Kate and Noah's Ark

Just outside Tadcaster, Kate and Noah's Ark is a proper working zoo where you can get up close to animals without the corporate feel of the big chains. It's a hands-on sort of place - the kind where you're encouraged to feed and handle creatures, which kids absolutely love. You'll find everything from rabbits and guinea pigs to more unusual livestock and exotic animals depending on what's currently at the attraction.

It works brilliantly if you're staying at one of the nearby parks like Wighill Park Glamping or Rudding Holiday Park and want a half-day activity that won't cost a fortune. The whole visit takes a couple of hours maximum, which is ideal for younger children who lose interest quickly. Don't expect Longleat-style spectacle - this is intimate and informal, which is rather the point.

Family groups with under-tens will get the most from it, particularly if the kids enjoy touching animals rather than just staring through glass. Older teenagers might find it a bit limited. The location near Tadcaster means you can easily combine it with a walk around the town or head towards Harrogate Caravan Park if you're based further north.

Best visited on a quiet weekday if you can manage it - school holidays see it rammed. Bring a packed lunch as refreshment options are basic. It's the sort of place that thrives on repeat visits from local families, so set expectations accordingly. Not a destination in itself, but a useful half-day filler for a park holiday in Yorkshire.