As a northerner based in the south, I am always amazed by how many people I meet who have never ventured past Watford Gap to some of the beautiful places that reside in the glorious north of England.
As a child I was taken to stunning seaside resorts such as Robin Hoods Bay, and Whitby. I played with my family in the seaside town of Scarborough and explored history in the beautiful location of York. I have returned to the North many times as an adult and it never ceases to amaze me how much I still don’t know about the area I was born in. I have more of the Pennines to explore, more of Scotland to see, and lots of towns nightlife to sample.
The South has some stunning cities in Bristol, Bath, and Cambridge, but for me the North has a more rustic feel, a homeliness and friendliness that is not always associated with Southern UK.
Recently, as an adult with bairns of my own, I headed back to the picturesque place of York to show off some of my childish delights to my own small people. Finding a place to stay was easy, sites such as Hotel Direct gave us a great spread to choose from, and a cracking place from which to explore.
Visiting York with children
If you are thinking of taking the children to York then I would head straight for The Jorvik Viking Centre, the kids will adore getting a true sense of Viking times, visiting interactive models, oohing and aahing at weapons from the past, and turning up their noses at diseases that would kill in times gone by.
Entry is from £29.95 for a family and well worth every penny. Full details can be found here.
Got kids who love Chocolate?
Then it is worth taking a trip out to York’s Chocolate Story. You will discover that York is responsible for the delicious Chocolate Orange, and experience the tasty indulgence zone….
Want to be more active and get the kids out and about? Then head to the enormous York maze, where the kids can burn off some serious energy trying to find the centre of the labyrinth. You will also find a climbing zone, inflatable slides and even a Bale mountain so it is more than enough to do to fill a day.
The Maze is seasonal so make sure you check the site for opening times before heading over.
York Minister may be perceived as a more adult affair, but kids can find themselves enthralled by the sheer beauty of the architecture. Personally I adore the 14th century stained glass windows. The peacefulness of the setting, and the history that is etched into every stone. It was a great place to educate the kids a bit and share more details about York’s past.
There are endless places to visit in York, transport is easy and most eateries are child friendly in the day. All you need to remember when visiting is to teach the kids how to correctly pronounce bath and grass and you will fit right in.
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York is on my list to go to. I have only been very briefly on a stop off up to Scotland when I was little!
I have trouble getting my husband to go any further than the Watford Gap too, apparently he thinks it is too cold!!! One day, one day x
I used to go to York a lot as a child and often spent the days in the bookshops with my Uncle. I have taken husband because I still have some relatives there, but I’m embarrassed to say I haven’t even heard of some of the places you suggest; chocolate story and maze. Last time we went we went to Castle Museum, but the queue for Yorvik was just too long.