Nidderdale Llamas

A llama farm tucked into the Yorkshire dales near Harrogate where you can actually get close to these gangling, curious animals rather than gawping at them through a fence. The main draw is the walk-around experience - you're among the herd, feeding them if you fancy it, watching them interact with each other. They're surprisingly engaging creatures, less aloof than you'd expect, and genuinely funny when they decide they want your attention.

Kids absolutely love it. There's something about the scale of them - not intimidating, just properly tall and odd-looking - that keeps children entertained for a solid hour or two. Adults tend to relax here too. It's low-key, no major production. You're essentially on a working farm that's opened its gates to visitors.

The walk around the grounds is gentle enough for toddlers but long enough that you won't feel cheated. Allow two to three hours if you're not rushing. Spring and early summer are best when the animals are most active and the dales look their sharpest.

It pairs well with a stay at one of the nearby parks - Woodhouse Farm Holiday Park and Breaks Fold Farm Glamping are both within five miles, making this a relaxed half-day stop rather than a major expedition from base camp. Pack wellies though; it's a working farm, and Yorkshire weather can turn muddy without warning.