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Things to Do This February Half Term Near Long Ashes Park
Looking for the perfect getaway this February Half Term?
Whether you're planning a fun-filled family trip or a quiet retreat, Long Ashes Park in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales offers an ideal base to explore a wealth of attractions and activities. With half term falling from Monday 17th to Friday 21st February, there's no better time to book your stay and enjoy the stunning countryside alongside exciting local events.
Explore the Great Outdoors
Embrace the beauty of nature with these breathtaking outdoor spots, perfect for scenic walks and family adventures:
Malham Cove
35 minutes from Long Ashes Park
Malham Cove is a dramatic curving ampitheatre-shaped cliff formation. This dramatic limestone landmark offers spectacular views, and has been attracting visitors for centuries. It is a great day out for hiking enthusiasts, and for the Harry Potter fans in your family: scenes for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows were filmed at the top of Malham Cove and all around Malham, including the limestone pavement, Malham Tarn and Gordale Scar.
Kilnsey Park
5 minutes from Long Ashes Park
Kilnsey Park offers activities for all the family, including fishing, friendly farm animals, an adventure playground and a nature trail with butterfly garden and rare orchids. The park also offers high quality angling in two spring fed lakes for those wanting to catch a fish in this stunning location. Seasonal events and treasure trails mean that there’s always fun to be had.
Bolton Abbey
25 minutes from Long Ashes Park
A visit to Bolton Abbey offers something for the whole family. Explore the historic priory ruins, wander along the woodland trails and enjoy riverside adventures. Bolton Abbey is open daily from 9am to 5pm throughout half term, with the last admissions at 4pm. Find out more and plan your visit here.
Skipton Castle Woods
15 minutes from Long Ashes Park
Next to one of Britain's most popular medieval castles, Skipton Castle Woods is a rare ancient woodland located just off the Skipton high street. It offers a tranquil escape, perfect for a leisurely stroll with the kids. Look to the skies for a glimpse of the local birds of prey, including buzzards, red kites and sparrowhawks. Kingfishers, herons and dippers can be spotted fishing in and around the water, while deer, bank voles and badgers are seen regularly throughout the woods.
Meet the Animals
Animal lovers will adore these interactive farm experiences, ideal for younger visitors:
Thornton Hall Farm Park
25 minutes from Long Ashes Park
For a child-friendly day out, Thornton Hall Farm Park is a fantastic choice. Meet the animals, enjoy tractor rides and explore the adventure playground. Don't miss their Half Term Soft Play & Animal Petting event running from 15th to 23rd February. Find out more and get your tickets here.
Hesketh Farm Park
25 minutes from Long Ashes Park
This idyllic farm park stretches across 10 acres of greenery just 1 mile from the pictureqsque village of Bolton Abbey. Hesketh Farm Park is still a working farm with over 1000 livestock, and offers a range of activities to do including stroking and feeding the animals, or when the weather turns, you can have fun in the giant sandpit or the straw maze inside the cosy heated barn. Find out more and plan your visit here.
Rainy Day Activities
If the weather takes a turn, there's still plenty to do indoors:
Wensleydale Creamery
45 minutes from Long Ashes Park
Head to the Wensleydale Creamery Visitor Centre in Hawes to indulge in delicious cheese tasting and to learn about the traditional cheese-making process. You can also find a delightful display of life-sized Wallace & Gromit characters crafted by the Hawes Yarnbombers, and enjoy a Cheesy Afternoon Tea at the on-site Calvert's Restaurant. Find out more and plan your visit here.
Matrix Superbowl
20 minutes from Long Ashes Park
At Matrix Superbowl, you'll find a variety of fun for the whole family to enjoy on a rainy day, including ten-pin bowling, snooker, American pool, darts, and a soft play & activity centre. Take advantage of special bowling offers including Two For Tuesday, Thursday Night Strike and Fun Fridays. Learn more and book your visit here.
Art Club at Skipton Town Hall
20 minutes from Long Ashes Park
Get creative at the Art Club at Skipton Town Hall on Monday 17th February 2025 at 10am or 2pm. This is perfect for young people between 10 and 18 years old who like to express themselves creatively. Not only will you create something beautiful to take home, but it's a great opportunity to make new friends and have some fun on a rainy day in the Yorkshire Dales. Find out more and book your tickets here.
Craven Museum Make & Take
20 minutes from Long Ashes Park
Don't miss out on the Craven Museum Make & Take on Wednesday 19th February 2025 at 10am and 1pm. This is a free family-friendly craft workshop linked to objects from the Craven Museum collection, so you can learn about local treasures from the past while getting inspired and creative. Find out more here.
Step Back in Time
History buffs can delve into the rich heritage of the Yorkshire Dales National Park with these fascinating attractions:
Skipton Castle
20 minutes from Long Ashes Park
Over 900 years old, Skipton Castle is one of England's best preserved medieval castles. Explore every corner of this impressive castle and learn about its rich history, including the three-year siege it withstood during the Civil War. Afterwards, relax in the picnic area or grab some refreshments in the new tea room. Find out more and plan your visit here.
Jorvik Viking Festival
1 hour 30 minutes from Long Ashes Park
From Monday 17th to Sunday 23rd February 2025, York will be taken over by Viking Warriors for the Jorvik Viking Festival. This world-renowned festival features living history encampments, workshops, tours, traditional crafts, feasts, family events, evening entertainment and dramatic combat performances. Learn more and book your tickets here.
Skipton Town Hall & Craven Museum
20 minutes from Long Ashes Park
Home to the Craven Museum & Gallery, Skipton Visitor Centre and gift shop, Skipton Town Hall is well worth a visit if you're keen to learn more about the rich history of North Yorkshire. Connect with local characters and landscapes from the past in this accessible and family-friendly, accessible museum, where you'll find over 60,000 objects representing millions of years of Craven history. Discover more and plan your visit here.
High Corn Mill
20 minutes from Long Ashes Park
Discover one of Skipton's best kept secrets: High Corn Mill, a hydro-powered historic water mill at the edge of Skipton Castle Woods, dating as far back as 1310. Located within the heart of the mill, visitors can see the specially commissioned water turbine and how it helps to generate part of the town’s electricity supply. Specially created viewing areas enable visitors to see some of the original machinery, and a second waterwheel which visitors can turn by pulling a lever that releases water from the mill’s pond. Learn more and book a free tour of the mill here.
Unique Days Out
For something a little different, check out these exciting destinations:
Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway
20 minutes from Long Ashes Park
Great fun for all the family, the award-winning Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway offers a scenic adventure from Bolton Abbey Station to the historic Embsay Station built in 1888.
Don't miss Dino Week this February Half Term! Enjoy a roarsome dinosaur-themed adventure on a heritage steam train. You'll be welcomed by dinosaurs and their keepers at Embsay Station, before boarding a train alongside the dinosaurs, with every child receiving a special goody bag to enjoy during the journey. Find out more here.
Stump Cross Caverns
15 minutes from Long Ashes Park
A unique adventure day for children and adults alike, explore ancient underground caves with stunning rock formations at Stump Cross Caverns. Don't miss the Cosmic Adventures Workshops this half term: Learn fascinating facts about our solar system and get a beginner’s guide to spotting constellations in the breathtaking dark skies of the Yorkshire Dales. Then, let your creativity shine with hands-on activities. Learn more and get your tickets here.
Stay at Long Ashes Park
After a fun-filled day exploring the Yorkshire Dales, unwind in comfort at Long Ashes Park. Choose from our luxury lodges, charming Netherside Barn, woodland glamping pods, or our on-site hotel The Gamekeeper's Inn for a relaxing stay.
Enjoy delicious meals at The Gamekeeper's Inn, pamper yourself at Long Ashes Pure Spa, and make the most of our excellent leisure facilities.
Book your February Half Term escape today and create unforgettable memories in the heart of the Dales!
Book Your Half Term Getaway