Meadow Field

Besides the glorious Minster, with a massive tower with far-reaching views over the city, York (15 minutes’ drive) has several interesting museums exploring such diverse subjects as its Viking heritage (JORVIK Viking Centre), the history of the railways (National Railway Museum York) and archaeology (the kid-friendly DIG). You can also walk along the medieval city walls. Piglets Adventure Farm (20 minutes) has tractor trailer rides, climbing structures and an indoor soft-play area with sand and ball pits. And of course, there are seasonal encounters with baby animals, including cheeky alpacas, soft ducks and chatty goats, plus the Piglets Maternity Ward. Built in the 18th century in the southern fringes of the Howardian Hills National Landscape, Castle Howard (half an hour) is an elegant stately home. Highlights include the Chapel, featuring stained glass by pre-Raphaelite artist Edward Burne-Jones, plus the manicured gardens and 1,000 acres of parkland dotted with lakes and follies.