I don’t think it is much of a secret that I am a northerner in the south, having been born and raised in North Yorkshire. I moved down to the south (Surrey to be precise) in 2008 after I graduated University.
With some family still in North Yorkshire, we do go back up to visit from time to time. York is one of the main spots that we visit. There is plenty to do with the children, as well as enjoying lots of shopping and fantastic restaurants. The shopping in York is amazing (I especially love the new Vanguarde shopping centre that is just outside of the city centre). But that does tend to be somewhere that I’ll visit when the kids are in bed and my parents are babysitting 😉
So what are some of the best things to do with the children? Here are a few suggestions:
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National Railway Museum
When you have got children (and a father) that are obsessed with trains, the railway museum is pretty much a must when you are in York. It is the same group as the likes of the Science Museum in London, so it is free to visit (though you can donate something at the entrance). There are plenty of trains to climb on-board of, as well as a ride-on train outside. There is a little soft play area too, so lots to do for children of all ages. Most of the museum us undercover, so it it is perfect for a rainy or cold weekend.
York Minster
Religious or not, this is a stunning place to see. It is easy to see why as it is the largest medieval cathedral in all of Northern Europe. If you just go in the main part of the minster then it is free to see too. You can pay to have a tour / go up to the tower to see some views over York. We went to midnight mass there last Christmas and it was really interesting to see it in all it’s glory.
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City of York Walls
You can’t get away from the walls as you wander around York. They are really well-preserved walls, from medieval times, and span over 3km around the city. So you can take a walk, for free, and enjoy some of the views. I have many a fond memory of walking these walls with my family when I was younger. So it is lovely to do with my family now too.
Clifford’s Tower
The tower is one of the only surviving features of York Castle. It is now a shell but you can wander in and look around. It provides you with panoramic views of the city, as it is set on on hill. If you are a member of English Heritage, then it is free to visit too.
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The Shambles & Betty’s Cafe
Sometimes just mooching around the city is fun enough in itself. The Shambles is such a fun little street, with old school architecture that blows your mind that it is still standing in one piece! The shops are cute and quirky, as well as having well known high street brand shops. Betty’s cafe is a must on the list in the city centre too. There is pretty much always a queue, so you do need to time your visit to it and avoid the peak times. Nothing beats a scone or Betty’s famous ‘fat rascal’ for an afternoon treat!
Have you ever been to York? Anything you would recommend?
York is my fave uk city outside of London. We lived there many moons ago. Depending on age of children we also enjoyed the castle museum
Railway museum is always a big hit
Wandermust mummy recently posted…24 hours in Kigale, Rwanda
Yes I have been there a few times too – great if you are a resident with the free residents card too 🙂
Rebecca recently posted…Exercise at Work: How Often is it Happening? | #OfficeYoga
I once found a pretty picture of York on Pinterest and ever since I am dying to go! You’ve also posted a similar one of the crooked houses which look so adorable! How interesting to learn about the wall though! I’ll definitely want to walk that!! #CityTripping
Hope you do – it is so stunning!
Rebecca recently posted…Exercise at Work: How Often is it Happening? | #OfficeYoga
I need to visit it! thanks for the advice:) # city tripping
Tanja (the Red phone box travels) recently posted…My 1 year of travel blogging
No problem – hope you get to 🙂
Rebecca recently posted…Exercise at Work: How Often is it Happening? | #OfficeYoga
Nice ideas ! I love the atmosphere of the shambles and there are a lot of nice little tearooms around 🙂
Gin recently posted…Fountains Abbey, a wonderful UNESCO World Heritage Site
It is just so cute and quirky isn’t it?! 🙂
Rebecca recently posted…Exercise at Work: How Often is it Happening? | #OfficeYoga
I went to uni in York but I haven’t been back since having children. I must take my daughter to Betty’s one day! xx
Oh you must – one of my faves! it would be a fun place to be a student too 🙂 x
Rebecca recently posted…Exercise at Work: How Often is it Happening? | #OfficeYoga
I went sooooo long ago and it’s so gorgeous. I really need to go back and take the kids too! Fab post! #citytripping
Notmyyearoff recently posted…The National Wallace Monument
Haven’t been for many years but I do fancy a visit to bettys
Becky recently posted…Lemon Drizzle Cake #GBBOBloggers2016
I have never been to York myself but it is on my bucket list of places to visit with the boys so i’ll be saving this post for future reference. I think the National Transport Museum would be a hit with my two transport nuts! xx
I’m sure the railway museum would be a big hit with my boys! #CityTripping
Bumble Bee Mum recently posted…BonAppetour – Changing the way you dine & travel!
I’ve never been to York but I would love to visit, it looks stunning! x
Emma @sophieellaandme recently posted…The Ordinary Moments #1 – A Little Trip To The Park
We absolutely LOVE the railway museum! It is awesome and the food is delicious! xx
I have never been to York sounds so very beautiful!
I love York- ages since I was last there though. It is incredibly picturesque and so much history although I’ve never properly walked the walls. A train-obsessed dad means I did get to go to the railway museum several times. And I loved Jorvik Viking Museum too – would be fun to go back with my daughter when it reopens. Thanks for linking up with #citytripping
Cathy (Mummytravels) recently posted…City Tripping #42
Aw I love York but have only been once so haven’t seen all that it has to offer. Will have to pop these ideas on the list for next time 🙂 x
I’ve never been to York before, it sounds like there is quite a few things to do there. Great list!
Stephanie recently posted…Getting Swish with Tie Backs
Ive heard that York is a lovely place to visit, the cobbled streets look so pretty! x