We love a city break in October half term and usually head somewhere cold and cosy in Europe but with constant changes in travel restrictions, we decided to stay closer to home and visit the beautiful city of York. There are so many museums and attractions to choose from, we had no trouble entertaining a 10- and 12-year-old for a couple of days. Here are our top sights when visiting York with kids.
National Railway Museum
With free entry, this is a must for any train enthusiast, young and old. Our kids liked checking out the grandeur of the Pullman carriage, the high-speed bullet train and the ambulance train used during World War I. You can also book the simulator experience but do it online as it sells out super-fast. The miniature train is also pre-bookable and fun for little ones. Check it out here.
Shambles
As you stumble across the Shambles you will feel like you’ve stepped into medieval Britain combined with a Harry Potter movie. This maze of narrow, cobbled streets which is thought to have inspired Diagon Alley in Harry Potter, is an atmospheric place to wander especially on a cold Autumn day. With little cafes and boutique shops to explore and even a shop dedicated to all things Harry Potter.
York Castle Museum
This museum looks great for all ages and shares the history of York through interactive and engaging displays. Visitors can experience a Victorian street, Castle prison, horrors of World War I and the exciting events of the Sixties. Again, book online to make sure you don’t miss out. We booked our trip last minute and so many attractions had already sold out.
York City Walls
See York from another vantage point and walk around the city walls. Our kids especially liked running around the parts where there was no wall on the other side – not so good for us. Around 2 miles long, they are the longest medieval town walls in England but you can join it at different points.
York Minster
One of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe, it is a magnificent building. As you come across it from different sides of the city, it wows you with its beauty each time – as the sun is setting and then illuminated in the night sky.
We didn’t manage to have a look inside but if you’re keen to, they are currently only allowing bookings to be made online and you can either just visit the minster or include a climb up to the tower.
The York Dungeon
The boys couldn’t wait to visit The York Dungeon but my 10-year-old daughter was not so sure. They loved it but said it was pretty scary at times so probably a good move to stick to Vikings with her. It took them back in time with actors and special effects recreating gory tales of York’s dark past with plenty of comedy and audience participation. There were a good few frights too which were great for a spooky Halloween.
Ghost tours
A city steeped in history and many stories to tell, York is the place to venture on a ghost tour. We didn’t make it on one as our youngest child wasn’t sure, but for teenagers and adults, this looks like a fun idea for some chilling entertainment and there are lots of evening tours to choose from, most starting from York Minster.
Jorvik Viking Centre
A famous attraction in York, the Jorvik Viking Centre is great for kids and perfect after studying the Vikings at school. You are transported back in time to the land of the Vikings with a ride through a village staged with people at work and all the sights, sounds and smells of life back then. Then wander around the artefacts found during the excavation in York. The Viking guides were great and told us lots of interesting stories and facts about Viking times.
Betty’s Tea Rooms
We had been told by family who visit York regularly that we must try Betty’s Tea Rooms but after seeing the long queue even in pouring rain, we didn’t make it. Definitely book online if you are keen to experience the old-fashioned art deco charm which is now an institution in North Yorkshire.
York’s Chocolate Story
York’s Chocolate Story is worth a visit for both children and adults. Right in the centre, this small museum takes you on an interesting journey from Aztecs to the chocolatiers of York. Our guide was great and using multimedia effects (and a bag of samples), it was engaging for the kids. At the end of the tour, you are shown how their yummy chocolates are made and get to sample them. The kids loved decorating their own chocolate lollies and playing Halloween tricks on the adults with salt and pepper toppings. A bit pricey compared to Cadbury World but a nice way to spend an hour or so.
York Museum Gardens
A beautiful spot amongst the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey overlooking the River Ouse. The botanical gardens are free to walk around and a pleasant place to enjoy a picnic in the warmer weather. We had a wander at sunset and searched for the Halloween ghost sculptures hidden in the gardens with figures and creatures made of wire mesh.
Foodie Heaven
York is great for food lovers. You can literally eat your way around the world here and it ranges from the more traditional afternoon tea or hearty pub grub to trendy eateries. There are also lots of amazing little independent bakeries and coffee shops serving delicious looking pancakes, donuts and cupcakes, so the kids can get their sugar fix.
Here are a few places we tried out:
Shambles Food Court
With gourmet French crepes, burritos and Thai noodles to name a few, it wasn’t easy to choose our lunch at the Shambles Market. We went for the fully loaded Greek Gyros. With a choice of meat or halloumi, roasted vegetables, chips and tzatziki, it was so good! Great to visit with kids as you can all have something different if you’re undecided.
York Roast Co.
For a tasty lunch to warm you up, try one of their famous wraps which are basically a roast dinner in a giant Yorkshire pudding.
Fancy Hanks
A funky restaurant serving up American favourites inspired by flavours of the Deep South. Think buttermilk fried chicken with bacon, maple syrup and waffles, burgers, milkshakes and soda floats – our kids loved this place!
Marzano Italian Restaurant
A cosy little restaurant with a lively atmosphere. All the Italian favourites on offer with friendly staff and good kids menu.
Accommodation in York
York has a good choice of accommodation from budget chains to more luxurious options as well as boutique bed and breakfasts. As we now need two rooms, we decided to book a last-minute Airbnb which worked out great value and gave us much more space. It was located in a terraced street just 10 minutes’ walk from the city centre and beautifully furnished. Check it out here if you prefer to have your own place.
Fam Full of Wanderlust 