York is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK. Founded by the Romans in 71 AD, this walled city contains all the right ingredients for a fun family day out, including lots to see and do together.
Any day out should always be punctuated with excellent food and whether you’re after an affordable afternoon tea in York or something a bit more substantial, this city has it all. So, you might want to look at some of these activities with your appetite in mind.
An Historical City
The Jorvik Centre recreates the sights, sounds and smells of Viking York – a very good reason to think carefully about whether you should do this activity before or after you eat! The dedication to authenticity is what makes the Jorvik Centre really stand out and there is always something new to discover.
Of course, York is absolutely choc-full of history and you might also like to have a walk around the city walls, explore York Minster and definitely have a wander through the Shambles. Everywhere you look, there’s something interesting going on!
A Sweeter Side
Where the rest of the North East is known for coal and steel, York has a rather surprising chocolate history which is explored in delicious detail at York’s Chocolate Story. York was once the home of brands such as Terry’s and Rowntrees.
York’s Chocolate Story takes us right back to the origins of chocolate and how the city was the humble origin of the KitKat, one of the world’s most recognised brands today. Naturally, there’s plenty of time to explore the shop and hands-on chocolate lolly making too – ideal for all the family.
Escape the City
York’s connection to the railway is underlined in the Railway Museum, which is home to a number of iconic locomotives and even offers Flying Scotsman tours. The museum is family-friendly and the Christmas Festive Season includes a range of activities including fabulous food, fun activities and treasured objects as well as the world-changing locomotive, Rocket.
For any transport enthusiasts, the Railway Museum is a worthy addition to the list of best transport themed days out for toddlers. The miniature railway will definitely bring a smile to their face and the children’s engine driver hat in the gift shop will surely be a hit too.
Getting There and Getting Around
York is a relatively small city so once you are there, it is easy to walk around, even with young children. Getting there is also pretty easy and the train station is fairly central and offers easy access. If you want to get a good overview of the city before you start exploring by yourself, a red bus tour is ideal.
York is well worth a day out and, to be honest, you could easily make a long weekend here too. There is so much to see and do, you’ll need to plan your time carefully. But whatever you do, make sure you get plenty of delicious food in and have a wonderful time!
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