Be a child again! Return ruddy cheeked after a damn good play! Take your life into your own hands at Go Ape! Or failing that it' great date opportunity - is he/she fearless/fit/ look good on a trip wire?

goape.co.uk/

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

If you like customising everything under the sun with quirky buttons, buckles, ribbons and trim, then this is the place for you. The first shop opened in Harrogate in 1956, and there is another in Ilkley, and a third in a wonderful medieval building in York. Drusilla White, the daughter of Duttons founder, travels the world in search of fabulous buttons, and offers the largest selection in the UK - over 12,000 to be precise. They range from sparkly diamante to vintage glass, shell, wood and ceramic. Unusual designs include buttons in the shape of hats, lighthouses, owls and fish. They sell a great hessian bag for you to customise, and every other haberdashery item you could ever need. Buttons from Duttons can even be spotted in films such as Pirates of the Caribbean and Evita!

www.duttonsforbuttons.co.uk
Oxford Street, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England, HG1 1QE
+44(0)1423 502 092
Google map: bit.ly/rtptkh

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

The front of York Minster is always busy with tourists and groups alike but behind this is the Minster Gardens and it’s hard to believe that these gardens are in the centre of a busy town. It’s quiet and peaceful and a perfect place to look at the cherry blossoms in spring, have a picnic (no ball games, or cycling allowed) or to just sit and admire the grandeur of the Minster. On Tuesday evenings the bell ringers practice in the Minster and sitting in the gardens listening to this is magic.

www.yorkminster.org
1 Chapter House Street, York YO1 7HH
+44(0)844 939 0011
Google map: bit.ly/mgvsnn

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Castle Howard is set in thousands of acres of beautiful North Yorkshire countryside, and the gardens have just won the Historic House Association/Christie’s Garden of the Year Award.
As you explore, surprise vistas keep unfolding - a wonderful example of architecture and nature in perfect harmony.
Close to the house you’ll find the enchanting 18th century walled rose garden, and a stroll along the grass terraces will bring you to Ray Wood, which is particularly impressive at this time of year with a plethora of rhododendrons, azaleas and magnolias in bloom. There are lakes and fountains, statues, temples and architectural follies galore, as well as the impressive mausoleum which is still used as the Howard family resting place.
There is even an ornamental vegetable garden, and an adventure trail for families. If you - or your offspring - get inspired, then you can call at the garden centre on your way out.

www.castlehoward.co.uk
+44(0)1653 648333
Castle Howard Estate, Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA
Google map: bit.ly/ij3Eh5

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends