This August, children aged 5 to 15 can travel for free by bus across the North York Moors National Park, thanks to the government's Great British Summer Savings initiative. We've put together six great family days out by bus, making it easy to explore the National Park without the car.
Whitby Abbey
X93 from Middlesbrough via Guisborough, X4/X4A from Middlesbrough via Redcar and Saltburn, 93 from Scarborough via Robin Hood’s Bay, Coastliner 840 from Leeds via York, Malton and Pickering.
Spend a family day out by bus exploring the iconic Whitby Abbey. Climb the famous 199 steps (accessible routes are also available) before enjoying a packed programme of summer activities, including traditional fairground games, circus skills, puppet shows and a family activity passport with collectible stamps. There's also a performance of Dracula by Time Will Tell Theatre on selected dates.
VAT on admission has been reduced from 20% to 5%. Book online in advance to save up to 25% or show a valid bus ticket or cycle helmet on arrival to receive 20% off entry.
Nunnington Hall
Moorsbus M8 from Helmsley (Sundays only).
Step into the world of fairy tales at Nunnington Hall with the Gina Kaminski exhibition, featuring colourful displays and interactive activities. Children can even meet the headstrong character who believes fairy tales need to be fixed. Afterwards, follow the Summer of Play trail through the gardens, helping popular fairy tale characters fix their problems.
VAT on admission has been reduced from 20% to 5%. Children under five go free.
Sutton Bank National Park Centre
Moorsbus M4 from Guisborough via Stokesley and Helmsley (weekends and bank holidays).
Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year alongside Danby Lodge, Sutton Bank National Park Centre is a great family day out by bus. Young cyclists can test their skills on the newly upgraded bike skills area before tackling the 3-mile Cliff family mountain bike trail. Bikes can be hired from Sutton Bank Bikes, and there are also family trails and guided walks to enjoy throughout the summer.
Entry is free. Car parking charges apply for those arriving by car.
Danby Lodge National Park Centre
Moorsbus M3 from Pickering and M6 from York via Helmsley and Middlesbrough (weekends and bank holidays).
Another great family day out by bus, Danby Lodge National Park Centre offers an outdoor play area, family trails, including a new Colour Trail, and the Land of Iron exhibition. On Sundays, visitors can also enjoy free talks at the brand new Dark Skies Station with John McCue, founder of the Cleveland and Darlington Astronomical Society.
Entry is free. Entry is free. Car parking charges apply for those arriving by car.
NYMR (North Yorkshire Moors Railway)
28, Coastliner 840, Moorsbus M1, M3, M6 and M7 to Pickering. If you're travelling to Goathland, Grosmont or Levisham, please check bus timetables before you travel.
Enjoy a heritage railway adventure through the North York Moors. We recommend starting at Pickering Station, where families can take on the Bridge Building Challenge, play with toy trains and tracks, navigate the remote-control maze mat or follow the Discover Your Heroes Ticket Trail before boarding the train.
One child (aged 4 to 15) travels free with every fare-paying adult. Reduced fares are available for additional children, and children aged 0 to 3 travel free when accompanied by a fare-paying adult.
Woldies
Coastliner 840 to West Knapton (approximately a half-mile walk to Woldies).
Woldies has extended its opening hours for summer, giving families even more time to enjoy imaginative outdoor play. Follow the Wild Superhero Mission trail, collecting stamps as you complete challenges around the site. It’s also perfect timing for adults to browse the Wolds Way Lavender products as the lavender fields are in bloom.
Book online to save 15% on adult and child tickets through the Great British Summer Savings offer. Summer passes are also available for £25.