October is a great time of year for a day out, the weather is cooler and the queues are shorter. So whether you’re with family or taking some you-time we have the perfect suggestions for a day out.
01. Jorvik Viking Centre, York
For a truly unique adventure this October, you should definitely head to the Jorvik Viking Centre! This awesome heritage attraction in York is the best place to learn everything you ever wanted to know about the vikings! What’s interesting about the location of Jorvik is that it stands on the site of an actual viking-age city called Jorvik, and you can wander through authentic viking streets and catch a glimpse of life in the 10th century. It will surely be a memorable day.
- Entry from £9.50
- Nearest Station: York
- Website: https://www.jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk/
02. Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, Newcastle
This stunning contemporary art gallery offers several exhibitions and countless events throughout the year. Situated on the River Tyne it overlooks the city of Newcastle. There is also a reference library and cafe, as well as lots for children to see and do, including the sensory gallery! For a unique day out this is a must-see, and if you're feeling really fancy, you can even take a river cruise to get there!
- Free entry
- Nearest Station: Manors
- Website: https://baltic.art/
03. Magna Science Adventure Centre, Rotherham
There is so much to see and do at Magna Science Centre that you’ll want to spend all day here! The centre brings history and science together to reveal Rotherham’s industrial heritage. The building is a former steelworks which now houses more than 100 interactive displays on the elements. There is a Big Melt show which brings the history of the steelworks to life, as well as an outdoor aqua play park to tire the kids out. Magna brings education and entertainment together to create a truly exciting day out!
- Entry from £5.50
- Nearest Station: Meadowhall
- Website: https://www.visitmagna.co.uk/
04. Terror Tower, Scarborough
For a fantastically frightening day out look no further than Terror Tower. This horror attraction is split over two levels with a maze of corridors and tunnels to discover inside. With frights around every corner it is sure to excite and scare in equal measure. Inspired by horror movies the tower is a seriously scary haunted house experience, with live actors and special effects sure to get your heart racing. A must-see attraction for any horror fan!
- Entry from £5.00
- Nearest station: Scarborough
- Website: https://terrortower.co.uk/
05. The Collection, Lincoln
The Collection includes the Usher Art Gallery and the City and County Museum of Lincolnshire. This unique gallery houses some of the most impressive archaeological finds from Lincolnshire and far beyond, as well as an extensive art collection including works by Turner and Lowry among others. What’s more, The Collection also hosts several events and exhibitions throughout the year, meaning there is always something new to see here.
- Free entry
- Nearest Station: Lincoln
- Website: https://www.thecollectionmuseum.com/
06. Ninja Warrior UK Adventure, Wigan
Have you seen Ninja Warrior on TV and thought you could do better? Well now is your chance! The Ninja Warrior UK Adventure Park has loads of challenging obstacles, and even an inflatable course, so you can put your skills to the test. There’s room to climb, jump, and run, before reaching the true test of any ninja… the Warped Wall! Ninja Warrior is also family friendly and can be booked for parties, so whether you’re with loved ones or flying solo you’re sure to have an epic adventure here.
- Entry from £12.00
- Nearest Station: Wigan North Western
- Website: https://ninjawarrioruk.co.uk/wigan/
07. National Science and Media Museum, Bradford
As part of a one year celebration of the 100th anniversary of the BBC and the 40th anniversary of Channel 4, the National Science and Media Museum in Bradford is holding a series of exciting exhibitions exploring broadcast media over the last century. You can get stuck into creating your own radio show, as well as discovering more about pioneers such as David Attenborough and DJ Lepe, and how they have shaped the broadcast landscape. There is plenty to see and do here, including over a whopping 3 million objects of cultural and historical significance!
- Free entry
- Nearest Station: Bradford Interchange
- Website: https://www.scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk/
08. Tate Gallery, Liverpool
The Liverpool branch of the Tate is well worth a visit because it is bursting with rich cultural significance. Established in 1988 the Tate Liverpool has gone on to become a world-class art gallery, including works by Piet Mondrian, Marcel Dychamp, Eduardo Paolozzi, and Grayson Perry, to name a few. They hold several exhibitions a year and this October you can look forward to Radical Landscapes, which explores the climate crisis and activism through art, Who’s Tradition? Which examines colonialism in art, and Democracies, which explores life in a democratic society. There is a ton of great art to be discovered here and the Tate Liverpool makes for a fantastic and cultural day out.
- Free entry
- Nearest Station: Liverpool Lime Street
- Website: https://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-liverpool
09. Parthian Climbing, Harrogate
If you’re looking for a more active adventure then look no further than Parthian Climbing! Parthian offers a wide range of routes for all abilities, as well as a bouldering and training area. They have a whopping 175 possible routes with different levels and styles, so there is definitely something for all abilities. What’s more the routes are also changed every few months so there will always be new routes to discover. So whether you’re with friends, family, or climbing solo, this adventure is sure to rock!
- Entry from £9.00
- Nearest Station: Hornbeam Park
- Website: https://parthianclimbing.com/harrogate
10. Gr8escape, York
For a challenging adventure this October head to Gr8escape escape rooms in York! Gr8escape was the first to pioneer the escape room trend in York and remains the most challenging. Teams of 2-18 can put their logic skills to the test in one of several games available including Ministry of Wizards, Return from Wonderland, or the Lost Treasure of Atlantis. This place is perfect for family and friends looking for an interactive and entertaining day out. It’s so good you won’t want to escape!
- Entry from £48.00
- Nearest Station: York
- Website: https://www.gr8escapeyork.co.uk
That rounds off our top 10 list of our favourite places to visit this October! From cultural pursuits to active entertainment there is something for everyone, and what’s more, all of these places can be reached via Northern rail train lines, so there’s no need to worry about driving and parking! So sit back, relax, and enjoy your day out.
Our Top 10 Half Term Family Days Out
With half term upon us, it’s time to start thinking about how you’ll keep the kids entertained over the long holidays. Luckily for you, we’ve compiled our top ten favourite attractions in the North of England to check out this half-term. Getting out ...
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