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50+ Best Days Out in Yorkshire With Animals | Farms & Zoos

Last Updated on March 12, 2024 by Suzy McCullough

One of our favourite days out is to a zoo or farm park. Yorkshire is packed full of great attractions where you can see and even meet animals. In this post, I will cover all the main places you can see animals across the East Riding of Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire and South Yorkshire.

There are plenty of ideas to keep you busy. Some of the ideas below aren’t just for farm parks, wildlife parks and zoos. Some may just have a few animals with other main things to do. I will cover all the information you need.

Please note that not all of the park’s animals will be listed below. The lists are there to give you an idea of what to expect. There is an admission cost to all places listed below.

Table of Contents

East Riding of Yorkshire – Places to Visit With Animals

Bridlington animal park.

Address : Covert Lane, Carnaby, Bridlington YO15 3QF

What animals do they have? Wallabies, zebra, racoons, birds of prey, meerkats, goats, rheas, sheep and macaws.

What else is there to do? You can purchase food to feed some of their four-legged animals, you can even help feed the wallabies. They have a bird of prey display or owl handling sessions, reptile handling and a small wooden play area for the kids. * Animal experiences are available including meet the meerkats, owl experience and small carnivore experience. Find Out More

Bugtopia Hornsea Freeport

Address : Hornsea Freeport, Rolston Rd, Hornsea HU18 1UT

What animals do they have? Butterflies, macaws, reptiles, spiders

What else is there to do? Bugtopia is an indoor tropical rainforest which you can walk around, there is usually a trail for kids to take part in. You can also book on one of their experiences. These include a macaw experience, a photography experience and a zoo-keeping experience. * You can also book a 30-minute experience for up to 6 people to meet lots of different reptiles and also a tarantula. Experiences are at an additional cost. Find Out More

Burnby Hall Gardens

Address : 33 The Balk, Pocklington, York YO42 2QF

What animals do they have? Fish and doves

What else is there to do? That doesn’t sound particularly exciting but we love to visit Burnby for a couple of hours. A must for your visit is to purchase some fish food. There are literally hundreds of hungry fish to feed, I’ve never been anywhere quite like it.

They also have some doves which are super tame and like to come up next to your feet to pinch the fish food. There are some beautiful gardens with lilies and a children’s playground. There is also a small museum. Find Out More

East Park Hull

Address : Holderness Rd, Hull HU8 8JU

What animals do they have?  Alpacas, deer, wallabies, sheep and a walk-through aviary.

What else is there to do? This is a large park with a playground, a boating and fishing lake, a seasonal splash pad, a Wickstead boat ride, crazy golf in the summer and more. Find Out More

Honeysuckle Farm

Address : Bewholme Ln, Hornsea HU18 1BY

What animals do they have? Horses, cows, sheep, pigs, donkeys, goats, small animals

What else is there to do? They have daily horse and cart rides. a straw barn play area, outdoor play areas with play forts, den building. They have fish you can feed and you can also feed their animals. There is also a maze you can get lost in and nature walks. Find Out More

RSPB Bempton Cliffs

Address : Cliff Ln, Bempton, Bridlington YO15 1JF

What animals do they have? Wild birds

What else is there to do? At Bempton cliffs you can walk along the top of the cliffs. There are various platforms along the way that offer you spectacular views of the cliffs and the birds that nest on the side of the cliffs. The best time to visit is between April and July. At its peak the sound of the nesting seabirds is like nothing else, you may even spot a puffin. There is a visitor centre. Find Out More

Sewerby Hall and Gardens

Address : Sewerby, Bridlington YO15 1ED

What animals do they have? Penguins, lemurs, birds, pigs, goats, sheep, alpacas and racoon dogs.

W hat else is there to do? The animal area is relatively small but always lovely to look around. They have a playground, a house you can explore and some beautiful gardens plus a woodland walk. Find Out More

Sledmere House and Gardens

Address : Sledmere, Driffield YO25 3XG

What animals do they have? Horses, pigs, sheep and chickens

What else is there to do? Although the animal area is relatively small at Sledmere there is other things to do. There is a playground and gardens. The house is open in peak season and you can walk around the estate which has a deer park. Find Out More

Address : Tower St, Hull HU1 4DP

What animals do they have? Huge aquarium with over 3000 creatures, including sharks, penguins, jellyfish, tropical fish, loggerhead turtles, pufferfish and sawfish.

What else is there to do? The aquarium is all indoors. There is a small soft play area for toddlers. There are plenty of informative signs around the aquarium and there is an ice wall you can touch. Find Out More

North Yorkshire – Places to Visit With Animals

Askham bryan wildlife and conservation park.

Address : Askham Bryan, York YO23 3FR

What animals do they have? Meerkats, racoons, reptiles, otters, birds, tortoises and wallabies.

What else is there to do? There are animals outdoors and reptiles indoors. They have a playground * plus you can book an animal experience for children aged 8 and over. Find Out More

Beacon Alpacas

Address : Suncliffe Beacon Farm, Malton St, Husthwaite, York YO61 4PD

What animals do they have? Alpacas

What else is there to do? At this attraction, you can book to walk alpacas. Children from the age of 8 can take part and must help an adult to walk their alpacas. Find Out More

Beetle Bank Open Farm

Address : Moor Ln, Murton, York YO19 5XD

What animals do they have? Goats, rheas, birds, small animals and sheep.

What else is there to do? They have petting sessions where you can cuddle their smaller animals. There is an outdoor play area, bouncy castle, ride-ons and sand pit. Find Out More

Betton Farm Visitor Centre

Address : Racecourse Rd, East Ayton, Scarborough YO13 9HT

What animals do they have? Sheep, pigs, chickens, goats, guinea pigs and rabbits.

What else is there to do? What started life as a tearoom and restaurant is now somewhere that is great for all the family to visit. You can meet their animals plus there is a play park with climbing frames, slides and ride-ons.

Big Sheep Little Cow

Address : Aiskew Watermill, Bedale DL8 1AW

What animals do they have? Chinchillas, goats, pigs, llamas, donkeys, tortoises, rabbits and Shetland pony

What else is there to do? Outdoors there is a fun tractor ride where kids are pulled around in barrels plus go-karts. Indoors is The Woolly Jumpers Play Barn. There are exciting slides, rope swings, tunnels to crawl through and platforms to climb up as well as a separate ball pool and soft play area for the under 3s. During term time they run toddler and baby sessions with plenty of interactive, hands-on, creative and fun activities designed with them in mind. Find Out More

Filey Bird Garden and Animal Park

Address : Scarborough Rd, Filey YO14 9PG

What animals do they have? Birds, meerkats, alpacas, pigs, goats, rabbits, racoon dogs and donkeys.

What else is there to do? The park is small compared to other farm/animal parks but there is usually a trail for the kids and there is a relatively new adventure play area. The park has some pretty gardens with wildlife areas. Find Out More

Flamingo Land

Address : Kirby Misperton, Malton YO17 6UX

What animals do they have? Zebra, giraffe, red panda, birds, lemurs, rhino, kangaroo, tiger and hippos.

What else is there to do? Primarily a theme park with lots of rides for young and old Flamingo Land also has its own zoo. There are thrill rides, family rides and daily shows. They also have themed play areas, a train, a cable car and a splash pad. Find Out More

Hesketh Farm Park

Address : Bolton Abbey, Skipton BD23 6HA

What animals do they have? Sheep, cows, chickens, ponies, donkeys, tortoises, pigs and guinea pigs.

What else is there to do? They have daily animal activities including egg collecting, lamb feeding (seasonal, calf feeding, pony brushing and donkey feeding. Indoors there is a giant sandpit, pedal tractors, a straw maze and a fun play tractor. Outdoors there is a pedal go-kart track, spider’s net climbing frame, wooden agility course and tractor rides. Find Out More

Monk Park Farm

Address : Green Ln, Thirsk YO7 2AG

What animals do they have? Goats, pigs, birds, guinea pigs, alpacas, sheep and deer.

What else is there to do? There is a playground with a large obstacle course and a few other things plus peddle go-karts. The main highlight is feeding their huge number of friendly animals. We can never buy enough bags. You can take a barrel ride around the farm allowing you to get up close to lots of our animals including the Alpacas, Wallabies, Goats and more. Find Out More

National centre for birds of prey

Address : Duncombe Park, Helmsley, York YO62 5EB

What animals do they have? Birds of prey including owls, eagles, hawks and many more.

What else is there to do? They have daily flying displays. Kids will love the ink stamp trail included with your tickets. There are also 300 acres of woodland and parkland to walk in, a playground * and they offer birds of prey experiences. Find Out More

Newham Grange Farm

Address : Wykeham Way, Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough TS8 0TG

What animals do they have? Goats, guinea pigs, rabbits, miniature horses, sheep, cows and donkeys.

What else is there to do? The farm park has a large adventure play zone. There is plenty for kids to play on including a sandpit, ride-ons, go-karts and more. You can have a go at crazy golf and run around the mysterious willow maze.

There is also an outdoor toddler play area perfect for children under 7 with a climbing tractor, play frame, slide, swings and more. Plus there is an indoor soft play area. Older kids will enjoy the mega play zone with a giant Viking wing, 380 swing, wooden step trail course and more. You can also follow the path from here to the magical woodland walk.  Find Out More

Nidderdale Llamas

Address : Kiln Farm, Wilsill, Harrogate HG3 5EE

What animals do they have? Llamas and alpacas.

What else is there to do? There is a range of experiences including both their llamas and alpacas. Some activities children age 7 and over can take part in although most are for slightly older children. Find Out More

Piglets Adventure Farm

Address : Towthorpe Grange, Towthorpe Moor Ln, Towthorpe, York YO32 9ST

What animals do they have? Pigs, cows, goats, alpacas, guinea pigs, ponies, donkeys and chickens.

What else is there to do? There are outdoor play areas, a beach play sand pit, crazy golf, indoor play area, go-karts, trails and more. Find Out More

Playdale Farm Park

Address : Carr Ln, Cayton, Scarborough YO11 3TL

What animals do they have? Pigs, ponies, donkeys, goats, sheep, llamas, alpacas, guinea pigs and birds.

What else is there to do? You can hand-feed the animals at this farm park plus they have guinea pig handling sessions. There is an indoor soft play area, a hay play barn, two outdoor playgrounds, a toboggan ride, frisbee golf, go-karts and a zip wire. Find Out More

Sea Life Scarborough

Address : Scalby Mills Rd, Scarborough YO12 6RP

What animals do they have? Penguins, otters, sharks, octopuses, seals, rays and fish.

What else is there to do? There is an outdoor crazy golf course. There is a small outdoor playground and they also offer seal experiences. Find Out More

The Web Adventure Park

Address : Clifton Gate Business Park, Wigginton Rd, York YO32 2RH

What animals do they have? Goats, rabbits, sheep, pigs and ponies.

What else is there to do? The animal area is small but there are plenty of other things to do. Outdoors there is a large play area with sand and water play. Plus things to climb on and more. They often have outdoor fairground rides and indoors there is Creepy Crawlies which is a large soft play area. Find Out More

Thirsk Birds of Prey Centre

Address : Sion Hill Hall, Thirsk YO7 4EU

What animals do they have? Birds of prey including over 70 birds with 30 species including eagles, falcons, hawks, kites, vultures and owls.

What else is there to do? The centre has daily bird displays. They have a range of experiences you can book on at an additional cost. Experiences range from half-day to one-hour walks or flying encounters. Children from 8 can take part in the one-hour flying encounter, those under 10 can take part in the hawk walk so long as they are accompanied by an adult hawk walk follower. Find Out More

Thornton Hall Farm Country Park

Address : Thornton-in-Craven, Skipton BD23 3TS

What animals do they have? Llamas, goats, alpacas, ponies, pigs, birds, calves and birds.

What else is there to do? They have animal petting sessions, egg collecting, farmyard tours, lamb and calf feeding (seasonal), paddock walks, pony grooming and pig brushing. There are also some fun rides at the farm (an additional cost), plus play areas indoors and outdoors. Find Out More

Thorp Perrow Arboretum and Wildlife Park

Address : Thorp Perrow Arboretum, Bedale DL8 2PS

What animals do they have? Birds, wallabies and meerkats

What else is there to do? Although the animal area is small there are lots of aviaries and there is usually a daily bird demonstration. There is a playground and plenty of opportunities to walk around their gardens and woodland. Find Out More

Yorkshire Museum Farming Murton Park

Address : Murton Ln, York YO19 5UF

What animals do they have? Pigs, goats, ponies, a variety of sheep, poultry and ducks.

What else is there to do? There aren’t many animals at Murton Park but there is plenty to see and do. They have reconstructed villages including Vikings and the Wild West. There is a play area, an indoor museum with a toddler soft play area and short steam train rides on Sundays. Find Out More

South Yorkshire – Places to Visit With Animals

Aston springs farm.

Address : Aston, Sheffield S26 2HB

What animals do they have? Alpacas, rabbits, sheep, birds, pigs, deer, goats and reptiles.

What else is there to do? There is a nature trail walk to see the animals, you can feed the animals. There are two small outdoor play areas and an indoor play barn. Animal experiences are available including alpaca walking, a VIP tour and two others. Most are suitable for children from a young age. Find Out More

Boston Park Farm

Address : Bawtry Road, Hatfield Woodhouse, Hatfield, Doncaster DN7 6DS

What animals do they have? Pigs, chickens, goats and smaller animals.

What else is there to do? This is a small farm park although we can spend a few hours there. There is an indoor soft play more suited to younger children, two outdoor play areas plus a maize maze in the summer. You can feed their animals. Find Out More

Cannon Hall Farm

Address : Bark House Ln, Cawthorne, Barnsley S75 4AT

What animals do they have? Alpacas, pigs (there are loads of pigs), sheep, cows, goats and meerkats

What else is there to do? There are daily tractor rides, a wonderful reptile house and some huge play areas. The play equipment is very impressive and there’s even a massive area, especially for older children.

The Hungry Llama is one of the biggest indoor soft play areas in the region. It has nine slides and is also home to one of the on-site cafes. There is also a fun tube maze which is very much like a rabbit warren. Find Out More

Heeley City Farm

Address : Richards Rd, Heeley, Sheffield S2 3DT

What animals do they have? Birds, goats, pigs, sheep, horses and small animals.

What else is there to do? Aside from the animals, it is unclear as to whether there is anything else to do.

Mayfield Alpacas Animal Farm

Address : Quicksaw Farm, Fulwood Ln, Sheffield S10 4LH

What animals do they have? Meet more than 170 amazing animals including alpacas, llamas, dwarf mongooses, skunks, meerkats, reindeer and exotic birds.

What else is there to do? Aside from the animals, it is unclear as to whether there is anything else to do. Find Out More

Tropical Butterfly House

Address : Woodsetts Rd, North Anston, Sheffield S25 4EQ

What animals do they have? Tropical house with butterflies, lorikeets you can feed, reptiles and more. Plus goats, birds, lemurs, meerkats, otters, wallabies and small animals.

What else is there to do? You can feed most of the animals. There is a large sand and water play area, outdoor play areas, daily displays and talks, a dinosaur trail and other magical things to find. Animal experiences are available including exotic animals, meerkats and lemurs. Experiences are for children ages 8 and over. Find Out More

Wentworth Garden Centre

Address : Hague Ln, Wentworth, Rotherham S62 7TF

What animals do they have? On the family farm animals include llamas, alpacas, pigs, ponies, sheep, goats, foxes, meerkats, peacocks and various aviary birds.

What else is there to do? There is a sand and water play area, a race track and an outdoor play area. The farm is on the site of the Wentworth garden centre where there are some pretty gardens to look around, an adventure playground and places to eat. Find Out More

Wigfield Farm

Address : Haverlands Ln, Worsbrough, Barnsley S70 5NQ

What animals do they have? Meerkats, cows, goats, Shetland ponies, donkeys, alpacas, pigs, sheep, chickens, guinea pigs, rabbits and much more. There is also a rodent room and an aquatics room.

What else is there to do? It is unclear if there is anything else to do other than see their animals. *VIP animal experiences are available including reptile experience, rabbit and guinea pig plus young keeper (there are different age restrictions for these experiences). Find Out More

Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Address : Hurst Ln, Auckley, Doncaster DN9 3HQ

What animals do they have? This is the largest place to see animals in Yorkshire. Animals include lions, zebra, giraffes, lemurs, wallabies, polar bears, tigers and camels.

What else is there to do? Please note Yorkshire Wildlife Park now has a completely new entrance. Please visit their website for further information. There are a couple of outdoor adventure playgrounds plus a large indoor soft play area. *VIP experiences are available with age restrictions. Experiences include giraffe, giant otter, behind-the-scenes family tour, Polar bear and more. Find Out More

West Yorkshire – Places to Visit With Animals

Hope pastures donkey rescue.

Address : Weetwood Ln, Weetwood, Leeds LS16 5PH

What animals do they have? Donkeys and ponies

What else is there to do? They also offer activities throughout the year, with Pony Days and Pony Pampering sessions in the school holidays.

Lotherton Hall

Address : Off Collier Lane, Aberford, Leeds LS25 3EB

What animals do they have? Penguins, flamingos, other birds, pigs, tortoises, porcupines and maras.

What else is there to do? Wildlife World isn’t a large animal space but it is always nice to walk around. There is a house you can explore plus playgrounds, gardens and parkland. Find Out More

Manor Heath Park and Jungle Experience

Address : Manor Heath Rd, Halifax HX3 0EB

What animals do they have? Tropical botanic gardens in glasshouses housing exotic butterflies, plants, fish & small animals.

What else is there to do? The Jungle Experience is situated in a park with play areas, a walled garden, a woodland walk, a water play area and gardens.

Meanwood Valley Urban Farm

Address : Sugar Well Rd, Meanwood, Leeds LS7 2QG

What animals do they have? Cows, sheep, goats, alpacas, chickens, donkeys, pigs and turtles.

What else is there to do? There are gardens, a playground and nature areas. Find Out More

Ponderosa Zoo

Address : Off Smithies Lane Liversedge, Heckmondwike WF16 0PN

What animals do they have? Lemurs, cows, birds, reptiles, meerkats, wallabies, porcupines, goats, reindeer and alpacas.

What else is there to do? There are outdoor adventure play areas. Find Out More

Posey Pacas

Address : Home farm, Tong, Bradford BD4 0RR

What else is there to do? They have alpaca walking experiences, children under the age of 12 can accompany one adult leading the alpaca. Find Out More

Swithens Farm

Address : Swithen’s Ln, Rothwell, Leeds LS26 0BT

What animals do they have? Cows, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, donkeys, llamas, alpacas, emus, meerkats, turtles, rabbits and guinea pigs.

What else is there to do? There is an indoor soft play barn. Find Out More

Temple Newsam

Address : Temple Newsam Rd, Leeds LS15 0AE

What animals do they have? Pigs, cows, goats, chickens and sheep including a variety of rare breeds.

What else is there to do? Home Farm is a relatively small animal area on the grounds of Temple Newsam. This is a vast parkland great for walks with a walled garden, woods and a playground. You can also explore the hall. Find Out More

The Wonkey Donkey

Address : Little Oakes Farm, Cobcroft Ln, Knottingley WF11 0AZ

What animals do they have? Donkeys, ponies and goats.

What else is there to do? They offer tours of their sanctuary. Find Out More

Treeside Alpacas

Address : Moss Carr Farm, Newmarket Lane, Oulton, Leeds, Leeds LS26 9DW

What else is there to do? Alpaca walking experiences are available. Any child of any age will be allowed to trek but children under the age of 16 will need an adult present who will be responsible for their welfare throughout the trek. Any child under 7 years old can only share an Alpaca with an adult.

Tropical World Roundhay Park

Address : Princes Ave, Roundhay, Leeds LS8 2ER

What animals do they have? Indoor tropical house with fish, reptiles, meerkats, birds, bats and turtles.

What else is there to do? Tropical World is located over the road from the vast Roundhay Park. Here you can enjoy a walk, a ride on their land train, feed the ducks and swans plus there is a folly and two playgrounds. Find Out More

Windle House Farm

Address : Lee Ln, Oxenhope, Keighley BD22 9RB

What animals do they have? Ponies, alpacas, cows, sheep, donkeys, goats, rabbits and birds.

What else is there to do? It is a family-run petting farm, a small outdoor playfield, a sandpit and a bouncy castle. They also offer alpaca walking,

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30+ best adventure days out | family friendly in yorkshire.

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Discover Yorkshire's nature reserves

Kiplingcotes Chalk Pit - Jono Leadley

Discover our nature reserves

Find your new favourite reserve.

With over 100 Yorkshire Wildlife Trust nature reserves throughout the county it can be difficult to know where to get started.

To help we've put together a list of our top reserves for birding , accessibility , families , wildflowers and butterflies .

Read on to discover your new favourite place to enjoy nature in Yorkshire.

(C) Danny Green/2020VISION

Discover Yorkshire's best birding hot-spots

Accessibility

Here are our topmost accessible nature reserves

(C) Ross Hoddinott/2020VISION

Wildflowers and butterflies

The best places in Yorkshire to see wildflowers and butterflies

Family bird watching on heathland in summer Suffolk Sandlings - David Tipling/2020VISION

For aspiring young adventurers and the wild at heart

Yorkshire's best birding hot-spots

Remember, always watch from a distance to avoid disturbing birds or their nests.

North Yorkshire

(C) Jono Leadley

Migrant songbirds arrive in spring, joining resident species in a gorgeous dawn chorus.

Look for the handsome pied flycatcher, the redstart with its fiery orange tail, and our largest woodpecker species, the green woodpecker.

Plan your visit  

Great crested grebe - (C) Jon Hawkins Surrey Hills Photography

Bolton-on-Swale

A wetland haven and stop-off for migrating species. Various ducks winter here, including wigeon, goldeneye, pochard, tufted duck, teal and shoveler.

Arctic and black terns can be seen in spring, while autumn brings green sandpipers, greenshanks, and ruffs.

Plan your visit

East Yorkshire

(C) VisitBritain Lee Beel

Spurn nature reserve

Winter visitors including sanderling and grey plover join curlew, redshank and dunlin, not to mention knot, which form mesmerising, swirling flocks.

Rarities have included two-barred greenish warbler, Siberian accentor, Pallas’s warbler and red-flanked bluetail. 

(C) John Potter

Wheldrake Ings

Winter flooding attracts colossal numbers of ducks, geese, swans, gulls and waders, including smew, scaup, and even American wigeon.

There are three hides where you can watch for elusive species like spotted crake and water rail, and willow tits.

South Yorkshire

Potteric Carr

There’s an incredible number and variety of birds: wildfowl, warblers, waders, woodpeckers, willow tits… and frequent surprises during spring and autumn migration.

Pay us a visit late in the afternoon on a winter’s day to see the incredible starling murmuration.

(C) Mark Kelly

Sprotbrough Flash

Visit in spring for wetlands bustling with breeding birds; great crested grebe displays are spectacular!

Kingfishers are spotted in summer while autumn and winter bring woodpeckers, and the occasional bittern.

West Yorkshire

Mandarin duck  - (C) Jon Hawkins

Breeding kingfishers are the star species here, but the lake also hosts exotic-looking mandarin ducks and tufted ducks.

Woodland birds include great and lesser spotted woodpeckers, nuthatches, finches and tits, while red kites and sparrowhawks fly over.

Visit our reserve page and plan your next visit

Yellowhammer (C) Harry Hogg

Ledston Luck

Keep your eyes peeled for willow tits and green woodpeckers and listen for the distinctive calls of breeding blackcaps and yellowhammers.

There are herons, coots and moorhens on the lake, while little egrets sometimes fly over.

Our topmost accessible nature reserves

We’ve picked out some of the best sites in each region for wildlife lovers with disabilities to connect with nature.

At all these places you’ll find flat, level paths that are suitable for standard wheelchairs, with nearby parking.

At some, there are also designed disabled parking spaces, accessible toilets and hides with wheelchair access.

Remember: •    Please use your own judgement about what is safe and suitable for you •    Bring your Radar key to make use of accessible gates  

This gorgeous wetland reserve is home to otters, sand martins, waders, deer and more! Staveley is mostly flat with a network of accessible paths. Three of the five hides are fully accessible.

Disabled parking (Radar key access) is available off Main Street, from the track by the church.

Spoonbill - (C) Judith Henley 

As the last remaining freshwater marsh in the area, Filey Dams is a magnet for migratory birds, newts and bats. There’s wheelchair access to the main hide and the pond dipping platform, although assistance may be needed to open the viewing flaps, and the car park is surfaced.

Ripon City Wetlands

This modern wetland reserve already attracts swathes of wildfowl and waders, including tufted ducks and teals, and is famous for its incredible starling murmurations in the winter. There’s a designated disabled parking area accessed through a Radar key gate close to the Riverside Lagoon screen, which has a viewing space for wheelchairs and is close to where the starlings murmurate. Do bring binoculars to get the best view of birds across the lake. 

North Cave Wetlands

This wild wetland is positively dripping with wildlife, from nationally significant numbers of avocets to wildfowl and warblers. A surfaced, accessible footpath goes around part of this wetland bird paradise and all the hides except Turret are accessible, giving excellent views of spring waders and winter wildfowl.

The car park on Dryham Lane has two accessible spaces and there are accessible toilets at the entrance.

Passing place on boardwalk at Askham Bog

David Attenborough called Askham Bog a 'cathedral of nature conservation' when he visited in 2016! Access from the compacted gravel car park is via a slightly sloped dirt path. A short boardwalk circles this ancient fenland, but take care in wet weather as it can be slippy. The reserve is also right next to the York Askham Bar park and ride. 

Over 230 bird species, 28 butterfly species, mammals, moths and butterflies - Potteric Carr has it all! You’ll find an accessible route signposted on this spectacular wetland reserve and most hides are accessible, giving excellent view of the lakes.

There’s a café and accessible toilets in our visitor centre, as well as disabled parking, and a Tramper mobility scooter is available to hire.

(C) Norman Hearne

Dearne Valley Country Park

Ancient Cliffe Wood is filled with bluebells in spring and fungi in autumn, and the river Dearne at the centre of the reserve is fantastic for seeing kingfishers, frogs and toads galore! 

Most paths are flat and tarmacked or surfaced. Use the main car park for accessible access.

The winding, picturesque Don is a wetland wildlife haven - spot great crested grebes, kingfishers, and the elusive bittern. The riverside towpath along the Don is flat and level, and there are two wheelchair accessible hides.

(C) Emma Lusby

Breeding kingfishers are the stars here, but exotic-looking mandarin ducks and tufted ducks show off too. Follow the level path as far as the first hide, which is wheelchair accessible with a great view of the feeding station. Park at Golden Acre Car Park (tarmac with disabled parking)

Whitethroat - (C) Jon Hawkins.

Rothwell Country Park

A peaceful, family-friendly reserve where meadows brim with wildflowers and butterflies, and woodlands burst with birds, fungi and the occasional hedgehog. There's a good network of accessible tracks, although it’s quite hilly so best tackled with a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair.

Take extra care in wet weather. Roadside parking is on Bullough Lane.

Our best reserves for wildflowers and butterflies

As much as we love wildflowers, butterflies love them even more, and discovering a meadow full of colourful flowers usually means finding a thriving population of insects, not least a variety of delightful butterflies. From the tiny skippers to big, striking butterflies like the peacock and red admiral, these beauties come in a range of shapes, sizes and colours. 

You can enjoy gorgeous displays of wildflowers at many of our reserves in spring and summer, but here are a few tips to get you started.

 (C) Tim Chapman

Southerscales

Early purple orchids and primroses bring beautiful spring colour to this impressive Ingleborough reserve. In summer, wild thyme and fragrant orchids in the grassland attract butterflies such as the dark green fritillary. In autumn, you might spot a painted lady.

(C) Vaughn Matthews

This upland landscape with stunning views and terrific wildlife is home to chickweed wintergreen, also known as Arctic starflower, in the upper areas.

In early summer, butterflies include small pearl-bordered fritillary, dark green fritillary and large heath.

Marbled White - (C) Guy Edwardes2020VISION

Kiplingcotes

Late spring and early summer bring a dazzling array of colour: pyramidal, twayblade and common spotted orchids, common and greater knapweed, field scabious, harebell and lady’s bedstraw.

Marbled whites, dingy skippers, gatekeepers and brimstones flutter through this blaze of colour. 

Small heath butterfly - (C) John Bridges

Wharram Quarry

The glorious wildflower display includes the yellows of cowslip, rough hawkbit, mouse-ear hawkweed and bird’s-foot trefoil; purple wild thyme and clustered bellflower; pink restharrow and blue common milkwort.

These entice marbled whites, dingy skippers and small heaths.

Brimstone butterfly - (C) Vaughn Matthews

Maltby Low Common

With three types of grassland close together, early summer at Maltby Low Common is paradise for insects and botanists.

Over 400 insect species have been recorded, including dark green fritillaries, brimstones and orange-tips, while plants range from grass-of-Parnassus to meadow thistle.

(C) Jim Horsfall

Carlton Marsh

On warm summer days, look out for the delightful little purple hairstreak butterfly.

Small skipper and small heath are just two of the other species found here and wildflowers include field scabious, devil’s-bit scabious, weld, yellow archangel and ox-eye daisy.

Silver-washed fritillary - (C) Don Sutherland

Discover the treasures of this rare grassland habitat, such as bee orchids, clustered bellflowers and hellibores, along with daphne, purple milk vetch and spring cinquefoil.

The abundant wildflowers attract marbled whites, dark green fritillaries and silver-washed fritillaries.

Gatekeeper butterfly - (C) Jon Dunkelman

Townclose Hills

The magnesian limestone becomes a sea of wildflower colours in the summer: bluebells give way to wild anemones, yellow archangels, orchids and others.

This encourages huge numbers of butterflies, including marbled whites, dark green fritillaries and gatekeepers.

Our top reserves for families

Whether you want to take little ones for a buggy ride or a toddle in beautiful surroundings, find space for the kids to run and play, or just to get out of the house for some fresh air, we’ve got you covered with these recommendations for our top family-friendly reserves.

With accessible paths and four bird hides there are lots of great opportunities to absorb yourself in nature and wonder at the incredible number of birds that Staveley hosts.

How many kinds of warbler can you see and hear? 

This modern wetland reserve has a sensory trail, interactive information hut and an audio station, where you can listen to bird calls and hear about the reserve’s wildlife.

We recommend taking  binoculars for the best views of wildlife across the lagoon.

(C) Clare Usher

A charming little woodland, with majestic old trees, and colourful spring flowers.

Discover a nature trail, pond-dipping, wooden sculptures, and an irresistible tree house.

Look carefully for bat boxes hidden in the trees and for autumn fungi.

(C) Paul Lyons

Get close to nature with five hides perfectly positioned to look for avocets, sand martins and black-headed gulls.

You might spot a grass snake, stoats or even an otter!

Enjoy all year round from summer butterflies to winter wildfowl. 

This huge, diverse wildlife wonderland has something for everyone.

Discover the story trail, try some pond-dipping and finish with a drink and treat at the visitor centre.

Potteric Carr also has a brilliant events programme for all ages.

Enjoy all year round, but it’s at its best in spring and early summer when the wildflowers are blooming, insects are buzzing, and the wetlands are bustling with breeding birds.

There’s also one of the best views in South Yorkshire!

(C) Joanna Richards

Hetchell Woods

A wild woodland wonderland where childhood memories are made, with adventures to enjoy and wildlife to discover all year round.

A circular walk includes towering rocky crags, secret pools and spectacular views. Perfect for a picnic! 

(C) Danny Hill

Transformed from a post-industrial wasteland, this family-friendly reserve has woodland, ponds and grassland.

Hedgehogs, rabbits and bats, along with red and fallow deer, live in the woods, and you can explore a sculpture trail and pond trail.

No car? Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s nature reserves aren’t far!

With fuel prices at an all-time high, you might be looking for days out that still provide excitement – at a little less cost!

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Home » Yorkshire’s top 10 wildlife & where to spot it

Yorkshire’s top 10 wildlife & where to spot it

• July 22, 2022
• One Comment

Yorkshire spans some of the most varied landscapes in the country; including wolds, dales, moors and a spectacular coastline. These different habitats support a variety of wildlife species. To celebrate Yorkshire Day this year, I’ve listed my favourite with tips on where to go to see them.

1. Barn Owls

There’s nothing more breathtaking than the sight of a barn owl gliding silently against a darkening sky and in Yorkshire you don’t have to travel far to see one.

Where to see barn owls in Yorkshire

Barn owls are prevalent across the Yorkshire countryside, in farmland and across the Dales and Wolds. I recommend Sunk Island , on the Humber Estuary where they are easy to spot hunting over the rough grassland of this flat landscape.

When to see barn owls in Yorkshire

August is the best time to spot a barn owl as the newly-fledged chicks are out of their nests. Look for them in the evenings and after heavy rain when they will be out hunting. Their white wings glow against  darkening summer skies, making them easy to spot.

Few things makes my heart beat faster than seeing a hare race across farmland. These mammals are the fastest in the UK, reaching speeds of up to 40mph. They are solitary animals and only group together to mate, so if you see a group it’s worth your while to stop and watch. When hunkered down in arable or grass fields they look like a row of molehills but be patient and see them explode into action as they chase, box and posture to earn the right to mate. Groups of eight to a dozen are readily seen and I’ve even seen 51 together. Read more 

Where to see hares in Yorkshire

The Yorkshire Wolds is one of the best places in the county to see hares boxing. Hares love the fast-draining land and rough grasslands. Look out for them loping along farm tracks.

When to see hares in Yorkshire  

March is the peak time to see hares boxing but they actually box all year round and in winter it is easier to spot them since the crops are short. In summer look for the tips of their ears peeking above the crop line.

3. Red Squirrels

Red squirrels are a delight to watch. They are so inquisitive and cheeky. Sadly, due to a severe loss of habitat and a killer disease known as squirrel pox, they are only a few surviving colonies in the UK. Thankfully, one of these is in Yorkshire!

Where to see red squirrels in Yorkshire

The best place to see red squirrels is at Cotterdale, a tiny hamlet deep in the Yorkshire Dales, near Hawes. Drive through the village and wait quietly next to the river in view of the stone walls. You’ll soon see them running long the top of the stone walls next to the road where residents put out food for them. Read more..

When to see red squirrels in Yorkshire

I’ve seen them in March, but they are about all year round.

4. Black Grouse

The mating ritual of black grouse, known as a ‘lek’, is spellbinding. The males fan out their tales, circle and leap into the air, their iridescent feathers glittering, in order to win a female. This ritual is very rare to watch but is one of the most fascinating if you get a chance – and the good news is that if you visit Yorkshire you can! Read more

Where to see black grouse in Yorkshire

The moors on the Yorkshire Dales are one of the few places in the UK where you can see black grouse lek. Look out for their shiny black plumage as they spring in the air above the height of the grasses.

When to see black grouse in Yorkshire

The best time to see the lek is between March and May

5. Kingfishers

A flash of electric blue is all most people get to see of a kingfisher. But if you are patient it is worth stopping and waiting to watch where it goes. These tiny, iridescent birds are Britain’s most colourful.  And here in Yorkshire there are plenty to see.

Click here to see my TV footage from inside a kingfisher nest

Where to see kingfishers in Yorkshire

Look out for them beside any river, canal or stream. In particular I recommend Melbourne in East Yorkshire and Howsham, in north Yorkshire. I often spot them along the walk between Howsham Bridge and Kirkham Abbey, which flanks the river Derwent. Listen out for their high pitched call, this is the first sign you will get of their presence.

When to see kingfishers in Yorkshire

Summer is the best time, just after the chicks have fledged. But it is also worth looking after the leaves have fallen off the trees because you get better views of the river.

Puffins are everybody’s favourite seabird and its not hard to see why. With their smart black and white plumage, comical walk and bright orange beaks, these small birds really stand out. And there’s no better place to see them then along the chalk cliffs lining the East Yorkshire coastline.

Where to see puffins in Yorkshire

RSPB Bempto n, near Bridlington is the place to go.  You can either look down onto their nests from the top of precipitous chalk cliffs that plunge into the sea or take a boat ride from Bridlington and watch them dive into the water beside you as they hunt for sand eels to take to their pufflings on the cliffs above. Read more

When to see puffins in Yorkshire

You need to plan your trip between March and July when these birds are breeding. After July they fly out to sea where they remain for the rest of the year.

7. Red Stags

The red stag rut is one of the most exciting wildlife spectacles in the UK. This is when stags compete for females, locking antlers in dramatic displays of strength. Between fights, the stags roar loudly, roll and stamp – and even decorate their antlers with moss like Christmas chandeliers.

Where to see red deer in Yorkshire

Studley Royal near Ripon is set in breath-taking parkland graced with ancient sweet chestnut, beech and oak trees. Here stags roar as they parallel walk to assess their opponents’ size and strength. Fights involve a dramatic clash of antlers. Don’t get too close!

When to see red deer in Yorkshire

October is the red deer rut

Otters are very elusive, but thanks to extensive conservation efforts, they are now present in every waterway in Yorkshire. Its easier to see sea otters, look for their heads bobbing above the waves, than fresh water ones. If you spot one, be patient, it may have cubs and if you wait long enough you could be rewarded with the sight of them playfully splashing in the water.

Where to see otters in Yorkshire

Tophill Low Nature Reserve near Watton village is a good place to be sure of a sighting. Look out for them from the Southern Marsh hides. Their wake in open water or a row of bubbles usually gives the game away. Listen too for their high-pitched birdlike calls.

When to see otters in Yorkshire

You can see them all year round. Early mornings and evenings are best.

9. Red Kites

Red kites put on the most spectacular aerial displays. Their swoops and dives are incredible to watch – all the more so when you think that these birds of prey are only visible today thanks to a massive conservation effort that has brought them back from the brink of extinction. 

Where to see red kites in Yorkshire

See them at Harewood House in West Yorkshire, where a handful of red kites from Europe were released in 1999. These birds went on to establish a colony. Watch them as they swoop over the landscaped grounds of this stately home.

Nunburnholme, near Pocklington, is also a fantastic place to watch them, the birds that established this colony  are thought to have come from Harewood.

When to see red kites in Yorkshire

See them on winter afternoons when these birds of prey come together to roost. They gather a few hours before dusk and become very active at this time, swooping and diving above the roost and chasing one another through the skies.

10. Woodcock

Woodcock are secretive woodland birds and are easy enough to spot when flushed out by hunters, but are so difficult to see on the ground that they are considered one of Europe’s most elusive birds. They only come out to feed at night and their plumage, which mimics a woodland floor, makes them really difficult to spot.

Where to see woodcock in Yorkshire

I’ve watched woodcock at Cropton Forest in North Yorkshire, but I recommend Spurn Point , which is one of the most easterly spots on the Yorkshire coast. They can be found in large numbers here shortly after having migrated to escape the harsh winters in Scandinavia.

When to see woodcock in Yorkshire

Legend has it that woodcock fly in to the UK on the night of the November full moon. But the timing of their arrival from Scandinavia is actually dependent on the winds. They arrive exhausted and hungry so this is a good time to see them as they are out feeding during the day, sometimes just by the roadside, frantically probing the ground for worms.

And Finally – Weasels & Stoats

It’s a list of 10, but I can’t really finish off without mentioning weasels & stoats.

Both mammals are so fast and lithe that all most people ever see of one is a slim outline as it dashes across a road. Tiny, but ferocious, they are prevalent across Yorkshire, but sadly their tenacity and expertise as hunters has earned them a reputation for being ruthless killers and they are despised by many in the countryside.

After studying them closely for a number of years now, I’ve discovered there is much more to them. 

Click here to read about my studies of weasels & stoats.

Where to see weasels & stoats in Yorkshire

My gallery, The Robert Fuller Gallery in Thixendale.  I have hidden secret nesting chambers throughout my garden and wired each with cameras so that visitors can watch these miniature mammals as they go about their daily lives.

When to see weasels & stoats in Yorkshire

The cameras are trained on weasels all year round, but you are most likely to see in them in spring and summer when they are nesting.

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Animal adventures at Yorkshire Wildlife Park

• Doncaster , UK , Yorkshire
• Doncaster , Doncaster attractions , Things to do in Doncaster , Yorkshire , Zoos

The O'Hallorans

We’re made up of Lyndsey, John and Erin, who all love a new adventure. We try to get away as much as possible, especially during school holidays and variety is a must for us. That means staying anywhere from a luxury hotel to a hostel and it’s not often we go to the same place twice. 

Zoos are always a good idea for a day out as a family.  You can spend the whole day at Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster , where there is so much to see and do. 

Hurst Lane Doncaster DN9 3QY Website: https://www.yorkshirewildlifepark.com

Opening times

Yorkshire Wildlife Park is open generally from 9:45am each day, closing at 6pm during the busier times of year. Last entry is at 3pm on these days. Closing times may vary depending on the time of year.

Ticket prices

These ticket prices are for the summer season, 2024!

Parking at Yorkshire Wildlife Park

The car park at Yorkshire Wildlife Park is huge and I doubt there is much chance of struggling to find a parking space. We arrived early (9:20) and were able to park fairly close to the entrance. The later in the day you arrive, the further away you will be. 

What is there at Yorkshire Wildlife Park?

Let me start by saying that Yorkshire Wildlife Park is huge! You can pick up maps at the entrance, or you can download the free app. This will help you to plan your routes and figure out what animals you want to see next.

Into Africa

We love to see some of the big animals when we visit a zoo and in the ‘Into Africa’ area, you can see quite a few. This is right near the Masai Coffee House, outdoor play area and ‘Leopard Heights’. Here, you can go up to a viewing area where you’ll be able to see both giraffes and Amur leopards. What a great way to see some amazing animals and what a great experience to have. Obviously, giraffes are really tall so this is the only place you can see them from above. 

This area is also just around the corner from Land of the Tiger’, which is definitely worth a visit. The Amur tigers were out while we were visiting so we stopped for a while to watch them. There’s a large bridge you can walk across, which will give you a good view depending on where the animals are. Animal enclosures here mimic their natural habitat and some of them are absolutely huge. Spend some time looking for the animals if they can’t be seen straight away. 

Project Polar

One of the areas that I was most excited about was Project Polar. I have been to quite a few zoos in my time but never have I seen a polar bear. Yorkshire Wildlife Park is one of the world’s leading centres for Polar Bear welfare and conservation with one of the largest collection of polar bears in England. The habitats for the polar bears are absolutely huge and copy to kind of landscape that they would be used to elsewhere. I didn’t know this before but polar bears don’t need ice or snow to survive. This reserve features grassy plains, rocky beaches, water pools, and shaded caves, meticulously designed to replicate the Arctic tundra found in North Canada during the summer.

It was really a refreshing change to go somewhere with these beautiful creatures, and to see something a bit different. 

Walk-though areas

Something I loved about Yorkshire Wildlife Park is how many walk-through experiences there are. The Wallaby Walkabout was one of my favourites on this occasion though as there were so many out and about. 

You can’t always guarantee the animals will be out though, as was our experience in Lemur Woods. Here, none of the animals were out. If this is the case, it’s a good idea to try again later in the day if you have time. 

Smaller animals

As well as the big animals, Yorkshire Wildlife Park is also home to a whole variety of smaller animals. There are a lot of different species living here, and it’s nice to see such a wide range of animals. Some of the smaller animals include hunting dogs, sea lions, monkeys, otters, meerkats and wolves. 

Food and drink

Yorkshire Wildlife Park has a few different locations where you can get food and drink, including; Masai Coffee House, Safari Café, Tsavo Bakehouse, Caramba and the Monkey Burger Bar (just to name a few). You are also welcome to take your own food and eat at any of the picnic benches you’ll find dotted around. 

Sometimes children need to do something different when visiting popular destinations like this. You’ll be glad to know that there are a few different adventure playgrounds dotted around. You can find them easily on the interactive map. The play areas are well designed, even with little adventurers in mind. The Oasis Adventure Play Area is close to a cafe as well as having plenty of outdoor seating.  

Animal experiences 

Ahead of your visit you can book a range of animal experiences online. These were all sold out on the day of our visit, as was advertised at the park entrance. With so many to choose from, you might opt for an amazing experience with the polar bears or maybe an interactive experience with the lemur. There are options for a range of prices as well as ages. 

How long should you spend at Yorkshire Wildlife Park?

As a big zoo, there is a lot to see and do here. We arrived ready for opening time and left at roughly 4pm. You could easily stay until the end of the day though, depending what other plans you might have. 

What else is there to do here?

Yorkshire Wildlife Park is set on a sort of entertainment complex called the Yorkshire Hive. You can stay in the Hex Hotel, dine at Evolution Experience restaurant or play at the indoor play area Uproar! These come at an additional cost and most need to be booked in advance. 

Yorkshire Wildlife Park is a fantastic day out for the whole family and there is really something for everyone. Whether you find your favourite animals, learn something new about an endangered species or go wild at one of the outdoor play areas, you’ll have a great time. 

Discover more animal attractions in the UK

• Colchester Zoo
• Africa Alive
• Yorkshire Wildlife Park

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Yorkshire Dales National Park

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The National Park is home to nationally and internationally important landscapes and wildlife.

Our 17 priority habitats include the species-rich hay meadows of the valley bottoms, the calcareous grasslands on the thin limestone soils, the upland ash and oak woodlands on the valley sides and fell top blanket bog and heathland.

We have more than 120 species which are national priorities for conservation action . These include  red squirrels , peregrine falcons and lady’s-slipper orchids .

Find out where to see wildlife , and other relevant pages by clicking through the links on ‘In this section’.

National Park Management Plan “Home to the finest variety of wildlife in England.”

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• > Go Wild With These Animal-Themed Yorkshire Days Out

Go Wild With These Animal-Themed Yorkshire Days Out

Plan your perfect day out this summer with our top picks of where to see the coolest animals in yorkshire, yorkshire wildlife park.

Take a walk on the wild side with the chance to meet more than 400 animals (of 60 different species) at Yorkshire Wildlife Park. This is your chance to see a whole host of exotic animals including lions, tigers, leopards, rhinos, polar bears, giraffes and baboons and so many more. Right now, we’re particularly excited by the arrival of four tiny cheetah cubs! You’ll also learn about the vital work the park does with charities to help the conservation of the many endangered species found in the wild (and in the park). Dinosaur fans will also be thrilled by Pangaea – their immersive new prehistoric experience. If you want to maximise your time there, consider booking a room only metres form the park entrance at Hex Wildlife Hotel. Yorkshire Hive, Hurst Lane, Auckley, Doncaster DN3 3QY yorkshirewildlifepark.com

National Centre For Birds Of Prey

With three flying areas, including an indoor one for inclement days, this is the perfect place to see incredible birds take flight. Marvel at the hawks, owls, falcons and kites, get your picture taken with one of the resident owls, or set off on the Hawk Hike with a trained Harris Hawk and see if you can call it down to your fist. There are also more than 40 aviaries – just in case you haven’t seen enough feathered friends. Whilst you’re there you can stroll in the surrounding 300 acres of Duncombe Park’s parkland and follow the marked trails. Duncombe Park, Helmsley YO62 5EB 01439 772080 ncbp.co.uk

Flamingo Land

Award-winning Flamingo Land offers visitors two very different days out because it’s not just a theme park, it’s a zoo too. If rollercoasters are your thing, Sik features an incredible 10 inversions – including an enormous 25-metre loop, a cobra roll, a corkscrew and a dizzying five heart-line rolls – or there’s Mumbo Jumbo’s heart-stopping 112-degree vertical drop. If you’re visiting with smaller children, Peter Rabbit Adventure is an adventure playground that will create plenty of excitement (with less G-force). Of course, no trip to Flamingo Land would be complete without a visit to the zoo where you can see everything from the most fearsome of the big cats, to the teensiest of frogs. Kirby Miserton, Malton YO17 6UX flamingoland.co.uk

RSPB Bempton Cliffs

Every year, the white chalk cliffs at Bempton are home to around half a million seabirds, around whose presence a whole host of summer activities now revolve. The birds (including gannets, puffins, guillemots, razorbills, fulmars, kittiwakes, herring gulls and shags) gather on the white chalk cliffs between March and October to raise their families. With a seabird centre, guided walks and nature trails, there’s so much to see and do here. The grass and scrub at the top of the cliffs provide the perfect habitat for birds but if you look out over the cliffs, you might be lucky enough to spot seals and porpoises in the water. They have lots of bookable events over summer like seabird cruises and conservation experiences for a truly memorable experience. Cliff Lane, Bridlington YO15 1JF 01262 422212 rspb.org.uk

Sewerby Hall, Gardens & Zoo

There’s always something new to discover at Sewerby Hall, Gardens and Zoo. Set in 50 acres of early 19th century parkland, the Grade-I listed house has been restored to all its Edwardian glory, furnished with appropriate pieces from the Victoria and Albert Museum and beyond and is well worth exploring before you head out into the the walled garden, pleasure garden, picnic areas and zoo that await beyond its walls. From concerts in the orangery, to immersive performances form Rusticus Adventures for kids in the garden, magic shows and opportunities to learn fascinating facts about their animals in the zoo, there’s plenty to enjoy throughout the summer. Church Lane, Sewerby, Bridlington YO15 1ED 01262 673769 sewerbyhall.co.uk

This beloved Hull aquarium has been open for more than 20years now, but its fantastic displays and spectacular residents are just as much a source of wonder as when it first opened. The focus here is firmly on conservation and education, with a lot of emphasis placed on learning about the development of our oceans and marine life from prehistoric times to the present day, and what needs to be done to protect them into the future. Of course, it’s easier to appreciate quite what’s at stake when it’s swimming in front of you, so prepare to gawp at the underwater world populated by sharks, gentoo penguins, loggerhead sea turtles, eels and stingrays among the sea creatures to which the iconic building is home. Tower Street, Hull HU1 4DP thedeep.co.uk

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8 Family-Friendly Farms With Animals That You Can Visit In Yorkshire

The summer holidays are fast approaching, and we all know that along with that comes the inevitable groans of “Mum, Dad, I’m bored!”. Which, thankfully for you, is where we swoop in to help. From traditional petting farms to all-singing all-dancing adventure parks, here’s our guide to the best family-friend farms in Yorkshire to visit this summer.

1. Cannon Hall Farm, Barnsley

What’s there? 🐷 Farms of This Week On The Farm will be pretty well acquainted with Cannon Hall Farm already but in addition to being a working farm, it’s also the perfect place for a family day out.

Home to farm animals, llamas, alpacas and even reptiles, the farm offers plenty to see and do, alongside multiple play areas (both indoors and outdoors), a lovely restaurant and even a dog-friendly cafe .

Where is it? 📍 Cannon Hall Farm , Bark House Ln, Cawthorne, Barnsley, S75 4AT.

2. Hesketh Farm Park, Skipton

What’s there? 🐷 Found by the lovely Bolton Abbey estate, Hesketh Farm Park offers tons of activities for families to enjoy, from feeding the animals, to having a go on the go-karts, to playing hide-and-seek in the straw maze.

Farmer Chris also offers tractor rides for guests to enjoy, too, where you can experience a day at the farm just like a proper Farmer.

Where is it? 📍 Hesketh Farm Park, Bolton Abbey, Skipton, BD23 6HA.

3. Whirlow Hall Farm, Sheffield

What’s there? 🐷 Found in sunny Sheffield, Whirlow Hall Farm offers fantastic, educational days out for kids, including tons of farm animals to see, tractor rides, and a farm shop for the grown-ups.

Where is it? 📍 Whirlow Hall Farm, Whirlow Ln, Sheffield, S11 9QF.

4. Piglets Adventure Farm, York

What’s there? 🐷 A popular destination, particularly during half term, Piglets Adventure Farm is basically a wonderland for the kids. We’re talking assault courses, crazy golf, giant sand pits, and, of course, plenty of farm animals.

If that wasn’t all, guests can also enjoy go-karting and Kidbine Tractors, before feeding the animals and grabbing a spot of lunch.

Where is it? 📍 Piglets Adventure Farm, Towthorpe Grange, Towthorpe Moor Ln, Towthorpe, York, YO32 9ST.

5. Shepherd Place Farm, Doncaster

What’s there? 🐷 Now, you may know Shepherd Place Farm for their outrageous Terminator breakfasts already, but it’s also a great place to visit a sa family, too.

Home to farm animals such as alpacas, donkeys, chickens and goats, guests can potter around and meet the animals, before stopping by the ice cream parlour or taking on one of their mammoth food challenges.

Where is it? 📍 Shepherd Place Farm, 99A Akeferry Rd, Graizelound, Haxey, Doncaster, DN9 2NF.

6. Meanwood Valley Urban Farm, Leeds

What’s there? 🐷 Just a stone’s throw away from Leeds city centre, Meanwood Valley Urban Farm allows guests to stop by and visit their many animals – including alpacas, chickens, sheep, pigs, goats, cows and even turtles.

The farm is also home to a fantastic market garden where local produce is grown, alongside ample woodland where guests can continue to explore.

Where is it? 📍 Meanwood Valley Urban Farm, Sugar Well Rd, Meanwood, Leeds, LS7 2QG.

7. Thornton Hall Country Park, Skipton

What’s there? 🐷 Thornton Hall Country Park is a working farm close to Skipton , not only offering families a fantastic farm animal experience, but the chance to enjoy unique rides such as their farm safari, a barrel caterpillar ride, pony rides, quad biking and much, much more.

Where is it? 📍 Thornton Hall Country Park, Thornton-in-Craven, Skipton, BD23 3TS.

8. Monk Park Farm, Thirsk

What’s there? 🐷 Just a short drive away from the wonderful former home of James Herriot , Monk Park Farm has installed tons of new features especially for 2022 – including a huge extension to their lovely petting farm, a mini train ride for the kids, two huge air bouncers, and even a fun play area.

There’s tons of amazing animals to see, too, including alpacas, sheep, shetland ponies, wallabies, goats, deer and even peacock.

Where is it? 📍 Monk Park Farm, Green Ln, Thirsk, YO7 2AG.

[Featured image: Cannon Hall Farm]

Read more: You Can Now Stay At The Yorkshire Wildlife Park Metres Away From Lion & Hyenas

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25 Fantastic Yorkshire Farms to Visit with Kids

With Yorkshire’s proud farming heritage, it’s not surprising that there are so many family days out that feature farms. We have a fantastic variety of farms that offer an amazing experience for all ages. These farms offer outdoor adventure play, sheep races, petting zoos, and much more!

Top Farms to Visit in Yorkshire

To me, there's no better day out with the kids than a visit to one of many farms and petting zoos here in Yorkshire!

Playdale Farm Park, Scarborough

• Carr Lane, Scarborough YO11 3TL
• Open daily 10-5. Closed Friday.
• Adults - £10.50, Children - £10.00, Under 2s - FREE

Playdale Farm Park has an indoor barn with farm animals including goats, pigs, sheep, ponies, donkeys, llamas and alpacas and a smaller animal barn with rabbits and guinea pigs and some birds. 

Families can also enjoy the large outdoor play area.

Sewerby Hall & Gardens, Bridlington

• Sewerby, Bridlington YO15 1ED
• Open daily 9:30 - 3:30
• Zoo only - Adults - £4 Children - £3

Sewerby Hall is in gorgeous grounds near Bridlington. There you can see birds, penguins, mini donkeys and llamas. There is also an outdoor play area as well as activities for kids in the house itself.

Matlock Farm Park

• Jaggers Lane, Matlock DE4 5LH
• Open daily 10:00 - 5:00
• Prices start at Adults - £13.50  Children - £11.50

Matlock Farm Park has a petting zoo, cattle, llamas and the brand new Enchanted Hamlet which has a play area which has a large sand area, two mud/sand kitchens and a variety of other sit-on diggers and pulleys and buckets.  

Birchfield Ice Cream Farm

• Oakmount House, Birchfield Farm, Summerbridge, Harrogate HG3 4JS
• Open daily 10 - 5
• £6.95 per person and under 2’s are free.

Birchfield Ice Cream Farm is a family run business in the picturesque Nidderdale Valley. It has a playground, farm animals and wooded area to explore and build dens in. It also has ‘pick your own’ events throughout the year, a Maize maze and a café and Ice cream parlour onsite. It is £5.95 per person and under 2’s are free.

Hesketh Farm Park near Bolton Abbey

• Bolton Abbey, Skipton BD23 6HA 
• Open 10-5 - Park closed during offseason
• Adults - £7.50, Children - £7.50, Under 2s - £3.50, Under 1s - £1.00

If you want to get close to animals, Hesketh Farm Park is a fantastic place to visit .  There is lots of animal interaction, including a chance to brush guinea pigs and feed calves!  If outdoor play is what you're looking for, you can also enjoy the playground and covered indoor play area, as well as cycle go-karts!

Meanwood Valley Urban Farm, Leeds

• Sugar Well Rd, Leeds LS7 2QG
• Open daily 10-4
• Adults - £3, Children - 50p, Children under 2 free

Meanwood Valley Urban Farm is a bargain at just £6 for a family of 4.  The farm has alpacas, goats, guinea pigs, rabbits, donkeys, and ducks as well as a petting zoo.  It also runs a breeding programme for endangered animals like the Yorkshire Whitefaced Woodland sheep.  There is also a small playground and some walks on site.  To top it off, the café serves locally sourced food for you and your tots to enjoy!

Swithens Farm, Leeds

• Swithen’s Lane, Rothwell, Leeds LS26 0BT
• Prices start at £8 for over 2’s. Under 1 Free entry.

Swithens Farm is just on the edge of Leeds and is a real working farm. Families can find a cafe, a soft play area indoors (an extra entry fee applies), and a small animal petting area. There are outdoor play areas and tractors to ride on as well as a zip wire for older kids.

For 50p you can buy carrots to feed the animals on your way around. Lily LOVED this (I did too!) We went in the morning, so we got to help bottle-feed calves. Swithens felt more like a 'proper' farm so it was less polished than some I've been to, but the animals seemed very well cared for.

Goodalls of Tong Ice Cream Parlour, Tong Village

• Tong Lane, Bradford BD4 0RP
• Open daily, times vary
• Entry to the farm is free, ice cream cones start at £1.70.

Goodall's of Tong is a family-run farm that serves over 25 flavours of their own ice cream and has a small collection of ducks, donkeys, pigs, and sheep for kids to visit at their petting zoo.  There is a farm-themed play area, picnic tables and an indoor tea room.

Temple Newsam, Leeds

• Temple Newsam Road, Off Selby Road, Leeds LS15 0AE
• Open Tuesday - Sunday 10-4 (10-5 in the summer)
• Adults - £4.75, Children - £3.40, Children under 4 free
• Discounted tickets for Breeze Card Holders

There are over 400 animals to visit at Home Farm including sheep, cattle, pigs, chickens and goats.  The cobbled farmyard and historic building offer a lovely atmosphere for a farm day out.  While you're there you can also visit Temple Newsam, enjoy the adventure playground, picnic areas, nature trails, café, visitor's centre and shop.

Piglets Adventure Farm, York

• Piglets, Adventure Farm Park at The Farmer’s Cart, Towthorpe Grange, Towthorpe Moor Lane, York YO32 9ST
• Open daily 10-5:30 (March 26 - Nov 2)
• Ticket prices vary depending on the day starting at £7.95 for adults and £3.40 for children

Piglets Adventure Farm Park boasts an animal barn, farmyard trail (with optional quiz), bouncing pillows, crazy farm golf, maize maze, barrel train ride and go-karts.  Enough to make Piglets an adventure farm park indeed!

Big Sheep & Little Cow Farm, Bedale

• Aiskew Watermill, Bedale DL8 1AW 
• Open 10-5 daily during school holidays, Wednesday - Sunday term time
• Adults - £9, Children - £9, Under 1s - FREE

Big Sheep & Little Cow Farm offers a hands-on farm experience for children and adults. They have both indoor and outdoor play areas complete with go-karts and a sandpit. There are also special baby and toddler sessions.

Thornton Hall Country Park

• Thornton Hall Farm, Thornton-in-Craven, Skipton, Yorkshire BD23 3TJ
• Open daily 10 - 4:30 (after March 29th)

The very highly rated Thornton Hall Farm is a traditional working farm that also has both a country tea room and play barn and is a great farm for kids.  For over 6's there is quad bike trekking and there are also many events planned throughout the year.

Monk Park Farm, Thirsk

• Green Ln, Thirsk YO7 2AG
• Open daily 10am to 5pm
• Day tickets from £11 per person, season tickets also available

There are around 100 animals at Monk Park Farm, including chickens, sheep, pigs, rabbits, guinea pigs, fallow deer, red deer, alpacas and even albino wallabies - along with their new babies! Monk Park Farm was given a new lease of life last year when new owners took over and invested in a major programme of improvements.

All the facilities have been refurbished, the large outdoor play and picnic area enhanced, and a huge new sandpit added. There are electric karts, barrel rides, an extended petting barn, a new mini train ride and gigantic air bouncers.

The paths are now more pram and wheelchair friendly and a nice touch is the audio information boards about the animals. On-site café The Hungry Monk offers favourites such as homemade chips and stone-baked pizzas, with vegan and vegetarian options available.

Cannon Hall Farm, Barnsley

• Cannon Hall Farm, Bark House Lane, Cawthorne, Barnsley S75 4AT
• Open daily 10-5
• Prices vary depending on the date but start at £6.95. Children under 2 are free.

Cannon Hall Farm describes itself as being 'the perfect family day out', and indeed, it does have it all.  There's a farm shop, tea room, adventure playground, many animals to visit and lots of special events.  There are also exciting things to do during the day, including sheep racing and guinea pig feeding.

Boston Farm Park, Doncaster

• Bawtry Road, Hatfield Woodhouse, Hatfield, Doncaster DN7 6DS
• Off-peak prices start at £4 for adults, £6 for children (3-12 yrs) and £6 for toddlers (1 & 2 yrs)  
• Opening times vary

Boston Park Farm lets families experience life on a traditional working farm. Children can pet and feed animals or even join in with animal handling sessions. There are climbing frames, swings, slides, a go-kart track, mud kitchens, and a bale pyramid to climb outdoors.  Inside you'll find a soft play area with a bouncy castle, a play kitchen and a giant sandpit.

Honeysuckle Farm, Hornsea

• Bewholme Ln, Hornsea HU18 1BY
• Adults - £7, Children - £6, Under 2 - FREE
• Opening dates and times vary

Honeysuckle Farm is a large farm with farm animals and other farming exhibits. During your visit, you can enjoy play forts, animal viewing platforms, a maze, and a pond with fish feeding. You can try their home-made jersey ice cream!

Heel City Farm, Sheffield

• Richards Road, Heeley, Sheffield S2 3DT
• Open daily 9:30 - 4

Heel City Farm is a farm and environmental visitor centre in Sheffield where you can meet animals, enjoy the under 8's play area and grab a treat in the cafe.

Whirlow Hall Farm Trust

Little Haven Farm

Web Adventure Park

The Watering Hole Gawthorpe

Murton Park

Piglets Adventure Farm

Yolk Farm & Kitchen

More yorkshire farms & animal attractions to visit.

Farms aren’t the only place to spot animals in Yorkshire. You can also pay a visit to a wildlife park, petting farms, bird gardens and more!

Filey Bird Garden and Animal Park , Filey, North Yorkshire

ABC Wildlife Park , Askham Byram, York

Yorkshire Wildlife Park , Doncaster

Sealife , Scarborough

Tropical World , Leeds

Harewood House , Leeds

Wildlife World at Lotherton Hall , Leeds

Tropical Butterfly House , Sheffield

Beacon Hill Ice Cream Farm , Near Whitby

Flamingo Land , Malton

More Ideas for Outdoor Fun

There are plenty of outdoor activities in Yorkshire to get the family out and about, from walking and swimming to some fantastic family parks!

Top 10 Places for Outdoor Swimming & Paddling near Leeds

The 30 Best Parks in Yorkshire

The Best Theme Parks for Kids in Yorkshire

100+ Fabulous Family Friendly Yorkshire Walks

If you’ve been to any of these animal farms in Yorkshire, let us know how you got on in the comments below.  Any tips you might have for visiting with tots are always appreciated too!

Work with Yorkshire Tots to Teens

Pin Me | Yorkshire Farms to Visit with Kids

Author: Erin at Yorkshiretots

I'm an American mum of a Yorkshire lad and lass who love adventures! Owner & founder of Yorkshire Tots to Teens where we bring families all the best events, days out & family fun in Yorkshire!

Meanwood Valley Urban Farm is open 10.00am to 4.00pm

Canon Hall Farm is absolutely my favourite 🙂 Personally I find Creepy Crawlies very expensive. Murton is also worth a visit X

Thanks, I’ve not heard about Murton! We haven’t been to Cannon Hall since they added the giant indoor play area – it looks really good!

Went to Swithens Farm today. Had a great time and loved feeding the animals! http://www.swithensfarm.co.uk

Cannon hall brill but expensive for a family

Whirlow Hall Farm is great – especially on weekend when there are free farm tours (donations welcome), farm shop and butchery, cafe, kids parties, large play area. Lots to do and see in a beautiful part of the world.

Thank you for the suggestion Kelvin. It sounds great!

OMG these animals are cute!

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Bluetongue: Temporary Control Zone near Withersea, East Riding of Yorkshire (BTD 2024/112)

Bluetongue virus serotype 3 was confirmed on 4 September 2024.

4 September 2024: following a report of clinical suspicion in a bull on a premises near Withersea, East Riding of Yorkshire bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) has been confirmed. A 20km temporary control zone has been declared. Movement restrictions apply to cattle, sheep and other ruminants and their germinal products.

Details of the restrictions can be found in the declaration:

Declaration of a bluetongue temporary control zone near Withersea, East Riding of Yorkshire

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Wildlife trafficking ring killed at least 118 eagles, prosecutors say

BILLINGS, Mont. — A man helped kill at least 118 eagles to sell their feathers and body parts on the black market as part of a long-running wildlife trafficking ring in the western U.S. that authorities allege  killed thousands of birds , court filings show.

Travis John Branson is scheduled to be sentenced in federal court on Sept. 18 for his role in the  trafficking ring  that operated on the Flathead Indian Reservation in Montana and elsewhere.

Prosecutors say the Cusick, Washington, man made between $180,000 and $360,000 from 2009 to 2021 selling bald and golden eagle parts illegally.

“It was not uncommon for Branson to take upwards of nine eagles at a time,” prosecutors with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Montana wrote in a Tuesday court filing. “Not only did Branson kill eagles, but he hacked them into pieces to sell for future profits.”

Eagle wings, tails, feathers and other parts are highly sought after by Native Americans who use them in ceremonies.

Prosecutors asked Judge Dana Christensen to sentence Branson to “significant imprisonment” and restitution totaling $777,250. That includes $5,000 for every dead eagle and $1,750 for each of 107 hawks that investigators said he and his co-conspirators killed.

Branson’s attorney disputed the prosecutors’ claims and said they overstated the number of birds killed. The prosecution’s allegation that as many as 3,600 birds died came from a co-defendant, Simon Paul, who remains at large. Branson’s attorney suggested in court filings that the stated death toll has fueled public outcry over the case.

“It is notable that Mr. Paul himself went from a 3,600 to 1,000 bird estimate,” Federal Defender Andrew Nelson wrote in a Tuesday filing, referring to a statement Paul made to authorities in a March 13, 2021, traffic stop.

Nelson also said restitution for the hawks was not warranted since those killings were not included in last year’s grand jury indictment. He said Branson had no prior criminal history and asked for a sentence of probation.

Branson and Paul grew up in the Flathead Reservation area. Since their indictment, Paul has been hiding in Canada to evade justice, according to Nelson.

Paul’s defense attorney did not immediately respond to a telephone message seeking comment.

Investigators documented the minimum number of eagles and hawks killed through Branson’s text messages, prosecutors said. Two years of his messages were not recovered, leading prosecutors to say the “full scope of Branson’s killings is not captured.”

Government officials have not revealed any other species of birds killed.

Bald and golden eagles are sacred to many Native Americans. U.S. law prohibits anyone without a permit from killing, wounding or disturbing eagles, or taking their nests or eggs.

Illegal shootings are a leading cause of golden eagle deaths, according to a recent  government study .

Members of federally recognized tribes can get feathers and other bird parts legally through from the  National Eagle Repository  in Colorado and non-government repositories in Oklahoma and Phoenix. There’s a yearslong backlog of requests at the national repository.

Branson pleaded guilty in March to conspiracy, wildlife trafficking and two counts of trafficking federally protected bald and golden eagles. He faced a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the most serious charge, conspiracy. Under a plea deal, prosecutors said they would seek to dismiss additional trafficking charges.

Federal guidelines call for a sentence of roughly three to four years in prison for Branson, they said.

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