With the North York Moors on our doorstep and the Yorkshire coast just a short drive away, Gisborough Hall makes a relaxing base for a family getaway. Spend your days exploring, discovering and getting a little muddy, then return to the comfort of the hotel or settle into one of our cosy shepherd huts for a peaceful evening.
Here are some of our favourite things to do with children this autumn.
You don’t have to travel far for your first family adventure.
Just a short distance from Gisborough Hall, Gisborough Priory is a fascinating place to explore. The atmospheric medieval ruins provide an impressive backdrop for a family walk and a chance to step back in time.
The dramatic remains of the 14th-century church make it a memorable place to visit, while the surrounding priory grounds and woodland garden provide space to explore.
It is also free to visit, making it an easy addition to your itinerary.
Family tip: combine a visit to the priory with a wander around Guisborough town before heading back to Gisborough Hall for something to eat.
Few places feel quite as atmospheric in autumn as Whitby.
Explore the historic seaside town, enjoy fish and chips by the harbour and climb the famous 199 steps before heading up to Whitby Abbey.
For Halloween 2026, the abbey will be illuminated from 23–31 October, 5.30pm–9pm, transforming the Gothic ruins after dark. The event includes dramatic illuminations, local food and drink and a family-friendly Dracula-themed experience.
It is a brilliant way to make an autumn evening feel a little more magical.
During the day, there is plenty more for families to discover in Whitby, from the beach and harbour to the Captain Cook Museum and the winding streets of the old town.
When the leaves start turning gold, Guisborough Forest comes into its own.
With woodland trails, opportunities for cycling, a large children’s playground and plenty of space to run, climb and explore, it is an easy choice for a family day outdoors.
Pack wellies and waterproofs, let the children burn off some energy and enjoy the changing colours of the forest.
And if everyone is still full of energy afterwards, head towards the hills for another autumn adventure.
The unmistakable silhouette of Roseberry Topping is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the area.
The climb to the summit is short but steep in places, making it a great challenge for older children and adventurous families. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with impressive views across the surrounding countryside.
Autumn is a particularly lovely time to visit, with colourful woodland, crisp air and changing landscapes all around you.
For younger children, the surrounding woodland also offers opportunities to explore without necessarily taking on the full summit climb.
Don’t forget: paths can become muddy and slippery during autumn, so sensible footwear is essential.
Head into the North York Moors and make your way to Danby Lodge, where families can discover the landscape, wildlife and stories of the National Park.
For younger visitors, Danby Den provides an opportunity to climb, scramble and play outdoors, making it a great stop when little legs need a break from walking.
The surrounding North York Moors also offer plenty of family-friendly trails, picnic spots and opportunities to spot wildlife.
Autumn isn’t just about what you can see during the day.
The North York Moors is an International Dark Sky Reserve, making it an incredible place to experience the night sky away from the glow of the towns and cities.
The Dark Skies Fringe Festival runs from 23 October to 1 November 2026, with events across the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales.
There are stargazing sessions, astronomy experiences and family events taking place throughout the festival.
For Halloween, Halloween in Outer Space takes place on Friday 30 October 2026 in Guisborough. Families can explore the spooky side of the universe with a planetarium experience and an alien-themed adventure.
It’s the sort of experience children will be talking about long after they’ve gone home.
Nothing says autumn quite like a pumpkin.
Make a trip to Pontac Farm near New Marske for a seasonal pumpkin-picking adventure. The family-run farm has been running its Pick Your Own Pumpkin experience since 2016, giving families the chance to learn about the pumpkin-growing process and choose their own pumpkin.
With countryside and coastal views, it’s a lovely way to spend a crisp autumn day — and you’ll have the perfect pumpkin to take home ready for Halloween.
Top tip: check the farm’s latest opening information before travelling, as pumpkin-picking is a seasonal activity.
Autumn doesn’t mean the end of seaside adventures.
Saltburn-by-the-Sea is ideal for a family day out, whatever the season. Take a walk along the promenade, explore the beach, ride the famous funicular and stop for something tasty along the way.
For adventurous families, autumn can also be a great time to watch — or try — surfing, with Saltburn being one of the best-known surfing spots on the Yorkshire coast.
Even if you don’t fancy getting into the water, watching the waves roll in from the beach is a brilliant way to enjoy the coast.
For a quintessential Yorkshire coast adventure, head to Robin Hood’s Bay.
The village’s steep, winding streets lead down towards the beach, where families can explore rock pools, hunt for fossils and enjoy a bracing coastal walk.
The village itself is full of character, with independent shops, cafés and plenty of history to discover.
Just remember that some of the paths and streets are steep, so sensible shoes are a must.
Autumn is a particularly exciting time for wildlife lovers.
From late August through to early November, whales move south along the Yorkshire coast following shoals of mackerel and herring. Whale-watching trips operate from locations including Whitby and Staithes.
Sightings can include minke whales, humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises and seals, as well as an incredible variety of seabirds.
Of course, wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, but that’s part of the adventure — keep your eyes on the horizon and see what you can spot.
If your family loves being outdoors, make time for Dalby Forest.
With thousands of acres of woodland, walking and cycling trails, play areas and family activities, it’s an excellent destination for a full day out.
Autumn brings a spectacular display of changing leaves, making even a simple woodland walk feel special.
You can choose something gentle for little legs or make the day more adventurous with cycling, Go Ape or other outdoor activities.
And when darkness falls, Dalby is also part of the North York Moors’ exceptional dark-sky landscape.
For a day when the weather isn’t on your side — or simply when the children need a change of pace — Hopetown Darlington is packed with family-friendly things to see and do.
During Halloween 2026, Hopetown’s Spooktown runs from 24 October to 1 November, with spooky activities including a Ghost Train, Trick or Treat Trail and other Halloween adventures.
There are also some special events worth planning your visit around:
Into the Wild! – A Halloween Bushcraft Experience
On Monday 26 October, children aged 6–11 can get stuck into a Halloween-themed bushcraft adventure, with shelter building, fire lighting, archery and outdoor challenges.
On Friday 30 October, Big Science brings a Halloween twist to its interactive science show, with demonstrations and experiments designed to get children excited about science.
With plenty happening at Hopetown throughout half term, it is a great option for families looking for something different.
If your children love animals, head along the coast to SEA LIFE Scarborough.
Discover sharks, rays, penguins, otters and plenty more underwater creatures — and during autumn 2026, the centre is also hosting its spooky Ascarium experience from 4 October to 1 November.
It’s an easy way to add an indoor attraction to your itinerary, particularly on a classic Yorkshire autumn day when the weather decides to do its own thing.
For families with older children looking for something more energetic, Tees Barrage offers plenty of opportunities for adventure.
Try watersports, explore the walking and cycling routes or take on the Air Trail high ropes course.
There are also activities including family rafting, paddleboarding, kayaking and other watersports for visitors aged eight and over.
It’s a great option when the children have energy to burn!
This autumn, ARC Stockton Arts Centre is hosting The Witch Who Couldn’t Sleep on Saturday 31 October 2026.
Perfect for younger children, this magical Halloween performance follows a little witch who simply can’t get to sleep. With plenty of imagination, fun and spooky-season charm, it’s a lovely way to enjoy Halloween.
At ARC, there’s a programme of theatre, live performance and family entertainment throughout the year, so it’s worth checking what’s on during your stay.
With so much to see and do, a family autumn break gives you the chance to explore at your own pace.
At Gisborough Hall, you can choose between a stay in the hotel or something a little different: our luxury shepherd huts.
Our Kittiwake Family Hut sleeps two adults and two children, giving families their own cosy base surrounded by woodland and North Yorkshire countryside.
The huts combine the fun of a countryside escape with the comforts you want after a busy day out, including a cosy living space, kitchenette, log burner, private outdoor space and soaking tub.
Alternatively, our hotel accommodation offers a comfortable base for exploring the coast, countryside and North York Moors, with food and drink available at the hotel when you return.
So whether your ideal autumn day involves climbing a hill, hunting for fossils, watching whales, picking pumpkins, exploring medieval ruins or searching for stars, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained.
Plan your autumn family break at Gisborough Hall
Gisborough Hall
Whitby Lane
Guisborough
TS14 6PT
01287 611 500
welcome@gisborough-hall.com
Breakfast
7.00am – 9.45am (Monday – Friday)
8.00am – 10.30am (Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays)
Served in Chaloner’s Restaurant
Sunday lunch
12.30pm – 2.30pm
Served in Chaloner’s Restaurant
Lunch – Monday to Saturday
12.30pm – 3pm
Served in De Brus Bar & Grill
Sandwiches, cakes, pastries, tea & coffee
10.00pm – 5.00pm (Monday – Sunday)
Served in the Inner Hall and The Drawing Room
Afternoon Tea
1.00pm – 4.00pm (Monday – Saturday)
2.30pm – 4.30pm (Sunday)
Served in the Inner Hall and The Drawing Room
Dinner
6.00pm – 9.30pm (Monday – Saturday)
6.30pm-9.30pm (Sunday)
Served in Chaloner’s Restaurant and De Brus Bar & Grill
To book a table please call the team on 01287 611500 or email welcome@gisborough-hall.com
The hotel operates a smart casual dress code. We kindly request no ripped/ faded jeans, shorts, trainers or sportswear within Chaloner’s fine dining restaurant.
