Summer holiday fun: A family day out in the heart of North Yorkshire

The oldest attraction in England is set in beautiful woodland by the river. Discover the Petrifying Well and the cave where the prophetess Mother Shipton was born, have fun in the adventure playground and grab a morning coffee or ice cream.

Visit the museum and buy a souvenir from the gift shop. Over the summer holidays you can be transported to Middle Earth and the world of Hobbits. Dress up as a hobbit, elf or wizard and start your own adventure.

Visit the imposing ruins of Knaresborough Castle overlooking the river. Learn about the history of the castle and Knaresborough and see the Tudor courtroom in the museum before you head across to the Kings Tower and climb up to the Kings Chamber before going down to the dungeons.

Book onto a Sallyport tour and learn about how this tunnel was used.

It's time for lunch and there are plenty of options in both Knaresborough and Harrogate. In Harrogate, head to Farmhouse, a great family-friendly restaurant serving delicious, healthy homemade food.

Choose from pancake stacks, burgers, tacos and flatbreads plus lots more delicious options. There is also a great kid's menu. Fill up those tummies ready for an afternoon of excitement and discovery.

Learn about the spa history of Harrogate in the original pump room. The exhibits tell the story of the visitors who would stay in the town, and you can see old spa equipment such as the peat bath.

View the sulphur well through the glass floor and be brave and smell the sulphur water. Children can follow the trail around the museum –can you spot all the exhibits on the list?

Located opposite the pump room, the Valley Gardens are beautiful public gardens with 17-acres of formal flowerbeds, floral designs and woods. Head to the amazing play area with the paddling pool in the centre.

Hire equipment from the games kiosk to play crazy golf, pitch and putt golf or tennis. After exploring the gardens, it’s time to set off through the Pinewoods to your next destination.

At the end of the Pinewoods is RHS Garden Harlow Carr. 58-acres of gardens with woodland, borders and a kitchen garden. Little ones will love the natural play features including the Log Ness Monster and Craggle Top Treehouse.

Over the summer holidays, families can join the Great Woodland Adventure. Follow the tree trail, join in a forest workshop, be a garden detective, try woodland family yoga or take part in the The Big Den Build (12-14 August).