Little Vikings Magazine (Issue 37) - October half term in York 2020

York for kids Issue 37

FREE Autumn 2020

October Half Term in York for Families

S PECIALS Mon 26 October – Sat 31 October

Thu 29 October – Sat 31 October

Thu 5 November

Book online at yorkcitysightseeing.com/specials

Hello!

Well, what a few months we’ve had! We’re all ready for a bit of a break, and October half term can’t come soon enough. There might be a chill in the air, but it’s one of the best times of year to get out and about with kids and enjoy the change of seasons. We’ve got plenty of ideas for things for you to do, whether you fancy exploring York on the Indie York Medieval and Magical Treasure Hunt, heading to Dalby Forest for some refreshing fresh Yorkshire air or braving the (not at all scary) haunted village at Mother Shipton’s.

Further ahead, it’s time to get organised if you’d like to visit Santa this year. Things might be a bit different this year, but nothing will stop Father Christmas from visiting Yorkshire!

Finally, we’re delighted to launch this year’s Little Vikings Awards, kindly sponsored by St Peter’s School.

Please take a few minutes to nominate your favourite family-friendly businesses - they need your support now more than ever, and winning an award might just make their year!

Stay safe, have fun and see you again at Christmas!

All Little Vikings Since last time, we’ve…

• Been getting used to the peace and quiet since the kids went back to school. Long may it last!

• Headed out on a tansy beetle hunt - and found some! Read on for where you might spot them • Had a really lovely weekend away in the Yorkshire Dales, climbing at Brimham Rocks and walking at Malham Cove • Helped plan the Indie York October half term hunt. Have fun and explore York’s amazing indie businesses at the same time! They need our support now more than ever Little Vikings was founded and is run by a York family. Contact us at hello@little-vikings.co.uk. Office address The Hiscox Business Club, Peasholme Green, York YO1 7PR. Content © Little Vikings 2020.

Little Vikings is a registered trade mark. Every effort has been made to ensure that this guide is upto-date and accurate, but some things are liable to change. Always check details before you travel.

A magical new mini-golf family attraction for York After years of adding a sparkle to the Shambles with their enchanting potions, the minds behind The Potions Cauldron are launching a new family-friendly experience in the heart of York. The Hole in Wand will be a magicallyinfused mini-golf targeted at families in York you’ll find it at the former Patisserie Valerie in Coppergate.

Help make it happen by supporting their Crowdfunding campaign https://www.crowdfunder. co.uk/wizardgolf

Now b Royal

With the way thi panned out, nob have been surpr Theatre Royal pa had been shelve But what’s that w distance? The so

Now open - Puttstars Mini Golf While you’re waiting for the wizard-themed golf to open, you can tee-off at the new Puttstars near York Community Stadium. As well as three mini-golf courses, there’s a

diner where you can refuel.

They do birthday parties too (government guidelines permitting…). https://www.puttstars.co.uk/

booking - York Theatre l pantomime (on the road)

is year has body would rised if the York antomime ed for 2020. we hear in the ound of jingle

bells and laughter? That’s right, the show will go on! The team at the theatre are taking the pantomime on the road with a Travelling Pantomime visiting every neighbourhood in York (all 21 wards) during

December and January. It will visit a variety of Covid-secure halls, clubs and sports centres.

Details on the exact venues are still to be released.

Visit yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

Now Booking Wish Upon a Frozen Star at Castle Howard

Jack Frost has cast an icy spell and turned the Walled Gardens into a beautiful winter wonderland. Journey through this enchanted world lit up by festive illuminations and immersive soundscapes. Make a wish under Yorkshire’s starry skies and step out into a golden landscape of warmth, joy and wonder. Your journey will climax with an epic story, projected as a light show onto the iconic facade of the House. The popular Father Christmas experience is also available for booking at Castle Howard too.

Saturday 28th November 2020 to Thursday 31st December 2020 - castlehoward.co.ukSaturday 28th November 2020 to Thursday 31st December 2020 - castlehoward.co.uk

Christmas on the Home Front at Eden Camp Head to Eden Camp for an exciting adventure as an evacuee this festive season! Christmas during the Blitz is hard work for Father Christmas, with children evacuated across the country. Explore a 1940s bedroom, hear the story of an evacuee and explore the Winter Wonderland on the way to finding Father Christmas. Your ticket includes a meet and greet with the elves, a gift, a nice (or naughty) list certificate, a magical expedition through a 1940s Winter Wonderland and admission to the museum. 16th November until 23rd December from 10-4pm - edencamp.co.uk

The Christmas Experience at Lotherton

The Christmas Experience returns to Lotherton for 2020! Enjoy the interactive 12 Days of Christmas woodland walk: count the calling birds and drummers drumming as you wander through the woods, discover the fairies in their secret fairy dell and listen to the giggles and whispers as you tip-toe through. Visit the house to see the rooms dressed in their festive finery. If you’d like to visit Father Christmas, book a separate 40-minute experience in the Elf Village.

27th November 2020 to 3rd January 2021 thechristmasexperience.co.uk

THE BEST THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS IN AND AROUND YORK THIS OCTOBER HALF TERM Check before you travel!

Don’t let the plummeting temperatures put you off getting out. There are lots of lovely, Covid-secure things to do with your kids this half term, from walks in the woods to pumpkin trails, pumpkin picking and even a ghost hunt. Here’s our pick of some of the best, and find more on the Little Vikings website

Make a gory creation at York’s Chocolate Story

Autumnal grotto and lantern workshops at Northwood Trail

For Halloween only, experience York’s Chocolate Story’s tour with some added spooky extras! Upgrade your tour for an additional £5 and get extra hands-on with making your own gory creations.

This exclusive experience offers an extra hands on element of the tour: decorate four ghostly chocolates with rat blood and goblin snot fillings to take home!

This is the perfect time of year to visit Northwood Trail and see the seasons change. During October half term, take a look at the autumnal grotto at the entrance to the trail (included in admission).

24th October to 1st November 2020 - northwoodtrail.co.uk

24th October to 31st October 2020 - yorkschocolatestory.com

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Promotion

VISIT THE VIKINGS THIS HALF TERM have swapped shields and armour for masks and hand sanitiser to create a superb socially-distanced experience for visitors. Two Vikings welcome guests into our gallery for a brand new talk about the Coppergate excavations which revealed so much of the city’s Viking past, and children of all ages will love seeing, hearing and smelling the ambience of 10th century York as they enjoy the ride.

You can even watch as your own Viking coin is stamped – but please don’t try to spend it in the shop.

In the 200 years they were settled in Jorvik, our local Vikings didn’t worry about pandemics – they’d survived the Justinian Plague which petered out around 750AD and had left by the time of the Black Death in the 14th century – though that was spread by rats, and they were a far less significant problem than mice and frogs from the riverbanks for our ancestors! However, they did have worms – the world-famous fossilised poo in JORVIK Viking Centre shows evidence of whipworm and mawworm, for example.

Disgusting and fascinating in equal measure!

Back to the 21st century, and the Vikings of JORVIK Viking Centre

So, this half term, rediscover the Vikings – and to make your week even more exciting, add in a trip to DIG: An Archaeological Adventure, and enjoy the extended Magic & Mystery Exhibition at Barley Hall with our Triple Ticket.

All three are open daily, and prebooking is essential (but means no queuing – hurrah!), visit www.jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk to reserve your timeslot.

Haunted Village at Mother Shipton’s Are you ready to be bewitched at Mother Shipton’s this Halloween? Suitable for all ages, explore the spooky forest and Halloween Haunted Village, with ghoulish fun, photo opportunities and fancy dress competitions! 24th October to 1st November, 10am to 4.30pm (last admission 3pm).

Booking is essential - Mother Shipton’s, Knaresborough, HG5 8DD - www.mothershipton.co.uk

Piglets Pumpkin Festival The Pumpkin Festival is back at Piglets Adventure Farm for 2020! And, as always, there’s a free Pick-your-own pumpkin for every full-paying child. Head over to the carving tent and carve your own pumpkin, saving your own kitchen from a ton of stringy orange mess!

Other highlights include the Mysterious Maze, bouncing pillows, crazy golf, farmyard trail, pumpkin slingshot and corn cannon. It’s also your last chance to visit the beach this year. Pre-booking required.

24th October to 1st November 2020 Piglets Adventure Farm, Towthorpe Grange, Towthorpe Moor Lane, York YO32 9ST - pigletsadventurefarm.com

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HallowTween at York Maze

Spooky Skeletons at Lotherton Hall

Those of you who’ve missed York Maze this summer will be pleased to hear that it’s opening its doors again in October.

The popular (terrifying) Hallowscream nighttime event might be off, but older kids can scare themselves silly at Hallowtween. Aimed at children aged 10 to 15 years who are too young for intense scares but too old for trick-or-treating, there’ll be haunted houses to explore, live stage acts, street theatre characters and sideshows. You can take a break at the food court or one of the break-out characters if it all gets too much!

Visit Lotherton this October half term and follow the Spooky Skeletons trail around the estate and into the haunted house! Dress up in your best Halloween costume and prepare to be scared as you explore the woods and seek out all of the skeletons who have made Lotherton their home. A trail will be available to download or pick up when you visit, along with downloadable Halloween craft activities to do at home.The new visitor route through the servants’ quarters and historic rooms will be dressed to impress for Halloween too.

24th October to 1st November 2020 - York Maze, Elvington Lane, York YO19 5LT - hallowtween.co.uk

24th October to 1st November 2020 - Off Collier Lane, Aberford, Leeds LS25 3EB museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk

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Bolton Abbey Pumpkin Trail

Spooky Brodsworth Hall

Bolton Abbey is always a good family day out, and it’s probably closer to York than you think (40 minutes the last time we did it). This October half term there’s another reason to visit, with a Pumpkin Trail for kids to enjoy. Enter the spooky gates of Strid Wood and follow the trail of massive pumpkins to discover hidden doors. Solve the clues to unravel the witch’s spell and watch out for a fun surprise! The route is wheelchair and buggy friendly.

Gather your little monsters for a ghoulishly good day out at Brodsworth Hall this half term. Set like a classic haunted mansion in beautiful grounds, Brodsworth Hall has been subject to a number of spooky going-ons over the years. You’ll definitely be thrilled by some eerie fun.

24th October to 1st November 2020 - boltonabbey.com

Follow the outdoor trail to solve creepy clues and gather round to listen to spooky stories. There’s a frighteningly fun fancy dress competition every day – just come in your scariest outfits to be in with a chance of winning. Included in standard admission price.

24th October to 1st November 2020 - english-heritage.org.uk

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Spooktacular Whitby Abbey

Halloween at Skelf Island

Gather your little monsters for a ghoulishly good day out at Whitby Abbey this half term. Follow the trail to solve creepy clues and gather round to listen to spooky stories. There’s a frighteningly fun fancy dress competition every day – just come in your scariest outfits to be in with a chance of winning.

Head to spooky Skelf Island at Castle Howard this October half term...Across the dormant water of the Great Lake lies our new adventure playground, Skelf Island. The ingenious treetop nest structures, connected by rope bridges, slides, nets and climbing equipment will be transformed with atmospheric lighting and effects, with pumpkins decorating the island. Visit Skelf Island this Halloween, are you brave enough to dare the rope bridge and zoom along the zipwire? There is no age restriction just a brave restriction. Halloween at Skelf Island is included within a Castle Howard gardens ticket.

Entry to the event is included in the standard admission ticket price. To enjoy this event, ensure you select an event day and make sure you bring your booking confirmation with you when you visit.

24th October to 1st November 2020 - english-heritage.org.uk

www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

24th October to 1st November 2020 - castlehoward.co.uk

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The Halloween Adventure at Stockeld Park

Where’s Wally at York Army Museum

There’s loads to do at Stockeld Park’s Halloween adventure, from picking your own pumpkin to spotting the witches in the Enchanted Forest and exploring the spooky maze. Suitable for even the youngest wizards and witches, it’s a lovely autumn day out for the whole family.

Attention all Wally Watchers! This autumn everyone’s favourite children’s book character will be appearing at York Army Museum. Drop into York Army Museum and see if you can find Wally hiding in the collections. Complete the spooky trail to discover the mystery word and claim an ‘I Found Wally’ bookmark.

Free admission for families with children completing the Spooky Museum Search.

24th October to 1st November 2020 - stockeldpark.co.uk

Starts 10th October and runs right through October half term to 28th November 2020. Visit yorkarmymuseum.co.uk

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New Halloween tours for all at York Castle Museum

Pumpkin picking at The Balloon Tree

Delve into the spooky history of Halloween’s traditions and hear the truth about Yorkshire’s real witches in two special new tours at York Castle Museum this October half term. Fearless families can enter the museum to discover the history of Halloween through the new family friendly guided tour, looking at the origins of famous Halloween traditions, such as trick-or-treating, and exploring the past beliefs about witches and evil spirits. A second tour, suitable for older teens and adults, takes you back as far as the early seventeenth century and explores the stories of Yorkshire women labelled as witches, their trials and the fatal outcomes.

We had a lovely morning out at The Balloon Tree recently, picking two huge orange pumpkins from the patch and tucking into a hearty breakfast. The kids loved the cheese toasties, while we grown-ups polished off a couple of tasty veggie English breakfasts. It all felt very Covid-secure and well organised, and the kids were delighted that the play area is open again.

Picking your own pumpkin is much more fun than sticking one in the trolley at the supermarket. If you fancy picking your own, you’ll need to pre-book your time slot through The Balloon Tree website.

Visit theballoontree.co.uk

October 24th to November 1st 2020 - Both tours can be booked now at www.yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk

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DISCOVER YORK AND WIN TREASURE ON THE INDIE YORK MEDIEVAL AND MAGICAL TREASURE TRAIL Looking for something to do with your kids that’s fun, free and outdoors?

We’ve got just the thing: the Indie York Medieval and Magical Treasure Trail.

Taking place from 24th October to 1st November, wrap up warm and discover hidden parts of the city (and its amazing independent businesses) with this magical and medieval themed walking hunt. There are 9 clusters of streets taking part, from Bishy Road to Walmgate, Micklegate and more, each with their own individual hunt. Complete the clues in as many clusters as you like to be in with a chance of winning some amazing prizes, including a bike up to the value of £500 from Cycle Heaven! Pick up a trail map from one of the independent businesses or the Visit York Information Centre, or download it from the Indie York website.

24th October to 1st November 2020 - Indie York.co.uk

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Artisan

r i a F s a m t s i r h C

Saturday, December 5th 10:00am - 3:00pm

A great opportunity to purchase exceptional produce, handcrafted items and gifts for Christmas!

Wreath making workshop and festive Christmas Tapas lunch.

To book a stall or for additional information please call

01757 618248 or visit www.readschool.co.uk Founded 1667

CLASSES TO TRY THIS AUTUMN

Amid all the uncertainty and gloom, one large ray of joy is the fact that the majority of children’s classes are back up and running again.

Some are back in person, while others are online for the time being.

From dance to drama and storytelling, there’s something for children of all ages. Here’s a few to get you started, and you’ll find many more in the Classes section of the Little Vikings website (little-vikings.co.uk).

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Hoglets Online Storytelling Adventures

Hoglets runs weekly online drama and storytelling adventures, aimed at ages 0-7. Each session is an imagination-firing, energetic, immersive and enchanting experience for little minds.

Storytelling performances, songs, games, crafts and loads of silly fun!

They run 4 sessions a week – beamed live, right into your homes. Best of all - they’re FREE to join! www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

• • • • •

Days - Saturday to Tuesday Age range - 0 to 7 years Duration - 45 minutes Venue - Online Cost - FREE!

More info - email gemma@hoglets. org.uk or visit www.hoglets.org.uk

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Crafty Tales online with Story Craft Theatre

Janet and Cassie of Story Craft Theatre are continuing their Crafty Tales sessions online. Catch them every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 10am for some song singing, craft making, storytelling, game playing, problem solving interactive fun. Sessions are based around a popular picture book and cost just £3.50. Aimed at 2-7 year olds and 50 minutes long. Classes take place via Zoom. Once you have booked your place you will receive an email with login details and craft Issue 37

material needed. Janet and Cassie are also hosting online birthday parties! For more info contact Cassie on 07789 727031 • Days - Wednesday, Friday, Saturday at 10am • Age range - 2 to 7 years • Duration - 50 minutes • Venue - Online • Cost - £3.50

More info www.bookwhen.com/ storycrafttheatre

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Dance with En Pointe

En Pointe is an award-winning dance studio in York. It’s not just about how well you dance – it’s also about having fun, making friends and exploring this wonderful world of dance. Their wonderful dance studios have been made COVID-19 safe and their lovely staff have had the relevant training to ensure that you can start your journey into dance. They offer a host of classes including jazz, tap, yoga (adult and children), ballet, contemporary, lyrical, musical theatre, technique www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

and commercial street. Plus for this term they are offering tap, jazz and yoga classes for just £3.00 a class on Saturdays.

• Days - Every day • Ages - Walking 1 year to adult (all abilities welcome) • Venue - En Pointe Dance Studios, Rose Ave, York YO32 5ZA • Costs - From £3 per session

More info - info@enpointeyork. co.uk/www.enpointeyork.co.uk

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Learn a language with Lingotot Lingotot introduces languages to children using familiar songs, stories and games. Usually in schools, nurseries, after school clubs (ASCs) and community classes, since March they have also been online, and on subscription. Current online classes are as follows (note that you can also join Lingotot sessions offering Welsh, Mandarin, Italian and Arabic too) • After school clubs – Aimed at EYFS/KS1 but suitable for siblings too, the session is at 4 to 4.45pm on Mondays (Spanish) and Thursdays (French). The cost is £4.95 per family* • Toddler Tuesdays – For younger ones, join the online session at 10am to 10.30am (Spanish) or 11am to 11.30am (French).

The cost is £4.50 per family* More info - Email york@lingotot. com for more details and a 25% Little Vikings discount!

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Forest school sessions with Wild Things Wild Things forest school runs weekly sessions for babies (up to 17 months) and pre-schoolers (18 months to 4 years). An outdoors experience to help us connect with nature, develop resilience to the great British weather, develop social skills and learn to take managed risks.

During the sessions there are lots of activities to stimulate independent play and allow children’s natural curiosity to develop, for example, binoculars, magnifying glasses, mud kitchen, mud painting, and den building. As well as this there is always a focused activity, often linked to the seasons to help pass on skills, knowledge and understanding of the world around them.

• Ages - Babies and pre-schoolers • Venue - Wild Things’ own site, in the grounds of Millthorpe School (Nunthorpe Avenue) • Cost - £8.50 per child, including a hot drink & activities

More info - Contact@wildthingsyork. co.uk - call 07968060182 - visit wildthingsyork.co.uk

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OUT OF THIS WORLD! CYCLING YORK’S SOLAR SYSTEM ROUTE WITH A CARGO BIKEPLUSH CAFE While there were many challenges during lockdown (nobody mention homeschooling…), one of the joys for our family was rediscovering cycling. In normal times we might dust off our bikes once a month, in lockdown we found ourselves going out on two wheels a few times a week. The usual traffic stresses all but disappeared, leaving us with empty roads that were more sympathetic Issue 37

to zig-zagging kids. All three of our children (10, 8 and 5) fell back in love with their bikes and wanted to go out on long rides, but because the little one’s legs aren’t quite strong enough for hills, an ambitious family ride wasn’t possible (leading to many an argument). So when the lovely folk at Get Cycling got in touch to ask if we’d like to try out one of their cargo bikes, we jumped at the chance.

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Hiring a cargo bike Get Cycling is a not-for-profit based in Hospital Fields, Fulford, and has a great range of family bikes, including trikes, rear steer tandems and cargo bikes. Most are pedal-powered, while some have the added firepower of electricity. We hired a standard Babboe cargo bike for our two girls to watch the world go by from while Mr Viking obligingly pedalled them along.

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They could barely contain their delight when it was wheeled out of the shop – beautifully designed and with plenty of space, they could see that they’d be travelling in style. Not only was there room for the two of them, but we could easily store our various coats, bags and picnic items too – vital for a family that’s completely incapable of travelling light. After a quick tour around the block to get the hang of it, 24 www.little-vikings.co.uk

we set off in the direction of the solar system trail, the eldest and I cycling behind on our own bikes.

York’s Solar System cycle route The York Solar System route is arguably the best cycling route in York, and one that many families enjoy. The route is a scale model of the solar system, with all the planets there to spot along the 6.4 miles. The route goes from the Knavesmire/York racecourse to Riccall, and is almost entirely traffic-free. As it’s a popular route, it can get busy with bikes and walkers so you do need to take care and be considerate of other users (especially if trying to social distance).

We cycled from Get Cycling, over the

Millennium Bridge to the Knavesmire – around 10 minutes – and joined the route there. You don’t have to cycle for long before spotting the first part of the solar system – the sun – and starting to spot all the other planets.

The planets are fairly close together at the beginning of the route, giving kids a good sense that they’re making progress (always good if they’re starting to flag). Planets aside, there are loads of fun things to spot as you go along the route, from bridges to trains, fields, farms and more. We stopped at the brilliant Brunswick Organic Nursery – the perfect place to pick up some plants, food or drink if you’ve got space in your backpack/on your bike.

.

Pick your own

TM

pumpkins

All shapes and sizes Book your slot at theballoontree.co.uk

New Autumn Menu

Half term family fun

Open 7 days a week www.theballoontree.co.uk

The Balloon Tree Farmshop & Cafe • 01759 373023 • Stamford Bridge Road (A166), Gate Helmsley, York

As always, our main advice to reduce complaining is to take plenty of snacks and pack a picnic. There are lots of places to stop, take in the view and give your legs a rest. You can do as much or as little of the route as you like. We managed to get to Uranus (much to the kids’ delight – insert your own joke) before heading back.

It was lovely for our youngest to be able to come with us and see what all the fuss is about – she’s never been on the solar system route before, but now she’s seen it from the comfort and luxury of a Babboe. She and her sister had a lovely time feeling the wind in their hair and watching the world go by, and their older brother was very happy that we’d done a really good distance without being scuppered by younger siblings getting tired. The cargo bike is a brilliant option for family cycling, and hiring one is a great way to see if you like it. It was easy enough to navigate through gates (much to my surprise), and Mr Viking declared it a good, easy ride (although rather him than me up the hills!).

If there was ever a time to get kids into cycling, this is it (well, there has to be something good to come out of 2020!). There’s so much we enjoyed about our family bike ride – time to chat, no distracting screens, lots of fresh air and exercise – and we’re definitely going to keep it up (we may well go back to Get Cycling to borrow that cargo bike again). Although the roads around York are busier and more intimidating now, the solar system route is ideal for building up confidence without the cars. We’d certainly recommend it for something to do in York with kids – it’s out of this world!

For more information on hiring a cargo bike, visit the Get Cycling York website - getcycling.org.uk Issue 37

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LITTLE VIKINGS AWARDS 2021 - NOMINATE NOW! We are delighted to announce the launch of the Little Vikings Awards 2021, sponsored by St Peter’s School, York. Now in its sixth year, it’s the only awards scheme that rewards the best of York for kids, as voted for by the people who count - York families. It’s your annual chance to shine a light on the people who go the extra mile for families living in and visiting York, and make them feel proud of themselves for the rest of the year It’s also a great way to help other families find the family-friendly businesses that they should know about: a Little Vikings Award-winner is always worth seeking out.

We had a record number of responses last year, with thousands of people nominating and voting, and we hope that you’ll do the same again. There’s no doubt that 2020 has been challenging for most businesses, and we’re sure they’d appreciate a bit of extra love. So it’s over to you to nominate your favourite things to do and places to go with your children this year - please do take a couple of minutes to nominate them. The businesses with the most nominations will be shortlisted.

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Nominations are open until 31st October 2020, and we will announce the shortlists in November. Winners will be chosen by public vote and announced in the New Year. So, what are you waiting for? Nominate in as many, or as few, categories as you like.

THE DETAILS How do I nominate? Hop over to little-vikings.co.uk/vote When do nominations close? Friday 1 November 2020 How are finalists chosen? Shortlists will be based on the number of nominations received.

When can we vote for the winners? Once the shortlists are announced, you will have until midnight on New Year’s Eve to vote for your winners. Winners will be announced in the New Year.

Sponsored by www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

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THE CATEGORIES Special recognition award Nominate any person, place or organisation that you think deserves special recognition for the work they do for or with families in York

Attractions Best family attraction in York Best family attraction (Yorkshire Coast) Best family attraction (Yorkshire Dales) Best family attraction (North York Moors) Best rainy day destination Experiences Best chocolate experience Best gory experience Best festival for kids Best Christmas experience (including Santa’s grotto) Best tour of York Birthday parties Best birthday party provider Best birthday party entertainer Entertainment Best cinema Best theatre   Issue 37

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Classes for kids Best online class - NEW

Best pregnancy class

Best baby/toddler swimming class

Best music class

Best swimming class (aged 4+)

Best creative class

Best active class (not swimming)

Best STEM class

Best drama class

Best holiday club/workshop

Best dance class Accommodation Best family-friendly accommodation Best family-friendly camping and glamping Food & drink Best family-friendly breakfast Best family-friendly lunch Best family-friendly Sunday roast Best place for ice cream Best date night destination Childcare Best nursery

Nominate your favourites at little-vikings.co.uk now! www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

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Tansy beetles York - Why the special and w to find them

s in ey’re where

Fresh air, endangered species and a bit of a treasure hunt: if it’s a unique York family experience that you’re after, hunting for tansy beetles is high on the list.

Not only is it a great free thing to do in York, but it’s screen-free too and will encourage kids to engage with nature and their surroundings: win-win.

What are tansy beetles and why are they special?

Tansy beetles are an endangered species of beetle that are only found on short stretch of York’s river Ouse.

Take one look at a tansy beetle in real life and you’ll see why people are so

keen to spot them: they are absolutely beautiful. The colours are stunning: this is no-filter nature at its best, and the green, jewel-like shell has to be seen to be believed.

Where to find tansy beetles in York Locals have their favourite spots for finding tansy beetles - many of which remain a closely guarded secret! It’s important to note that tansy hibernate during the winter, and the best months to find them are April and May and August and September. They are most Issue 37

often found on the yellow tansy plant that they’re named after.

For lots of families, the joy of a tansy beetle hunt is in trying to find them without being given a specific location. If that’s you, look away now!

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We took our three children on a tansy beetle hunt recently and, despite very vocal protests about the idea of going for a walk, they were completely spellbound when we finally spotted them. It was absolutely worth the hunt and the whinging, and they’ve talked about it a lot since.

The two top places we’d recommend for where to find tansy beetles in York are: - Fulford Ings - Park on Fulford Main Street near to the Bay Horse pub (there’s limited free on-street parking) and walk down the public footpath to Fulford Ings. It’s a very short walk down to the riverbank where you’ll

see a picnic bench or two and an information board all about the tansy beetles.

- York Museum Gardens - Tansy beetles were introduced to York Museum Gardens a few years ago, and can often be found on the yellow tansy plants.

If you’re in York city centre, the tansy beetle mural is well worth a look. Find it on Queen Street, a short walk from York station. And for a grown-up night out, The Rattle Owl’s new Tansy Beetle bar is a lovely place for a relaxed drink in gorgeous surroundings. Happy tansy beetle hunting!

Science shows and more at the Railway Museum Visit a museum that moves you this half term. Return for your favourite activities, including the Miniature Railway and Pop-up Science shows.

Explore their mighty collection of world-class locomotives, from the record-breaking Mallard to the revolutionary Rocket. They’ve made some changes to the museum to keep your visit safe and enjoyable, including free, timed admission tickets to manage visitor numbers. Make sure you book your free admission tickets in advance as they expect to be fully booked.

Your favourite activities are back, including the Miniature Railway on selected days. Travel between the Issue 37

museum and the centre of York in style on the Road Train. Book ahead to re-live Mallard’s record-breaking run on Mallard Experience, the exciting simulator ride. The outdoor play area will also be open and they are reopening our indoor under5s play area in Great Hall. What can marshmallows tell us about tunnelling? What do eggs and bridges have in common? Find out in the live Pop-up Science demonstrations Monday to Friday, 11.00–15.00.

Explore over 200 years of history from 24 October – 1 November at the National Railway Museum. www.railwaymuseum.org.uk/ whats-on/october-half-term 36 www.little-vikings.co.uk

New Halloween tours for all at York Castle Museum Delve into the spooky history of Halloween’s traditions and hear the truth about Yorkshire’s real witches in two special new tours at York Castle Museum this October half term. Fearless families can enter the museum to discover the history of Halloween through the new familyfriendly guided tour, looking at the origins of famous Halloween traditions, such as trick-or-treating, and exploring the past beliefs about witches and evil spirits. A second tour, suitable for older teens and adults, takes you back as far as the early seventeenth century and explores the

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stories of Yorkshire women labelled as witches, their trials and the fatal outcomes.

Halloween Family Friendly Tour - Set in the Period Rooms and Toy Stories Galleries, the family tours will shed light on Halloween traditions and the spooky supernatural including a funfilled insight into the history of Jacko-lanterns and the use of protective charms to keep the evil forces at bay. At £8 per person, this 30 minute guided tour is a unique Halloween experience for all to enjoy.

Visit yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk

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FIVE REASONS TO VISIT...

BRIMHAM ROCKS   Issue 37

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If there’s one place in Yorkshire that’s truly out of this world, it’s Brimham Rocks. What began as a large mountain range millions of years ago has been transformed into what we see today through powerful forces - erosion, incredible winds and maybe a bit of good old fashioned Yorkshire magic. This weird and wonderful spot in the Yorkshire Dales is perfect for a family day out, and here are five reasons we love it. www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

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1.

The bizarre rock formations are stunning

more space to picnic than you can ever imagine - why not choose a rock with a view? Most of the time, there’s a kiosk selling hot and cold drinks and snacks, too.

You’ll never forget your first visit to Brimham Rocks because it really is unlike anywhere else in the county (or even the country). It’s no exaggeration to say that the rock formations are breathtaking, and the peculiar shapes are ideal for sparking children’s imaginations. See if you can spot the Smartie Tube or Castle Rock, or make up your own names for them.

Surrounded by Brimham Moor, it’s a beautiful place to spend a day.

4.

2.

It’s ideal for active kids: climb, jump, run, explore

Brimham Rocks is paradise for anyone active, and children will love clambering, jumping, running and exploring. It’s guaranteed to tire them out! Beware steep drops, overconfident kids and parents shouting ‘just keep back from the edge’ every two minutes (or is that just me?!).

3.

It’s the best place for a picnic

Hungry after all that exercise? There’s Issue 37

It’s free to visit just pay to park

We LOVE a free day out, and Brimham Rocks pretty much ticks that box - you just have to pay to park (currently £6 for four hours of £9 per day).

National Trust members displaying their window sticker can park for free. There’s no need to pre-book, either, making it a good choice for a spontaneous day out. We would recommend getting there early, though, as the car park can get busy on peak days.

5.

The location’s fab, with lots of great things to do nearby

If you want to extend your stay, there are lots of great things to do in the vicinity. Our family-friendly favourites in that part of the Yorkshire Dales include Bolton Abbey, Fountains Abbey, Stump Cross Caverns and BIlly Bob’s Parlour.

Brimham Rocks, Summerbridge, Harrogate HG3 4DW https://www.nationaltrust. org.uk/brimham-rocks 40 www.little-vikings.co.uk

SPOOKY! A MAGICAL POTIONS EXPERIENCE ON THE SHAMBLES The question of whether York’s famous medieval street, the Shambles, inspired Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley or not is more complicated than the rules of Quidditch, but there’s no doubt that it’s magical. And one of the most magical spots on this magical street is The Potions Cauldron, a wizard-themed emporium selling concoctions of every colour and flavour. It’s not just a shop though: tucked away at the back is a room where you can enjoy a pre-booked Potion Experience. It didn’t take much persuasion to convince our three little wizards to head along to The Potions Cauldron to try it for ourselves.

It’s hard to say what they enjoyed most about the twenty-minute wizardled experience: the shop’s intriguing history, the connection to everyone’s favourite wizard, the magical atmosphere of the place or the fantastical potions themselves (some of them even pop!). What we can say is that this is one of those rare activities that all of our children enjoyed equally (not easy, with three different ages to cater for). They all came out buzzing and happy, and not just because of the slushes/butterbeer/popping candy! It’s a unique York experience that kids will love (and adults too - there are alcoholic options for some of the potions!). The fact that this is a family-run, independent business is a bonus, too.

If you fancy grabbing your broomsticks and heading along, do pre-book your slot first. It’s a magical experience for the family and good value too: 9 ¾ out of 9 ¾. Visit the Potions Cauldron website - thepotionscaululdron.com

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EDUCATION SPECIAL York’s lucky to have an abundance of excellent schools, both within the city walls and within a short drive. If you’re starting to think about your options for next year, and you’d like to discover what the independent sector has to offer, read on to find out more.

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Promotion

St Peter’s School York Pupils at St Peter’s School, York, have demonstrated their resilience and adaptability this year, cheerfully and confidently adjusting to new ways of learning.

The school’s goal is to develop confident, rounded young men and women who make the most of their abilities in preparation for a successful, happy and fulfilled life.

From an early age, pupils develop a lifelong love of learning and hone skills that will make them stand out in a fast-changing world.

returned in September.

The school’s vibrant co-curricular programme also continued virtually, with concerts, debating, dance clubs, book clubs, literature festivals, art competitions and exercise classes all hosted online, including over 1,900 music lessons.

Pupils returning to St Peter’s this autumn have enjoyed rediscovering the school’s 47-acre green campus

These skills enabled pupils to adapt quickly to the challenges of learning from home, supported by the school’s inspirational teaching staff. An exceptional remote teaching programme was delivered over the summer term with almost 10,000 virtual lessons, putting pupils in the best possible position to resume their educational journey when they Issue 37

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and reconnecting with friends. The school’s approach to pastoral care creates a welcoming community where children feel valued and staff have worked hard to provide a safe and happy learning environment for all pupils aged 2-18.

Mr Jeremy Walker, Head Master, said: ‘It is wonderful to see our campus full

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of life and laughter again. Our ability to overcome the difficulties that we have faced is proof that, whatever life throws at us in the future, we can overcome the challenges together and thrive under the circumstances.”

To find out more about St Peter’s, visit https://www.stpetersyork.org.uk/

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Promotion

Bootham School

York Bootham School in York continues to build on its national reputation as a school with a difference. With excellent academic results, an extensive activities programme and outstanding pastoral care, Bootham continues to attract families from across Yorkshire, the UK and the world. As a Quaker school, Bootham has emphasised the importance of student wellbeing since it opened in 1823.

Headmaster Chris Jeffery said: “We are immensely proud of our wonderful Issue 37

academic results, which are especially impressive given that we are a nonselective school. But we are even more proud of the thoughtful and caring people our students become.”

One current parent explained: “You can see that the children thrive. Those adults I know who have been through the school are very well rounded, kind and thoughtful and are often people who have done a lot for the community rather than just thinking about themselves.”

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Discover what Bootham School can do for your son or daughter at one of our virtual Open Days. Please contact Registrar Fiona Ward on 01904 623 621 or email admissions@ boothamschool.com to reserve a place.

Or for further information, please visit the website: www.boothamschool.com.

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Autumn Issue 37

Promotion

Read School Drax Staff at Read were all hands-on deck as soon as lockdown set in. Not content to set pupils unguided tasks, Read’s teachers immediately became acquainted with all Google Classroom has to offer, and rolled out structured yet fun days to continue to engage pupils with their subjects.

Despite the disruption of the pandemic, Read kept going magnificently: “We were amazed at how quickly the school got Google Classroom up and running, and how well the teachers embraced it. Well done all!” (Parent survey, Sept 2020)

best practice remote learning package.

Read offered fresh remote content from taster A-Level Psychology sessions for Year 11 pupils to ‘Learn a Language in Lockdown’ for pupils and parents (including beginners’ Mandarin) to online, family Knit & Natter sessions.

Read’s 99% pass rate at GCSE, and 100% at A Level, demonstrated how pupils’ study patterns were hardly

Read hitched up their sleeves and applied their second-to-none teaching practices to remote learning. Should a second wave send pupils home again - and Read is less at risk of this than most schools with large classrooms, small class sizes and rolling countryside – they are ready and confident with a tried and tested Issue 37

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disrupted, with their commitment to high quality online learning. This led to A-Level pupils obtaining their first choices of university, including four in the Russell Group.

Read also enlivened a dreary lockdown summer with a wonderful enrichment programme including Languages (French & Mandarin), Drama (Musical in a Week) and Sport (rounders and football) camps, alongside historical and beachside days out.

“People can have misconceptions of independent schools; come for a visit and you’ll see for yourself that we are welcoming and down-to-earth whilst focusing on a wonderful, rounded education for your child.”

a few highlights, plus the brand new BTEC in Health & Social Care!”.

Sadly, many state schools will struggle to provide structured and stimulating remote learning in further lockdowns in 2020 and 2021, and social distancing is challenging in classes sizes of 30. At Read, many classes have ten or less, allowing for bespoke, targeted teaching and learning in a family-feel school environment.” Ruth Ainley, Headteacher With spaces available in Read’s Lower Junior School, and limited places elsewhere, brand new free weekly 25-minute music lessons including piano, other classical instruments and ukulele, are now available in LJS.

Small class sizes, acres of sports fields, subject-specialist teachers combined with the award-winning (Pru) Leith’s cookery course and the option to join the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) are www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

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Autumn Issue 37

Promotion

MALTON MONTESSORI SCHOOL Malton Montessori School offers Montessori Nursery and more recently primary Montessori education in the market town of Malton. Their children’s ages spanning from a few months to eleven years. During the summer, they relocated outside into some nearby meadows in an effort to evade the Coronavirus, a journey that for them had started before lockdown. They realised that to ensure the safety of their entire community they needed to move everyone outdoors, where any aerosolised virus is dispersed by air currents, and children benefit from the sun and vitamin D. They were fortunate in so far as additional land was immediately offered by the town’s Fitzwilliam Estate (Malton). Whilst the pandemic has been negative in so many ways,   Issue 37

it has offered up rare opportunities to immerse and discover nature, to be adventurous and experience all that community and the seasons have to offer. They set about creating a colourful tented village surrounded by garden allotments, care for the gardens, chickens and rabbits became our focus. Despite the underlying crisis, they gave children respite from lock-down and a summer to remember.

Now autumn is upon us, there is change again, this time in readiness for the colder months. They use their school buildings as a base and refuge in the case of extreme weather conditions, whilst spending the best of each day outside, enjoying woodland school sessions, creating art and pottery, cooking outside, tending to 50 www.little-vikings.co.uk

the allotments and caring for their growing collection of animals, when it rains they dive into their meadow classrooms. These are fully ventilated bell tents equipped for their needs, where they read stories and learn skills that are useful outside. They are determined that COVID-19 will not leave its mark on their community, but out of adversity they will not only draw the strength to adapt but they will also www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

show children that we should not be fearful of change, that it can be both rewarding and life changing.

The Malton Montessori School open day will be held on Sunday 25th October 2020. For more details and to book your place, call 07514713730 or 01653 696232 or email admin@ maltonmontessorischool.co.uk. Visit maltonmontessorischool.co.uk 51

Autumn Issue 37

Promotion

THE MOUNT SCHOOL York

This half term, girls at The Mount Junior School have greatly enjoyed their creative curriculum studies theme, Rio De Vida, which focuses on Brazil. The Creative Curriculum draws together learning topics aside from Numeracy and Literacy, which the girls also study, to nurture the pupils’ love of learning. Each week, pupils in the all-girl Quaker school face a different Learning Challenge, which invites them to explore different facets of the theme. Challenges included Where should the England football team play their first game? Would you like to live in the Amazon rainforest? and will end with a school-wide Carnival. In determining where the Issue 37

England football team should play their first football game in the 2014 World Cup, girls became Climate Scientists, and analysed climate data of Brasilia, Rio de Janiero and Salvador to decide which venue was best for the England players. “The answer was Brasilia because in June, when they were playing, it had the lowest rainfall and middling temperatures, and lower humidity,” says Isabelle in Year 5.

The Creative Curriculum invites children to continually explore, discover and create within their learning topic. In Music, the children loved learning samba rhythms.

Early Years children played samba 52 www.little-vikings.co.uk

rhythms, girls in Years 2-4 played rhythm games and learned simple layering whilst Years 5-6 played more complex samba structures and composed their own sambas on Garage Band. In Outdoor Education, the pupils made mini-shelters in the school’s onsite woodland, created their own Guardians of the Wood, and made carnival-themed headdresses from natural materials. Girls also explored the theme in Art and Digital Competency.

Next half term, the Creative Curriculum theme will centre on Fingerprints of the Gods as the girls explore the ancient Mayan culture. To learn more about this extraordinary www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

education for girls, please contact The Mount’s Admissions Manager, Nicola Craig, on 01904 23 23 23.

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Promotion

EXPERT TUITION WITH KIP MCGRATH Many children lack confidence at the start of a new school term, never mind after months away from the classroom, thanks to a pandemic!

Local private tuition providers, Ruth and David Hardy of Kip McGrath Education Centre York West, are helping students to get back on track and feel confident once again.

David and Ruth provide personalised tuition in English, maths and science to students from reception to GCSE, at their tuition centre in York. All prospective students undergo a free assessment with Kip McGrath Education Centre York West, to enable the tutors to ascertain the student’s strengths and weaknesses and to put together a personalised plan for the student. Parents receive regular updates on their child’s progress and many parents often comment that Issue 37

their child has not only made rapid academic progress but has grown in confidence thanks to the progress they’ve made.

Kip McGrath Education Centre York West, which is one of three Kip McGrath Education Centres in the city, is an OFSTED registered childcare provider, meaning they are able to accept a range of payment methods including childcare vouchers, working tax credits and taxfree childcare, making their services accessible to all. Ruth and David are fully qualified, DBS checked teachers, giving parents peace of mind that their children really are receiving top quality tuition in a safe environment.

Tutoring takes place from Monday to Thursday, from 4pm to 8.20pm.

Visit kipmcgrath.co.uk/york-west 54 www.little-vikings.co.uk

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Autumn Issue 37

LITTLE VIKINGS EAT... at Yolk Farm

There’s no doubt about it: kids just don’t get as excited by eating out as grown-ups. For the adults, it’s a welcome break from the kitchen and a chance to eat something made by another (infinitely more skilled) person that contains more than four ingredients. In theory, eating out with kids might even be the family bonding experience we occasionally see on TV or in the movies (we can dream).

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For kids, it’s a drag: choosing something from a limited menu that outrageously - doesn’t feature ‘pasta with cheese’ or ‘just a bowl of cereal’, sitting down right to the end of the meal and having to be polite to the person handing over the food. That - and the fact that it can end up costing a small fortune - is what puts us off eating out too often as a family.

The government’s Eat Out to Help Out discount scheme gave us the perfect reason to try somewhere new, safe in the knowledge that, whatever dinner disasters might ensue, at least it wouldn’t break the bank. After a bit of research, we booked a table at Yolk Farm, confident that the promise of seeing some www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

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alpaca would encourage the kids into the car (that and the fact that we’d seen there were pancakes on the menu - always a winner). It sounded like a good combination of eating out and a bit of an experience - ideal.

Tucked away off the A1 just outside Boroughbridge, Yolk Farm is within easy reach of York (although beware SatNav malfunctions - ours took us on a merry tour of country roads and almost made us late). It’s a very pretty place, clearly very well cared for and maintained. Yolk Farm is just one reason to visit - the other is the fabulous Minskip Farm shop, housed within the same building.

Both are warm, welcoming and run by a family with a strong commitment to Yorkshire and the environment.

Despite our SatNav’s best efforts, we arrived on time for lunch and the kids instantly cheered up at the sight of a million chickens clucking about and a big pig rolling around in the mud as they clambered from the car. We were greeted warmly at the entrance to the restaurant, shown to our (socially distanced) table Issue 37

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and given a menu to peruse. From burgers to sandwiches and lots of brunch options, there should be something for everyone. Our kids, of course, knew exactly what they were having: pancakes with a smoothie on the side. What they lacked in veg, at least they made up for with a ton of fruit. They were delighted with their choice, chomping through their stacks with enthusiasm and gulping down their smoothies (table manners are still a work in progress).

Yolk Farm prides itself on its eggs, so we adults went for Just Beet It - a gorgeous marriage of beetroot and egg that almost looked too good to eat (almost). The goats cheese fritters were the stars, but the simple poached egg was a joy too.

The coffee - a vital part of any eating out (or other) experience with kids for caffeine-reliant parents - was really good too. Had we had room for pudding, there were lots of tempting options. I’m sure we’ll be back to try them, as this was an eating out experience that worked for us. The children enjoyed the food, the restaurant itself is relaxed and fun and the staff are friendly. It felt very safe, and the measures they have put in place to keep it Covid-safe were clear. The government’s Eat Out to Help Out discount made it a bargain, too.

We loved that everything at Yolk Farm is locally sourced where possible, and the fact that we could go outside afterwards and see a newborn alpaca (so sweet!), some goats and all the hens was a huge bonus. Yolk Farm is a gem and makes eating out with kids a pleasure. Egg-scellent.

Yolk Farm, Minskip Road, Minskip, York YO51 9HY

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LITTLE VIKINGS MAKE...

Magic breadstick wands

Ever tried making your own breadsticks?

Use this basic recipe and jazz it up with whatever you fancy: chocolate drops, orange zest or whatever else you’ve got in the cupboard. Or add salt/cheese to make them savoury. We melted chocolate to dip them in once they had cooled down and added some sprinkles to make them look like a magic wand. This recipe makes eight.

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Ingredients • 1 x 7g sachet dried yeast • 2 tbsps caster sugar • 110ml warm water

• 250g plain flour • Milk for brushing • Toppings of your choice, eg. milk chocolate to melt for dipping/sprinkles

METHOD 1. Put the yeast and sugar into the bowl you’re going to use for mixing. Add the water, mix and leave for five minutes.

2. Add the flour and mix until it becomes a dough (you can do this with a food mixer or by hand). Knead for five minutes.

3. Put the dough back into a lightly floured bowl, cover and leave somewhere warm for 30 - 60 minutes (it should have doubled in size).

4. Pre-heat the oven to 200c/180c fan/gas mark 6.

5. Knead the dough for a few minutes on a floured surface.

6. Divide it into 8 pieces, then shape into breadsticks. Put them on a lined tray, leaving a bit of space between each one.

7. Brush with milk (or oil) to give them a nice colour once they’re cooked.

8. Put into the oven and cook for 15 - 20 minutes. They should be golden brown on top and sound hollow.

9. Cool completely on a rack before decorating as you like. We melted 100g of milk chocolate carefully in the microwave before dipping them in and sprinkling liberally.

Leave to set. Magic!

LITTLE VIKINGS MAKE...

A PINE CONE CREATURE

One of the best things about Autumn is wandering through the woods as the leaves fall and the wind blows. It's also the perfect opportunity to raid nature’s craft drawers. Sticks, crisp brown and yellow leaves, conkers and of course pine cones are great for seasonal crafting. Here's just a couple of suggestions.

To make your pine cone woodland creatures you will need: • • • •

Pine Cones Coloured felt or cardboard Googly eyes Some strong glue

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Hedgehog

Owl

1. Take your felt/card and cut out a small circle, cut a slit for the edge to the centre. Fold the circle into a cone shape and secure with glue.

This will be your hedgehog’s face. In another colour of felt /card cut out another smaller circle and stick it onto the point of the cone as a nose.

Finally, stick on your googly eyes.

1. Take your felt/ card and cut out a jelly bean shape, then in another colour cut out two small circles that will fit onto the jelly bean, then glue them down. The glue a googly eye onto each of the circles.

Take another colour and cut out a little triangle beak, glue this onto the jelly bean too. This will be your Owl’s face

2. Lay the pine cone on its side and then glue on the face to the top of the cone.

3. Take your felt/card and cut out two feather shapes, take another colour and cut out two smaller feather shapes. Glue the smaller ones on top of the larger ones and then glue these onto your pine cone one on each side to make your wings. Twit Twoo you’re done.

3. From the felt/card cut two small semi-circles as ears and stick them onto the pine cone just behind the face. And there you go your own snuffly Hedgehog. www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

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2. Glue your face onto the top of your pine cone.

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Fox 1. Take a piece of felt/cardboard and cut out the shape of a Fox’s face.

It’s a hexagon with a pair of triangle ears cut into the top. Take a different colour and cut out a small oval shape, which will fit neatly onto the bottom of the fox’s face and glue it on, then take another colour and cut out a tiny circle for the nose, then stick it on. To finish the foxes face stick on two googly eyes. The stick your fox’s face onto the top of a pine cone.

2. Using the same colour felt/card as the foxes face cut out a big thick bushy tail. Then take another colour and trace around the tip of the tail you’ve created and then cut it out and stick it on the top of your tail. Stick your tail onto the back of the pine cone.

3. Finally, cut out two legs with paws and stick them to the front of the cone. There you go, that’s one finished fox!

What other animals can you think of? Rabbits? Squirrels?

Badgers? We’d love to see what other pine cone creatures you create.

Thanks to Gemma from Hoglets for providing the craft.

Hoglets runs weekly drama and storytelling classes online for babies and toddlers from 0-5 years.

See www.hoglets.org.uk for more info.

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Jokes Why do cows wear bells?

Because their horns don’t work!

I broke my finger last week…

On the other hand, I’m okay!

Waiter, will my pizza be long?

No, it’ll be round!

What happens when winter arrives?

Autumn leaves!

What’s an alpaca’s favourite drink?

Llamanade!

Why Little Vikings loves...

Castle Howard

The Skelf Island adventure playground is fantastic Acres of woodland and gardens to explore

Plenty of trees to climb and slopes to roll down

Tasty food and drink options (eat in or takeaway)

Fun kids’ activities throughout the year

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Photo: Sarah Gibson Photography

Dalby Forest

What will you discover?

Dalby Forest  forestryengland.uk

Dive back into The Deep!

We are ready to welcome you back to see over 5,000 animals including spectacular sharks, rays, turtles and a colony of Gentoo penguins!

Please book your arrival time at www.thedeep.co.uk

Full safety FAQs on our website

Online booking essential www.thedeep.co.uk info@thedeep.co.uk

thedeephull

Tower Street, Hull

Newly refurbished cafĂŠ