Willow Pastures Country Park - Fun Days Out
Fun Days Out near Willow Pastures Country Park
Here's some of the activities and experiences you can enjoy on your visit to Willow Pastures Country Park.
The Deep
about 5 Miles
Easily accessible from our Yorkshire Dales lodge parks is The Deep! An award-winning 'submarium', attraction, which is home to over 3500 fish from around the globe. Visitors can a stroll through Europe's deepest viewing tunnel and take a thrilling a glass lift ride through the 10m deep tank. The Deep is also home to the world's largest exhibition, featuring weird animals from the depths combined with slime! Educational talks and events take place daily so visitors can learn about the conservation projects which the centre is involved in. There is also a fantastic restaurant over looking some of the displays and a souvenir shop. Family tickets are priced at just £32.00.
Normanby Hall Country Park
about 19 Miles
Normanby Hall Country Park has a fantastically tranquil location Set in the 300 acres of Normanby Hall estate offering a relaxing choice for a family day out. The stunning grounds are abundant with wildlife as well as beautiful flora and fauna and there is no better place for a summer picnic. There is also plenty of open space for children to run around. The Deer park is sure to be a big hit with the children with herds of fallow deer to spot.
The Jungle Zoo
about 19 Miles
Centred around a Tropical House in an amazing jungle like setting this is a really unique attraction that will appeal to families. In the Cleethorpes area of Lincolnshire it's easy to get to and offers a fun yet educational experience. Referred to as the number one attraction in the area highlights include capuchin monkeys, meerkats, ring tailed lemur and for the children African pygmy goats. The tropical house features Red Eared and other Terrapins from North America and goldfish amongst other things. We think The Jungle Zoo represents excellent value for money too. We recommend a whole day to explore this attraction and ensure you get to see all of the animals resident there.
Pleasure Island
about 20 Miles
Wow this is an amazing family theme park and you will probably need the full day to experience it all. From thrilling rides to family shows, kids of all ages are catered for. Some of the most popular rides include the Obliterator and The Pendulus, not forgetting the Hypoblaster. Family shows are entertaining such as the African Acrobat Show which is back by popular demand. Entrance tickets are good value and if you book online you will receive a discount. To save even more money if you live locally or are visiting the area for a few weeks you could buy a season ticket for around £50 which will allow you entry for the whole season.
Madhyamaka Meditation Centre
about 22 Miles
Madhyamaka Meditation Centre a unique and very special centre in the Yorkshire moors offering amazing meditation experiences for experts and novices. The beautiful setting really ads to the experience and the gorgeous grounds are abundant with wildlife including Squirrels, Deer and Birds including Red Kites. The centre is now offering a special weekend retreat for families which includes family friendly guided meditations as well as fun activities such as face painting, games and a barbeque.
York Maze
about 31 Miles
If you are enjoying a lodge holiday in Yorkshire then a visit to York Maze is a must! This summertime attraction is now one of the most popular in the region offering fun for the whole family. The maze has been improved this year and is now bigger and better than ever before. Carved from an amazing 1.5 million growing maize plants it is thought to be the largest maze in the world! As well as the maze itself the site boasts an adventure playground, 9 hole crazy golf courses and an animal petting area where children can meet the cute and friendly animals that eat the maize and watch pig racing! Tractor and trailer rides around the maize are also available and are recommended for those with young children.
Rushmoor Country Park
about 31 Miles
Located in Louth in Lincolnshire this is an ideal attraction when you want to get out in the fresh air and explore. There are many animals to see including ponies and piglets which the little ones love. There are also some amazing birds from hawks and falcons to owls. Most aspects of this attraction are included in the admission cost and as well as wandering around you get to hold and feed the animals too. A real highlight are the micro pigs which are just like real pigs but in miniature. Fully grown they are around the size of a spaniel! If you get hungry then you can take your own picnic to the picnic areas or head for the tea room selling delicious food and children's meals too.
Betton Farm Visitor Centre
about 32 Miles
Betton Farm Visitor Centre is the ideal attraction close to the North Yorkshire coastal town of Scarborough. This animal farm has all the cute farm animals you would expect to see and will appeal to younger children especially. A great place to both play and learn we think the Betton Farm Visitor centre is great value for money. Check out their website for the latest opening times and admission costs. Some of the highlights of the day might include meeting Sofie the Shetland Pony and Henry the goat, as well as the pot bellied pigs called Porky and Hammy.
Castle Howard
about 34 Miles
Castle Howard is one of the regions most beautiful and historic landmarks and is located in 1,000 acres of parkland with breathtaking gardens to explore. As well as exploring the castle visitors can enjoy attractios including the unique Land Train - the best way to see the entire park. There is also a large lake offering boat trips during the summer months. In high season the site is very popular with families and offers organised activities for children including tours, talks, crafting and animal encounters. The site also has a Nature Trail which is fun for the whole family and an Adventure Playground where children can run off some energy.
Peasholm Park
about 34 Miles
This attraction is ideal for sunny days as the beautiful park is ideal for wandering out and taking in the scenery. You can hire boats including rowing boats and canoes to enjoy the views from the water. The pedalos with the dragon heads are always a popular choice too. Look out for special events including the Battle of Peasholm Park Naval Battle which has been described as a "must see". You can also take a ride on the North Bay Railway which will delight children.
Jorvik Viking Centre
about 35 Miles
Jorvik Viking Centre is a fun and educational attraction offering visitors the chance to learn all about the Viking-Age city of Jorvik. Thanks to the Archaeologists from York Archaeological Trust the amazing houses, workshops and backyards of the Viking-Age city of Jorvik are on display and give a clear insight to the way of life all those years ago. The site aims to offer an interactive experience with the state of the art time capsule and the blacksmith's furnace being the top attractions.
Jorvik DIG
about 35 Miles
Dig is a unique and somewhat educational attraction in York offering children the opportunity to enjoy excavation, discovery, and digging. Within the site is a discovery centre, several pits filled with Roman and Medieval ruins and a science lab where children can take part in exciting experiments. Staff are on hand at all times to help the children and to ensure they get the most from the experience. The attraction can get busy during school holidays and pre booking is recommended.
Scarborough Sea Life and Marine Sanctuary
about 35 Miles
If you are enjoying a lodge break in the Yorkshire Moors and Coast then a day trip to the Scarborough Sea Life and Marine Sanctuary highly recommended. This centre is one of the regions most popular attractions and is educational as well as fun. Visitors will enjoy a journey beneath the waves, meeting many strange, beautiful and fascinating creatures of the deep. As well as mighty sharks and beautiful rays guests can get up close to some more common creatures including star fish and can also meet the otters, seals and penguins at feeding time. The site also has children's play area and picnic tables as well as a restaurant and souvenir shop. Family tickets cost £46.80 but the Tourist Information Centres in Scarborough, Whitby or Filey often offer fantastic discounts.
Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens
about 35 Miles
A day trip to Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens is the perfect way to relax with several gardens to explore in the grounds of a historic farmhouse. The gardens were established 30 years ago and each has something different to offer. Expect to find dramatic displays of foliage and flowers as well as beautifully landscaped areas. Families will enjoy the woodland which leads to a wildlife pond and a beautiful wildflower meadow. The site runs morning courses in gardening throughout the summer which are priced at just £12 and include coffee. There is also a nursery onsite where plants can be purchased. Entry to the gardens cost just £4 for adults and 50p for children.
Sea Life Marine Sanctuary
about 35 Miles
Located in the Scalby Mills area of Scarborough this makes a fun family day out for those who are interested in marine life. The fantastic ocean tank is well worth seeing - it's been transformed into a Turtle Reef and you can see an amazing array of colourful reef fish and coral. You may also catch a glimpse of the tropical sharks and turtles. Offering good value for money this is a day out with a difference and an all weather attraction.