Looking for the ultimate family break in Yorkshire? Nestled between the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Coast, High Oaks Grange is the perfect base for a long weekend packed with fresh air, fun, and family-friendly attractions. From thrill rides to tranquil villages, here’s a day-by-day guide to making the most of your stay.
Day 1 – Friday: Arrival, Settling In & Pickering
Check-in: 4:00pm
As you arrive at High Oaks Grange, you’ll be greeted by rolling countryside and modern, luxurious accommodation—from cosy glamping pods to spacious family lodges with hot tubs. Unpack, unwind, and let the kids explore the safe, open grounds and well-equipped play area. If you're travelling with a dog, stretch your legs in our large, enclosed dog field—it’s completely free to use and perfect for a game of fetch.
In the evening, take a short drive into Pickering, a historic market town just 5 minutes away. For dinner, we recommend Spice 4 U, an award-winning Indian restaurant with excellent service and a varied menu to suit all palates. If you prefer a more traditional pub meal, the Bay Horse Inn or The Black Swan are also great options for families.
Day 2 – Saturday: Flamingo Land Adventure & BBQ Under the Stars
After a hearty breakfast in your accommodation, it’s time for a full day at Flamingo Land Resort. Yorkshire’s most popular theme park and zoo. Located just 15 minutes from High Oaks Grange, it’s a hit with families of all ages. Ride white-knuckle rollercoasters like Kumali and Velocity, enjoy gentle rides in DinoStone Park for the little ones, and visit over 140 animal species including giraffes, tigers, and sea lions.
Top Tip: Arrive early and download the Flamingo Land app to help plan your visit and avoid queues.
Evening:
Return to your accommodation for a BBQ evening in your private outdoor space. Stop by the award-winning Cedar Barn Farm Shop, just next door to High Oaks Grange, to pick up locally sourced meat, fresh vegetables, and baked goods. There’s also a café, miniature railway, fruit picking and playground, making it a fun stop for little ones.
Light up the BBQ, pour a drink, and enjoy the evening with the Yorkshire countryside as your backdrop. Kids can toast marshmallows, while parents relax in the hot tub or on the terrace.
Day 3 – Sunday: Water Sports & Woodland High Ropes
Morning: North Yorkshire Water Park | Wykeham
Located near Wykeham, about 15 minutes from High Oaks Grange, this park offers a huge range of outdoor activities. Book the AquaPark for inflatable obstacle fun on the water, or try stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and wake boarding. For those who prefer dry land, there’s also a climbing wall, zipline, and peaceful walking trails around the lakes.
Facilities include changing rooms, showers, and a lovely lakeside café for snacks and drinks.
Afternoon: Go Ape | Dalby Forest
Head to Dalby Forest, a fantastic outdoor playground for families. At Go Ape, kids and adults can tackle high ropes, zip wires, and climbing challenges in the treetops.
For little legs or non-climbers, the forest is packed with waymarked trails, Gruffalo sculptures, picnic spots, and cycle hire options. The visitor centre has a café, toilets, and a shop selling maps and local treats.
Evening:
After an action-packed day, wind down with a simple dinner back at High Oaks Grange. If you’re too tired to cook, Pickering has excellent takeaways - everything from fish and chips, chinese to stone-baked pizza.
Day 4 – Monday: Thornton-le-Dale & Pickering Wanderings
Morning:
Spend your final day enjoying two of the prettiest spots in North Yorkshire. Start in Thornton-le-Dale, just 5 minutes from the estate. This postcard-perfect village has a duck pond, charming cottages, and tea rooms like Balderson’s Café or Lavenders Tea Rooms, ideal for a morning treat. The local chocolate shop is also a hit with kids.
Check-out: 10:00am
Pack up and head home with memories of a weekend packed with fresh air, excitement, and quality family time.
Why Stay at High Oaks Grange?
Whether you choose a luxury lodge, cottage, or glamping pod, you’ll enjoy high-spec interiors, private outdoor space, and thoughtful extras like welcome hampers and robes for the hot tub. Our location makes it easy to explore North Yorkshire’s top attractions without long drives - and we’re proud to be dog-friendly too.
