May half - term on the Yorkshire Coast

With five acres to explore, a visit to Filey Bird Garden and Animal Park is the perfect spot for a family day out this May half-term. Meet friendly animals including meerkats and alpacas, chat to the parrots or feed the pigs and ponies, or have fun in the play area. Once you’ve met the animals, take a wander through the meadow and woodland trail where you can pick up amazing wildlife facts along the way, or take part in a treasure hunt!

All aboard for a great day out! The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is one of the world’s greatest heritage railway experiences. Travelling through the stunning North York Moors National Park from Pickering to Whitby, you'll be transported back in time onboard a steam or heritage diesel train through rugged scenery with charming villages along the route – including the Harry Potter station at Goathland.

Spend time amongst nature at Dalby Forest, home to 8,500 acres of breath-taking views and stunning landscapes. Little ones will love searching for familiar friends on the Gruffalo orienteering course, while big kids can test their mettle on the Go Ape course or get their adrenaline pumping with paintballing, laser combat and more at the Dalby Activity Centre. There’s miles of mountain bike trails waiting to be explored, plus an awesome Grandfather Oak play area and a café for the all-important snack breaks.

Step back in time to the Golden Age of piracy this May half-term at the awe-inspiring Whitby Abbey. Between 27-29 May hear from some of history’s most famous pirates as they tell their tales of adventure on the high seas, with swashbuckling shows, demonstrations and hands-on activities. Outside of the pirate events you can discover stories of saints, poets and Dracula as you explore soaring gothic ruins and take in the stunning sea views.

Challenge the family on the brand-new foot golf course as you weave through wildflowers, chip over sand bunkers and tackle the tricky slopes at Woldies. There are challenges for all ages and little ones will love following the rainbow flags, too. Plus, there’s a new Queen Bee Quest – find all the bees to crack the code and reveal the secret word to win a prize! Explore interactive gardens with games, quizzes and information in a peaceful, beautiful and accessible setting.

A splashtastic day awaits at Alpamare! Attractions include some of Europe’s most exhilarating waterslides, an indoor wave pool, a splash and play area which is perfect for little ones, and a heated outdoor garden pool. When you’ve had enough splashes and thrills, the outdoor infinity pool awaits where you can soak up wonderful views across North Bay. Plus, if you fancy some R&R after a week of non-stop activity, opt for some me-time at the wellness centre and spa time - strictly adults only!

Big Ideas by the Sea is a cultural festival that will bring to Scarborough some of the best speakers from across the UK to talk about the big issues related to the environment, climate change and history.

Scarborough Castle will be hosting various activities on Sunday 28 May, with free entry for YO11, YO12 and YOI13 postcodes and anyone with a BIBTS event ticket. There’ll be mini digs for budding archaeologists, ecological sculpture workshops where you can learn how and the Big Dance.

Enjoy free storytelling fun in the Big Stories Tent with story sharing sessions with local authors and actors, and book gifting and activities for children aged 0-11 from 10am-3pm. set against the amazing backdrop of the castle and jaw-dropping views.

Dinosaurs are ALIVE… in Whitby! The whole town centre is now the backdrop to this epic Jurassic-themed game, with gigantic creatures hidden in plain sight! Your mission if you dare… to hunt all eight of them down using the free Love Exploring App - including the mighty T-Rex! The ‘Adventures with Dinosaurs’ game is here for families to enjoy just in time for the Yorkshire Fossil Festival, with lots to learn and a question at every turn! There’s colourful characters to meet in our other Love Exploring games too, plus trails to help you discover new spots in Whitby, Scarborough and Filey.

Scarborough North Bay and Whitby have both been awarded Blue Flag status for 2023, while the beaches at Filey, Runswick Bay, Cayton Bay, Sandsend and Robin Hood's Bay all picked up a Seaside award from Keep Britain Tidy. Whether you’re looking to laze on the golden sands, explore the rock pools or try your hand at crabbing, the Yorkshire coast is the perfect family day out so pack up your bucket and spade and head to the seaside.

From craggy shoreline to peaceful moorland, the Yorkshire coast is bursting with scenic walking routes and cycling trails, whether you’re looking for a gentle meander or a more challenging session. The Cinder Track, a 21-mile route that follows the old railway line between Scarborough and Whitby, passes through long-forgotten railway stations (many are now cafés for that all important refreshment break), and a series of beautiful fishing villages, while the North York Moors offers a multitude of country roads, bridleways and forest track to explore on two wheels or feet.

You'll find tonnes more ideas of activities, attractions and places to visit on our website at www.discoveryorkshirecoast.com.

However you spend your half-term on the Yorkshire Coast, be sure to share your photos with us – just tag #DiscoverYorkshireCoast