The Yorkshire Arboretum | Day Out With The Kids

The Yorkshire Arboretum

Ganthorpe, North Yorkshire, England

  • Girls under tent at The Yorkshire Arboretum in Ganthorpe
  • Paintings at The Yorkshire Arboretum in Ganthorpe
  • Family with dog at The Yorkshire Arboretum in Ganthorpe

Attraction Information

  • National Parks icon National Parks

Ages: all ages

Venue type: Outdoor

The Yorkshire Arboretum is an ideal place for families, with a woodland playground, backpacks to hire, trails and walks.

Throughout the summer, there are a range of fantastic activities going on. Be sure to check their website!

For young outdoor enthusiasts they run a Junior Rangers Club where children can get involved with caring for, and learning about, the environment through leaf collection and printing, animal footprint identification and footprint casts, pond dipping, and Minibeast hunts. 

Pond Dipping gives children the opportunity to explore the hidden world of underwater life and their diverse collection of trees is perfect for a magical adventure with the Woodland Fairy, when children can cast magic spells using the natural ingredients found in the habitat around them.

The activities led by our experienced Outdoor Education Team cover Science, P.E., Literacy and Geography, can be adapted for any age group. Children’s parties are available on request.

A stunning landscape of parkland, lakes and ponds is the backdrop for a collection of more than 6,000 trees from around the world. Wander off to explore peaceful hidden glades and wildflower meadows, let the children go wild in the woodland playground and enjoy the very best in seasonal, home-cooked food in the café.

Facilities

  • Snacks Snacks Available
  • Toilets Toilets Available
  • Baby Baby Changing Available
  • Disabled Disabled Toilets Available
  • Wheelchair Wheelchair Friendly
  • Pushchair Pushchair Friendly

Getting There and Contact Information

Address

Castle Howard, York, North Yorkshire, YO60 7BY, England

The Yorkshire Arboretum is located 15 miles north east of York and is easily accessible from the A64 which connects Leeds, York and the Yorkshire coast. Just follow the brown tourist signs to Castle Howard. The arboretum is located off the obelisk roundabout, opposite the main entrance to Castle Howard.

Contact

Click here to visit The Yorkshire Arboretum's website
01653 648598

Standard Opening Times and Pricing

Opening hours

1st February to 30th November: Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 16:00

Pricing

General Admission 
Adults: £7.00
Kids (12-16): £3.50
Under 12s: Free
Family (2 adults + 2 kids): £17.50

These prices include a 10% voluntary donation that supports the work of the Yorkshire Arboretum. Prices without donation available. 

More Information

Guest suitability

Motorised all-terrain mobility buggies are available (subject to suitable weather and ground conditions) on free loan to visitors with disabilities. Please book your buggy with the Visitor Services Team (01653 648598) at least 24 hours in advance of your visit to ensure availability. Please note that hoist facilities are not available and their staff cannot assist with manual transfers. Buggy users must be accompanied during their visit by an able-bodied adult.

Baby food facilities

There are milk warming facilities available. 

Gift shop

They have a range of note pads, books, crafts, and children's gifts to buy. 

Eating information

There is a cafe and ice cream stand on site.