Bolton Abbey & Hesketh Farm Park: A Family Friendly Day Trip in North Yorkshire, England

If you are traveling in North Yorkshire, England and looking to meet the needs of an entire family, Bolton Abbey and Hesketh Farm Park are both wonderful selections.

Located off of the A59 and near the adorable English towns of Skipton and Harrogate, families can entertain young children at the Hesketh Farm Park, while letting the history buffs and hikers in the family explore Bolton Abbey. No trip to North Yorkshire would be complete without a family friendly visit to Bolton Abbey and Hesketh Farm Park.

Location of Bolton Abbey and Hesketh Farm Park
Bolton Abbey and Hesketh Farm Park are located just through the beautiful Yorkshire Dales National Park off of the A59. The drive to visit these sights is glorious--allowing travelers to see farms, mountains and hills, windmills, and the Swinsty Reservoir. Travelers will also pass a few cute pubs along the way, perfect for a pint or a quick break. The drive through the Yorkshire Dales National Park to Bolton Abbey and Hesketh Farm Park alone is well worth the trip.

Bolton Abbey
Bolton Abbey is a wonderful location for families looking to explore and examine British history. The abbey and the church are free to visitors, although you will need to pay to park and the church does ask for donations to help with its upkeep. Placards around the abbey allow visitors to read a bit about the abbey's history, and they do sell a book in the gift shop for those interested in more extensive information about the abbey and the church.

Bolton Abbey's location in the Yorkshire Dales National Park also makes it an ideal spot for hiking. Visitors will get a map when they arrive, and can take a short or a long hike through the abbey's extensive grounds.

In addition to exploring the history of Bolton Abbey or going for a hike, you'll also find a beautiful stream running through the grounds, where cows will come to take a drink, and visitors will go fishing or for a swim when the weather is nice enough. Cross over the bridge and view the small waterfall, or head across on the stones in the water. Bolton Abbey's setting is ideal for spending a relaxing day in and enjoying Yorkshire's natural beauty.

Hesketh Farm Park
Located less than a mile behind Bolton Abbey's carpark, Hesketh Farm Park comprises a family-run farm, petting zoo, and indoor/outdoor play areas for children. Prices are reasonable, at 4 pounds for an adult and varying lesser prices for children of different ages.

After exploring the history and beauty of the abbey, Hesketh Farm Park is a wonderful choice for families with small children to entertain. Visitors in the spring and summer will be excited to feed the spring lambs, see the the piglets and calves, and even hold a guinea pig! Rabbits, goats, chickens, and fully grown sheep and cows are also plentiful at Hesketh Farm Park.

The indoor play area includes a hay maze, a slide, and small and large children's tractor play areas. Playgrounds outside are also wonderful for children if the weather allows. Children can also help gather eggs while outside! Hesketh Farm Park's activities are interactive and enjoyable for the whole family.

If your family wants to see some history, go for a hike, and still allow the children some time to explore and play, spending a day at Bolton Abbey and nearby Hesketh Farm Park is the ideal solution. Located in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, visitors to North Yorkshire won't want to skip these wonderful attractions, which draw in both locals as well as tourists.