Family Breaks in Malham & the Yorkshire Dales
Nestled in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales is one of the most picturesque destinations in northern England, Malham. With its dramatic limestone scenery, gentle walking routes, and welcoming village atmosphere, a family break in Malham offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation for visitors of all ages.
At the centre of the village, The Buck Inn provides a welcoming home-from-home for families looking to explore the area, whether it’s the exciting outdoor adventures or simply enjoying the local surroundings. With comfortable rooms, hearty dining options, and being just moments from Malham’s most famous spaces, we’re perfectly placed for children and adults alike to explore freely and safely while connecting with nature.
Malham is a peaceful village that offers the perfect setting for family friendly breaks in the Yorkshire Dales, packed with outdoor adventures and things to do with kids in Malham. From exploring iconic sights like Malham Cove to discovering local woodland paths and waterfalls, there is plenty to keep the whole family entertained during a family break in Malham.
With an exciting variety of natural attractions and local activities to choose from, a family break in Malham is sure to be memorable.
A short and scenic woodland walk leads you to Janet’s Foss, a beautiful waterfall steeped in local legend. This peaceful spot is ideal for wildlife spotting, with birds, wildflowers, and woodland creatures often seen along the trail which is just 20 minutes away from your base at The Buck Inn.
One of the most famous sights is Malham Cove, a spectacular curved limestone cliff that boasts a natural amphitheatre below. Families can enjoy a gentle walk from the village to the base of the cove, where children can marvel at the dramatic rock formations and bird enthusiasts can keep an eye out for nesting peregrine falcons.
Kids and adults alike may recognise some of the Malham Cove walk from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows where many scenes were filmed along the cove, the tarn, the famed limestone pavement and Gordale Scar.
Speaking of Gordale Scar; if your family is looking for something a little more adventurous then this local hidden gorge offers towering limestone cliffs and dramatic torrents that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into another world.
It’s the local natural landmarks that make family breaks in Malham a wonderful destination for exploration and unforgettable outdoor experiences.
The wide range of accessible outdoor adventures practically on your doorstep is just one of many reasons family breaks in Malham are so popular.
Families will find plenty of scenic picnic spots beside the nearby river or overlooking the surrounding limestone hills. These peaceful viewpoints are ideal for taking a break, enjoying packed lunches, and letting children roam and take in the beauty of the countryside.
Malham’s walking routes are also perfect for families, offering gentle paths and short circular trails suitable for children and varying fitness levels. Many of the local routes are easy to follow, scenic, and manageable even for little legs.
Outdoor activities change with the seasons of course; spring and summer bring wildflowers, butterflies, and longer daylight hours for exploring, while autumn colours transform the valley into a stunning natural playground. Safe to say, whatever the season, family breaks in Malham provide the ideal opportunity to spend quality time together in the great outdoors.
Delicious food is an essential part of any holiday. At the heart of the village, The Buck Inn offers relaxed pub dining in Malham, serving home-cooked classics after a day exploring the Dales.
You can also visit our sister property, The Lister Arms, which is a 2-minute walk (400ft) away, offering another great spot to dine in the heart of the village.
If you’re heading out for the day, we’re happy to provide a picnic lunch for £12.50, which includes a bottle of water, a flapjack, a bag of crisps, a sandwich and fruit. Please ensure you place your order the night before so we can have it ready for you in the morning.
If you’re looking for a memorable family break in Malham, choosing the right place to stay can make all the difference.
We have limited on-site car parking that’s completely free of charge. If we’re full, there’s street parking and a larger car park all within walking distance of The Buck Inn. Our cosy rooms are designed to help all guests relax after a day of outdoor adventure. With spacious accommodation and warm, welcoming hospitality, we’ll work hard to bring you everything you need for a restful countryside stay.
From scenic strolls to nearby natural landmarks to peaceful riverside paths, you and your family can step outside and start exploring straight away and make the most of every moment on your family break in Malham – all you need to worry about is remembering the walking boots!
