With the kids coming off school and the summer holidays looming, we all find ourselves in need of fun activities to get us out into the sun while it lasts. There’s something for everyone to explore in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and this summer we can help you find it!
Animal lovers
Animal lovers will have no shortage of things to do in the coming months. For starters, you could come on our Secret Squirrel guided walk on 13 August, where you’ll search for native red squirrels making a home in Wensleydale – a must for wildlife photographers. Or, for those who enjoy the thrill of the dark, our evening Bat Walk at Aysgarth Falls on 22 August will teach you all about these fascinating mammals and where they fly – don’t forget to bring a torch!
If you want to learn more about the animals and habitats of the Dales, why not come to one of our free drop-in Go Wild! events? Every Thursday from 25 July to 29 August, discover more about wildlife through science and craft activities. Come along and learn about Magnificent Mammals, Woodland Wonder and more!
Mucky stuff
Some children just want to get their hands dirty. No one knows why, but they do. If you’re so inclined, Wild About Owls on 7 August will teach you all about these majestic birds with the opportunity to dissect an owl pellet and other make-and-do activities. Or, if you really want to get down to work, Be a Ranger for a Day on 31 July or 10 August. You bring a packed lunch, we’ll bring the tools, and you can experience the work our National Park rangers do to conserve and protect the Yorkshire Dales landscape.
Out and about
For those who really want to get out and explore the scenic Dales, the Malham Landscape Trail on 28 July and 21 August is a great opportunity to view some of our finest countryside. Stand atop the imposing, world famous Malham Cove – as featured in the film ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1’ – and walk beneath the jagged walls of Gordale Scar, the subject of a painting by J.M.W. Turner. There’s even a chance to visit the site of an Iron Age Village.
Another way to roam our rolling hills and moors is by cycling, so come to one of our free Summer Biking Sessions for an introduction to exploring the Dales on two wheels. All those comfortable with the basics of cycling are welcome on 27 July and 8, 11 and 15 August.
Getting creative
If you’re feeling creative, our Fun Friday sessions run every week in August at the Dales Countryside Museum, Hawes, and teach hands-on skills like bush craft, felting and leaf art. Hands on History sessions run every Tuesday from 23 July to 27 August, and provide more arts and crafts opportunities inspired by Vikings, Victorians, Romans and pre-history.
Meanwhile, at Malham National Park Centre, Sue Allonby will be weaving tales about nature at Summer Stories on 28 July.
As you can see, whether you’re entertaining the kids or out on your own, there’s something for everyone to do in the Yorkshire Dales National Park this summer. So why not go ahead, have a day out and experience one of the world’s most beautiful landscapes?
For more information on these events and more, please see our What’s On calendar.
