The Moors National Park Centre

A great place for a family day out is the visitor centre for the North York Moors National Park, just outside the small village of Danby, in the heart of the moors themselves. You can park up for the day and head off on all sorts of local walks – there are guidebooks and walk leaflets available – from a woodland ramble in neighbouring Crow Wood to a moorland meander around the surrounding hills and dales. Inside, an exhibition on two floors introduces you to the history, landscape, nature and cultural life of the area, and there's a well-stocked shop with lots of locally sourced gifts and crafts. Family activities take place throughout the year, from have-a-go archery sessions to children's treasure hunts and craft days – National Parks Week at the end of July is a particularly good time to visit – while the Woolly Sheep café has a secluded garden-terrace with views over the encroaching moors. While you're here, don't miss the National Park's Inspired by...gallery either, a light-filled contemporary space with some excellent changing exhibitions.