Part zoo, part theme park, and part resort, this 375-acre (152-hectare) attraction is a long-standing favorite of families, thrill seekers, and animal lovers in North Yorkshire, England. You can visit for the day, or book accommodation on-site. The park is home to 140 animal species and boasts around 40 rides across eight themed sections.
Hull’s award-winning aquarium, The Deep, combines fun with learning through audiovisual presentations and interactive exhibits. You can marvel at tropical fish in the Lagoon of Light; watch sharks, turtles, and rays swim around the Endless Ocean; observe penguins in the Kingdom of Ice; and see jellyfish in the Cool Seas.
The National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool gives visitors the chance to learn about sailors, life at sea, and the reality of war. Through immersive reenactments and exhibits, you can discover the history of HMS Trincomalee, the oldest warship still afloat in the UK, and witness live shooting demonstrations.
Located on one of the oldest industrial sites in Sheffield, the Kelham Island Museum tells the story of the city’s history of making, from centuries-old craft legacies to the rise of the Industrial Revolution. Spanning more than 300 years, its collection includes Sheffield Simplex cars, restored craft workshops, and the most powerful working steam engine in Europe.
The family-owned Bridlington Birds of Prey and Animal Park brings together endangered animals across different habitat zones. You can find everything from alpacas and raccoons to owls and meerkats, as well as many birds of prey; exhibits sit alongside educational exhibits and hands-on experiences.
Family fun comes thick and fast at the Lightwater Valley Family Adventure near Ripon in Yorkshire. Home to more than 40 rides and attractions, this landscaped park is ideal for younger children—while still great for families with older kids—and serves up everything from coasters and carousels to live shows, a boating lake, and more.
With an atmospheric setting in Monk Bar, one of the four main medieval gateways to York, the Richard III Experience looks back at the turbulent 2-year reign of the last Plantagenet king. Exhibits document his rise to power, including the mysterious disappearance of his two preteen nephews, as well as his role in the Wars of the Roses.
Experience life in wartime Britain at Eden Camp, a family-friendly museum which combines award-winning interactive elements with dozens of informative exhibits in a former World War II prisoner-of-war camp. Marvel over real tanks, military aircraft, and more, as the sounds and smells of Eden Camp recreate the feel of WWII life.
High-quality, palm oil–free Belgian chocolate meets Yorkshire innovation and craftsmanship at The Little Chocolate Shop in North Yorkshire, which runs daily chocolate-making workshops for all ages and abilities. Browse for a pick-and-mix selection of locally made chocolate at the store, grab a decadent hot chocolate in the on-site café, or simply watch the chocolatiers at work at this delicious destination.
Situated within the Walled Garden of Burn Hall Hotel, the York Bird of Prey Centre is home to more than 80 birds of prey, including owls, falcons, hawks, and eagles. Watch flight demonstrations and take the opportunity to both feed and handle these magnificent creatures at indoor and outdoor exhibits.
