Children’s crafts, minibeast madness, treasure hunts and demonstrations are just some of the activities taking place on ‘Sutton Bank Sundays’ and ‘Little Boots Tuesdays – a range of family events at Sutton Bank National Park Centre, throughout August. And with phase two of our outdoor play area opening, including tree houses, sandpit, mud kitchen, swamp and dens, the Visitor Centre has even more to offer visitors.
Moorfest on Sunday 31 July kick starts the events at Sutton Bank, celebrating the culture and heritage of our heather moorland and beautiful National Park. From 11am – 4pm, visitors will be able to enjoy an array of activities by English Companions, a society who studies our Anglo Saxon heritage. There will be displays, artefacts, bee charms & recipes with children’s activities including colouring, shield making, bead bracelets, dressing up Anglo Saxon style and story time. There’s opportunities to test out your ‘Bushcraft Skills’ and meet with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, Cleveland Mountain Rescue Team and our Ranger Patrol. And it’s all for free!
Tuesday 2 August is all about Creepy Crawlies, how well do you know your minibeasts, bugs and insects? It’s ‘Into the Woods’ on Sunday 7 August with tree trails and woodland mammals, Trailblazer Wildcraft and information from the Woodland Trust and Forestry Commission, followed by Dinosaur Adventure on Tuesday 9 August, where you can be transported back in time!
For ‘Minibeast Madness’ come along on Sunday 14 August for crafts and activities relating to all things ‘beasty’ from dragonflies and river bugs to bees with the Bumble Bee Conservation Trust and Beeline Plants, there’s plenty to explore and make. And for farmyard fun it’s ‘Down on the Farm’ on Tuesday 16 August.
For the food and drink lovers there will be lots of demonstrations and tastings taking place on Sunday 21 August, including Helmsley Brewing Co, jam from The Fruity Kitchen, biscuit decorating, storytelling and a famous figures trail, followed by ‘Wildlife Safari’ on Tuesday 23 August.
Sally Ann Smith, Events & Exhibitions Coordinator at the North York Moors National Park Authority said:
“We love our Sutton Bank Sundays and Little Boots Tuesdays, it’s wonderful to see visitors of all ages coming and enjoying the summer months here at the National Park. The Visitor Centre is also home to Sutton Bank Bikes, offering bike hire and cycle skills area, and with walks, gift shop, tea room and the recent edition of a new outdoor playground and ‘Snack Shack’ café there is plenty on offer for a fun packed day out.”
Michael Graham, Assistant Director of Park Services at the National Park added:
“It’s great that the new play area has opened in time for the school holidays. It’s a unique area, all built out of natural materials and in a heathland setting. The play features are in keeping with, and reflect the environment and heritage of the National Park as the stone features are reminiscent of roundhouses.”
Sutton Bank Sunday events run from 11am – 4pm, Little Boots Tuesdays are from 1:30pm to 3:30pm. For more information call 01439 772738 or visit www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/events