5 Things To Do In Yorkshire With Kids

Last week we finalised our summer holiday plans. Although we went to Florida last year, this will be our first trip for just the four of us. No extra pairs of hands to help with kids and carrying bags! We decided that this year it might make sense to travelling within the UK – eliminate the need for flights and have access to our own car and car seats!

The first part of our trip is to York. JHogg and I both have fond memories of visiting York as kids with our families, so we are excited to take our own boys to experience some of the same things. We have chosen to stay in the Novotel because it is right in the centre of York, plus it seems well equipped for kids and families in general. We’ve got 3 full days in York, and these are 5 things that we hope to do while we’re there.

Jorvik Viking Centre

When I think of York the York Railway Museum is always the first thing that comes to mind. It is most suited for slightly older children, around age 8-14, however it is quite a small museum and doesn’t take long to go round so I think we will still visit (especially as we can use our Tesco clubcard vouchers towards the cost of entry!). Although it is an attraction perhaps York Railway Museum, we hope Piglet will still enjoy it.

York Railway Museum

Piglet is really interested in cars, trains and planes, so a visit to the York Railway Museum just seems to make sense. I have read that it is suitable for little ones, with the ability to get on to one or two of the carriages and even walk under an engine and see some of the mechanics – so I’m sure Piglet will be in his element. There is a children’s play area in the great hall, as well as talks and demonstrations throughout the day. It looks like the kind of place you can spend either a few hours or the whole day in depending on how involved you want to get.

York Museum Gardens

One thing I know we will need is space for Piglet to run and stretch his legs. While a hotel room may be fun when you’re an adult, toddlers are used to a bit more space! The York Museum Gardens are in the Medieval ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey are a free entry to the public. I have high hopes that we might enjoy some of the May sunshine, or even in to the early evening as the gardens are open to until 8pm over the summer months. The only thing to note is that the gardens do not have any toilets. As we will be travelling with a new potty trained child (hopefully!) this is something I am very aware of and will have to make sure we are prepared for that.

You are allowed to walk on the grass, which makes a visit with young children much easier, and picnics are permitted. Dogs have to be kept on the lead, and it seems like it will be a really lovely place to spend a few hours wandering around or sitting on the grass to watch the children play.

Yorkshire Lavender

Just 14 miles out from the city centre is Yorkshire Lavender. We don’t have large lavender farms like this up in Aberdeen so I am really excited by this! Aside from the obvious photo opportunities amongst the lavender (which it only costs £3.50 for entry to the gardens to see), there is also a lavender maze and a kids play area which make it a day out that everyone can enjoy. A big thanks to Otis and Us for the heads up on that one!

Flamingo Land

The UK’s most visited zoo and Yorkshire’s ultimate theme park – of course we are going to have to go and spend a day at Flamingo Land. JHogg remembers visiting as a child and is desperate to get back, but it will be an all new experience for me. With animals to see, rides and play areas for kids I am really wondering how we will manage to get through it all in one day!

With just 2 months to go until our trip the countdown is really on, and I can’t wait til get away and start exploring Yorkshire!