Children’s planet

Children's Planet is a nature reserve in North Yorkshire that does exactly what it says on the tin - gives kids a proper hands-on introduction to the natural world. You'll find interactive exhibits, outdoor trails, and spaces designed for younger visitors to explore wildlife and habitats without feeling like they're being lectured at.

The reserve works best for families with children aged roughly 4 to 12, though toddlers can tag along if you're prepared for a shorter visit. It's the kind of place where kids actually want to stop and look at things rather than dragging you past them. Allow a couple of hours to do it justice without rushing, though you could stretch it to half a day if your lot are particularly engaged.

It's a natural fit alongside the caravan parks dotted around North Yorkshire - Black Bull, Westgate Carr Farm, and Swallowtails Glamping are all within a couple of miles, making it a handy rainy-day option or an easy morning out while you're staying put. The nearby parks at Lakeside and Yorkshire Burrows are slightly further afield but still workable for a day trip.

Admission details and opening hours aren't readily available, so ring ahead or check online before you go - nothing worse than arriving somewhere with excited kids only to find it's closed. It's free or reasonably priced based on similar reserves, but confirm that first. Decent spot if you're after something low-key and educational without being pretentious about it.