National Trust Locations: Brimham Rocks
When you refer a family to Muddy Boots as an existing member of our community, you receive a free 12-month family membership to the National Trust! Whether you’ve already got your membership or are looking for places to visit this summer when you refer someone to us, we’ve got you covered. In this blog, we’ll be looking at Brimham Rocks, a unique habitat to various plants and animals, and often coined as ‘nature’s playground’.
Brimham is a place for breathtaking views, and is the perfect natural playground to get little legs moving! With lots of pathways and trails to follow, rocks to scramble and climb and acres of moorland to explore, there couldn't be a better place for your little ones to create their own adventures. When taking a walk around Brimham, keep an eye out for all the different rock formations - perhaps you can make a note of their names and what they look like to go on your own little hunt with your children!
For a more formal adventuring activity, try out Brimham’s all-year-round orienteering course to learn a new skill or develop your expertise from other National Trust visits! You can pick up the orienteering map from the visitor centre when you arrive - the course is perfect for families - or you can download the course online. Don’t worry if you forget to download or prepare any of these activities beforehand, there are plenty of other activities you can do during your visit!
In the summer months, Brimham Rocks have some fun-filled, family-friendly activities in store! Whilst you can hunt for bugs any day of the year, if you can get out to Brimham this weekend (7th and 8th June) you’ll be able to join the Bug Hunt and earn your official Bug Explorers badge! Collect your spotter sheet from the car park to begin your search, and return your sheet at the end of your day to receive your official badge.
Next week, (14th and 15th June), Brimham are shaking things up with their Un-Nature Trail. Hidden around the woods, there are objects that don’t quite belong in nature; if you can find them, make a note of them, and report back to the car park team, you’ll be able to earn another official stamp! Can you spot them all?
From 19th July to 31st August, Brimham Rocks are also taking part in the Summer of Play, sponsored by Starling Bank. A whole variety of National Trust locations are taking part in the Summer of Play, giving families the opportunity to explore the outdoors, join in on workshops and develop a love of nature. Visit the National Trust Summer of Play page to find out more.
If you’re looking for a moment of calm whilst you wander around, visit the Simon Armitage exhibition where you’ll find his poem about Brimham Rocks titled ‘Balancing Act’. This poem is carved into two large stones creating a permanent display of art in the moors, and offering a space for “reflection and contemplation, giving visitors an opportunity to connect with nature.” After a long day of exploring, head back to the visitor centre and stop off at the second hand bookshop where you can find an array of cookbooks, children’s books and more!
Brimham Rocks is a fascinating place near Harrogate that you otherwise might miss, so if you’re looking for somewhere to visit with your little ones this summer, why not give it a try? We’d love to see what you get up to, share some photos with us on Famly. When you do visit Brimham, we hope you have an amazing time, but make sure to explore safely. The rocks and paths can become slippery when wet, so keep an eye out for drops and steep slopes across the site - have fun and take care!
To find more areas you can visit with your free membership, read the rest of our blogs here, and to get your own membership as an existing family at Muddy Boots, refer someone to us!
