IT'S only the first day of our holiday and we're already lost.

"Oh no," shouts my 22-month-old son in dramatic fashion, before bursting into a fit of giggles, performing a sudden about-turn and running off in the opposite direction.

We had come to see what the Yorkshire Dales National Park had to offer and, just a few miles from our holiday cottage in the picturesque village of Healaugh, the maze in the grounds of Bolton Castle provides the perfect opportunity for adventure for a young explorer.

The castle dates back to the late 14th century and for six months in 1568 Mary, Queen of Scots was imprisoned within its high and foreboding walls.

Today, the atmospheric ruins of the courtyard host archery sessions, before we get up close and personal with an owl and Harris hawk with a bird of prey demonstration in the gardens.

All around are valleys and hills with fields of buttercups and wild flowers interrupted only by dry stone walls, while just along the road are the majestic Aysgarth Falls, an impressive series of three waterfalls.

Our home for the week is Swale View Cottage, a spacious period property with a cosy interior and stunning views.

A traditional cottage but with all the modcons of a family home, it is a charming home from home with four bedrooms, a lounge, formal dining room, dining kitchen and a large garden bordered by fields of sheep.

From our cottage in Healaugh, it is a short stroll to the River Swale, which meanders down to Reeth, with its village green, local inns, craft centres and - perhaps most importantly for our toddler - a playground in what must be the most picturesque setting we've ever seen.

Set in the heart of the national park, Swale View Cottage is also on the route for next month's Tour de France Grand Départ, and during our stay, plenty of cyclists are testing out the course.

Many are even brave enough to tackle the Buttertubs Pass, a breathtaking route with hairpin bends and steep climbs between Swaledale and Wensleydale, home to the famous cheese.

For us, a less strenuous mode of transport beckons and after enjoying a beautiful fish platter at the CB Inn in Arkengarthdale, it's back in the car to Hazel Brow Farm, where farmer Steve gives us a tour of the animals, from the newly hatched chick to Bertie the calf and a sow who's expecting a litter of 10 piglets any day now.

It's undoubtedly the highlight of the trip, particularly when Steve names an egg after our son, puts it in the incubator and tells us to log on to their webcam in 21 days' time to watch it hatch.

It may be the end of our holiday but for our little adventurer, the excitement is far from over.

*Swale View is available for booking via www.cottagesdirect.co.uk with reference number 3069565/3.