Out & About

Take time out to explore one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals, Since the 7th century, the Minster has been at the centre of Christianity in the north of England.

Visit the vast spaces, breathtaking medieval architecture, and admire the stained glass and stone carvings.

Learn the history of the minster over the last 2000 years, and climb the top tower to take in the views of York.

Escape the day-to-day and join National Railway Museum for a journey through time. Get up close to icons of the rails including Mallard, the world’s fastest steam locomotive. Discover how high-speed rail travel began and journey back in time to experience the working life of a station. Explore over 200 years of history and find out how railways shaped our world.

Please note: Station Hall will be closed until 2024 to carry out essential works.

In 2023, you can still explore Great Hall and North Shed with over 40 rail vehicles and thousands of objects on display!

You don’t need to book your free admission tickets in advance, but we recommend doing this to save time when you get here.

The Yorkshire Air Museum and Allied Air Forces Memorial is one of the largest independent museums of aviation in the United Kingdom. Located on the former site of RAF Elvington in North Yorkshire, a World War II airfield used extensively by Allied bomber crews.

Open all year round from 10am and admission tickets offer free re-entry to the Museum for twelve months! Cafe & Shop + Pet friendly too!

Lose yourself at York Maze!

With over 20 rides, attractions and shows, York Maze is an aMAZEing family day out. Get active on the Popcorn Pillow, have a laugh on the New Crowmania ride or take your seat for our show. Get lost in one of our mazes, or take it easy in the CORNstruction Zone sand and water play. You’ll be amazed just how much there is to see and do.

The Original Ghost Walk of York is believed to be the first exclusive Ghost Walk in the World!
Offer a night of history and mystery in York, promising to capture your imagination and inspire the mind.
The Original Ghost Walk of York is famous for being genuine, authentic, and magical, exploring the haunted spots of York.

So why not join the ghost walk tonight – it’s on every night from 8pm.  No need to book, just turn up.

Steeped in history and character, there are many visitor attractions in Whitby that are connected to the town’s fascinating past, such as the Captain Cook Memorial Museum, the Dracula Experience and climbing the 199 steps to Whitby Abbey.

Many flock to Whitby for its boutique shops and quirky streets, where you will find unique Whitby jet jewellery and other fascinating items. The town is also home to several annual events including the Bram Stoker International Film Festival and the Whitby Goth Weekend.

If you’re looking for a vast beach with plenty of space for your dog to run then drive to Filey. At the north end of Filey Bay is Filey Brigg, a headland which has many rock pools. During the summer, hundreds of people go there and fish in the pools.
We recommend visiting Bempton Cliffs RSPB Nature Reserve which lies at the southern end of the bay. The cliffs run about 6 miles (10 km) from Flamborough Head north towards Filey and are over 330 feet (100 m) high at points.

It’s home to the largest colony of Gannets in Britain and also has 10% of the country’s Kittiwake population along with many other seabirds such as Red Knot, Razorbill, Puffins and Meadow Pipit.

Robin Hood’s Bay is a picturesque old fishing village with a beautiful family (and dog) friendly sandy beach. Rock pools to explore and ancient fossils to discover! 
Wandering through its narrow, twisting cobbled streets and alleyways, you can easily imagine the sailors, fishermen, smugglers and press gangs that walked these streets hundreds of years ago.

Scarborough Beach is a perfect spot for a good beach day, with plenty of amenities, cafes, amusements, and shops nearby.

Since Eden Camp opened to the public as a museum in 1987, visitors have been donating items to our archive which has continued to grow into a collection of national historical importance.

Its a great family day out with a cafe and play area.  Open 7 days a week from April to October.

Boasting an large beach, excellent surfing, a miniture railway, amusements,  valley gardens and the iconic victoria pier, Saltburn has something to offer everyone.

It is also Saltburn is home to the oldest water balanced cliff lift in the country, opened in June 1884.  During your visit make sure you take the lift to the pier and enjoy extensive views over the coastline and north sea.

Vangarde Shopping Park is a premium destination for shopping and eating in York.
The park is home to the region’s largest M&S store and a state-of-the-art Next store.
Vangarde also has a range of restaurants and cafés including Prezzo, Nando’s, Estabulo Bar & Grill, Costa and Café Nero.

Its just a short approx. 15 minute drive from Griffon Forest, towards York.

Younger children will love the award-winning zoo and junior rides, while older children and adults can revel in the hair-raising thrill rides designed to get the pulse racing!

Located at Kirby Misperton it is approx 30min drive from Griffon Forest lodges.

Monks Cross is home to a number of your favourite highstreet stores including Primark, TK Maxx, Clarks, New Look, Schuh, WH Smith and Boots.

Next door there is Asda, Sainsburys and Aldi for all your superstore needs.

Just a short drive from Griffon Forest, its easy to access by road and up to four hours free parking for customers.

You’ll also find a choice of eateries, so no need to head off when you start feeling peckish – simply stop, relax and refuel before you tackle ’round two’! All in all, making your shopping trip as care-free as possible.

Boasting a vast selection of clothes, home and accessory shops you will find something for everyone.
All your favourite brands like Nike, coach, Levis, Sweaty Betty, The North Face,  Polo, to name a few boasting a great selection of clothes, hame and accessories all costing up to 60% less!

Located just off the A64, its an easy and a short drive from Griffon Forest.

Nestled within the beautiful North York Moors National Park, Ryedale Folk Museum is the perfect venue for exploring the stories and heritage of the region. Set in over six acres in beautiful Hutton-le-Hole, an ideal family day out for everyone from children to grandparents too! Discover 40,000 objects within more than twenty heritage buildings in our open-air museum.

Don’t miss the medieval Manor House or Iron-Age Roundhouse. Call by the farming area, or find the perfect picnic site in our pretty heritage orchard.  Dog-friendly too!

Castle Howard is a stately home in North Yorkshire, England, within the civil parish of Henderskelfe, located 15 miles north of York. It is a private residence and has been the home of the Carlisle branch of the Howard family for more than 300 years.
Located just a 10 minute drive from Griffon Forest