We have been away for a few days in Scotland and with rain forecast for most of the morning, we decided to break the back of the journey whilst it was pouring down outside!  We ended up approaching Bedale at lunchtime and I remembered Thorp Perrow was nearby so we decided to stop off, have a bite to eat, some fresh air and a much-needed stretch of our legs!
When we were paying the mini mumblers got very excited when they were given their ‘Terrifying Trail” map and goody bag!  We convinced them that it was a good idea to eat first and we went into the tearooms which are located next to the entrance although there are plenty of outdoor benches if you have your own picnic.  The service in the tearooms was very efficient and they had a good selection of food to choose from for both us and the children. The youngest had a sandwich box and the eldest had half a jacket potato, there was also a selection of hot food including Giant Yorkshire Puddings!
After a quick lunch we set out on the trail equipped for wet weather but luckily it stayed dry! The trail was pram friendly and although wet underfoot was on hard standing. Both children got involved in the trail as the youngest could identify the numbers at each display and the eldest found the letter and wrote it on the trial sheet. Some of the displays were interactive where clapping triggered the spooky display to come to life with sounds or movement!  We had a nice autumn walk around the trail which took about 40 minutes. The whole place felt very compact which was good for little legs that had done a lot of walking in the previous days!
There is also a bird and animal centre which has a wide selection of birds, including every type of owl you could imagine! There is also a falcon display twice a day (check times on arrival). The animal area is great for younger children as the animals are fairly accessible and you can purchase bags of food from the gift shop to feed the meerkats, goats and wallabies. (You can walk through the Wallabies enclosure.)
We then headed to the adventure playground which is set in a clearing amongst the trees. There is something for all ages, the main centrepiece is a wooden climbing frame shaped like a beetle bug! There was a smaller slide, mini assault course, swings, zip wire, hideout and a sand pit for the warmer months.
There were plenty of other nature walks to explore and take in the arboretum, unfortunately, we ran out of time. There are lots of wooden animals throughout the arboretum for children to explore.
If you are in the area or looking for somewhere to meet friends from further north Thorp Perrow is worth a visit. Â It took us 50 minutes back to North Leeds from Thorp Perrow.
The ‘Terrifying Trail’ continues to 5th November. (Other trials take place throughout the year)
Thorp Perrow Arboretum, Bedale DL8 2PS. Tel:Â 01677 425323
Dogs are welcome on leads.
OPENING TIMES:
Spring, Summer & Autumn (Mid-February to Mid-November)
Daily from 10am – 5pm
Meet the Owls at 11.30am
Flying Displays at 1.30pm & 3.30pm
Winter (Mid-November to Mid-February)
Daily from 11am – 3pm
Flying Display at 1.30pm
ADMISSION PRICES
Admission prices include both the Arboretum and Bird of Prey & Mammal Centre
(Under 4s Free)
Adults -£8.90
Concession* £7.90
Child (4-16) £5.60
Family (2 + 2) £27.90
Family (2 + 3) £33.50
