Brimham Rocks

Brimham Rocks scatter a 400-acre moor above Nidderdale with millstone grit outcrops that began as river sands around 320 million years ago and have been carved by ice, wind and rain into towers and mushrooms; the Idol balances hundreds of tonnes of rock on a tiny pedestal, and the Dancing Bear, the Sphinx and the Druid's Writing Desk are the other favourites. It is a natural climbing frame, and reviewers describe children and grown-ups alike scrambling over everything they can reach, with heather turning the moor purple in late summer and long views towards the Dales. Brimham House, a short walk from the car park and up a flight of steps, holds the shop and a second-hand bookshop that regulars rate highly, with a refreshment kiosk and toilets nearby, and dogs are welcome all year. Tips from visitors: the formations are not signposted, so pick up the site map first; the drops are sudden, so keep small children close; and mobility scooters can be pre-booked.