Family fun at Hardcastle Crags

A woman and two boys crossing stepping stones over a river at Hardcastle Crags, West Yorkshire — Crossing stepping stones at Hardcastle Crags, West Yorkshire | © National Trust Images/John Millar

The woodland at Hardcastle Crags is a huge, natural play area for our younger visitors. From jumping over logs, to den building and exploring the woodland on a family walk, there's lots to discover on a visit.

Family walks

Most of the walking trails are suitable for families of all abilities, who are used to walking the distance. Pack a picnic and head out for a family walk to enjoy Hardcastle Crags at its finest.

Lots of the routes take in Gibson Mill too, so you can pop into the Weaving Shed for a mid-walk ice cream.

Den building

You're never too old to create a secret woodland hideaway.

Just beyond the mill, there's a grassy area which has plenty of space for building dens. Pile sticks against a tree, cover it in leaves and watch the world go by.

50 things to do before you’re 11¾

Have you heard of the National Trust's 50 things to do before you're 11¾? Discover 50 nature-themed activities for the whole family to enjoy.

There's bugs to befriend, puddles to splash in and ponds to investigate so why not challenge yourself to see how many you can tick off on a visit to Hardcastle Crags?

Here are a few ideas to help get you started:

No. 31: Make friends with a bug. See how many you can find in the woodland and make some new friends on your visit.
No. 21: Have fun with sticks. Gather up sticks of all sizes and make a trail through the trees.
No. 1: Get to know a tree. There's plenty to choose from at Hardcastle Crags. From tall trees to new trees, take a look at the different varieties growing in the woodland.
No. 30. Go on a scavenger hunt: Follow the footpaths through the trees and look for treasures on the woodland floor.
No. 25. Join nature's band. What sounds can you hear from within the trees? Listen for wildlife and sing along with the birds.