Thornton Hall Country Park
Hands-On Farm Animals, Giant Play Barns & Family Adventure Near Skipton
Posted on 5th August 2026
Situated in Thornton-in-Craven near Skipton on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, Thornton Hall Country Park is an award-winning family farm attraction packed with indoor and outdoor adventure for all ages.
Boasting a huge indoor play barn, interactive animal petting areas, tractor rides, quad treks, and seasonal event line-ups, the park combines traditional country farm fun with all-weather family entertainment throughout the year.
Highlights / What to See 🚜
Thornton Hall offers a massive selection of attractions designed for toddlers through to older children:
- Animal Barn & Petting Sessions: Get up close with friendly farm animals including llamas, alpacas, deer, goats, sheep, cows, ponies, pigs, and small furry pets in regular handling sessions.
- Giant Indoor Soft Play Barn: Ideal for rainy days, featuring multi-level soft play structures, giant slides, toddler zones, and comfortable seating for parents.
- Outdoor Adventure Play & Jumping Pillows: Race across giant outdoor air pillows, timber climbing frames, sandpits, and zip wires.
- Tractor Rides & Quad Bikes: Hop aboard seasonal safari tractor rides around the fields or tackle mini quad bike trails and caterpillar rides (small additional charge applies for motorized rides).
- Major Seasonal Events: Renowned for hosting immersive seasonal events, including Christmas wonderlands, Halloween festivals, spring lambing days, and summer tribute shows.
Diner & Tea Room Facilities ☕
The on-site eatery serves hot breakfasts, pizzas, burgers, light lunches, coffees, and homemade sweet treats. A covered picnic space and outdoor picnic tables are also provided for families bringing their own food.
Plan Your Visit 📅
Essential visitor details for organizing your day out:
Admission & Booking Guidance
Ticketed Entry: Admission charges apply for the farm park and soft play areas, with ticket rates varying between term-time weekdays and peak weekend or seasonal event dates.
Advance Online Booking: Pre-booking online is strongly advised, particularly on weekends, bank holidays, and school holiday periods to secure admission and choose preferred indoor soft play time slots.
Check current ticket prices, special event schedules, and book online directly via the official Thornton Hall Country Park Website.
* Note: Admission rates, timed play sessions, and event availability are subject to change. Please consult the venue's official website prior to travel.
Opening Hours
Open daily 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM (seasonal hours apply during winter and special evening event dates).
Dog Policy
Dogs are not permitted inside the farm park or play barns (registered assistance dogs permitted only).
Facilities
Diner, cafe, indoor soft play, gift shop, outdoor play parks, picnic marquees, baby changing, and accessible toilets.
Accessibility
Paved walkways connect main indoor play areas, cafes, and barns. Flat, level access for wheelchairs and strollers across main zones.
Getting There 🗺️
📍 Location Address:
Thornton Hall Country Park, Thornton-in-Craven, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 3TS
🚗 By Car & Parking
Situated off the A56 between Skipton and Colne, close to Earby and Barnoldswick. Ample free on-site parking is available for all visitors.
🚌 By Public Transport
The nearest main railway station is Skipton or Colne. Local bus services running between Skipton and Burnley stop along the A56 in Thornton-in-Craven.
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