Family friendly things to do at Brimham Rocks

Children playing at Brimham Rocks, North Yorkshire | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

If you're looking for somewhere exciting to get little legs exploring the outdoors, then Brimham is the natural playground that will get those wellies on. This is a special place with pathways to race down, amazing rock formations to scramble over and acres of wildlife-filled moorland to explore.

Brimham Rocks provide a wonderful place for an adventure for all the family but please explore safely

The rocks and paths can become slippery when wet. Always keep an eye on children, there are sudden drops and steep slopes across the site. If you're visiting Brimham Rocks to take part in activities such as rock climbing, please make sure you have someone with you and take extra care at height. If you need assistance, please call the emergency services (999) and ask for mountain rescue.

Nature Explorers: Pond dipping

Friday 31 May, 10:30am - 12:30pm and 1:30pm - 3pm

Meet the rangers at the pond to find out which creepy crawlies wiggle from pondweed! All equipment and identification cards will be will be provided. This is a free event and there is no need to book in advance. Little ones (and grown ups) welcome.

Nature Explorers: Hunt for a bug

Saturday 8 June, 10am - 12:30pm and 1pm - 3pm

Join the rangers to shake a branch, explore underneath and use materials to get up close to the creepy crawlies that call Brimham Rocks home. This is a free event and there is no need to book in advance. Little ones (and grown ups) welcome.

Active Outdoors: Adventure days

Sessions are running throughout the year, 9:30am-12pm and 12pm-3:30pm

Get outside, get active, discover hidden secrets, learn new skills and face stimulating challenges on an active outdoors adventure day with Live For Today. Book in advance onto a 2.5 hour session to have a go. All activities will be led and guided by our expert instructors. Book your tickets here.

Orienteering

Have a go at orienteering at Brimham Rocks. There is a permanent course available all year round, whatever the weather. Pick up a map from the visitor centre on arrival and start your adventure. The course is perfect for beginners, families, dog-walkers and school groups. Download our orienteering course here.

Geocaching

Join the international digital treasure hunt. There are geocaches hidden away around the rocks, moorland and woodland of Brimham Rocks. They combine two separate trails.

To get started download the geocaching app, sign up and get exploring.

What's on at Brimham Rocks

Climbing

Brimham's varied and dramatic natural landscape makes it the most diverse landscape in Yorkshire for climbing. If you've got the equipment and the enthusiasm, then come and have a go.

Check our What’s On pages for opportunities to join a taster session or climbing and abseiling day with our partners Live for Today.

Climbing on the rocks can be dangerous and requires skill and special equipment. Please be aware of heights and sudden drops and keep children under close supervision.

What types of climbing are available at Brimham?

Bouldering: The most accessible and most varied climbing technique, this involves placing a crash pad (or bouldering mat) on the ground below the rock face then exploring the lower part of the rock. Instructors keep an eye on safety and help with equipment such as chalk and tape. Brimham has many ideal locations and interesting rock shapes to try this out.

Roped climbing: Here, an instructor sets up a system of ropes to recreate the security of an indoor climbing wall. At Brimham, the taller rock faces overlook the stunning valley of Lower Nidderdale.

Weaseling: Ideal for children, this involves scrambling through tight spaces, around twisty passages and discovering the rocks' nooks and crannies.

Abseiling: This is a fun and spectacular day out. There are occasional charity abseiling days at Brimham.