Yorkshire, UK

Nestled in the heart of Yorkshire’s beautiful Peak District, the Blue John Cavern in Castleton is widely believed to be the finest cavern system in Western Europe which is open to the public. Visiting the cavern is a must for anyone who is interested in gemology as this system of caverns is the only place in the world where you can find Britain’s famous Blue John gemstone. This precious stone was originally found on site by the Romans more than 2000 years ago. Today visitors can join a fascinating guided tour of the caverns to see some brilliant stalactites and stalagmites, huge water-formed caverns and brilliantly colored veins of Blue John. You can buy your own piece of this unique stone at the on-site gift shop and café.

Blue John Cavern, Mam Tor, Castleton, Hope Valley, Derbyshire, S33 8WA, Phone: +44-14-33-62-06-42

Straddling the border of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, the Creswell Crags is an extraordinary limestone gorge which dates back to the Ice Age. There is so much to see and do at the crags that you will need to set aside at least a full day to explore the area. For a start, there are nine caves to be explored, all of which have been excavated and proved to have been home to prehistoric man, who left a wealth of ice-age tools, art and other relics (much of which are on display in the Museum). You can take a guided cave tour (the best way to learn about this significant site) or enjoy some time exploring the many walking/hiking trails.

Creswell Crags Museum and Heritage Center, Crags Rd, Welback, Worksop, Nottinghamshire, UK S80 3LH, Phone: +44-19-09-72-03-78

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

You’ll be the most popular parents in town when you take your under elevens to have hours of educational fun at the Eureka! The National Children’s Museum in Halifax. You and your children can look forward to exploring six themed zones where children (and adults) are encouraged to get hands – on. There are literally hundreds of fun and educational interactive exhibits which are designed to get young minds working. Without even noticing that they are learning, your children will have loads of fun learning about the fascinating world around them and their place in it. If you visit during school holidays you will find even more to do as special temporary events are added to the regular line-up.

Eureka! The National Children’s Museum, Discovery Td, Halifax HX1 2NE, UK, Phone: +44-14-22-33-00-69

Easily one of the best attractions you will find anywhere in the country, the Jorvik Viking Centre is a must-see activity for any visitor to the area. Here you and your family can learn all about the fearless Vikings who came to settle in Britain thousands of years ago. At the heart of your visit is the chance to step back in time as you board a ride in a “time capsule” which will take you deep into the history of York and the Vikings. You will experience the sights, sounds and even the smells of the Viking Age and learn all about the fascinating archaeological finds that were unearthed during the Coppergate Dig on this very site.

Jorvik Viking Centre, 19 Coppergate, York, YO1 9WT, Phone: +44-019-04-61-55-05

Step back in time to the great days of the steam railway as you spend a nostalgic and fun-filled family day out on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. An old steam locomotive pulls passenger carriages through the pretty Worth Valley, stopping along the way to visit five villages. Be sure to arrive early to explore the historic Keighley Station which remains much the same as it was decades ago. As you travel from one pretty village to the next you can enjoy snacks, tea and coffee as well as real draft ale at the Real Ale Buffet Car. There are several annual special events on the train – check their website for dates and details.

Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, The Railroad Station, Station Rd, Keighley BD22 8NJ, UK, Phone: +44-15-35-64-52-14

Activities and Attractions for Couples:

The National Coal Mining Museum for England encompasses 45 acres close to Wakefield and Huddersfield. The fascinating museum and grounds offers free entry (but welcomes donations) which means you can spend a great family day here without stretching your budget. Besides going on the very popular underground mine tour, there are no fewer than 14 galleries and buildings to be explored. Former miners bring the underground tour to life, telling many tales of the trials and tribulations of being a coal miner through the ages. Other on-site activities include meeting the pit ponies, chatting to a blacksmith and exploring the extensive grounds and the children’s playground.

National Coal Mining Museum for England, Caphouse Colliery, New Rd, Overton, Wakefield, WF4 4RH, Phone: +44-19-24-84-88-06

Another of Yorkshire’s “free to visit” family attractions, the National Railway Museum in York is both interesting and educational. The museum has an excellent permanent collection of locomotives and all things railway related. The star exhibits include the fastest ever steam engine Mallard, the elegant Duchess of Hamilton, a replica of the original Rocket engine and the only bullet train you can find outside Japan. In addition, the museum is home to over a million other railway objects and hosts regular temporary railway exhibits. Younger children will love riding the miniature railway and older children can take advantage of regular school-holiday educational programs.

National Railway Museum, Leeman Rd, York, YO26 4XJ, UK, Phone: +44-33-30-16-10-10

Brimham Rocks is a National Trust property showcasing a bizarre other-worldly landscape of amazing giant rock shapes which have been carved out by wind and water exposure over millions of years. The rocks are a wonderful area to explore on foot offering a fun family day out surrounded by nature. As you make your way through the landscape at your own pace you are encouraged to seek out various well-known rock shapes including the eagle, the turtle, the dancing bear and the gorilla. There are various scenic walks and other adventure activities include bouldering, roped climbing, weaseling and abseiling. You can buy a picnic at the kiosk and enjoy the facilities for the day.

Brimham Rocks, Brimham Rocks, N. Moor Rd, Summerbridge, HG2 4 DW, UK, Phone: +44-14-23-78-06-88

Covering more than 3,800 acres of parkland, heath and woods, Clumber Park is a National Trust property and a great place to spend a family for a day out. The park was once the country estate of the Dukes of Newcastle and although the stately residence was demolished many years ago you can still explore the Walled Kitchen Garden and see the Gothic chapel. There are plenty of pretty walking trails to explore and the park offers regular events including yoga, guided garden walks (with an estate gardener), a weekly cycling group and even a dog-walking group. When hunger strikes you can head to the Clumber Café or the Garden Tea House.

Clumber Park, Worksop, S80 3AZ, UK, Phone: +44-19-09-54-49-17