White Rose Leisure Park

Helmsley Walled Garden (25 minutes’ drive) has been around since 1758 and it’s still just as peaceful as it was in the old days, with apple orchards and wildflower meadows below the castle ruins. Aldborough Roman Site (20 minutes) is another historic spot. Back in Roman times, the site belonged to the largest tribe in Britain. Now, there are Roman mosaics, ruins of the town wall and archaeological features for modern-day visitors to ogle over. In York, The National Railway Museum (half an hour) zooms in on the history of the British rail system instead. Get behind the (go-kart’s) steering wheel at York MotorSports Village (35 minutes). If that’s not wild enough of a ride for you, Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park (25 minutes) and Flamingo Land Resort (45 minutes) have theme park rides too. Take your time in Thirsk (15 minutes)… there, The World of James Herriot has transformed the vet and author’s house into a museum of his life. The market town also has the Thirsk Birds Of Prey Centre (20 minutes), which runs impressive flying experiences.