Fun Family Days Out Near Robin Hood's Bay and Whitby

Have you been wondering where to go for a family day out when staying in Robin Hood’s Bay?

This Guide is packed full of Family Days Out.

Robin Hood’s Bay

Perched on the coast between the surrounding cliffs of Scarborough and Whitby sits a Bay. The backdrop of the Bay is an old Yorkshire fishing village. This is Robin Hood’s Bay, the gem on the picturesque coastal edge of the North York Moors National.

Built on a steep hill the old 17th Century village heads down to the Bay. Winding streets, steep steps and cobbled alleyways make up what was once called Baytown. A maze of a village it’s easy to get lost here in Robin Hood’s Bay. Just all part of the magic of what makes it so special.

Just 7 miles from Whitby Robin Hood’s Bay is a great village for holidaying as a family. The beach is just moments away and great for rock pooling, fossil hunting and beach walks. There is an abundance of Pubs, Restaurants, Cafes, Eateries and Takeaways. You will also find lots of quaint little shops around the village.

A dog friendly village all year round Robin Hood’s Bay can accommodate your family and your pooch(es) in many ways. Dog Friendly cottages to Dog Friendly eating and drinking and everything in between. 

Flamingo Land & Zoo - Near to Pickering

Flamingo land is a great day for all the family, thrill seekers and animal lovers.

In the themepark you will find kids rides, family rides and thrill rides. There are a whole host of daytime shows and meet and greets.

The award winning zoo has a large range of animals including Mammals, Farm Animals, Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians and Fish. There are also Keeper Talks throughout the day. The Zoo also offers at an additional cost a range of Animal Experiences including:

Meet a Creature

Penguin Encounter

Meerkat Encounter

Lemur Encounter

Giraffe Encounter

Be A Zoo Keeper

Parking: Yes

Food & Drink: Various eateries within the park

Dog Friendly: No

Contact:

0800 40 888 40

flamingoland.co.uk

Eden Camp - Malton

Experience life as it was in World War 2 at Eden Camp, an Original World War 2 Prisoner of War Camp. An immersive experience of sights, sounds and smells from the War. There are over 30 Huts to discover all with different exhibitions.

You can really make a full day out of Eden Camp. We would recommend stopping half way round for refreshments at Winstan’s Bunker Cafe. You won’t find any rationing here.

Parking: Yes

Food & Drink: Winstan’s Bunker Cafe

Dog Friendly: Yes well behaved dogs on leads are welcome at Eden Camp

Contact:

01653 697777

admin@edencamp.co.uk

Edencamp.co.uk

Dalby Forest - Near Pickering

Dalby Forest is a great day out for families. You can have lots of adventures here.

At Dalby Forest you will find:

Play Parks

Walking Trails

Running Trails

Cycling Trails

Bridestones

Dry Stone Wall Maze

Parking: Yes paid parking

Food & Drink: Cafe in the Visitor Center and Picnic Area

Dog Friendly: Yes

Contact:

01751 460295

yorkshirefd@forestryengland.uk

GoApe Dalby Forest:

Do you and your partner like a thrill? Do you have a head for heights or maybe you like to push through your fears and boundaries.

You will find GoApe deep in the heart of the great Dalby Forest. Climb the ladder and take your place amongst the treetops. Walk the ropes, take leaps of faith, and exhilarating ziplines over the valley.

Feeling really brave? GoApe and zipline in the dark for a truly thrilling experience.

Contact:

01603 895500

goape.co.uk

Forest Segway Dalby Forest:

Not got a head for heights but want all the fun of the forest? Then the forest Segway is for you.

Head off on the purpose built segway trails. Take in the thrills of the forest up and down hills. Navigate your way through the trees. Take in the stunning North York Moors from a different vantage point in an opening in the forest.

By no means a second best to GoApe, you will have fun, giggles and a thrilling experience on Forest Segway.

Contact:

01603 895500

Goape.co.uk

Dalby Forest Cycle Hub Near Pickering:

The Dalby Forest Cycle Hub offers a cycle hire service by phone reservation or booking online. Situated in the heart of the great Dalby Forest.

The Dalby Forest Cycle Hub has a large range of bikes for all abilities. Trails and routes are available for a varying range of levels from a casual family day out to the extreme. Helmets are also available for hire at no extra cost. All cyclists hiring a bike must wear a helmet. Hire will not be available without one.

Nearby you have the Dalby Forest Visitor Centre and Cafe. There is also a play park and PicNic benches. You can really make it a full day of activities and adventures with Go Ape and Segway also nearby.

Cycle Hire is available from:

1.5 Hours: After 2pm Only

3 hours

Full Day

Available to Hire:

Adult Hardtail MTB

Adult Full Suspension MTB

Young Riders MTB Hardtail: Over 16

Children's MTB Hardtail: Under 12

Electric MTB Hardtail: Over 14

Electric Full Suspension MTB: Over 14

Adapted bike hire per bike (including helmet)

Trailer

Baby seat (1 to 4 years)

Helmet

Contact:

 01751 460585

info@dalbyforestcyclehub.co.uk

Dalbyforestcyclehub.co.uk

Whitby Abbey

Whitby Abbey is perhaps the most iconic landmark on the Yorkshire coast. The Abbey dates back as far as 657 AD. The magnificent gothic ruins of the Abbey dominate the East Cliff of Whitby and the Old Town. Standing proud at the top of the 199 steps overlooking the North Sea.

Today, Whitby Abbey is managed by English Heritage. Come and learn the history behind Whitby Abbey with an interactive guide. Find out how the Abbey was made famous by Bram Stoker’s novel ‘Dracula’. And how Whitby Abbey was an inspiration to his novel after visiting in 1890.

Parking: Yes Paid Parking Available

Food & Drink: Picnic area onsite, nextdoor is a cafe in the YHA

Dog Friendly: Yes well behaved dogs on leads are welcome at Whitby Abbey

Contact:

01947 603568

english-heritage.org.uk

Scarborough Castle

Scarborough Castle stands proud overlooking both the North & South Bays of Scarborough. Explore the Castle ruins, delve into 3,000 years of history. Marvel at artefacts found during excavation.

Enjoy the stunning views out to sea and over the town.

Parking: No

Food & Drink: Picnic area and the Master Gunners Coffee Shop offers seasonal service

Dog Friendly: Yes well behaved dogs on leads are welcome at Scarborough Castle

Contact:

01723 372451

english-heritage.org.uk

The Endeavor Experience - Whitby

Climb aboard the full-sized replica of HM Bark Endeavor. Experience what life was like at sea in the days of Captain Cook.

The Endeavor Experience Whitby is so much more than just a Museum. Taking up permanent residence in Whitby Harbour, The Endeavor sits grandly on the west side. With interactive experiences throughout the exhibition you can really learn the ropes of what life was really like onboard HM Bark Endeavor.

Learn about the man himself, Captain Cook and his crew. Discover through the immersive and interactive experiences on board.

Parking: No

Food & Drink: The Orlop Bar and Grill Restaurant

Dog Friendly: No

Contact:

01947 600 511

info@hmbarkendeavour.co.uk

hmbarkendeavour.co.uk

Alpamare Waterpark - Scarborough

Alpamare is more than just a waterpark here you will find:

Wave Pool

Warm Outdoor Garden Pool

Splash and Play Area

Outdoor Infinity Pool

Four Waterslides

Wellness Suite & Spa

Parking: Yes paid parking

Food & Drink: A range of food options and areas available

Dog Friendly: No

Contact:

01723 339 859

reception@alpamare.co.uk

Alpamare.co.uk

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Love the power of Steam? Take a trip back in time on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. NYMR is the largest heritage railway line and runs from Whitby through to Pickering. The line picks up stations at Grosmont, Goathland, Newton Dale and Levisham.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the North York Moors as you have never seen them before. Goathland Station is none other than Harry Potter’s Hogsmeade Station. You may also recognise it from the long running TV series Heartbeat. Goathland is the fictional Heartbeat village Aidensfield.

Look out for a character or two from the channel 5 series The Yorkshire Steam Railway: All Aboard.

It is also possible to book experiences with NYMR.

Parking: Yes nearby paid parking for all stations except Newton Dale which is only accessible on foot

Food & Drink: Pickering, Goathland and Grosmont all have seasonal cafes

Dog Friendly: Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome on Trains except Dining Trains and some special events.

Contact:

nymr.co.uk

The Moors National Park Center in Danby & Sutton Bank Center Near to Thirsk

The Moors National Park Center in Danby:

Set in its own grounds there is lots to do here. Surrounded by moorland, nature and everything special about the North York Moors National.

A great place for all the family especially those with young children.

What you will find at the Center:

Bird hide

Woodland and riverside trails

Children's trails, activities and events

Indoor climbing wall and outdoor play area

Interactive displays

Inspired by... gallery

Gift shop with books, local crafts and souvenirs

Mud Kitchen for under 5s

Tourist Information Center

Parking: Yes paid parking

Food & Drink: Park Life Cafe

Dog Friendly: Yes, but please note that dogs are not allowed in the Center buildings or in Crow Wood, except for assistance dogs

Contact:

01439 772737

moorscentre@northyorkmoors.org.uk

northyorkmoors.org.uk

Sutton Bank Center Near to Thirsk:

The Center sits at the top of Sutton Bank and boasts spectacular views.

The Center is great for families with children of all ages and particularly great for cycling, running, walking, climbing, and gliding.

What you will find at the Center:

Adventure play area

Bike shop and bike hire

Bike wash

Children's trails and activities

Craft activities inside

Cycle skills area for children plus pump track

Cycle trails

Gift shop with books, souvenirs, local crafts

Picnic area

Tourist Information Center

Walking trails

Wheelchair loan and tramper hire (for onsite use)

Wildlife viewing area

Parking: Yes paid parking

Food & Drink: Park Life Cafe

Dog Friendly: Yes

Contact:

01845 597426

suttonbank@northyorkmoors.org.uk

Northyorkmoors.org.uk


The North York Moors International Dark Sky Reserve Dark Sky Discovery Sites:

In December 2020 The North York Moors National Park was designated an International Dark Sky Reserve.

But what is an International Dark Sky Reserve (IDSR)? An IDSR is land that possesses an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights specifically protected for scientific, natural, educational, cultural, heritage and/or public enjoyment.

Both The Moors National Park Center Danby and Sutton Bank National Park Center are Dark Sky Discovery Sites.

Both have been rated “Milky Way” class by the UK Dark Sky Discovery partnership. Meaning here they are much darker sites and the Milky Way is visible by the naked eye.

Both locations are open to the public. The Dark Sky Discovery Sites are all accessible to everyone.

For a map and more information Click Here.

The Sealife Center

A fun way to learn about marine life you will find a range of interactive experiences and displays at the Sealife Center, Scarborough.

You will find a huge range of animals and creatures here at the Center. There is also the interactive Rock Pool area, the Seal Hospital, Great Barrier Reef and lots more besides.

Please Note Tickets Must Be Booked Online in Advance

Parking: Yes paid parking

Food & Drink: No

Dog Friendly: No

Contact:

visitsealife.com


Stay A While

So, why not stay for a while?

Enjoy everything Robin Hood’s Bay has to offer and family days out and about.

Smaller properties are available from 2 nights and the larger properties from 3 nights. All dependent on the time of year. All of our cottages are priced accordingly throughout the year. All of our properties feature in size order. Largest to smallest as you scroll down the Accommodation Page. Our largest properties are great for extended family holidays or family celebrations.

For a quick look at our availability at any given time you can use our All Availability feature. Just click the green and yellow Check Availability button on the Home page of our website.

Explore Robin Hood’s Bay, the wildlife and marine life that call it home. You may just fall in love and be eager to discover more of what Robin Hood’s Bay has to offer.