Danby Lodge National Park Centre - Whitby

Natalie B.

Advertised as free day out but of course a fee to park. A great park for the kids. I'd describe this place as still a work in progress.
We were disappointed we couldn't walk the dog through the wood - even on a lead. Yet she was allowed in the cafe and field near play park. Shop was nice- similar to national trust. Cafe looked nice, we had take away hot drinks and service was slow. A good effort for the kids with sweet things to do.

Michael J.

We were really impressed with the Centre, we done a nice circular walk from here to the Moors. It took us just under 3 hours. Love place to use as a base, excellent facilities.

Mad M. 6.

My wife and I visited Danby Lodge in September 2024 on a day trip driving around the North York Moors. Luckily we had great weather to enjoy all the fresh air and outdoors had to offer. There are lots of activities to enjoy around the site of this former hunting lodge to Danby Castle.

There is a nice short walking trail that takes you around the grounds with several attractions along the way. The Danby Den playground is excellent and novel. The water bailiff audio guide was an interesting take. The dragon. The mud kitchen. The zip line. All excellent fun for the young ones.

We crossed the river Esk and walked up to Danby Castle. A lovely stroll across the moors without being too long or strenuous.

Crow Wood is adjacent to the parking lot and has the bird watching hut and a few other notable attractions around the loop.

There is a cafe serving hot drinks and snacks that was most welcome. In the same area there is an interactive nature exhibit intended for kids to learn about the environment. Its all really well done and we wished we had come here when our lad were a nipper.

Entry is free but paring has a small fee. Parking lot is pretty big and we had no problem finding a spot. It was an off-season weekday and was pretty quiet. I can imagine summer weekends this place would be teeming with families.

Great fun and highly recommended if you are in the area.

Carol S.

I want to be a child again and play!! What fun from a dragon to a mud kitchen.

Plus, there are lots of other fun activities.

Claire H.

I just love the exhibitions that are held here. Two of the best for me personally - The Lost Words in the past and on now, The Lost Spells. Lovely to see children engaging in the activities there too. It's great for families to visit, space to play, a play area, lots of nature and easy walks. Car parking is a little expensive, but I don't mind this when it is supporting the local economy. The cafe provides welcome refreshments. There are lots of lovely gifts, books, handcrafted items, cards and paintings by local artists. The staff are always friendly and helpful. Walking from the Centre is easy and is particularly glorious at the moment with the heather in full bloom.

yuyun D.

Great place for a family day out! Good facilities for children as well as the elderly. This is a favourite place of our 94 years old aunty who loves the painting gallery. She still paints too and is always happy (and looking forward) to seeing what's in the gallery. Nice small cafe, with good food and good service. Toilet and parking lot for disabled available. Oh.. One more thing... since December 2020, this place is recognised as one of the international dark skies reserves 😍😎🔭🪐🌚 Let's support them!

Alan J.

Great even for a winter two hour trip or longer if you like the various walks. Only cost is the car park the displays etc are free. Great painting in the current art display. Top marks for the tea shop, great tea and cakes.

Margareth T.

Lovely place to bring the children for a day out. It has footpaths / forest trail. A nice playground. Lovely craft gallery / art gallery/ gift shop with local brews. A brilliant interactive museum about the local history of mining and the natural world in and around the North York Moors national park 🏞️ in the upstairs of the gallery is a climbing wall for children and other interactive puzzles and kineticas.