Looking for some fun family things to do during the school summer holidays? There are plenty of activities and events in the North of England! From exploring Mother Shipton’s Cave in North Yorkshire to the Coronation Street Tour in Manchester, discover our top ten things to do below and start planning your summer adventures today. The best part? All are easily reachable by train and you can save more cash for your next trip with our family ticket.
1. Mother Shipton’s Cave, North Yorkshire
Nearest station: Knaresborough
If you love adventure, Mother Shipton’s Cave in North Yorkshire is a great day out for the kids and dogs are welcome too! Located outdoors, the attraction features a number of playgrounds for little ones to explore and an intriguing museum with petrified celebrity-donated items and dolls. You’ll also be able to visit Mother Shipton’s Cave, where the legendary prophetess is said to have been born. With plenty of seating, views and greenery, the area is also perfect for a family picnic, so be sure to pack some snacks for your trip. Don’t forget, that you can also save on train travel with our family tickets.
- Entry from £11 per person or £32 for groups up to 5 people
2. Bradford Ice Arena, Bradford
Nearest station: Bradford Interchange
Cool off at the Bradford Ice Arena this summer holiday season, with a range of activities for all ages, you’ll be spoiled for things to do! Kids can take part in ice hockey lessons from as little as £5 and you can show off your moves during a disco on the ice, with colourful lights and music. It’s a great day out for when you need to get away from the summer heat and is sure to burn some energy. Get there faster with our family train tickets!
- Entry from £6.50
3. Japanese Garden, Preston
Nearest station: Preston
Located in the heart of Preston, Avenham Park hosts a hidden surprise – a stunning Japanese Garden full of beautiful flowers, water features, and local wildlife. This picturesque spot, a true gem in Preston, offers a serene escape. Perfect for a tranquil stroll with the kids or simply a quiet moment of bliss, it’s great for those looking for a slow-paced trip. The area is great for picnicking, but there’s also a café and Continental Restaurant nearby where you can grab a bite to eat if you get peckish. Getting there is easy with our family and duo tickets!
Free entry!
4. Blackpool Zoo
Nearest station: Blackpool North
Love animals? Enjoy a fun and educational family day out at Blackpool Zoo this summer. Kids will have a blast getting up close with their favourite creatures, feeding giraffes, walking with lemurs and discovering rare species. It's a fantastic opportunity to see a diverse range of animals and learn about wildlife conservation. You can even book a Keeper Course where kids can learn about caring for the animals and what it takes to be a zookeeper! When hunger strikes, food isn’t far away; you’ll find plenty to chow down at the zoo’s onsite café where kids can have some fun in the sun running around the play barn. Plan ahead and save up to 60% on your next train trip with our advance tickets.
- Entry from £21.99
5. Harrogate Golf Club, Harrogate
Nearest station: Starbeck
Golf is a great outdoor activity for when you want some fresh air. This summer, enjoy a day of fun in the sun with the whole family at Harrogate Golf Club in Yorkshire! The woodland course is pristine, lined with 450-year-old English oaks, and consists of eighteen holes with various obstacles for hours of fun. When it’s time to rest, head to the Harrogate's stunning Edwardian Clubhouse where you can enjoy food, drinks and free Wi-Fi! Get there in a jiffy by train with our family ticket.
Entry from £40
6. Powerleague Manchester Central, Manchester
Nearest station: Ardwick
Speaking of sports, football fans will love Powerleague in Manchester, great for enjoying a kick around this summer. Powerleague Manchester Central boasts state-of-the-art 5G pitches, perfect for a high-quality game. Book a private pitch for your own family game or take part in a 5, 6, 7 or 9-a-side league! Powerleague also hosts a kids’ camp where children can make friends and enjoy a range of sports activities throughout the day. Kick off your trip with our family train ticket and get there faster, for less.
Entry varies by activity
7. Planet Ice Blackburn Arena, Blackburn
Nearest station: Blackburn
Enjoy a chilled day on the ice at Planet Ice Blackburn Arena where children can zoom around for hours! This popular ice rink offers a fantastic venue for family fun, whether you're a seasoned skater or just starting out. There's a range of fun lessons for kids including ice hockey and a 3-5 day camp where you'll be shown the ins and outs of skating and special techniques such as the spiraling circle. Children will also love the ice-skating disco, with colourful lights and their favourite pop hits. Enjoy a smooth ride there with our family train ticket.
Entry from £11.55
8. The Hepworth, Wakefield
Nearest station: Wakefield Kirkgate
Hepworth Art Museum is an excellent spot for taking in some art and culture this summer and entry is free for under 18's during the school holidays. Little artists will adore the interactive workshops where they can learn new art techniques and even create their very own sculptures. A host of activities are also available in The Hepworth’s garden where kids can play, run around and make friends. Travel there with the whole gang for less with our family ticket.
Free entry
9. Chester Racecourse, Chester
Nearest station: Chester
Chester Racecourse has plenty to offer this summer with fun family-themed days. One of the oldest racecourses in the world, it’s won several awards, and children aged under 17 go free. The vibrant atmosphere and exciting events make Chester Racecourse a truly memorable day out for all ages. On family fun days, not only can you enjoy the excitement of the races, but there are rides and inflatables to keep the kids entertained too! Start planning your trip and enjoy more family adventures for less with our family train ticket.
Entry from £20
10. Coronation Street Tour, Manchester
Nearest station: Salford Crescent
Corrie fans rejoice! If you haven’t visited Coronation Street in Manchester, summer is the perfect time to do it. See the film set for yourself and walk where your favourite scenes were filmed such as Rovers Return Pub, Kev’s Car Shop and so much more. This iconic tour offers a unique glimpse behind the scenes of one of Britain's most beloved soaps. It's a great experience for snapping some fun photos and creating unique memories. Book your train tickets now and get one step closer to living out your Corrie dreams.
Entry from £38
We hope we helped you discover some fun things to do with your friends and family in the North this summer! Ready to embark on your next adventure? These activities are all located a short distance from local train stations, so whether you’re planning a visit to Mother Shipton’s Cave or ready to roam the alleys of Coronation Street, our trains can take you there!
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Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.