Barn with wooden floor set up with table tennis , table football and bean bags
Living room with comfy wool sofas, cushions, throws and a wood burner
Selection of games for families to play

We have lots of families staying with us especially grandparents, their grown-up children and grandchildren. Self-catering in the luxury of the Long Barn is perfect for all ages. There is plenty of space for everyone to have fun and relax in.

The West Barn is a great space for kids young and older to let off steam in, with table tennis and table football as well as a PS4 with projector and screen. You’ll also find the mezzanine area with a collection of books and comfy seating to relax in.

The Long Barn also has space for everyone to spread out in. 7 ensuite bedrooms mean no queuing for bathrooms. Each room has it’s own tv along with Wi-Fi throughout, perfect for quiet time. There are plenty of games and jig saws for more traditional entertainment. And the comfortable living room has another PS4 with games as well as Guitar Hero. There are YorkshireLife magazines to browse through with more on the Long Barn’s iPad Readly App.

Man and woman walking on board walk at Danby Lodge
Man and young boy exploring a dry stone wall at Dalby Visitor Centre
Adventure playground with wooden carvings next to rope walk.

Outside of the barn, there’s plenty to do. North Yorkshire really does have something for everyone whatever the weather.

Our top 3 places within 20 miles of Appleton are

Danby Lodge National Park Visitor Centre

Just a scenic 18 miles north of the Long Barn, Danby Lodge is a great place to visit. It’s in the heart of the North York Moors along the River Esk. Home to walking trails, relaxing gardens, cafΓ©, shop and the Inspired by…gallery it has something for everyone. There are lots of activities for kids depending on the time of year. The woodland Mud Kitchen for messy mud-pie making with ovens, cupboards, pots and pans is open from spring until the end of November. Perfect for under 5’s.

Opening May 2024 is the new adventure play ground with tower den, zip-wire and accessible slide and basket swing.

Man and woman walking on a path through a field. Man is on a mobility scooter
Two men on mountain bikes riding on a trail through Dalby Forest
Children in helmets playing on an inflatable water slide at the North Yorkshire Waterpark

Dalby Forest

With 8,500 acres of forest to explore, Dalby Forest is a wonderful day out. There are 13 walking trails including easy access, 6 cycling trails and 4 running trails. You’ll find a visitor centre, shop and cafΓ©, along with “Arts in the Forest”; contemporary arts dotted through the forest. For higher octane activities, Go Ape has adventures for all ages from 4 years old upwards. Bring your own bike or rent from The Dalby Forest Cycle Hub who have bikes for all abilities.

Dalby Forest is just 20 miles from the Long Barn. The drive takes you through picturesque Thornton Le Dale with its independent shops and cafes. It is also home to Mathewson’s Classic Cars, now famous for the tv programme Bangers and Cash.

North Yorkshire Water Park

Starting out as a RAF base, this park is made up of several lakes for fishing and water sports. This includedΒ  sailing, windsurfing, model yacht racing and open water swimming. The North Yorkshire Water Park was then launched with an addition of a new aquapark in 2017. It is now home even more activities including kayaking, sups, tandem kayaking, mini electric boats and pedalos. Or you can simply enjoy a relaxed walk, jog or cycle around the 2.5k track enjoying the views.

More recently it has a brand-new cafΓ©, changing rooms and showers along with additional water sports activities including the adrenaline fuelled Wake Boarding Line.

North Yorkshire Water Park is 20 miles from us; the drive is through Pickering. On the way, look out for Cedar Barn Farm Shop just east of Pickering. It has a great farm shop, cafΓ© and miniature railway. A great place to stop off for a coffee or pick up a picnic.Β