With summer holidays just around the corner, we’ve put together our top recommendations to help make your stay at Hillside truly unforgettable. From action packed family adventures to budget-friendly activities, we’ve got something for every occasion!
Before venturing too far, there is so much to enjoy at Hillside.
🚜Kids will love our tractor-themed play park, complete with swings, a roundabout, slide, fireman’s pole, and climbing frame – all set beside a large, grassed area that’s perfect for letting off steam.
🌾 Surrounded by acres of countryside, Hillside offers peaceful walks and fantastic opportunities for wildlife spotting around the fields and pond. Pick up some of our nature-themed activity sheets from reception for some added fun!
🏕️ Our glamping pods add a touch of adventure and excitement, each with their own en-suite toilet and shower – making family stays comfortable and convenient.
🛍️ Don’t worry if you forget something – our on-site shop is stocked with all the essentials (including delicious Bymor ice cream!).
🔥 BBQs are welcome too – bring your own or hire one from reception for that perfect British summer moment.
For an action-packed family day out, there are plenty of attractions just a short drive away. Here are a few top picks you won’t want to miss:
Monk Park Farm (10 miles from Hillside, approx. 16 mins)
https://www.monkparkfarm.co.uk/
Monk Park Farm is packed with fun for the whole family, making it the perfect all-day adventure. Meet and pet hundreds of friendly animals, enjoy barrel and train rides, explore the giant sandpit and play park, cheer on the pig races, and let the little ones loose on ride-on toys. With a charming gift shop and cosy café on-site, there’s something for everyone. It’s a must-visit during your stay at Hillside!
Newby Hall (18 miles from Hillside, approx. 24 mins)
https://www.newbyhall.com/
Newby Hall isn’t just about its stunning house and gardens—it’s also packed with fun for the little ones. Kids will love the huge adventure playground with zip line and rope bridge, splash around in the water play area (don’t forget a change of clothes!), and enjoy a ride on the famous miniature railway. You can even hop on a pedalo for some gentle family fun. With a lovely on-site café and a delicious ice cream kiosk, it’s the perfect family day out.
Thorpe Perrow (19 miles from Hillside, approx. 38 mins)
https://www.thorpperrow.com/
A firm family favourite, this beautiful destination is set within a breathtaking arboretum—home to one of the UK’s finest tree collections, including five National Plant Collections. It’s also a leading centre for raptor conservation. Alongside acres of woodland and scenic paths to explore, you’ll find a Bird of Prey Centre with awe-inspiring flying displays, and a Mammal Centre where you can hand-feed friendly wallabies. Little adventurers can let off steam in the large playground, complete with a sandpit. To round off your visit, enjoy a bite at the café and browse the charming garden centre and gift shop.
The Web Adventure Park (27 miles from Hillside, approx. 39 mins)
https://webadventurepark.co.uk/
Another fun-filled day out awaits the whole family, with something for everyone to enjoy! Explore the Animal Zone, let the kids burn off energy in the outdoor play areas, dive into indoor soft play and imaginative role play zones, challenge each other to a round of adventure golf, and enjoy a wide variety of theme park rides. It’s non-stop excitement from start to finish!
Stockeld Park (32 miles from Hillside, approx. 41 mins)
https://stockeldpark.co.uk/
Stockeld Park offers over 40 acres of adventure-filled fun for all ages. Discover the incredible Playhive—one of Europe’s largest indoor playgrounds—alongside the enchanting forest trails, a magical maze, giant inflatables, and the ever-popular land train. It’s a day out bursting with imagination, energy, and excitement!
Looking for a shorter or more budget-friendly day out? Here are a few fun ideas you can enjoy for under £25 – perfect for making memories without breaking the bank:
Spillmans (12 miles from Hillside, approx. 19 mins)
https://www.spilmans.co.uk/
Spilmans may be best known as a ‘pick your own’ strawberry and soft fruit farm, but it now offers so much more. Alongside the farm shop and cosy café, you’ll find a fantastic play barn with soft play and activities for all ages, plus outdoor attractions like giant jumping pillows and a climbing frame. Be sure to check their website for seasonal events and special activities throughout the year!
Stamfrey Farm (13 miles from Hillside, approx. 20 mins)
https://stamfrey.com/
A celebration of what farming is all about; at Stamfrey Farm you can see the organic dairy herd grazing the fields, and then taste the produce first hand. They offer delicious milkshakes, their own organic milk, and organic drinking yogurt from their self-service vending machines. A novel experience to get a taste of the best of farming. They have also recently started offering their very own ice cream and do have some bakes available and coffee. Worth a trip out to see this modern set up based on traditional farming roots.
Yolk Farm (19 Miles from Hillside, approx. 22 mins)
https://www.yolkfarm.co.uk/
Home to an excellent farm shop and café, it’s a great spot for kids – with colouring activities available while you wait for your food. Little ones can meet a few friendly animals and explore the Play Barn, packed with exciting, farm-themed fun. The highlights include a farm shop role play area, construction zone, vegetable growing station, egg collecting station, ride on trikes and best of all – a giant outdoor beach area open throughout the summer!
Brymore Ice Cream (25 miles from Hillside, 45 mins approx.)
https://brymordairy.co.uk/
Brymore Ice Cream Parlour is based in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales and is well known for serving up outstandingly scrumptious ice cream made right there on the farm. As well as ice cream to enjoy, Brymor can be used as a base for doing many beautiful walks, has a café, outdoor childrens play area, gift shop, indoor soft play area and a pet area including playful goats and cheeky Shetland ponies! They also have a dedicated doggy exercise field and doggy ice cream – the perfect day out for our furry friends!
Kiplin Hall (16 miles from Hillside, approx. 32 mins)
https://kiplinhall.co.uk/
A stunning hall and gardens set overlooking a breathtaking lake with walking paths around the perimeter, it’s a perfect location for a stroll and picnic in the sunshine! There is a café on site, gift shop and a small children’s play ground.
Family Race Days at Thirsk Races (6.5 miles from Hillside, approx. 13 mins)
Friday 25th July, Friday 8th August and Friday 29th August
https://www.thirskracecourse.net/plan-your-day/car-parking-transport/family-days/
In addition to an action-packed race programme, family race days are bursting with entertainment – from inflatables and fairground stalls to face painting and so much more! The events are themed with tailored activities to match – so be sure to check the website for full details and plan your perfect day out!
Family favourite activites
We are lucky to have some excellent facilities in the nearby towns so here are a few suggestions for family favourite activities:
Swimming
Northallerton Leisure Centre (9.1 miles from Hillside, approx. 20 mins)
Thirsk Leisure Centre (6.4 miles from Hillside, approx. 13 mins)
https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/active-north-yorkshire
Cinema
The Ritz Cinema, Thirsk (6.2 miles, approx. 12 mins)
https://ritzcinema.co.uk/RitzCinemaThirsk.dll/Home
Everyman Cinema, Northallerton (8.3 miles from Hillside, approx. 17 mins)
https://www.everymancinema.com/venues-list/g01oj-everyman-northallerton/
Soft Play
Crazy Kingdom, Northallerton (14 miles from Hillside, approx. 22 mins)
Twiggys Soft Play, Thirsk (7.1 miles from Hillside, approx. 12 mins)
So what are you waiting for? Sunnies on, bags packed – it’s time to book your stay and enjoy the summer getaway you’ve been dreaming of! ☀️