Day Trip To York – York is a wonderful place to visit with the kids. Not only is it filled with exciting activities and adventures, but it also boasts a long and fascinating history.
With there being such a variety of different things to get stuck into, it can be hard to fit everything into your itinerary.
That’s where we come in! To make planning your day as smooth as possible, take a look at our guide to some of the must-sees while you’re in the city.
Whether you’re only going to be here for a day trip or you plan to travel via one of the many trains to York for a weekend break, you’re sure to have a great time with the family.
Visit the York Minster
Take the whole family for a wander through one of the largest Gothic cathedrals and be inspired by its exquisite, handcrafted stone and unrivalled collection of medieval stained glass.
Its sheer size is impressive enough, and that’s before exploring the inside. Children are encouraged to get hands-on here, with a variety of activities available to help them uncover the stories of the cathedral and other fun facts.
There are also free explorer backpacks that can be borrowed from the welcome desk, which are filled with equipment to help your little ones discover the secrets of the Minster. In the backpacks, you’ll find I-Spy challenges, binoculars and a map.
It’s best to check what’s on for kids when planning to visit as the activities may change throughout the year.
Explore the Jorvik Viking Centre
Always a popular choice with children, the Jorvik Viking Centre is one of the most-visited exhibits in the city.
As you make your way around the museum, you’ll get the opportunity to delve into Viking territory, learning about the life of the previous inhabitants of York.
The highlight of the visit, undoubtedly, is the animated ride towards the end. The 20-minute-long attraction is a great way for you and the kids to learn more about York’s Viking history.
We recommend that you book ahead of your visit, as the queues can sometimes be quite long!
Hunt ghosts on a walking tour
Did you know that York is actually haunted? It’s been voted the most haunted city in Europe, beating the likes of Edinburgh and the Transylvania region.
What does this mean? Well, there are plenty of ghost tours that take place all over the city.
These usually occur during the evening, with a tour guide ready to tell the tales of York’s darker history. You’ll hear exciting stories about some of the poor souls who never escaped the city, centuries after their time on Earth.
If you have time, pop into The Golden Fleece after. It’s said that five ghosts take up residence here, making it York’s most haunted pub!
Try Your Luck at Mini Golf
If your family are avid mini golfers, then they’ll love the Hole in Wand golf course, an indoor crazy golf course in York. Here, you’ll take on nine magical golf holes, passing bubbling cauldrons and portals along the way. You can even take a picture in the giant picture frame for that perfect family photo.
At the end of your adventure, tally up your scores and find out who won – but not before receiving a magic potion gift to take home!