Explore-Nidderdale-AW - Flipbook - Page 24
WHERE TO GO
Nidderdale for
All the Family
There is so much for families – from the young to the old – to enjoy in
Nidderdale. From the geological wonder of ‘Little Switzerland’ (also known
as How Stean Gorge!) to the fairy trails of Studfold; from the underground
illuminated caves of Stump Cross to the sculpture trail at the Himalayan
Gardens; and 昀椀nally, to the seasonal activities and delicious ice cream at
Birch昀椀eld Farm, there really is something for everyone!
At How Stean Gorge, in the upper Dale, a
combination of river and glacial meltwater
erosion has produced a spectacular limestone
gorge, together with caves, including Eglin’s
Hole and Canal Cave. It has earned the
nickname ‘Yorkshire’s Little Switzerland’ owing
to its spectacular scenery and its dramatic
limestone cleft, 80 feet deep in places. It is run
as an outdoor adventure attraction and offers
heli-canyoning, rock climbing, canyoning and
canoeing, amongst other activities. It is also a
general visitor attraction, and visitors can turn
up to purchase an entry to ticket and follow the
trails of the leafy ravine or explore the deep dark
caves—hard hats are provided!
On the way to Grassington from Greenhow, another
cave experience beckons at Stump Cross Caverns.
It is a limestone cave system, and one mile of
caves has been open to the public for many years,
although the entire system is much more extensive
than the show caves, extending more than four
miles. In the show caves, multi-coloured lighting
highlights an extensive and ever-changing array of
stalactites and stalagmites in display caves called
called names such as: the Butcher’s Shop, the
Curtain, the Chamber of Pillars, and more.
In stark contrast, the Himalayan Garden and
Sculpture Park at Grewelthorpe, near Ripon,
features 45 acres of beautifully planted woodland
gardens, lakes and an arboretum, dotted with 90
striking sculptures and enhanced by the sounds
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of wildlife. It is an oasis of calm and tranquillity. In
the arboretum there is a variety of trees, including
an oak directly descended from King Alfred’s oak
at Blenheim Palace, which is over 1,000 years old!
Children will love Studfold! Studfold’s Nidderdale
Experience is like no other. Fairies and fauna,
昀椀re pits and marshmallows, stars and sing-songs,
friendly voices and get-togethers around the
pizza oven. The Adventure Trail is designed
for primary-school children of all ages who can
hunt for fairies. There are clues to unravel on
the trail, sensory boxes, go-karts, a play park, an
interactive historical barn, den building and much
more. Plenty to keep the children entertained and
educated all day long in the stunning countryside
of the upper Dale!
Finally, Birch昀椀eld Farm at Summerbridge is a
picturesque working farm and ice cream parlour
nestled into the lower Dale. The farm is mixed
with dairy cows, pigs and sheep which you can
see grazing in the 昀椀elds. At different times of the
year, you can also: pick your own strawberries,
昀椀nd your way round the Maize Maze, and pick
your own pumpkin! New for 2024 was a Tulip
Festival to celebrate the beginning of Spring, as
thousands of tulip bulbs had been planted late in
2023 to create ‘a little piece of Holland’ here in
Nidderdale! There is always something going on
at Birch昀椀eld Farm…
