If you're thinking of booking a North Yorkshire holiday for your family or a short countryside break, here are our top tips to make the most of your stay.

Go Ape, Dalby Forest

Adventure awaits on the southern slopes of the North York Moors National Park, with Go Ape at Dalby Forest. Explore a world in the treetops with a choice of exhilarating high ropes courses to suit both adults and children, take the challenge of the hilltop zipwire or travel along forest trails on all-terrain Segways.

Ziplining at Go Ape Dalby in the Great Yorkshire Forest

Useful info

• Car park

• Food and drink

• Kids’ play area

• Dogs welcome

Prices vary depending on activity. Visit the Dalby Forest Go Ape website for more details.

Pickering Castle

Who doesn’t love a castle? William the Conqueror originally built this one. Within its magnificent walls lies an exciting history for all the family to explore.

The castle is set in the picturesque Moors-edge market town of Pickering, a haven for traditional North Yorkshire holiday cottages and a stop on the infamous North York Moors Steam Railway.

The castle’s grounds boast extensive views from all angles and inside the chapel is an exhibition where you can learn about its captivating history. Families will love the oodles of glorious outdoor space where kids can run wild, climb, spot wildlife or enjoy a picnic.

Useful info

• Car park

• Accessible toilets

• Picnic area

• Shop

• Dogs welcome

Prices: As of 2019, Adult: £5.70; Child: £3.40 (5-17 years); Concession: £5.10; Family (2 adults, up to 3 children): £14.80.

Filey Bird Garden and Animal Park

Nestled in the heart of the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside, this family-run attraction offers an adventure trail, interactive sensory garden, fort, wild-flower meadow, play park, formal gardens, ponds and a secret garden. Children can feed an impressive collection of animals including giant rabbits, woolly alpacas, spotty pigs and miniature ponies or venture into the mysterious Worm-World or Mini-Beast Mansion.

Alpacas at Filey Bird Garden and Animal Park in North YorkshireUseful info

• Free car park

• Disabled facilities

• Picnic areas

• Café and gift shop

• Toilets with baby-changing facilities

• Dogs welcome

Prices: As of 2019, Adult (16 and over): £6.50; Student: £6; Senior: £6; Child (2-15): £5.50; Family (2 Adults and 3 Children): £26; Children under 2: FREE.

Peasholm Park

Peasholm Park is a must for anyone lucky enough to be staying in sought-after holiday cottages on the Yorkshire coast. Situated in the North Bay of Scarborough, the park is open all year round and features an island, lake, boats, miniature golf, putting, café and takeaway. Kids will love the dragon-themed pedaloes and enjoy spotting local wildlife such as grey squirrels, ducks, swans and geese.

The park is also home to the world-famous Naval Warfare show, where you can observe a truly unique miniature sea battle.

Useful info

• Entry to the park is FREE

• Disabled access and toilets

• Picnic site

• Café and refreshment kiosks

• 18-hole mini golf course

• Dogs welcome

Prices: ENTRY FREE (charges apply for boating, mini golf, putting and the Naval Warfare Battle).

North Yorkshire Moors Steam Railway

If you and your family haven’t yet experienced the delights of a journey on a traditional steam train, this is an opportunity not to be missed. The railway is a wonderful way to view the stunning scenery of the North York Moors and explore village stations that transport you back in time. The sights, sounds and smells of this historical gem are a feast for the imagination.

A steam train on the North Yorkshire Moors Steam Railway

Useful info:

• Car parks at Pickering, Levisham, Goathland and Grosmont stations

• Tearooms at some stations

• Gift shops at some stations

However long you holiday in the outstanding natural beauty of North Yorkshire, there’s plenty to fill your days. Choose to stay in one of these Yorkshire holiday cottages. You’ll want to return again and again.