From castles to steam trains to magical places…

“Sometimes” it rains in Yorkshire, but fortunately there are loads of places to go when the weather is perhaps not the best. Equally you can go to these places on a sunny day too! Simply – there is quite a collection. Here are our favourites at various distances from Strands. Check out the map below.

Wensleydale Railway

From the vale of Mowbray to the uplands of Wensleydale, this rural railway runs through some of Englands most beautiful countryside and is a great family day out. It runs all year and in summer has steam services.

Combine with: Bolton Castle.

Travel: Distance: 14 miles, Time: 31 mins.

Bowes Museum

A french chateau in the north of England which houses a historically important collection of art, but everyone remembers the 1773 automaton Silver Swan and the stuffed two headed cow.

Combine with: Barnard Castle

Travel: Distance: 16.4 miles, Time: 40 mins.

The Forbidden Corner

A great family day out and not to be missed. The Forbidden Corner is a unique labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, follies and surprises created within a four acre garden.

Combine with: Leyburn or Middleham Castle

Travel: Distance: 18.4 miles Time: 42 mins

Barnard Castle

Set on a high rock above the River Tees, Barnard Castle makes an imposing site. Great views and situated on the fringe of the market town of the same name.

Combine with: Bowes Museum

Travel: Distance: 16.2 miles, Time: 38 mins.

Wensleydale Creamery

Home of the cheese made famous by Wallace and Gromit. See how the cheese is made, buy it and then enjoy the refreshment in the cafe.

Combine with: Hawes

Travel: Distance: 11.2 miles, Time: 30 mins.

Middleham Castle

Once the childhood home of Richard III, relive the Castle’s history. Visit the pretty village of Middleham and enjoy afternoon tea at the Castle Keep Tearooms.

Combine with: The Forbidden Corner

Travel: Distance: 16 miles, Time: 36 mins

Hawes

This magical little market town is England’s highest at 850 feet above sea level. Beyond shopping and tea rooms, there is the Wensleydale Creamery, Hardraw force (the highest waterfall in England), Aysgarth Falls and the Dales Countryside museum. To get to Hawes from StrandsView, you can drive the famous “Buttertubs Pass”. A full day out.

Combine with: Wensleydale Creamery

Travel: Distance: 10.8 miles, Time: 28 mins

Bolton Castle

Built over 600 years ago, Bolton Castle is one of the country’s best preserved medieval castles and provides family days, historic tours & educational trips.

Combine with: Wensleydale Railway, Leyburn

Travel: Distance: 11.9 miles, Time: 29 mins

Leyburn

An authentic Yorkshire Dales market town, Leyburn has a host of small independent shops, cafes and pubs around a large cobbled main square. A great base for walks & the Dales Festival of Food & Drink in May.

Combine with: Wensleydale Railway, Bolton Castle.

Travel: Distance: 13.9 miles, Time: 31 mins

Richmond

The Lonely Planet guide refers to Richmond as “one of the most beautiful towns in England – and surprisingly few people know.” A Norman castle, Georgian architecture, museums, Georgian theatre and lovely walks down by the River Swale mean Richmond is a truly special place. Richmond (London) is named after this town. Check out the old Station for shops, cafe and gallery.

Combine with:it can last a whole day.

Distance: 22.1 miles Time: 44 minutes.

Raby Castle

One of the best-preserved castle’s in North East England, with over 600 years of history. Fasinating horse-drawn carriage collection, walled gardens, tea rooms and a 200 acre deer park.

Combine with: its a full day!

Distance: 23.3 miles Time: 51 minutes.

Ripon

A small but delightful Cathedral City founded over 1300 years ago. Plenty to do and see in and and around the city, including Studley Royal gardens, Fountains Abbey and the Cathedral itself. For children, Light Water Valley theme park is close by.

Combine with: Newby Hall or Harrogate

Distance: 40.2 miles Time: 1 hour.

Newby Hall

Great day out for all the family: tour the Adam house, walk the stunning gardens, ride on the miniature railway & play in the adventure playground…

Combine with: Ripon

Distance: 44.3 miles Time: 1hr 8mins.

Harrogate

Around one and a half hours drive from StrandsView, Harroagte is a beautiful Victorian Spa town. Sample the waters, stroll the Valley Gardens or eat the best in Yorkshire cake at Bettys. A visit to this Dales gateway town is always excellent.

Combine with: Make a day of it.

Distance: 56.7 miles Time: 1hr 21mins.

York

Around one hours drive from StrandsView, York is phenomenally rich in history: from vikings to the industrial era. Worthy of note: national railway museum, Jorvik viking centre, York minster, Castle museum and the chocolate museum.

Combine with: Make a day of it

Distance: 60.4 miles Time: 1hr 30mins.

The Auckland Project

One historic town, seven attractions, two thousand years of history. This is a full day out of art, castles, parks, railways and romans. Wow!

Combine with: Make a day of it

Distance: 34 miles Time: 54 mins.