice is yours!

Open Fridays and weekends during Kirklees term time, and every day during school holidays, but check session and opening times before setting off. 9.45-10.45am session aimed at families with children aged 8 and under. 

  • Dare 2 Air, Huddersfield Leisure Centre, Spring Grove Street, Huddersfield, HD1 4BP.

East Riddlesden Hall

The garden, tearoom (takeaway), car park, lower field and toilets are open on selected days. Please book ahead and check the National Trust website for dates.

Lovely former manor house with plenty of outdoor fun for the family, about 35 minutes from Halifax.

Little ones will love the wild play garden with den building, a mud pie kitchen and a Hobbit House. There’s a secret path to explore, tree stumps to picnic on and lovely charming touches dotted around.

There is also a play area with a wooden climbing frame, a slide, swings, a little bird hide where you can spot hungry birds and do some colouring, and some large fields to burn off your energy.

You’ll find picnic benches, a tea room, toilets and a pond with ducks (feed is available in the gift shops).

Our kids loved finding the wooden mice in the historic house too.

  • East Riddlesden Hall, Bradford Road, Riddlesden, Keighley. 01535 607075.

Electric Bowl

Tenpin bowling with ten lanes, a dining area, pool table and licensed bar. Automatic bumpers, electronic scoring and bowling ramps make sure all the family can have fun.

Glow in the dark bowling on Friday and Saturday nights.

Children’s and teen parties available all week, including one hour of bowling, party invites, unlimited juice, balloons, party bags, birthday badge and a hot food platter followed by ice cream.

Open seven days a week, 10am-late.

Electric Bowl, 70 Commercial Street, Halifax. Phone 01422 301123.

Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway

Traditional steam train rides for all the family! Tickets are available both in advance and on the day. 0-2 years go free and 3-15 years are £5.50.

The Santa Specials are brilliant, a great annual trip for the family.

Bolton Abbey, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 6AF. 01756 710614.

Eureka! The National Children’s Museum

Halifax’s Eureka is a fantastic day out and is highly recommended for children up to about 11. There are specific areas for the under 5’s and even a couple of special non-walker areas.

The concept of the museum is that you learn through play and everything there is hands-on. I visit regularly with my 2.5-year-old and 5-year-old and they are constantly begging to go back.

There is a mini M&S shop for the children to work and shop in, a bank and post office. There is a car garage where you can do an MOT, the sound garden, the desert area, a lovely craft room where the children can relax and do some gluing and sticking, and so much more.

There is a cafe and gift shop on site, although there are indoor and outdoor picnic benches if you want to take your own food.

Best of all, the cost of the admission gives you free entry for 12 months. Parking costs £3 for four hours.

Please note, Eureka is usually closed on MONDAYS during term time and the new All About Me Gallery is now open.

Eureka! The National Children’s Museum
Discovery Road, Halifax, HX1 2NE
01422 330 069
http://www.eureka.org.uk/whatson
info@eureka.org.uk

Prices from 1 April 2017
Free with Standard Admission/Annual Pass. Pay once and come back as many times as you want for a year:
Adult/Child (age 3+): £12.95 each, Toddlers (age 1-2 years): £5.25, Babies (under 1 year): FREE
*Additional charge may apply on some events
Opening Times
Weekends, half-terms, holidays and bank holidays open daily 10am -5pm.
Term-time weekdays open 10am -4pm. Closed Mondays during school terms, 24th-26th December and 1 January.

Fountains Abbey

The dramatic abbey ruins at Fountains are the largest monastic ruins in the country. Step back into a rich and dramatic past and imagine what life would have been like for the monks who first came here all those years ago.

Whether you’re here to soak up the history and atmosphere, or to explore every corner with the family, the abbey ruins will have a special place in your memory.

Fountains Abbey, Ripon HG4 3DY. Phone: 01765 608888.

Greenhead Park, Huddersfield

 

 

Beautiful park with a paddling pool, just half a mile away from Huddersfield town centre.

There are two lovely children’s play areas with picnic tables, a skate park, tennis court, two cafés, a lake and a fabulous paddling pool to cool off in during the summer months.

A miniature steam train chugs along a track during weekends and bank holidays, and there are horse and carriage rides and children’s rides (weekends, bank holidays and school holidays, check before visiting).

Other park activities include Nordic walking, exercises for new mums, drama classes for pre-schoolers and the 5K Parkrun.

  • Greenhead Park, Trinity Street, Huddersfield, HD1 4DT. Open daily from 7am.

Harewood House & Gardens

Harewood House is a country house near Leeds. Designed by architects John Carr and Robert Adam, it was built between 1759 and 1771 for wealthy plantation owner Edwin Lascelles, 1st Baron Harewood.

There are over 100 acres of gardens at Harewood, that are full of variety, with plants from all over the world. The large adventure playground is a big hit with children, as are the penguins and the bird garden. There is a café and gift shop and usually some sort of seasonal activity in the eco-pods, plus regular events being held.

Harewood House Trust, Harewood House
Harewood, Leeds LS17 9LG. 0113 218 1010

Hover Kart Mania

Indoor karting arena where children aged 5+ can race around on two different types of kart. There is a little track with mini vehicles for under 5s too, as well as air hockey, pool, a seating area and food. Booking advised. Birthday parties available.

  • Hover Kart Mania, Black Dyke Mills, Queensbury, BD13 1QA. 07821049497.

Kirkstall Abbey

Kirkstall Abbey is a fabulous example of Medieval Cistercian abbey ruins set on the banks of the River Aire in Leeds. There is free parking at Abbey House Museum and free entry to the Abbey Visitor Centre with cafe, toilets and baby change facilities!

Kirkstall Abbey Markets run one weekend per month between March and November from 12pm-3pm.

REGULAR EVENTS:
Muddy Monkeys Messy Play – every Tuesday (term time) (10am to 11am)
Join us at Kirkstall Abbey for messy creative fun with natural and art materials. Please wear suitable messing clothing as sometimes we paint, sometimes we get muddy and if the weather is nice we go outside in the ruins!

Knights, Dragons and Princesses Activities – second Thursday of the month (10am to 11am)
Is your under 5 a budding knight, lovely princess or little dragon? Then come along and join us for fun at the abbey. Come dressed up but remember we may get messy!

Fairy Fun Activities – third Thursday of the month (10am to 11am)
For all under 5s, fairies and their carers!  Join us for creative fairy fun. There are things to make, dressing up and things to play with. Feel free to come in your fairy outfits, but please be aware that sometimes we use paint and glue.

Multi monkeys stay and play – last Wednesday of the month (10am to 11am)
A monthly stay and play session for parents and preschool multiple births children. Please wear suitable messy clothing as sometimes we paint and sometimes we get muddy and if the weather is nice, we go outside in the ruins!

Kirkstall Abbey, Leeds , LS5 3EH. 0113 3784079. For information on events, phone 0113 230 5492.

Leeds Art Gallery

SatARTday Club – first Saturday of the month (11am to 4pm)
Drop-in workshop for families who want to have fun being imaginative and creative together.

Booking is essential for large groups, contact (0113) 247 8254.

Leeds Art Gallery, The Headrow, Leeds.
Monday closed. Tues-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12pm-4pm. Closed on bank holidays.
Admission free.

Leeds City Museum

Free museum in Leeds where you can come face-to-face with the Leeds Tiger, step into Ancient Worlds, see the final resting place of the Leeds Mummy and even dig for fossils.

Regular events include:

Rory’s Saturday Club – every Saturday (11am to 12:15pm)
Family arts and craft activities relating to the museum displays.

Tiny Tigers Toddler Group – first Friday of the month (10am to 11:45am)
Come along and make your own historical mess, suitable clothing advised.  Suitable for the under fives and their carers.

Leeds City Museum
Mondays closed (except bank holiday Mondays 11am-5pm), Tues-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat and Sun 11am-5pm.
Admission free

Millennium Square, Cookridge Street, Leeds, LS2 8BH. 0113 224 3732.

Lotherton Hall

Lotherton Hall is a country house with beautiful grounds and a fabulous bird garden. Plenty to do with the children, especially in the summer when garden games such as giant Jenga, hoops and sacks for racing are laid out for you to enjoy while you picnic.

Regular activities:
Little Lotherton – first Tuesday of every month (term time) (10am to 11am). Under 5’s art sessions for parents, carers and little ones.

Make and Create – every second and third Saturday of the month (1pm to 3pm)
Drop-in ‘making and creating’ aimed at all the family. Take part in various activities no matter what your age!

Craftiness – every Friday in school holidays (1pm to 3pm)

Drop-in children’s crafts and play – come rain or shine, games and activities – every Wednesday in the school holidays (10am to 4pm)

Self-led trails, arts, dressing up and play whatever the weather.

Lotherton Hall: Aberford, Leeds. 0113 281 3259.

Magna, Sheffield

The Science Adventure Centre is a hands-on experience, packed with interactive exhibits and fascinating displays.

Explore the wonders of Science and Technology in our four pavilions – Air, Earth, Fire & Water! Splash in water, operate real JCB’s in Earth, marvel at a tornado made of fire and even explode a rock face!

Magna is a coats-on experience; set in the old Templeborough steelworks, The Big Melt and Face of Steel offer an exciting journey into the world of steelmaking.

A fantastic day out for all the family!

Magna, Sheffield Road, Templeborough, Rotherham, S60 1DX
Phone 01709 720002

 

Manor Heath Park & Jungle Experience

This park is open all year round and has a play area, outdoor gym, sunken garden, walled gardens and café. There is also a water play area open April to October. Visit the Jungle Experience, for just £1pp, to see botanical gardens, plants, butterflies and animals.

Tel: 01422 365631

Address: Manor Heath Rd, Halifax, HX3 0EB

National Science & Media Museum, Bradford

With nine floors of galleries to explore, three cinemas (including Yorkshire’s biggest IMAX screen) and a packed programme of events, you’re sure to find something to inspire you. Free entry!

National Science & Media Museum, Little Horton Lane, Bradford. BD1 1NQ.
Open daily, 10am-6pm (Museum and Shop)

National Railway Muesum, York

Home to over 300 years of history and over a million wonderful objects. Visit and you can marvel at iconic locomotives, watch engineering work in progress in the Workshop, browse the object-filled Warehouse, and let off steam in the railway-themed outdoor play area.

You can also take a ride on the nearby miniature railway, while enjoying the scenery.

NRM York, Leeman Road, York, YO26 4XJ
Opening Times 10am–6pm daily. Closed 24, 25, 26 Dec
FREE ENTRY

Newby Hall & Gardens

This country house has an amazing play area designed for children of all ages, including swings, climbing frames, bridges, aerial slide, pedalos and a dancing water play area! There is lots to do for the whole day; train ride; dolls house exhibit; and lots more.

Tel: 01423 322583

Address: Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 5AE

Oakwell Hall & Country Park – Birstall

Oakwell Hall dates back to 1583 and is now run as a living museum, furnished as the Batt family home in the 1690’s.

There are restored gardens, a visitor centre, a gift shop, cafe, nature trail and picnic sites.

There is also a lovely park with a good, fenced-in children’s play area and a fun slide.

Oakwell Hall and Country Park, Nutter Lane, Birstall.

Reload Nerf Zone

Army-style open Nerf shooting zone that is fun and active for the whole family. Adults can join in too, or relax in the cafe while the kids let of steam during a one hour session . Suitable for kids aged four and over.

Children’s parties available.

  • Reload Nerf Zone, Victoria Road, Sowerby Bridge. 01422 292613

RHS Harlow Carr – Harrogate

Just a short distance from Harrogate town centre, this beautiful garden makes a great family day out. Enjoy some fresh air, catch up with friends and entertain the children all year round.

As well as beautiful planting displays, the garden also homes many fun natural play areas for adventurous children, including the Craggle Top Tree House, Log Maze, Logness Monster and the giant Woodland instruments.

There are many entertaining and educational events for all the family throughout the year, including half-term activities, outdoor theatre, wildlife discovery days, and guided walks.

Additional info:
• Seasonal events and activities for children • Picnic areas within the garden and baby changing facilities • Plenty of free parking • Paths suitable for pushchairs & wheelchairs.

RHS Harlow Carr, Harrogate, HG3 1QB.

Ripley Castle & Gardens

Ripley is a lovely place for a stroll around the gardens and deer park.

Within the pleasure grounds, there is a small children’s play trail. Let your children release their energy and hunt for clues on our informative Treasure Hunt whilst you wander around.

There is a small outdoor play area in the grounds and there are tours of the castle specifically aimed at children over 5.

Normal adult admission is £6 and kids under 5 are free. Season tickets are £20 per adult and RHS card holders are admitted for free (exclusions apply)

Ripley Castle, Ripley, Harrogate. 01423 770152.

Royal Armouries – Leeds

Home to the national collection of arms and armour.

Visitors can explore arms and armour from across the world and throughout time in our six themed galleries.

Don’t miss the opportunity to learn more about the objects, their uses and the people behind them in our entertaining daily talks.

Opening times: Daily 10am – 5pm. Last admission 4.30pm. The museum is closed 24-26 December.

Admission
Free: some events may be chargeable.
Free Taxi Boat also available outside.

Royal Armouries Museum, Armouries Drive, Leeds LS10 1LT
Phone 0113 220 1999.

Shibden Park & Hall

As well as being one of West Yorkshire’s most important heritage sites, the Shibden Estate is full of fun to keep all the family entertained.

The beautifully restored grounds, commissioned by Anne Lister, are wonderful to walk through and there is the tranquil Wilderness Garden, the cascade and pools, restored tunnels within the terrace walls that lead through to Cunnery Wood, the site of the old kitchen garden.

There’s a lake where you can feed the ducks (duck food sold in the café) or hire a rowing boat, pitch and putt and depending on the season, a miniature railway and a land train (charges apply).

The kids can burn off steam in the playground and there is a café for refreshments afterwards.

There’s also a permanent dry stone walling exhibit.

Inside Shibden Hall, which dates back to 1420, you can enjoy a fascinating journey through the lives of the people who lived and worked there, including Anne Lister, whose life is soon to be explored in a new BBC drama written by Sally Wainwright. There is a 17th century barn and workshops with a carriage collection and displays including a blacksmiths, coopers, wheelwrights and saddlers.

Special events run throughout the year.

Shibden Park, Godley Lane, Halifax. Shibden Hall, Lister’s Road, Halifax. Phone: 01422 352246.

Shipley Glen Tramway

Traditional tramway open for rides since 1896 with a museum and shop.

Prams and bikes are welcome – we just want you to enjoy the tramway!

Dogs, accompanied by well-behaved owners are welcome too.

Open Sundays only from January 2018 to Easter (30th March)
12 noon  to 4pm
From March 31,  Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 4pm.

The trams run continually during these times so we cannot pre-book seats.

Shipley Glen Tramway, Prod Ln, Baildon, Shipley BD17 5BN
01274 589010

Skipton Castle

Skipton Castle is a medieval castle in Skipton, built in 1090 by Robert de Romille, a Norman baron, and preserved for over 900 years. You can explore every corner of this impressive history-rich castle, which withstood a three-year siege during the Civil War.

View the Banqueting Hall, the Kitchen, the Bedchamber and Privy. Climb from the depths of the Dungeon to the top storey of the Watch Tower.

Skipton Castle, Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 1AW
01756 792442

Stockeld Park

Stockeld Park is a unique all-weather family attraction located near Wetherby in North Yorkshire. Filled with family fun, outdoor activities for children, a fun adventure park and a brand-new indoor play centre – just to name a few! The whole family will have a wonderful time on this fab day out!

Stockeld Park is now open EVERY weekend throughout the year, and also seasonally throughout the school holidays!

Stockeld Park, off the A661 Wetherby Road, Yorkshire, LS22 4AN.

Stump Cross Caverns, Harrogate

The caves at Stumps Cross were then discovered in 1860 by miners who were looking for lead seams in the Yorkshire Dales. Although they didn’t find any lead, they did find the natural caverns which you can see today.

The cave system at Stump Cross extends well beyond the show caves which are open to the public, to an overall length of approximately 6km. Many of the deeper caverns are only accessible to experienced cavers, but there is a possibility of further sections of the caverns being opened to the public in the future. Indeed, the impressive reindeer cavern was opened to the public in 2000 after debris was removed and the cave was made safe.

Remains of Wolverines, a giant member of the weasel family, have been discovered at Stump Cross. It is thought that these animals entered the caves looking for food such as Reindeer and Bison, the remains of which have also been found. The Wolverine remains are on display in the visitor’s centre.

Pushchairs and baby back carriers are not permitted due to restricted access, however front carriers are permitted.

Stump Cross Caverns, Greenhow Hill, Pateley Bridge
Harrogate, North Yorkshire
HG3 5JL

01756 752780

Temple Newsam – Leeds

With its beautiful park and gardens, house tour & Home Farm, Temple Newsam is a great day out.  Meet hundreds of child-friendly farm animals, such as pigs, sheep, goats, cattle and ducks, and get hands-on with the piglets and chickens running free in the yard. Throw in the play area and a picnic and you are set!

Opening Times
The House: Tues – Sun, 10.30-17.00, (last entry at 16.15).

Farm: Summer opening hours: Tues – Sun 10.00 – 17.00 (last entry at 16.15). (Open Mondays during school holidays)

Farm Winter opening hours: Tue – Sun 10.00 – 16.00
Last entry 45 minutes before closing

Tea Rooms: Mon – Fri 10.00 – 16.30; Sat – Sun 10.00 – 17.30
Winter opening hours: Tues – Sun 10.30 – 16.00

Please note: Last admission 45 minutes before closing.

The House, Farm and cafe are open on bank holidays, excluding Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Tickets are valid for the entire day on which they are purchased.

Visitors are advised to telephone 0113 3367460 for more details.

Temple Newsam, Temple Newsam Road, Leeds, LS15 0AE

The Deep, Hull

The Deep is an award-winning aquarium home to 3,500 fish including green sawfish, spectacular sharks, rays and a colony of Gentoo penguins.

Journey through the story of the world’s oceans travelling through a unique blend of spectacular marine life from warm tropical waters to the cold Antarctic seas.

Highlights include daily dive shows, animal presentations, touch pool sessions, the amazing glass tunnel and a ride in the glass lift through the 10m Endless Oceans exhibit.

Tower Street, Hull, HU9 4DP (Sat Nav HU9 1TU)
Phone 01482 381000.
www.thedeep.co.uk

Open daily 10am – 6pm (last entry 5pm), closed 24th/25th December.

The Piece Hall

The Piece Hall is a great place to visit for the whole family. It’s rich with history, as well as shops, cafes and bars, with events throughout the year. There’s even splash fountains for children to enjoy!

Tel: 01422 525200

Address: Blackledge, Halifax, HX1 1RE

Tropical World – Leeds

This is a lovely tropical garden with plenty to keep kids entertained (particularly on a cold or rainy day as it is very warm in the tropical greenhouse!) .

There are reptiles, spiders and insects to see, as well as snakes and bats. The butterflies fly around freely and the Meer Cats are fantastic.

Admission (2017) is free for under 5’s, 5-15yrs is £3.00, Adults £6.00.

Opening hours: 10am-6pm during the summer, 10am-4pm during the winter.

REMEMBER, ADMISSION TO ROUNDHAY PARK IS FREE, AND IT’S OPEN EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR – 700 ACRES OF BEAUTIFUL PARKLAND, WITH FREE PARKING – ENJOY!.

Tropical World, Princes’ Avenue, Roundhay Park, Leeds LS8 1DF.

Wainhouse Tower

It’s visible from all over, but have you ever thought about climbing Wainhouse Tower?

Standing at 77 metres high, this ornate Victorian chimney is open on Bank Holidays to those brave enough to tackle the 403 steps on its internal spiral staircase. Feel like Rapunzel as you take in the breathtaking views!

The tower is open on bank holidays, between 11am and 4pm. Last ascent 3.30pm.

Prices: Adults (16 and over) – £2.50, children – £2, family ticket – £8.

Wainhouse Tower, King Cross, Halifax. Phone 01422 288001.

 

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