Guest post by Sinead at York with Kids.

The City of York is a perfect destination to visit with kids as it is only two hours by direct train from London. The train station is a short, ten minute walk to York City Centre. York is a compact city and most of the major attractions are within a short walking distance of each other so there is no need to use public transport for sightseeing. Plus, with several free things to do in York and other York attractions offering significant discounts to families, visiting York with kids couldn’t be easier.

Top York attractions to visit with kids

York Minster

York Minster is the largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe and works hard to attract families. A highlight of visiting York with kids, there are family oriented guided tours every Saturday morning. During the school holidays the Minster offers drop in arts and crafts activities for children. Four children under 16 can enter York Minster for free with each paying adult.

The Shambles

This short, cobbled shopping street is said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter movies and it is easy to see why. Walking between lopsided, overhanging mediaeval buildings feels like stepping onto a film set. Fans of the Harry Potter books and movies will love the Wizarding shops and Harry Potter memorabilia for sale.

Jorvik Viking Centre

This museum displays Viking era artefacts found on an archaeological dig on this site but don’t worry, kids will not get bored at Jorvik. There are interactive displays but the highlight of the museum is a historical cab ride through a recreated Viking village full of sights, sounds and even smells. 

Clifford’s Tower

This open top round tower set on an artificial hill in the middle of York city centre is the remains of a Norman keep. Kids can use the toys and games on the open keep floor to re-enact mediaeval life. Or climb the winding staircase to the parapet for a windy 360-degree view of York City centre.

The DIG

If you find your kids are inspired by the history of York, then a visit to The DIG is a great option. Aimed at younger children, the DIG is a hands-on museum where children can learn how archaeologists work. They can then dig for their own artefacts in the museum’s dig pits. This small museum is great fun for budding archaeologists. 

York Castle Museum

This large museum lies opposite Clifford’s Towers and depicts the history of York and stories about the people who lived here. Kids will love the toy gallery (where parents can reminisce about their childhood). Don’t miss the eerie cells where Dick Turpin was imprisoned. 

York Chocolate Story

The City of York has a long history of chocolate making and there is still one city centre factory producing chocolate today. York chocolate story charts this history through an entertaining guided tour. Guests are given tasting samples during the tour which ends in a chocolate lollipop making workshop. This will be a highlight of your family trip to York.

Museum Gardens

York residents love Museum Gardens at any time of year. It is home to a 19th century observatory, a 15th century Hospitium, the 13th century remains of St. Mary’s Abbey and the 3rd century Roman multiangular tower. Families will enjoy visiting the Yorkshire Museum and learning about York’s Roman past. Kids will love its exhibits on York’s Jurassic past which includes local dinosaur discoveries. Grab a Yorkshire Parkin cake or Fat Rascal from one of York’s many bakeries and enjoy a picnic in the landscaped grounds of Museum Gardens.

Boat trip on the River Ouse

Relax after a long day of sightseeing with a commentated trip on the River Ouse which flows through the city. Alternatively, families can hire their own Little Red Boat and enjoy a one-hour trip on the river. 

York city walls

York’s mediaeval era walls are the longest complete city walls in England. A full circuit will take around 2 hours to complete but families can enter or exit sooner at any of the city’s four mediaeval gateways (called bars). The most scenic section of the walls is between Bootham Bar and Monk Bar which winds behind York Minster. The walls are free to access and walk but have several steps and stairs so are not buggy friendly.

The National Railway Museum

The NRM is a must visit for train fans and is ideally situated directly behind York rail station. It is one of the best free things to do in York. Families will easily spend a day exploring the two halls packed with train engines and carriages or attending one of the free, interactive science shows. 

Whether you are visiting York on a day trip or choose to stay in York for longer, visiting York with Kids is great. There is a York attraction to suit all ages and interests. 

York with kids is run by a local mum of three kids and is dedicated to showcasing the City of York as a fun, accessible and easy destination to visit with kids.