Get out in the great outdoors: check out these countryside activities

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This summer, why not discover the beauty of the countryside that's on our doorstep?

North Yorkshire is England’s largest county and boasts some of the country’s most breathtaking countryside, from the heather-clad expanses of the North York Moors to the rolling pastures of the Yorkshire Dales. 

But even for those of us who call this place home, there’s always something new to uncover – whether it's a hidden walking trail, a peaceful picnic spot, or a family-run farm offering activities and staycations. From weekend rambles to lazy afternoons by the river in the Dales, North Yorkshire is full of simple, rewarding ways to enjoy the great outdoors. 

The Stray Ferret shines a spotlight on some of the local countryside activities that you can enjoy close to home.

Camp at Little Seed Field

Little Seed Field is a family-run, working dairy farm offering a close-to-nature glamping experience on the edge of Nidderdale. It's a place where time flows slowly, a place to pause, relax and unwind surrounded by the natural landscape of the Yorkshire Dales.

This beautiful site has it all – on site nature areas, wildlife, amazing walks, panoramic views and glorious sunsets – you can even book a farm tour to meet the cows and see the milking process.

The seven dog-friendly log cabins (four of which are ensuite) are equipped with luxury beds, log-burning stoves, indoor and outdoor seating, barbecues and all the equipment you need to enjoy a relaxing break in Yorkshire (including power and a kettle for those all-important cups of Yorkshire Tea). 

Each cabin can sleep up to four guests each, split between a double bed and a set of bunk beds. The best bit? None of the cabins are overlooked and they all have uninterrupted views of the stunning Yorkshire Dales.

At Little Seed Field, nature and comfort coexist beautifully. This wild sanctuary provides space for romance and adventure and the opportunity to explore the great outdoors, embrace the seasons and dedicate time to simple pleasures. 

Prices vary depending on cabin and length of stay. Visit the website for more information.

Pick your own wildflowers at Mallard Grange Farm

Wander through the blooming fields of Mallard Grange Farm and take home a little piece of the countryside with you. During the summer months, the farm’s wildflower meadow bursts into colour – a beautiful patchwork of seasonal blooms just waiting to be picked.

Grab a bucket and enjoy a slow, peaceful stroll as you gather your own hand-picked bunch. Whether you're creating a bouquet to display at home, a fresh table arrangement, or just want to soak up the scent and colour of an English summer, wildflower picking at Mallard Grange is an unforgettable experience.

It’s a lovely way to spend an afternoon with friends, family, or just a bit of quiet time for yourself – surrounded by nature, birdsong, and bees busy at work. Don't forget your camera too – it's as photogenic as it is relaxing.

You can read more about the sustainable ethos behind Ripon's viral wildflower meadow here.

From the end of September, visitors to Mallard Grange Farm can also pick-their-own-pumpkins.

A jar of blooms is £8, a small bucket of wildflowers costs £15 and a large bucket is priced at £30. 

Open from 10am-4pm seven days a week, but please check the Facebook page as it occasionally closes due to inclement weather. Mallard Grange, Aldfield, Ripon, HG4 3BE. Vist the website for more information.

Visit Brimham Rocks

Discover Brimham Rocks: an amazing collection of natural rock formations in North Yorkshire, managed by the National Trust. These dramatic, weird and wonderful rock formations were created by an immersive river 100 million years before the first dinosaurs walked the earth, and you can now walk through them.

Brimham Rocks is a great place to escape to the countryside without venturing too far. With pathways to wander, rocks to scramble over (but that’s not compulsory) and acres of wildlife-filled moorland to explore, you’re bound to fill a day out in the countryside here.

The landscape that the National Trust cares for at Brimham Rocks presents challenges in creating access for all, but the team has taken steps to ensure that as many people as possible are able to experience Brimham Rocks, from hard-standing paths to mobility scooter hire. 

And if you’re looking for a quieter visit, you can take the lesser-trodden paths through the moorland, experience a flood of purple heather in the summer and a haven of calm in the winter.

Free, but car parking charges apply. Brimham Moor Road, Summerbridge, Harrogate, HG3 4DW. Visit the website for more information.

Try a countryside trade

While you're in the countryside, there's a rich variety of traditional rural skills that reflect the area’s farming and craft heritage that you can have a go at.

From dry stone walling, hedge laying and green woodworking to blacksmithing and sheep shearing, hands-on experiences help to connect locals and visitors alike to the land and its history. 

Textile crafts such as wool spinning, natural dyeing and felting are also popular, alongside heritage food skills such as bread and cheese making, foraging and preserving. 

Seasonal activities like lambing, horse ploughing and beekeeping also offer further insight into rural life. 

These are just some of the experiences that are often available at local museums, national park centres, and working farms throughout the region; simply look online for more information.

Go walking

If you’re looking for a variety of walking trails, where better than North Yorkshire?

Popular routes such as Ingleton Waterfalls Trail and Malham Cove draw walkers year-round, while charming villages in the Yorkshire Dales, including Grassington and Reeth, are perfect for a leisurely wander and a spot of exploring.

Head over to the North York Moors for wide-open views and quiet paths winding through the heather. The Cleveland Way offers breathtaking coastal scenery, especially near Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay.

For a gentle walk, a wander around Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal mixes nature and history, as do many of these seven must-visit gardens, including Castle Howard. 

And don't forget to check out these reservoir walks to walk around too.

Whether you're looking for a challenging hike or just a lazy afternoon stroll, North Yorkshire has something to suit everyone and every pace.