Free Summer Days Out
In and around theYorkshire Dales
Totally FREE stuff to do in (and around) the Yorkshire Dales
School’s out for Summer right? And that 6 weeks is looking like a long old stretch! But what can you do with the kids in and around the Yorkshire Dales that’s totally and completely free?!
You’ll find all the ideas right here! No parking charges or admission charges apply to these activities (although if you choose to access them via public transport, obviously you’ll need to factor in the travel costs or petrol costs!)
We have tried to make these free ideas substantial enough so you can fill a day for free (or at the very least half a day!)
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Thank you for taking the time to have a look at my website and for reading this now!
I set up the Reluctant Explorers and maintain the website and attached social media accounts in my spare time, around mum-life and two jobs. It was designed to provide access for parents to free resources to help get more families outside and exploring in nature. These walks have all been created by myself and the kids and we have walked each one ourselves (and re-walk them regularly to keep the information as up to date as we can).
If you would like to support us and can afford a few pennies, you can make a donation to our ‘Buy Me a Coffee’ page. Simply tap the button below to head there!
Above: White Wells Spa on Ilkley Moor
Left: The Coldstones Cut in Nidderdale
Go visit the Coldstones Cut and Toft Gate Lime Kiln, Nidderdale
[Modern Art - Working Quarry - Historic Ruins - Something to Explore - Picnic Area]
This MASSIVE modern art installation on the moorland overlooking Pateley Bridge and the stunning Nidderdale (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), is totally free to visit (although there is a box welcoming donations). Overlooking the working Hanson’s Quarry, it’s a great trip for a digger lover, and is positioned right next to the remains of the Toft Gate Lime Kiln (which is also free)! Hit the link to find out more about that walk! There’s a picnic area located next to the car park too…
Oh and parking? Free.
You can even hang back a while to…..
Go Star Gazing at Coldstones Cut, Nidderdale
[ Star Gazing - Dark Skies ]
Did you know that the Car Park at the Coldstones Cut is a designated Dark Sky Discovery Site? This means that it is an officially recognised place where you can stargaze, due to it’s super low levels of light pollution! The bonus for this one? The car park is completely free, unlike some of the other Dark Skies Discovery Sites in the Dales (What 3 Words savers.sculpture.aunts).
Find out more about star gazing in the Yorkshire Dales on our Star Gazing page!
Ilkley Moor
[Walks - Picnic - Paddle]
Park at either the Cow and Calf Rocks on Hangingstone Road (free), Darwin Gardens or White Wells on Wells Road (also free) or on Hebers Gill Drive (guess what?…. ALSO FREE!) and go EXPLORE!
We have LOADS of Ilkley Moor walks to check out! Take your toy boats to the paddling pool below Ilkley Tarn, or head up to White Wells to check out the ancient spa, maybe even take a dunk! (for the price of a cup of tea, but no you can’t get your nails done…). Paddle in the Ilkley Moor waterfall, take in the Cow and Calf Rocks, check out the neolithic carved rocks (check out our Hebers Gill walk for a great one) or go on a dinosaur hunt (also Hebers Gill). There is so much to do on’t Moor!
(Just don’t take your BBQ, because they are NOT allowed!)
Wildlife Explorers at Ilkley Tarn - Friends of Ilkley Moor
[ Nature Event - Guided Session - Wildlife ]
Taking place on the 20th July and 18th August 2026 between 2 & 4pm, this nature session is for children to discover the landscape of the moor and the animals, insects and plants that live there. There is wildlife identification, pond dipping and seed planting (dogs welcome). Booking required through the Friends of Ilkley Moor page.
Above: Playing in the sand at Embsay Reservoir
Left: Force Gill waterfall near Ribblehead
Go Animal tracking at Nidd Gorge
[Nature Play - Woodland Walk - Picnic - Riverside]
This stunning area of woodland just outside of Knaresborough is packed with nature and animal life! With plenty of picnic spots along the river, pack up a picnic blanket and head down! There is plenty of soft earth around the edges of the water which are great for hunting for animal prints!
The parking is free, so this could be a top free afternoon out!
You can find out more about the walk around Nidd Gorge by tapping the link.
Go Bug Hunting at Embsay Reservoir
[Nature Play - Walk - Reservoir - Park]
The tiny village of Embsay is located on the edge of Skipton at the southern border of the Yorkshire Dales. This easy circular walk is great for the littlest of legs and is a top wander amongst stunning scenery.
The parking is free at the sailing club, and there are plenty of places to picnic on the circular route! Whilst you are at the head of the reservoir, why not also go on a bug hunt in the long grass?
The play park at Embsay is just down the road, parking is on Main Street) and is a great shout too! If you fancy a splurge on food, then Billy Bobs Ice Cream parlour is just down the road too with its play barns, outdoor play areas and of course tasty diner style food!
Go see the Ribblehead Viaduct, go trainspotting and take a picnic to Whernside’s secret waterfall!
[Waterfall - Walk - Landmark - Train Spotting - Picnic]
Located in the south/centre of the Yorkshire Dales at the foot of Whernside and Ingleborough, two of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, this is a top way to spend the day, and it is totally free (parking is roadside at Ribblehead and is free.) There is also the option to head to the Station pub, or to grab an ice cream too!
You can check out when there is a steam train headed over the viaduct by heading to the Settle Carlisle railway website.
To find out more about the walking route, head to our Force Gill walk page.
Ribblehead is also accessible by train from Settle.
LEAVE NO TRACE! There is no such thing as the litter fairy, so take home any rubbish. You brought it, take it home.
Head to a Family Fun Day at Ilkley Manor House Museum
[Museum - Family Fun]
On the 11th July between 2-3.30pm take part in the Manor Mice Event! Explore pictures, stories and poems and create your own!
On the 8th August, take apart in the Follow the Eagle Event! Dress like a Roman, make a shield and march behind the eagle around Olicana fort. It is free to enter the museum, but donations are welcome.
Play in the Park and Mini Bounce Planets
[Inflatables - Games - Picnic]
Arranged by Bradford Community Play and Development Service, there are several events taking place across many locations across the Bradford District. For the full list visit their Facebook Page.
Expect inflatables, outdoor sports and a resident DJ all between 11am and 3pm.
Ilkley: Riverside Park - 27th July, 3rd August, 10th August, 17th August and 26th August
Menston: Play Park - 30th July, 6th August, 13th August, 20th August
Otley: The Rec - 10th August 2026.
Above: One of the chainsaw sculptures on the Otley Chevin Sculpture Trail
Left: Mowbray Castle folly at Hackfall Woods
Hackfall Woods near Ripon
[Woodland Trail - Follies - Riverside - Waterfall - Picnic]
This Woodland Trust owned woodland is packed full of trails, secret follies, a hidden waterfall, and has a perfect paddle spot. It is a great place where you can happily while away the day with a top picnic!
We have written a blog all about how to visit Hackfall with the kids, with top tips about parking, and what there is to do! Oh. It’s free, and so is the family trail sheet too!
Head to Spofforth Castle
[Ruin - Picnic - Explore]
This English Heritage owned ruin is located in the village of Spofforth near Harrogate. It is totally free to enter, and parking is also free in the village (just be respectful of the residents, and do not block any access points, or roads.) It’s a top spot for a picnic and there’s plenty of space to run around too!) Why not take a game or two to play too? the grassy area in front of the castle is vast!
Above: Spofforth Castle
Left: Easby Abbey ruins
Do the Grassington Lead Mining Trail
[Historical Trail - Ruins - Walk]
This trail can be found just above the town of Grassington and will take you deep into the Yorkshire Dales’ industrial past and is completely free! It’s a cool place to explore, with loads of information boards dotted around to let you know exactly what is what!
Why not check it out? We walked it from Hebden also taking in the epic secret waterfall Scale Haw Force (plus the walk ends in a pub….) check out the Lead Mining Walk by tapping the link!
Alternatively there is limited parking at the end of Moor Lane OR, there is an honesty box car park at the bottom of the road in Grassington (right next to a little play area)
Go Cycling on Harrogate Greenway’s Dirt Bike Track
[Cycling - Bike Track - Nature Reserve ]
We love this totally free bike track to visit!
Located next to the Hookstone Wood Nature Reserve, just off the Harrogate Greenway (What 3 Words location league.rated.prop) this track can be found in the old quarry area behind the Harrogate Showground and is a series of ramps and jumps.
Combine it with a picnic and a wander around the nature reserve. Parking is available at What 3 Words intervals.sailor.shape.
Do the Skipton Woolly Sheep Trail
[ Free Kids Activities - Family Friendly Trail ]
Try the brand new and unique woolly sheep trail in Skipton this Summer! Between the 3rd July and 27th September, Skipton has a trail of quirky and colourful wooly sheep that have been hidden around the town centre. Hand made by local weavers and knitters, these sheep really are one of kind!
Simply grab your map from Craven Court and when you’ve completed it, pop it in the collection box for the chance of winning a hamper of local goodies!
When the trail is over, the sheep will be auctioned to raise fund for accessible canal trips around Skipton.
Go to Skipton Gala
[ Procession - Entertainment - Activities ]
The Skipton Gala takes place on the 13th June 2026 and the procession starts at 1pm, heading through the town centre and then finishing at Aireville Park. The theme is ‘Around the World’ this year, followed by entertainment, activities and attractions for all ages throughout the afternoon.
Above: The dirt track in Harrogate
Left: Picking blackberries on Ilkley Moor
Do the Dogs Dales Trail
[Family Friendly Augmented Reality Trail ]
ANOTHER family friendly trail in Skipton, the Dogs Dales app takes you around Skipton Town Centre to collect all the cute characters. Simply download the free app before you go!
Go blackberry picking!
[Blackberry Picking - Nature Reserve - Walk ]
During August, the blackberries will start popping up all over the place and no year is complete without an annual blackberry pick!
Our favourite free places to blackberry pick are Ilkley Moor, below White Wells near the Tarn, Ben Rhydding Nature Reserve or West Burton Waterfalls.
Visit Brough Castle
[Historic Ruins - Optional Ice Cream and Play Park]
Brough Castle is a gem of a ruin, which lies just outside of the Yorkshire Dales National Park in the Pennine National Landscape, near Kirkby Lonsdale, just off the A66. Managed by English Heritage, the castle ruins are free to explore and contain plenty of information about how the castle will have looked back in the day.
In the Castle Grounds is a local run Ice Cream parlour and cafe serving ice cream, light bites and hot and cold drinks. There is also a play area in the grounds of the castle for the customers of the parlour! Parking for the castle is limited but also free!
Above: Exploring Yordas Cave
Left: West Burton Waterfalls
Go birdwatching at West Burton Waterfalls (Cauldron Falls)
[ Paddle - Walk - Park - Picnic - Bird Watching ]
The waterfall at West Burton in Wensleydale is popular with wild swimmers, and is an excellent splash spot (just be aware that wild water can be dangerous, if you want to find some more advice on wild swimming head to the Royal Life Saving Society’s website. The plunge pool at the top falls is more than adult height depth)
It is also an excellent spot for keeping those eyes peeled for birds, in particular Grey Wagtail and Dippers! So why not take a wander? There’s also a small play area in the middle of West Burton too! Tap on the link to head to our Cauldron Falls walk.
Explore Yordas Cave
[Cave - Waterfall - Exploring ]
If you fancy something secret and AWESOME! Take your torch to Yordas Cave near Ingleton in the Yorkshire Dales! (It has to be a high beam torch or you won’t even touch the sides) there is a waterfall inside the cave, it’s an ex-Victorian show cave, so super accessible! You may get wet so make sure you wear boots and grab your cycle helmet.
Park respectfully, have a back up plan if the parking area is full.
Find the details of where to park on our Yordas Cave page and check out our Visit with Kids guide to come up with a back up plan.
Try the new Burley in Wharfedale Pump Track
[Cycling]
This is my youngest’s current obsession! Be warned it is very popular and parking is limited.
And on that point, being a Burley local, this is such a fantastic resource, but do be aware that it is found behind the always busy Co-op on the Burley Rec. Crossing the road there even before the pump track was open was chaotic at best! Be mindful when taking little ones! There is limited on street parking, do not venture down any residential streets, there is no dedicated parking area.
But do have fun!
Head to the Park ANY Park!
Did you know we have an A-Z directory of all the play parks in the Yorkshire Dales?
So wherever you head this Summer, you can find the nearest park!
More Summer Days Out?
Looking for more ideas for Summer Days Out with the Kids?
Well we don’t stop at free! We have so many ideas, that we have categorised them into four categories…
Free Days Out
Almost Free Days Out
Days out for Under £20
Days out for Over £20
Staying in the Yorkshire Dales?
We have Visit with Kids guides to every single area of the Yorkshire Dales to help you to find all the family friendly inspiration you need! Think family friendly walks, local attractions and importantly, where to find the ice cream (and the play park!)
Scroll using the arrows for all our Family Friendly Walks
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![Swimming in Janet's Foss Yorkshire Dales]()
Waterfall Walks
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![Malham cove walk for kids]()
Pushchair Friendly
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![Pinhaw Beacon trig point walk near Skipton]()
Peak Bagging Walks
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![The Park at Greenhow Nidderdale]()
Walks with Play Parks
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![Gordale Scar in Malham Yorkshire Dales]()
Organised by Location
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![Walking in the woodland in Wensleydale]()
Woodland Walks
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![Playing on the shore of Embsay Reservoir Yorkshire Dales]()
Reservoir Walks
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![The ruins of Bolton Abbey]()
Bolton Abbey Estate Walks
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![Leaping over the stile at Almscliffe Crag]()
Walks Under 2 Miles
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![Child walking into a pub in Appletreewick]()
Walks with Pubs and Cafes
Follow us for up to date Outdoors Adventures!
We live and BREATHE the Yorkshire Dales outdoors life!
BEEN INSPIRED? Tag us @reluctantexplorers
Come follow our journey over on Instagram and Facebook where you’ll find up to date walk info, breaking news on Yorkshire Events, new Yorkshire Dales wild swim spots, climbing, caves and more!
Follow us on Social Media for all the up to date info: @thereluctantexplorers
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Helpful Information!
We have a page dedicated to helpful advice and safety info so take a look at the link!
⭐ We hope you enjoy our walks, but please exercise common sense as routes can change with the weather conditions and seasons! The routes have been walked by our own two feet, but you know your own limits. Always take a back-up map, don’t rely on GPS alone, wear appropriate clothing for the weather and take adequate snacks and refreshments with you (although as a parent, I know you already know that bit!)
⭐ Leave no trace! Take nothing away and leave nothing behind, take all rubbish home with you.
⭐ If you choose to paddle, be aware of bio security. Always wear clean dry water shoes (if worn) to avoid cross contamination of species between watercourses, this is a particular issue in the Yorkshire Dales, to help protect the white clawed crayfish.
⭐ If you decide to paddle, be aware that wild water can be dangerous, and water levels will vary season to season. Always supervise children around water. Check out the safety information on the Royal Life Saving Society website.
Leave No Trace
The Yorkshire Dales is our home, and the home of so many others who care deeply about this beautiful space.
Should you visit, make sure to:
Take home anything you bring, leave no rubbish behind.
Make the world a better place by picking up any rubbish you see, even if it isn’t yours.
Leave everything else as you found it.