Murton Park near York, North Yorkshire, has something for absolutely everyone. Whether you’re into farm animals, history, or just want to take the kids somewhere to play, this place has everything. I ended up spending 4 hours here with my one-year-old, who was fascinated with the sandpit and guinea pigs, while I was loving walking through the Anglo-Saxon village!
Opening Times and Tickets:
Murton Park is not the cheapest of days out, but each ticket is an annual pass so you can return as much as you wish for no extra cost. Only children under 1 go free, and you can purchase a family pass which includes two adults and three children. Because we only took one child, they said we could add two more children for free next time we visit if we need to.
It is open daily, with the cafe open every day but Saturday. The train only runs on Sundays and bank holidays.
Click here for more information on opening times and tickets.
Parking and Travelling:
There is a free car park by the entrance to Murton Park.
Buses 747 and 10 run from York Railway station to stops close to Murton Park. If on the 747, get off at Murton Village, and if on the number 10, get off at Grimston Court.
Prams and Accessibility:
Most of the buildings are either on the ground floor or accessible via a lift, except the library which is accessed by stairs only. For the most part, the outside grounds are level too. However, some of the paths are loose gravel pathways which could be difficult for both prams and wheelchairs to comfortably traverse.
Explorer backpacks can be picked up from reception by anybody, and may help those with special educational needs and disabilities. They include lots of things, such as ear defenders, a fidget cube, planning cards and lots more.
Things to do at Murton Park
1. Play!
There is a wonderful outdoor play area, complete with sandpit, sand kitchen, climbing frame, slides, swings, mini tractors, chicken play house and more. There is also a small indoor soft play (which I didn’t get photos of as it was very busy when it started raining!)
2. See the Animals
You can pick up some animal feed from reception, which the greedy goats and ponies loved especially. My little one’s favourite animals to see were the chicks and guinea pigs. Murton Park also has sheep, chickens and ducks.
3. Explore the History
For me, this is what makes Murton Park stand out in my memory. There is a large Anglo-Saxon village with buildings you can actually enter and see how people would have lived and worked inside. There is also a Roman Fort with many buildings where children could easily imagine themselves as centurians. Finally, there was a Stone-Age Village that was under refurbishment when we visited, but looked wonderful too. It was incredibly immersive and they do lots of reenactment weekends, which we will definitely be returning for!
They also had a WW2 exhibition for anyone more interested in Modern History, and lots of historical farm equipment.
4. Dine and Shop
The Yorkshire Barn Cafe was a beautiful, clean place with good highchairs. I can recommend the breakfasts there! At Murton Park there is also a well-displayed gift shop with a good selection of independent business’s goods to buy and it provided some Christmas shopping inspiration too.
Things to do nearby
At this medieval townhouse in York there are tons of activities for little ones and grownups alike to get stuck into. With the oldest parts dating from around 1360, exploring this house really immerses you into what life was like for the wealthy people that lived here, including the Priors of Nostell and a Lord Mayor of York.
2. Eden Camp Modern History Museum
This former Prisoner of War Camp now holds 22 huts that take you on an incredibly immersive journey through the history of World War II and beyond. I would leave at least 3-4 hours to spend here and it is suitable for all ages, though some huts are a bit scary!
3. Journey on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Catch a steam or diesel train from the market town of Pickering to the bustling coast of Whitby, or stop at any of the quaint villages on the route including Goathland (site of Hogsmede) and Grosmont. There are so many ways to enjoy a day out hopping on and off these wonderful heritage trains.
