The Esk Valley with children

The valley is a natural playground. Nothing here is a theme park; the fun is in rivers, trains, hills and beaches.

Top things to do with children

• Stepping stones at Egton Bridge and Lealholm. Take spare socks.
• Steam trains on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, and the engine sheds at Grosmont where you can watch the engines up close.
• The Moors Centre at Danby: a big adventure playground, easy trails, a wildlife garden and craft activities in the holidays.
• Rowing boats and pedalos on the river at Ruswarp.
• Waterfalls: Falling Foss is the easier walk and has a tea garden with cake at the bottom; Mallyan Spout is more of a scramble for older children.
• Sheep on the green at Goathland, and the station from the Harry Potter films.
• Whitby: the beach, the 199 steps, the harbour, rock pools at low tide, the Dracula connection for older children, and fish and chips for everyone.

Practical notes

Most Esk Valley trains have space for a pushchair, and the stations at Whitby, Grosmont and Danby are the easiest for step-free access. Baby-changing facilities are available at The Moors Centre and at the larger NYMR stations. Riverside paths are muddy after rain and the river rises quickly; keep small children close at the stepping stones and never let them cross when the water is over the stones.

In the school holidays the national park runs family events at The Moors Centre, and the railway puts on special days. See what's on.