School Holidays Ripon and Nidderdale

We’re busy collecting all the details of what’s on over May Half Term. We’ve got a few activities listed below but check back often for updates!

Come out to play in Beningbrough’s gardens with a free nature trail, 50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾ and all the usual places to adventure.

Now there’s a new way to take a look into the past as you explore North Yorkshire’s County Town, guided by the ‘Discover Northallerton’ app in the palm of your hand.

Discover more about the heritage of Northallerton and uncover hidden stories of fascinating people, places and events that shaped this historic market town through the centuries.

With 2 trails, there is loads of fun to be had!

‘Autumnfest trail with the Mowbrees’ enjoying the sights as we watered Tinker Mowbree’s veggie patch near the phone box, threw conkers in Applegarth Park, searched for treats hiding in pumpkins in Zetland Street, and danced with the twins, Violet and Spike Mowbree, by the pedestrian crossing!

‘Portals into the Past’ entitles the second trail, which is packed with information about the history of the town and we had chance to have a little look, but would love to return another day to take in the details of the trail.  Here you can uncover Northallerton’s hidden stories of fascinating people, places and events, including the Town Hall and Shambles, the Rutson Hospital, Register House, and the original site of Northallerton Grammar School before it moved to Grammar School Lane and then became Northallerton College.  This would be a great trail for schools to use as part of a local history project.

Read our review 

May 2023

This May half term is all about fun and playing in nature here at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal. This 800-acre site is bursting with life and splashing its colour. How do you play in nature? Do you run and jump through the long swaying grass? Or do you sit still and watch the nature around you, spotting a frog in the water, watching the birds fly overhead or seeing little beasties flee as you lift a log? Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal has so much for you to explore.

Get crafting in Swanley Grange with our free family friendly drop-in sessions every day from 27 May – 4 June. Design and create your own bug house using sustainable and natural materials. Once completed, explore the estate and gather materials to go inside. Who knows which bugs will make their new home there? We have quiet crafting sessions daily between 2-3pm for those who might find quiet crafting a better experience.

Join in with the family trail, every day from 27 May – 4 June, exploring the nature in the deer park. Discover and learn where different animals and insects live. What beasties will you find living in the grassland, woodland or freshwater habitats?

Walk with the wildlife volunteers on Saturday 27 May to find out more about the Red, Sika and Fallow deer that call Studley Royal deer park their home.

There are acres of space for little legs to run riot at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal. Wobble, jump and climb your way through the play area. Why not take a walk through the summer garden or climb to the high ride to see some of the best views?

For everything you need to know about visiting Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal this May half term – visit Visiting Fountains Abbey with kids | National Trust

May Half Term Activities, 27th May – 4^th June

27th – 28th May & 3rd-4th June
Creatures of the Waterways

Discover who lives in our ponds with the Garden Ranger. Pond dipping weekends, drop in sessions from 10.30am – 12.30pm. Kids Go Free!

27th May – 4th June
Flower Power Nature Weaving 

Pick up a collectors bag from the ticket office and scavenge for what nature provides in the garden to weave into our Earth Loom near the Yeti Den. Daily from 10am. Kids Go Free!

Wednesday 31st May
A Dragon’s Tale – ‘Shiny things distract me’

Follow interactive storyteller ‘Dragonella’ as she weaves you through the garden, telling tales of adventure, unexpected meetings and magical creatures!

Booking essential. 1- hour interactive timed tours, suggested ages 4 – 10-year-olds, but all ages welcome.
Tour times: 10.30am, 12 noon & 2pm. Tour price: £10 per child (includes their garden entry)
Children must be accompanied by an adult, normal entry applies for adults & entry tickets can be bought online when booking a tour ticket. Limited places available, book early to avoid disappointment
Book via: https://www.himalayangarden.com/whats-on/ 

Treasure Island – May Half Term at Mother Shipton’s

Saturday 27th May – Sunday 4th June 2023

This May Half Term, gather all your SHIPmates and join us for an ARRRR-mazing expedition!

Collect your Treasure Map and follow the clues to uncover hidden riches – once you get started you’ll be HOOKED!

During your quest, you’ll SEA plenty of KRACKEN photo opportunities and explore abso-LOOT-ley epic nautical scenes, but be sure to watch out for the swashbuckling PIRATE!

Venus the Voodoo Princess will also be waiting to tell your fortune and may even cast a spell before your very AYES!

Dressing up is thoroughly encouraged, prizes will be awarded to Mother Shipton’s favourites when you share them on social media #mothershiptons.

There’s something for the whole family at England’s Oldest Tourist Attraction, including the birthplace of the Yorkshire Prophetess Mother Shipton, the incredible Petrifying Well, a large children’s Adventure Playground (access is subject to weather conditions), and a Museum & Gift Shop.

Scrumptious ice cream is available to purchase as well as hot dogs, pies, sweet and savoury treats, take-away coffee, tea, hot chocolate and refreshments from our lovely vintage-style kiosks in the middle of the woodland walk.

There are plenty of picnic benches and scenic views. Dogs on a lead are welcome everywhere except the adventure playground for a picturesque mile-long walk along the River Nidd.

Saturday 27th May – Sunday 4th June, 10am to 5.30pm (last admission 4pm) Booking is essential www.mothershipton.co.uk

Thursday 1st June 2023 (gates open 12.20pm, first race 2.20pm)

A day at the races is a fantastic way to entertain the family this half term.

There will be a bouncy castle, face painting and some fabulous entertainment from local singer Lily Worth – remember, kids are always FREE with a paying adult!

Get your tickets at www.ripon-races.co.uk

Other family days to put in the diary.
Monday 7th August – Fancy Dress Family Day
Monday 28th August – Bank Holiday Family Day

A great day of racing and kids go FREE!

Ticket Office 01765 530530
Website

HALF TERM AT THE CAVERNS – 27th May to 4th June 2023 

It’s  time for our Half Term Events- have you booked on yet for one of our special events?

🦖Prehistoric Dino Egg Hunt. Book your cave entry ticket and participate in our competition to find all of the hidden dino hatchlings hidden in our caves to reveal a secret word.

 💎Half Term Fossil & Gem Digs with our Cavewoman. She will be showing you some of our awesome treasures, and there’s an Half Term treat to take away!

🦴Half Term Cavewoman Games in the Caves – Saturday 27th May to Sunday 4th June 2023, 4pm to 5pm – celebrate half term with our Cavewoman, with stones and bones games and learn all about her ancient world.

Gemstone Waterfall 💎
Buy your bag of paydirt In the gift shop and then go panning for crystals and GOLD can you find one of our Megladon missing teeth? If you do, you win a fabulous prize!!

Outside sandpit with dinosaur bones and ammonites hidden to find 🦴

Find out more and book online
www.stumpcrosscaverns.co.uk