The Malt Kiln

Tropical World is a licensed zoo in Roundhay Park, Leeds, made up of climate-controlled glass houses that each recreate a tropical environment. You start in the butterfly house, where butterflies fly freely around a swampy setting with terrapins, koi and Morelet's crocodiles. From there you move into an Aztec-themed aquarium with stingrays, octopus, seahorses, piranhas and poison dart frogs.

Tip: Free parking is close by, a short walk away, and buses 2 and 12 stop right outside. Dogs, including assistance dogs, are not allowed inside.

Lightwater Valley is a family adventure park in North Stainley, near Ripon, set in 175 acres of North Yorkshire countryside. It began in 1969 as a self-pick fruit farm and grew into a theme park, and it was once home to The Ultimate, billed as the longest roller coaster in the world.

Tip: Book tickets online in advance, before midnight the day before your visit, to get the online discount rather than the on-the-day price.

Ripley Castle is a Grade I listed 14th-century country house, three miles north of Harrogate on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It has been the Ingilby family seat for centuries, with a history that includes the Gunpowder Plot and the Civil War.

Tip: Check the Ripley Castle website for current opening and castle tour availability before you travel, as the estate has been put up for sale. Parking is charged.

Knaresborough Castle is a ruined fortress perched on a cliff above the River Nidd. Founded around 1100, it later became a royal residence and was largely dismantled after the Civil War. You can wander the medieval ruins, including the pair of towers that formed the main gate, and take in dramatic views over the river.

York Minster is an Anglican cathedral in the city of York and the seat of the Archbishop of York. Most of the building dates from between 1220 and 1472. It keeps most of its medieval stained glass, including the huge east window, the largest expanse of medieval glass in the world, and the Five Sisters window in the north transept.

Tip: Pre-book your tickets, and note that a Minster ticket is valid for 12 months. The Central Tower needs a combined ticket and a minimum age of 8.

The National Railway Museum in York tells the story of rail transport in Britain and its impact on society. Around 100 locomotives and pieces of rolling stock are usually on show at York, alongside thousands of other objects. Highlights include the streamlined Mallard, Flying Scotsman, Duchess of Hamilton, the Royal Train saloons of "Palaces on Wheels" and a Japanese Shinkansen bullet train.

Tip: Check the official website before you go for current opening days and times, and book ahead for Wonderlab and the afternoon tea.

Fountains Abbey is a ruined Cistercian monastery near Ripon, founded in 1132 and dissolved in 1539. Historic England describes it as the best preserved of English abbeys and the finest picturesque ruin. The abbey church and many of the monastery buildings survive, including the chapter house, refectory and lay brothers' dormitory.

Tip: Check the National Trust website for current opening days before you set off, as winter closures apply. The West Gate car park gives level access to the abbey, while the walk down from the visitor centre is steep.

The Royal Armouries Museum is the home of the National Collection of Arms and Armour, in a purpose-built building at Leeds Dock on the south bank of the River Aire, close to the city centre. Its galleries look at war through the centuries, arms and armour from Africa and Asia, jousting and self defence.

Tip: The main entrance is on Armouries Square; road access is via Armouries Drive and Chadwick Street.