Toddler Holiday Tips for Angrove Country Park

Going on holiday with a toddler can be a slightly daunting prospect, but if you’re looking for a family friendly holiday in Yorkshire then Angrove Country Park is the place to be. 

Situated in the North York Moors, there are a huge amount of scenic woodland areas and walks nearby to explore. Take a container with you and your little one can enjoy collecting pinecones, twigs and leaves. You can walk directly from the park to the charming nearby towns of Stokesley and Great Ayton, along flat, pram-friendly footpaths.

You are just a 20-minute drive from Saltburn, a beautiful seaside town with vast expanses of sandy beaches, with unlimited pebbles to play with! Admire the colourful beach huts, the pier and funicular and play in the fantastic woodland gardens. If you can get your toddler to sit still for 15 minutes then you can even ride on the miniature railway!

If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, you don’t even need to leave the holiday park. The on-site amenities are excellent; you have a terrific restaurant, The G&Tea House, a great playground with a smaller slide which a toddler can climb up to themselves and adventure golf!

There is a huge amount of wildlife to spot, including ducklings in the pond and rabbits hopping about. There is also a lovely woodland area with plenty of wildflowers, read more here about our nature pledge.

Accommodation Tips

There are a variety of different lodge types available, these are located within The Oaks and The Woods. Here you can see the locations on the Angrove Country Park map. The smallest accommodation type sleeps two and the largest sleeps eight, dogs are welcome in selected units and all lodges have a private hot tub outside. Selected units also have an outdoor kitchen with a Big Green Egg bbq and pergola.

The Oaks is closer to the restaurant/play area, has a pretty pond and you can park directly next to your lodge. It is also closer to the start of the walks to Stokesley and Great Ayton.

The Woods is a new development which is accessed through a scenic woodland area, so it has a more secluded feel. There is a car park just a short walk from the lodges (with EV charging points). Little wagons are available to make carrying your belongings easier, and during check-in the team are on hand to take your bags to your lodge for you… all part of the Leisure Resorts welcome.

Bathtime
Some lodges only have showers and some have bathtubs, so if a bathtime wind-down is a priority in your little one’s bedtime routine, then pick either the Optimum 6, Optimum 8, or The View Lodge.

Bedtime
Travel cots are provided free of charge. The travel cots used are Red Kite and the dimensions are 72 x 101 x 71cm. As with most travel cots, the mattress provided is quite thin to ensure adhering to safe sleep guidelines. If you should wish to bring your own extra travel cot mattress with you for an older child to make it a little more comfortable, then a 95 x 65cm mattress would fit well. Please note the manufacturer guidelines state that only the supplied mattress must be used with this product. Cot sheets are not provided so please make sure to pack your own.

The example below is the twin room of the Escape Outdoor Living Lodge. One of the twin beds has been replaced with the cot and the bedside table has been moved to the foot of the remaining single bed, with the lamp tucked underneath to provide ambient bedtime lighting. The cot layout arrangement differs depending on lodge types/your booking requirements. If you phone reception directly to book they can advice on the best lodge type and sleeping arrangements to suit your needs.

Mealtime

Highchairs are also provided free of charge, in your accommodation you’ll find little plastic bowls and cups and great cooking facilities. Some lodges have full fridge freezers so you can stock up with fish fingers and frozen peas. The kitchens have a microwave and toaster so you can quickly heat up some beans on toast.

Most of the lodges have washing machines and dishwashers, so cleaning up is a breeze, it is also handy to know that your lodge will have an airer so you can easily dry your washing. (Facilities within different lodge types vary, please read lodge specifications prior to booking). The on-site restaurant, The G&Tea House offers great children’s meals and you can get these to takeaway too.

Nearby Activities for Toddlers

Looking for things to do in the North York Moors for families? Well, you’re in luck because there is an abundance of great things to do… come rain or shine you’re guaranteed to have a fantastic time.

Animals, Birds and Sealife

Monk Park Farm, Thirsk – 28 minute drive

Newham Grange Farm, Coulby Newham – 13 minute drive
In addition to seeing the animals there is also a miniature play town and a soft play.

Scarborough Sealife Centre – 1 hour 10 minute drive

Fletchers Farm, Great Ayton – 8 minute drive
Farm shop, spacious car park, goats and other animals to see. Little outdoor play area. Dogs welcome in the cafe and there is a brilliant little box of toys to keep children entertained. 

National Centre for Birds of Prey, Helmsley – 35 minute drive

Rainy Days

Fuzzy Eds, Coulby Newham – 10 minute drive

Little Acorns Play Cafe, Skelton – 18 minute drive
Great for babies and toddlers, a charming and tastefully designed cafe where you can enjoy a slice of cake whilst watching the kids enjoy themselves. 

Lucky’s Play Barn, Stokesley – 5 minute drive

Stokesley Leisure Centre, Stokesley – 3 minute drive

Northallerton Leisure Centre, Northallerton – 23 minute drive

Fresh Air

Preston Park Museum, Eaglescliffe – 24 minute drive
Outdoor playground, lake walks, beautiful walled garden and Victorian Street. 

Guisborough Forest, Guisborough – 10 minute drive
Play area and walking trails, a great spot for a picnic. Pick up your Gruffalo Party Trail pack from the Guisborough Forest & Walkway Centre, packed with fun things to do on your adventure.

Captain Cook’s Monument, Great Ayton – 10 minute drive

Roseberry Topping, Newton-under-Roseberry – 7 minute drive
Probably too strenuous and treacherous for little legs, but you could explore the surrounding woodlands, or use a baby carrier.

Newby Hall, Ripon – 40 minute drive

Saltburn Valley Gardens, Saltburn-by-the-Sea – 25 minute drive
Scenic circular walks, a woodland centre, tea rooms, Italian gardens, Saltburn Miniature Railway (Apr-Oct) and a play area. Combine this with a visit to Saltburn beach (across the road!).

Helmsley Open Air Swimming Pool, Helmsley – 30 minute drive
A heated outdoor pool, open April – October. Under 4’s go free! 

Stewart Park, Marton – 17 minute drive

Rievaulx Abbey, Helmsley – 30 minute drive

Museums/Educational

Kirkleatham Museum, Kirkleatham – 20 minute drive

Beamish Museum, County Durham – 1 hour drive

Mount Grace Priory, Northallerton – 15 minute drive

Brilliant Beaches/Seaside Towns

Saltburn-by-the-Sea – 22 minute drive

Whitby – 45 minute drive

Runswick Bay – 35 minute drive

Sandsend – 38 minute drive

Robin Hood’s Bay – 54 minute drive

Charming Towns and Villages

Great Ayton – 4 minute drive
Or a 0.9 mile walk directly from Angrove Country Park

Stokesley – 4 minute drive
Or a 2 mile walk directly from Angrove Country Park

Yarm – 20 minute drive
Impressive viaduct, great shops and a lovely Italian cafe where you can buy gourmet pizza by the slice – www.finzi.uk

Helmsley – 30 minute drive
Popular market town with impressive castle and pretty walled garden

Toddler Holiday Packing List

• Portable blackout blind
• Cot sheet
• Toddler cutlery, beaker, bowl/plate and bib
• Kitchen roll
• Cleaning spray
• Washing powder (some non-bio is provided in your lodge but you may wish to bring your own)
• Blankets to put down on the sofa for snuggling up for family film night
• Pantry essentials and snacks (baked beans/pasta/ etc)
• Changing mat or travel potty
• Baby monitor
• Wellies
• Bucket and spade
• Toddler carrier for hiking
• Toddler reins
• Sunhat
• Toys, books, teddies etc.
• Tupperware for making picnics to take out on adventures
• Picnic blanket
• Baby bathtub if you’re staying in a lodge without a bath
• Swim nappy/swim suit in case of a trip to the seaside/local pool
• Puddlesuit

If you are planning your Angrove holiday you may find our holiday FAQ section useful, or you can view the Angrove A-Z here.

The friendly reception team are so knowledgable about the local area, and are always on hand to provide suggestions and offer advice to ensure you get the most from your stay at Angrove Country Park. If you have any questions, please email angrove@leisureresorts.co.uk or call 01642 750777. 

With its breathtaking landscapes and countless family-friendly attractions, it’s no wonder The North York Moors is a top destination for families. So why wait? Start planning your family trip to Angrove today and create memories that will last a lifetime. Click here to check out the video from this holiday on Instagram. 

There is something for the whole family – even the four-legged ones – at Angrove Country Park. With a bar and restaurant, an adventure golf course, playground and dog agility course, you won’t want to leave!

Written by Izzy Piddocke,
Leisure Resorts Digital Marketing Manager