Ryedale

Climb rope bridges on Castle Howard’s Skelf Island, find the Gruffalo sculptures in Dalby Forest and roam the free riverside ruins at Kirkham Priory. We flag the rivers, mud, tickets and parking charges, Nunnington Hall’s Thursday to Sunday dates from 19 November and Helmsley Walled Garden’s last day on 20 December 2026.

Plan a calmer Ryedale day out with a Relaxed Santa Express from Pickering on 28 November, Calm Sessions at Castle Howard on selected dates and free carer places at several gardens and ruins. Open days and carer rules vary, and Nunnington Hall is closed until 19 November, so check before you go.

Ryedale has a toddler play zone in Dalby Forest, chickens to feed at Helmsley Walled Garden and Santa trains from Pickering on selected dates from 28 November. Check days first: Nunnington Hall opens Thursday to Sunday from 19 November, and Helmsley Walled Garden opens Wednesday to Sunday until Sunday 20 December, when it closes for winter.

Rain in Ryedale? Catch a film at Malton’s Palace Cinema, see A Dickens of a Christmas inside Castle Howard (pre-booking essential) or play board games at Nunnington Hall, open Thursdays to Sundays from 19 November to 20 December 2026. Our guide also covers the Santa Express from Pickering, from 28 November, and Malton’s elf show on 5 and 6 December only.

Explore free English Heritage ruins at Kirkham Priory and Wharram Percy near Malton, Dalby Forest’s play areas if you arrive car-free, and Helmsley Walled Garden, where under 16s go free until it closes for winter on 20 December 2026. We flag parking charges, adult tickets, closed days, river and mud warnings, and the long walk to Wharram Percy.