Yorkshire Events

Your Guide to Family-Friendly Events in Yorkshire This March 2026

March brings the first whispers of spring to Yorkshire, and with it comes a brilliant mix of family events! From lambing season on the farms to foodie festivals and Mother’s Day celebrations, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained. Here’s your complete guide to making the most of March in our beautiful county.

Spring Lambing Season

When: Throughout March
Where: Farms across Yorkshire

March is peak lambing season, and honestly, there’s nothing quite as heart-warming as watching wobbly-legged newborn lambs taking their first steps!

Top Lambing Experiences:

Piglets Adventure Farm, Thirsk
One of our absolute favourites! Book a bottle-feeding experience where the kids can actually feed the lambs themselves. There’s also indoor play for when the weather turns, adventure playgrounds, and usually a seasonal show or panto running. Perfect for all ages!
Find out more: pigletsadventurefarm.co.uk

Cannon Hall Farm, Barnsley
Not only can you meet the new arrivals, but they also have tractor rides, play barns, and the incredibly entertaining sheep racing. The girls find this hilarious every single time!
Find out more: cannonhallfarm.co.uk

Thornton Hall Farm, Thirsk
Hands-on lamb feeding, plus brilliant play areas. Check their website for specific lamb feeding times during March.
Find out more: thorntonhallfarm.co.uk

York Restaurant Week

When: 10th-23rd March 2026 (Two Full Weeks!)
Where: York City Centre
Cost: Deals from £5-£30

This year York Restaurant Week is doubling up to TWO weeks, giving families even more time to explore York’s incredible food scene without breaking the bank. Over 100 venues participate with special menus and offers.

Why It’s Great for Families: You can find deals from just £5 for cafés and street food, up to £30 for fine dining experiences. It’s brilliant for trying new places or revisiting favourites at a fraction of the normal cost. Many restaurants offer children’s menus as part of the deals too.

How It Works: Head to the website, browse the offers, and download FREE vouchers (there’s no limit!). Then book your table – these fill up fast, so don’t wait!

Our Tip: Some of the more casual, family-friendly spots like pizza places and brunch cafés often have the best deals for families with young children.

Find out more: yorkrestaurantweek.co.uk

Mother’s Day: Sunday 15th March 2026

Make Mum feel special this Mothering Sunday with one of these lovely Yorkshire experiences:

Yorkshire Wildlife Park Mother’s Day Special
Mums get FREE entry when accompanying a paying child or member! It’s a brilliant way to spend the day, and they’ve recently welcomed new lion cubs. The adventure playground and soft play mean even if Evie gets tired, there’s somewhere to rest.
Find out more: yorkshirewildlifepark.com

Afternoon Tea Experiences
Treat Mum to a special afternoon tea at one of North Yorkshire’s stunning venues:

Pottery Painting Sessions
A lovely way to create memories together. Studios like Bish Bash Pot in York often run Mother’s Day sessions where children can paint something special for Mum. Book ahead!
Find out more: bishbashpot.co.uk

York’s Chocolate Story
Learn about York’s chocolate-making heritage, and Mum receives a free chocolate bar at the end! There are also chocolate-making workshops available.
Find out more: yorkschocolatestory.com

Family Walks
Get out and enjoy the spring weather! Some gorgeous March walks include:

Dark Skies Festival (Continues into Early March)

When: Until early March
Where: North York Moors & Yorkshire Dales
Cost: Varies by event

The tail end of the Dark Skies Festival runs into early March, with stargazing events, astronomy talks, and night-time adventures. Perfect for older children fascinated by space!

Find out more: northyorkmoors.org.uk/dark-skies

National Trust Free Entry Week (Usually Mid-March)

When: Check dates on National Trust website
Where: Various NT properties
Cost: FREE with National Lottery ticket

Keep an eye out for the National Lottery Open Week, where National Trust properties offer free entry if you show a National Lottery ticket. Properties like Fountains Abbey, East Riddlesden Hall, and Nostell make brilliant family days out.

Find out more: nationaltrust.org.uk

ColliderFest, Bradford

When: Mid-March (12th-15th March 2026)
Where: Bradford City Centre
Cost: Many free activities

This amazing science and arts festival transforms Bradford with interactive exhibits, workshops, shows, and stunning light installations in the evenings. Perfect for curious minds of all ages! The daytime activities are particularly good for families with primary-school-aged children.

Find out more: Check Bradford city events at visitbradford.com

Thomas the Tank Engine Events

When: Usually early March
Where: Various heritage railways
Cost: Varies

March often sees Thomas the Tank Engine events at heritage railways across Yorkshire. The North Yorkshire Moors Railway and other lines host “Day Out with Thomas” experiences where children can ride with the famous blue engine.

Find out more: nymr.co.uk

RHS Garden Harlow Carr Spring Activities

When: Throughout March
Where: Harrogate
Cost: Standard garden admission

As spring arrives, Harlow Carr comes alive with early spring flowers – daffodils, crocuses, and early blossoms. They often have family trails and activities during school holidays. The streamside walk is lovely even with young children.

Find out more: rhs.org.uk/gardens/harlow-carr

National Coal Mining Museum Events

When: Various dates through March
Where: Wakefield
Cost: FREE admission (donations welcome)

This brilliant (and free!) museum often runs special family events in March. You can go down a real mine, see demonstrations, and learn about Yorkshire’s industrial heritage in a genuinely engaging way.

Find out more: ncm.org.uk

St Patrick’s Day Events

When: Sunday 16th March 2026 (or weekend closest)
Where: Leeds and other cities
Cost: Usually free

Leeds hosts a brilliant St Patrick’s Day parade at Millennium Square with live music, Irish dancing, and family activities. Even if you’re not Irish, it’s a fun, colourful event the children enjoy!

Find out more: visitleeds.co.uk

Spring Farm Workshops

When: Throughout March
Where: Various farms

Many Yorkshire farms run special “Spring on the Farm” events where children can:

  • Feed baby animals
  • Learn about farm life
  • Try activities like egg collecting
  • Watch sheepdog demonstrations
  • Enjoy tractor rides

What’s Starting to Open for the Season

March sees many attractions beginning to reopen after winter:

Opening in March:

Our March Survival Tips

  1. Layer up, but… – March weather is unpredictable. We’ve had snow and sunshine on the same day!
  2. Muddy boots essential – Spring means muddy paths. Embrace it!
  3. Mother’s Day books up FAST – If you’re planning afternoon tea or restaurant visits, book NOW
  4. Pack snacks AND picnic – Spring days can be surprisingly warm; perfect for outdoor eating
  5. Wellies and spare clothes – Lambing farms and muddy walks require proper prep
  6. Check opening times – Many places have just reopened and may have limited hours
  7. Sun cream! – Yes, really. March sun can be surprisingly strong

Free March Activities

Enjoy Spring Flowers:

  • Museum Gardens, York – Daffodils galore and free to enter
    Find out more: visityork.org
  • Valley Gardens, Harrogate – Stunning spring displays
    Find out more: harrogate.gov.uk
  • Any riverside walk – Wild daffodils line many Yorkshire paths

Beach Days Begin:

  • The coast is quieter in March and perfect for adventurous families
  • Whitby, Scarborough, Filey, Robin Hood’s Bay all lovely
  • Wrap up warm and enjoy having the beach almost to yourselves!

Yorkshire Museums: Many Yorkshire museums are free, including:

Final Thoughts

March in Yorkshire is that beautiful transition from winter to spring. Yes, you might still need hats and gloves some days, but you’ll also spot the first daffodils, hear lambs bleating in fields, and feel that lovely warmth in the sunshine that promises warmer days ahead.

Whether you’re bottle-feeding lambs, exploring York’s food scene during Restaurant Week, or treating Mum to something special on Mothering Sunday, March offers that perfect mix of cosy indoor activities and the first proper outdoor adventures of the year.

What are your favourite March activities in Yorkshire? Have you been lambing with the kids yet? I’d love to hear your recommendations!

Anna x

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