Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) in Crayke

"If you’re craving green space, head to one of the largest city parks in Europe to spend an afternoon walking the dog or simply sunbathing on one of the many lawns. Roundhay Park is a popular spot all year round with a variety of lakes, meadows and forests to walk around and explore. Roundhay Park | © Chemical Engineer / Wikimedia | © Chemical Engineer / Wikimedia"

"At 55 hectares, it’s no surprise that Golden Acre Park made this list. It’s got a little bit of everything, which means you can easily lose a day exploring, especially if you add Breary Marsh and Adel Dam into your adventures. You’ll find all manner of wildlife here, including kingfishers, swans, woodpeckers and herons – be sure to visit the wildfowl lakes, woodland gardens and cherry orchard to make the most of the experience."

"This one lies just a short drive to the north of the city and is the perfect place to get lost in the kaleidoscope of pathways that run through the woods to the north of the parkland. Take a stroll past the café along the southern edge of the park to get the best view of Wildfowl Lake, which suddenly opens up as you approach the duck hut."

"Six miles north of Leeds city centre is this park (once an amusement park) which is best known for its gardens, popular tea rooms and circular lakeside walk. Reach it via Otley Road, LS16 9JY."

"Housed in a majestic stone building with pillars reminiscent of the Parthenon in Greece, sits one of the best collections of archaeology and geology in Europe. Ranging from prehistoric natural history, through ancient Roman treasure and up toward the modern-day, this is a great early stop on your exploration of York. Arm yourself with knowledge of the history that makes this city so special, and watch as every subsequent attraction comes to life with your new understanding."

"Visiting the Museum Gardens is yet another free activity to do in York. On a nice, summer’s day you can bring a picnic here and relax on a bench or the grass. You can also explore the ruins of the medieval St. Mary’s Abbey, or simply visit The Yorkshire Museum."

"One of the largest parks in Europe, Roundhay Park – not far from the city centre – stretches over a whopping 700 acres. With lakes and woodland in the park, as well as activities galore and some open-air theatre in summer, you can also visit Tropical World, the largest collection of tropical plants outside Kew Gardens. There are also a string of walking routes, including past the castle ruins and around the lake, and several play areas to entertain younger kids."

"The Tropical World at Roundhay Park has become one of the most coveted family attractions in Leeds. Situated just three miles from the city centre, this terrain is great to take a trek through the rainforest, relax in the simulated environs of Australia and to take a quick excursion through the desert. This is one of the best ways to learn the tropical habitat...Read more"

"Fitting in perfectly with our list is Tropical World, which is actually situated in Roundhay Park. This is fantastic for you, not only is it a popular attraction but it will also offer you some shelter from the weather should it turn bad. There is a small admission fee of £5 for adults, or £2.50 for children, but it’s more than worth it for what you’ll be seeing."

"Rodley Nature Reserve is a nature reserve dedicated to bringing wetland wildlife back in the area of Leeds. With regular sightings of different birds like owls, kingfishers, kestrels, lapwings and many others, you would certainly enjoy traversing the different paths that they have and be closer to nature through the amazing sights that they offer. A hidden gem, this wetland reserve can be considered a haven that offers a relaxing tour and walks around the area."

"Four miles west of the city centre, on the banks of the River Aire is this wetland nature reserve. With a lagoon, scrubland, wet grassland and reed beds it's a great place to stroll and spot waterfowl, birds of prey and other nature. Access it via Moss Bridge Road, Rodley, Leeds LS13 1HP."

"Another set of magnificent gardens in Harrogate are these towards the western edge of town, which reflect the Yorkshire landscape with a selection of trails, a log maze and tea rooms. There's also a range of boutique shops and tours on offer at the 17 acre site which, as is the case with many parts of Harrogate, was formerly the location for a bath house and a spa. Harlow Carr Gardens are at Crag Lane, Harrogate HG3 1QB. The gardens are open from 9.30am throughout the year and close at 6pm from March to October and 4pm for the rest of the year."

"Many areas of the Yorkshire countryside look like something out of a fantasy film, and this is especially true of Brimham Rocks. The huge natural rock formations were carved into strange shapes by an ancient river and now sit prominently in the midst of the rolling hills of the Dales."

"Depending on the adventurous nature of your kids – or the nerves of mum and dad!. – make a family trip to Brimham Rocks. The National Trust managed Brimham Rocks is an elevated plateau full of rocky towers and enormous rock formations with alcoves and tiny caves for exploring."

"Brimham Rocks is one the finest natural wonders in Yorkshire. These balancing rock formations are set amidst the awe-inspiring landscape of God’s Own Country. They’ve slowly formed over thousands of years as the millstone grit has been eroded by water, glaciation and wind."

"This lake is next to Leeds Bradford Airport but don't let that put you off. It's an easy, level walk where you can spot waterfowl as you stroll. Reach it via Cemetery Road, LS19 7UR."

"This pink facade building on St. Helen’s Square (near Betty’s Tea Rooms) is the official residence of the Lord Mayor of York and has only recently opened to the public. The grand, 800 year old house showcases collections of silverware and ceramics, ceremonial items used by the Lord Mayor as well as recreated 18th century bedrooms and dining rooms. The downstairs kitchen has interactive exhibits and equipment to learn about Georgian cooking ."

"Located in the center of the city, the Mansion House is the official residence of the Lord Mayor of York. But along with being a home, this historic house is popular with visitors. The Mansion House exhibits an impressive collection of paintings, silver and furniture."

"We talk about Kirkstall Abbey a lot, but it’s only because it really is very special. Built sometime around 1152, this ancient abbey was inhabited by monks for almost four centuries, until Henry VIII closed all of the monasteries down. There’s so much history here, and while wandering around you can really begin to imagine what the abbey was like almost 1000 years ago, when it was first built."

"Kirkstall abbey is a well-preserved medieval abbey which has stunning architecture and some great ruins. It is set in parkland and it is the perfect place for a walk. There is also an outdoor deli market where you can try some delicious food, such as a hot spiced wine or a fresh stonebaked pizza, or buy an artisan gift for your friends."

"Kirkstall Abbey is a beautiful historic ruin in West Leeds that has some spectacular angles to photograph. The Abbey was founded over 800 years ago and is one of the most well preserved monasteries in the country. It’s free to step back in time into the Abbey to see the marvelous detail and architecture that it has."

"As the name implies, York’s Merchant Adventurers were merchants. They traded along the English coast, northern Europe and sometimes as far as the Baltic and Iceland, bringing back an assortment of desired goods to York. The city was an important river port and the wealthiest city in Northern England, second only to London for most of the Middle Ages, allowing the merchants to make enough money to build the Hall between 1357 and 1361."

"Stately homes may be two a penny in England, but you'll have to try pretty damn hard to find one as breathtakingly stately as Castle Howard, a work of theatrical grandeur and audacity set in the rolling Howardian Hills. This is one of the world's most beautiful buildings, instantly recognisable from its starring role in the 1980s TV series Brideshead Revisited and in the 2008 film of the same name (both based on Evelyn Waugh's 1945 novel of nostalgia for the English aristocracy)."

"Standing in the Howardian Hills to the west of Malton, Castle Howard is an outstanding example of English baroque, with a distinctive…"

"Another set of magnificent gardens in Harrogate are these towards the western edge of town, which reflect the Yorkshire landscape with a selection of trails, a log maze and tea rooms. There's also a range of boutique shops and tours on offer at the 17 acre site which, as is the case with many parts of Harrogate, was formerly the location for a bath house and a spa. Harlow Carr Gardens are at Crag Lane, Harrogate HG3 1QB. The gardens are open from 9.30am throughout the year and close at 6pm from March to October and 4pm for the rest of the year."

"They serve unreal kebabs, fried chick’n and sides, and the best part is, everything on the menu is completely vegan friendly!. My personal favourite is the fried chick’n combo with buffalo sauce. However, everything I’ve tried from there is amazing, so I can promise you that you won’t be disappointed!"