Fountains Abbey

Fabulous if you like gloomy ruins. Very atmospheric. You get a good walk too. It is one of the only national trust sites in the area.

They often have craft activities for the children, especially at christmas.

Owned and run by the National Trust - National Trust members free.

Ideal place to bring children, particularly in the summer. Good paths for buggies throughout - also good for learner cyclists. Regular events introduce older children to what happened - but at four, ds is happy to just run around the ruins and find the pictures (there is a regular picture trail for children) on the way to the end and back. There is a tearoom near the Deer Park end which also has a kiosk round the back which does nice icecream. The main building has a good restaurant - its not cheap, but good food. Plenty of room for picnics. Changing facilities available in a number of locations in main building.