Easter on a budget
Enjoy Easter fun for less
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- Easter Days Out On A Budget
Easter days out on a budget
Trying to keep your clan entertained for two weeks over the Easter holidays might sound expensive, but there are plenty of free and affordable days out to enjoy in North Yorkshire.
Check out our ideas below…
Find Your Escape
Explore beautiful gardens in North Yorkshire this Easter. You’ll find outdoor playgrounds at Scarborough’s South Cliff Gardens, while the picturesque Valley Gardens in Harrogate has a great play park and games including crazy golf and tennis.
Peasholm Park in Scarborough is bursting with activities including mini golf and a boating lake.
For a more peaceful escape, pack up a picnic and discover gardens and parks where you can enjoy a picnic, wander among colourful flowers and plants, and explore nature trails through wooded landscapes.
You’ll also find plenty of outdoor sites including Kilburn’s White Horse and the impressive Ribblehead Viaduct where you can let little ones burn off energy whilst you take in the views.
Get Outdoors
Sometimes, the simplest activities can be the most fun! With almost 100 miles of coastline in North Yorkshire, you can delve into rock pools, hunt for fossils or test your sandcastle skills on vast stretches of golden beaches.
If you want to explore on two wheels you’ll find a range of family-friendly cycling tracks - The Cinder Track between Scarborough and Whitby, the Nidderdale Greenway between Harrogate and Ripley incorporating the Beryl Burton Cycleway to Knaresborough, and the Selby to York cycle route, all of which are largely traffic free and flat.
In the heart of the Moors, big kids will love the challenge of Dalby Forest, renowned for its mountain bike trails, while little explorers will love following the Gruffalo trails on foot.
There are several reservoirs in the county with footpaths winding around the water’s edge. They offer a variety of terrain and length and there is only a small charge at some of the car parks.
Plus, with the Dales and multiple National Landscapes on your doorstep, there’s no excuse to stay indoors with miles of trails to explore, whether you’re up for a hike or a gentle stroll.
History and heritage
Bring history to life at stately homes and ancient ruins. You’ll find the remains of abbeys dotted across North Yorkshire, including the dramatic Whitby Abbey overlooking the harbour and part of the Dracula story, plus many castle ruins including Pickering, Knaresborough and Skipton where you can uncover hundreds, or even thousands, of years of history.
Many of these properties are run by English Heritage or National Trust and are free to members.
North Yorkshire is bursting with interesting museums including the Craven Museum in Skipton, shortlisted for the 2024 Art Fund Museum of the Year and the Royal Pump Room Museum in Harrogate, while Ryedale Folk Museum makes learning fun with interactive displays and exhibitions bringing history to life.
Dive into the world of geology and dinosaurs at Scarborough’s Rotunda Museum or discover the history of crime and punishment at Ripon’s museums.
Many museums in North Yorkshire are free to visit or have an affordable admission price.
Food, glorious food!
We all know kids are happiest when they have a full tummy, and you’ll find no shortage of cafés, restaurants and farm shops in the area. Whether it’s fish and chips on the beach, a slice of cake or a family meal at a local pub, the market towns and villages of North Yorkshire serve up a variety of budget-friendly options for even the most selective palates.
Find all your picnic needs at the many independent bakery, butchers and delis before seeking out that perfect spot and enjoy a relaxing lunch in pretty surroundings.
Getting around
Turn your journey into an adventure! Take a trip by bus and see where you can explore, with single fares capped at just £3 per adult. It’s a cost-effective way to see the sights, as well as a sustainable way to travel.
The Coastliner runs all the way from Leeds to Scarborough or Whitby, passing scenic villages along the way, plus there’s a well-connected network of bus – and train – stations across the county.
You’ll find lots of family days out, events and festivals across the county – browse our family page for inspiration.
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