Little Vikings - Issue 49 - Summer 2023

Hello!

The sun’s shining and, for many of us, there are six whole school-free weeks ahead. Whether that fills you with joy or dread, we’re here with plenty of inspiration to keep everyone happy. You’ll find lovely days out, some incredible places to stay if you fancy a Yorkshire break (and who wouldn’t) as well as lots of ideas for things to do if the weather changes. Watching your budget? We get it, so you’ll find our pick of the best free and wallet-friendly things to do around York, too.

The best way to keep up with the very best events and activities in and around the city is to sign up for our newsletter via the Little Vikings website and to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Have a wonderful summer and we’ll see you in the autumn!

All at Little Vikings HQ

Little Vikings HQ

Since last issue, we've….

• Enjoyed a delicious birthday dinner at Rustique - the perfect taste of France without leaving the city

• Been to the launch of the Snooks Trail, a fun, family-friendly new trail coming to York in 2024. Watch this space for details.

• Taken our extended family to York Castle Museum, which they loved. It’s excellent for all ages.

• Celebrated the end of the SATS for our middle one with a giant caramel slice from Dark Horse Espresso in Shambles Market. Look out for their new cafe, opening on Bishopthorpe Road later this year.

Little Vikings was founded and is run by a York family. Contact us at hello@little-vikings.co.uk. Content © Little Vikings 2023. Little Vikings is a registered trade mark. Every effort has been made to ensure that this guide is up-to-date and accurate, but some things are liable to change. Always check details before you travel.

Family Fun Day at Askham Bryan Wildlife Park

Askham Bryan Wildlife & Conservation Park is now home to over 100 creatures, including meerkats, otters, goats, alpacas, wallabies and many more. Set in the beautiful grounds of Askham Bryan College with ample parking there is much to see, do, hear and explore. Head along on 22nd July for The York Pride Family Fun Day, with lots of activities lined up, including live animal feeds and talks, stalls, face painting, trails, magicians and much more. Save 25% with a Pride wristband.

abcwildlifepark.co.uk

New trails for York

York’s not short of a trail or two - including the Little Vikings I Spy Trail (details on our website) - and it’s about to get some more! Next year will be a year of trails for the city, including the fun Snooks Trail. Watch this space for more details.

Visityork.org

York Minster Refectory opens

You’ll work up an appetite on a trip around York Minster (even more so if you brave the tower; kids 8+ only) so we’ve got good news. Hungry visitors can now pop over the road to the new York Minster Refectory to refuel. The breakfast menu is good value and child-friendly, while the lunch and dinner options are tempting for a grown-up treat. The outdoor area is perfect for a coffee, and there are takeaway options too.

Yorkminsterrefectory.co.uk

Bluey’s coming to York!

Family Raceday at York Racecourse is, unsurprisingly, the most family-friendly event of the racing season. The entertainment marquee is the place to head for lots of fun activities. For 2023, the one and only Bluey will be making regular appearances throughout the day too!

Yorkracecourse.co.uk

Now Booking

The Tiger Who Came to Tea Live Head to York Theatre Royal to see a musical version of this wonderful classic book. Packed with magic, songs and clumsy chaos, it promises to be a show to remember. 1st and 2nd September 2023

yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

Christmas at Castle Howard - This year’s theme is Christmas in Neverland! Fly into the adventure of a lifetime bursting with fairies, mermaids, and pirates. Vast ships will cruise into Castle Howard’s great galleries, Lost Boy laughter will echo through the halls, and beautiful rooms will transform into tropical lagoons

Castlehoward.co.uk

Meadowfest returns - Malton’s boutique midsummer music festival, Meadowfest, is officially returning on Saturday 29th July 2023, bringing a full day of singing, dancing and feasting in Yorkshire’s Food Capital. The headline act, Chesney Hawkes, has now been announced! There will also be 11 support acts across two stages, including Abba Arrival, HUGE and The Y Street Band.

visitmalton.com

Yorkshire Balloon Fiesta details announced - While we’re sad that Yorkshire Balloon Fiesta isn’t based in York any more, the good news is that it’s only moved down the road. Castle Howard is its new home, and there’s loads coming up, from Sam Ryder live to Cosmic Kids Yoga! 25th to 28th August 2023

yorkshireballoonfiesta.co.uk

Wonderlab opens at the Railway Museum

Wonderlab: The Bramall Gallery will be a ground-breaking interactive gallery exploring the how, what and why that underpin the creation of the railways. In the gallery, families will explore interactive exhibits together and challenge themselves to think like engineers. This unmissable experience will fuel imaginations, spark curiosity and inspire visitors to see the museum’s collections in new and exciting ways. railwaymuseum.org.uk

York Georgian Festival

York Mansion House is proud to collaborate with some of the city’s much-loved museums, venues and historical experts to bring you York’s first-ever Georgian Festival. Dust off your petticoat, powder your best wig and head to the Mansion House for an exciting plethora of engagements at Fairfax House, Bar Convent and more. Learn to dance the minuet, discover Georgian family life with Horrible Histories writer Terry Deary, solve the mystery of tricky Dick Turpin’s missing corpse in an immersive murder mystery night and take a peep behindthe-scenes with York’s curators. 3rd to 6th August

mansionhouseyork.com

‘Mary Anning Rocks’ at The Yorkshire Museum

One for the fossil fans! This new exhibition will celebrate the inspiring story of the renowned palaeontologist. Best known for discovering Jurassic marine fossils in Lyme Regis, this family-friendly exhibition will introduce Mary Anning and tell the story of how she changed the way we view the natural world.

yorkshiremuseum.org.uk

Pirates & Mermaids at Mother Shipton’s

This summer it’s time to SHELLebrate at Mother Shipton’s Pirates & Mermaids event. Take a trip under the sea to meet a very magnificent mermaid and swashbuckling pirate! Explore the Little Mermaid’s enchanted cavern filled with gadgets and gizmos aplenty, whozits and whatzits galore. Will you get lost in her magical world of dinglehoppers and thingamabobs?

Daily during the summer holidays; booking essential. Mothershipton.co.uk

A summer of adventure at Piglets Adventure Farm

There’s so much going on at Piglets this summer, with changing themes throughout the weeks, from Fairies and Trolls to Dino Adventures and Showtime! Head into the Fairy Wood, meet live dinosaurs and roll up for a circus workshop! Visit the website to discover what’s on when. Like the sound of it all? Why not buy a Summer Pass? For £25 per person, you can visit as many times as you’d like.

pigletsadventurefarm.com

Castle Howard

Castle Howard is a wonderful place for a memorable summer day out with children. Skelf Island is one of the best and most magical adventure playgrounds in Yorkshire, tucked away in the grounds, and the house is well worth a visit, too. We always enjoy a wander through Ray Woods and the pretty walled garden. Pack a picnic or pick up something tasty to eat from one of the cafes.

castlehoward.co.uk

York’s Chocolate Story

Are you ready for a Choc-tastic Summer? Look no further than York’s Chocolate Story, the ultimate destination for families, chocolate enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a truly unique adventure! Located in the heart of York, this award-winning tour attraction offers an exciting and educational journey through the fascinating history of chocolate. With interactive exhibits, delicious tastings, and chocolate-making, you’ll be in for a treat!

yorkschocolatestory.com

York Maze

York Maze is Yorkshire’s multiaward-winning a-maze-ing summer attraction with over 20 rides, shows and attractions and the largest maize maze in Europe. All aboard the Crowmania tractor and trailer for amazing animatronics and theatrical surprises, meet giant dinosaurs in the Jurassic Maize, watch live shows, zoom down the Corn Snake slides and puzzle over the mind-bending rooms in the House of Cornfusion. New for 2023, speed down the Cobsleigh Run or lose yourself in Sunflower Corner.

Saturday 15th July to Monday 4th September 2023 - yorkmaze.com

Hidden Harriers Trail at the Yorkshire Air Museum

Embark on a new children’s trail for the Yorkshire Air Museum and find the Hidden Harriers around the Museum. ‘H’ the Harrier – one of the museum’s new mascots – is hiding around the site. Can you spot all ten of his hiding places and find the letters that make up the secret word? This is a great new trail for kids of all ages, and it’s free with admission.

yorkshireairmuseum.org

Under the Sea at Stockeld Park

Head to Stockeld Park this summer to go Under the Sea! Prepare to be submerged in an aquatic-themed wonderland of adventure and entertainment. The ticket price includes a variety of exciting activities that will transport visitors to an enchanted forest with magical sea creature-themed trails, maritime mazes with riddles and jokes, and entertainment by the Stockeld Starz and the adorable park mascot, Scout. stockeldpark.co.uk

Discover at JORVIK DIG

At DIG, kids get to discover the most exciting archaeological artefacts from the 2000 years of history hidden under the streets of York. Four excavation pits are filled with Roman, Viking, medieval and Victorian finds, so you can grab a trowel and dig up the clues that show how people lived in these times.

Digyork.co.uk

Discover a hidden medieval gem

Barley Hall is a picturesque medieval townhouse tucked away down one of the oldest streets in York. Once home to the Priors of Nostell, Barley Hall has now been lovingly restored. Little ones can make themselves at home and experience what it would have been like to live in medieval England. Don’t miss The Bard at Barley Hall, featuring costumes worn by Al Pacino, Kate Winslet and more. barleyhall.co.uk

JORVIK Viking Centre

Experience Viking-age York – Take your little Vikings to discover York’s Viking legacy at the award-winning JORVIK Viking Centre. Hop aboard our time capsule to 10th-century York, and take in the sights, sounds and even the smells – including rotting fish and cabbages – of the Viking Age city.

Jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk

Summer of camping at Catgill

Escape the everyday and explore the beautiful Yorkshire Dales landscape in style with Catgill Farm. This familyfriendly campsite has all you need for an unforgettable experience, from spacious camping pitches, with or without electricity, to cosy glamping pods and bell tents, complete with hot tubs. Don’t forget to grab a freshly baked pastry and delicious pizza for dinner from Cat’s Kitchen while you’re there!

catgillfarm.co.uk

Three places to pick your own fruit (and pumpkins and sunflowers) near York

Calling all fruit fans! The sun is shining (most of the time) and we’re getting ready for a sweet summer filled with fruit-picking forays. The suggestion of strawberry picking is one of those rare things: a trip out that all of our children can agree on. After all, what’s not to love? Rolling green hills, sunshine warming your skin, and row upon row of brilliant berries just waiting to be plucked (or if toddlers are involved, wrangled). It’s an all-round family pleaser of a summer activity, so we’ve put together a guide to the best places to forage for your own fruit and flowers around York. And why not head back in October when the fields have turned orange and pick your own pumpkin too? Here are three of the best places to pick your own near York.

The Balloon Tree Farm Shop and Cafe

Just outside Stamford Bridge, multi-Little Vikings Award-winning farm shop, The Balloon Tree, is an incredibly popular spot for fruit picking near York. Not only can you fill your punnets with a delicious range of fruit, but you can combine it with something delicious to eat or drink from the cafe and a play in the outdoor play area. Come back in the autumn to pick your own pumpkins, too.

The Balloon Tree, Stamford Bridge Rd, Gate Helmsley, York YO41 1NB - theballoontree.co.uk

The perfect base... for a half term break

The perfect home away from home on your city break to York. You’ll have the choice of either our chocolate or orange cottage, both spacious, comfy and ideal for larger families of up to six, or a group of friends wanting a sleepover escape. We like to make sure our guests feel completely at home with added extras like; fluffy bathrobes, flat screen TV, a Lavazza coffee machine and proper chunky biscuits for an afternoon pick me up.

£30 per child for the duration of their stay

Includes:

• Al a Carte breakfast

• VI little P robe and slippers for use during your stay

• Children toiletries

• Selection of goodies awaits in your in-room fridge

SUNDAY LUNCH

Why not treat the family to a delicious Sunday lunch

Book direct for the lowest rates

AFTERNOON TEA

Enjoy our seasonal afternoon tea menu with delicious sandwiches, scones, cakes and pastries.

• Dining activity pack to keep you entertained over dinner

• Glass of milk and fresh cookie before bed

Not only do we guarantee the best rate, you will also get free parking for the length of your stay. Free parking is only available to guests booking direct.

Cottage room

Skeldergate, York, YO1 6DU 01904 611570 I reception@middletonsyork.co.uk I middletonsyork.co.uk I danielthwaites.co.uk

Spilmans

This family-run farm in Helperby is a popular spot for strawberry picking. There’s a range of strawberries on offer, grown uncovered and left to ripen in the Yorkshire sunshine. If strawberries aren’t your thing, there are raspberries, blackberries and gooseberries too. You’ll need to pre-book a slot, so it’s not one for a spontaneous visit! Later in the season, you’ll be able to pick your own sunflowers too.

Spilmans, Church Farm, Sessay, Thirsk YO7 3ND - spilmans.co.uk

Running every 15 mins, 7 days a week, the CitySightseeing York tour will capture the hearts of all ages! With so many things to do and attractions to see, our live guides will guide you through 2000 years of history in York.

You’ll never be short of things to do in York. Take the CitySightseeing York bus tour and be inspired by the beauty this city has to offer. Hop-on our open-top bus at Exhibition Square and get ready to start the adventure through time! If you're feeling ravenous then hop-off to grab a dinner at one of the pubs behind Bootham Bar, some of York’s finest. This is also the stop for one of the countries most impressive medieval cathedrals, York Minster.

Dive straight into the medieval history of York by taking a walk up the Shambles. Hop on again to visit Clifford’s Tower at the next stop.

Right by the River Ouse you'll also find the York's botanical gardens, also called York Museum Gardens. The tranquil atmosphere makes it the perfect picnic location on a sunny day, where you can appreciate all the beautiful flowers and immaculate fresh lawns. Take a walk and you'll see the ruins of medieval St Mary's Abbey Church, which dates back to the mid-11th century.

Join us around York and enjoy the views! Your ticket is valid for 24 hours.

scan me! our tours even have

Kemps Farm

Kemps is a seasonal pick-your-own near Malton, a short drive from York. Visit during the summer for soft fruit, and head back in your best witch’s outfit during October for pumpkin picking. The Kemp family have been growing fruit for PYO since 1984, specialising in strawberries and raspberries. You’ll need to pre-book your visit once the fruit is ready for picking. Visit the website for opening times.

Kemps, Glebe Farm, Barton-le-Street, Malton YO17 6PPwww.kemps.farm

Chapter House Holiday Club

• 3 to 7 years of age.

• Open from 8:30-5.00

• Open Easter, Summer, Christmas and October half term

• Fun and exciting activities planned by our experienced team

• Join together for some of the Camp QE activities each week

Multi-Activity Themed Day Camps throughout the school holidays

For children aged 5-13 years old

(from Year 1 school age)

Residential options are available.

Summer Camp every week from 17 July to 25 August

From 5 to 11 years 9.00 - 4.00

musical in a week

Monday 24 - Friday 28 July

Performance on Friday

£260

Wraparound care available

Lunch included daily

Yorkshire Arboretum (and new red squirrel enclosure)

A hop, skip and jump from Castle Howard, The Yorkshire Arboretum is a spectacular garden located on the edge of the North York Moors that’s a lovely place for a family day out in the great outdoors. Set in 120 acres, the arboretum has over 6,000 trees and shrubs from around the world, including rare and endangered species: the lovely lady at the ticket desk described it as ‘like a big tree museum’. We’d decided to visit to check out the arboretum’s new attraction - a red squirrel enclosure! We’re old enough to just about remember spotting the odd red squirrel during our childhoods, but our children have only ever known their less colourful grey counterparts.

The red squirrel enclosure has been created to provide a home for one of the UK’s most endangered mammals. Red squirrels are native to the UK, but their numbers have been in decline for many years due to habitat loss and competition from the larger and apparently more aggressive grey squirrel. Turns out that while they may be cute, but they are mighty.

The Yorkshire Arboretum has created a special habitat for a small group of breeding red squirrels, with plenty of trees, shrubs, and other natural features for them to explore and play in. The enclosure is also designed with a non-grip coating and 3-metre no-leap zone, designed to keep red squirrels in and grey squirrels out.

Visitors to The Yorkshire Arboretum can now enjoy watching the red squirrels as they leap about, provided they’re not napping. Unfortunately, our visit seemed to coincide with squirrel snooze time, but we were lucky enough to watch one of them popping its head in and out of its box, staring down the onlookers. It was so sweet, and a real treat to see a red squirrel so close to home. The enclosure is a great place to see these beautiful creatures up close and to learn about their habits and behaviour, with clear and easy-to-follow information boards around the enclosure with information about the red squirrel, its habitat, and the conservation efforts being made to protect them. Apparently, red squirrels can swim! Who knew?!

EXPERIENCE 24 MILES OF YORKSHIRE’S AMAZING SCENERY

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is one of the world’s greatest heritage experiences with thrills and family fun at its heart. Climb on board a steam or heritage diesel train on one of the most historic lines in the UK.

VIEW TIMETABLES AND BOOK ONLINE

nymr.co.uk

Aside from the red squirrel enclosure, the Yorkshire Arboretum has plenty of other things to do that make it a great day out for families in Yorkshire. The arboretum has over 120 acres of woodland and gardens, with a wide variety of trees, shrubs, and plants to explore. There are also several tree trails that visitors can follow.

It’s worth mentioning that The Yorkshire Arboretum also hosts a range of events throughout the year, including guided walks, talks, and workshops, with some family-friendly activities. In terms of food and drink, there’s masses of space for a picnic, but if you don’t have the time or energy to make yet more sandwiches, the arboretum’s cafe is lovely. And your four-legged friend needn’t miss out either: the arboretum is firmly dog-friendly.

The Yorkshire Arboretum is a fantastic day out for families near York. We had a lovely afternoon there, spotting peacocks and pheasants and eventually seeing the red squirrel, not to mention the weird and wonderful trees. We came home with the usual collection of leaves, feathers and sticks, and a promise that we’ll go back and see if we can see the squirrels again.

The Yorkshire Arboretum, Castle Howard, York YO60 7BY - https://www.yorkshirearboretum.org/

Ten fun things to do on a rainy day

1. Paint something lovely at Rainbows Ceramics, the pottery painting studio on Bootham.

2. Visit the Railway Museum for incredible engines and hands-on activities.

3. Let them scale the heights at York Leisure Centre’s Clip’n’climb.

4. Spend the day at The Web Adventure Park, the region’s premier indoor (and outdoor) play centre

5. Head to the York Stadium complex for bowling, movies or swimming

6. Visit one of York’s many museums, from York Castle Museum to the Yorkshire Museum and York Art Gallery

7. Head to The Hole in Wand for wizard golf (and use your Little Vikings Family Card for a special perk!)

8. Head to Hull to see the sealife at The Deep

9. Visit the Vikings at The JORVIK Viking Centre or channel your inner archaeologist at DIG - An Archaeological Adventure.

10. Do the ninja warrior course at Agility (there’s a small area for younger children, too)

Find lots more ideas for things to do in York on rainy days on the Little Vikings website!

Sure, you could get the waterproofs on and jump in puddles, but if you’d rather not channel Peppa Pig, here are some wet weather ideas that won’t dampen the spirit (or your clothes).

CLIFFORD’S TOWER

A towering new perspective on York and its stories

BOOK ONLINE SAVE 10%

Ten terrific things to do for free (or pretty cheap) around York this summer

Having a good time needn’t cost the earth. Here are a few things to do that won’t break the bank.

1. Walk York’s city walls

2. Visit the Railway Museum

3. Have a stroll by the river and watch the boats

4. Have a walk and do the stepping stones at Bolton Abbey (pay to park)

5. Clamber, climb and enjoy the stunning scenery at Brimham Rocks (pay to park)

6. Head to the Yorkshire coast for a day at the beach. We love Filey, Whitby, Fraisthorpe, Scarborough, Bridlington, Hunmanby, Staithes and Robin Hood’s Bay.

7. Do a walking or cycling trail at Dalby Forest (pay to park)

8. Have a picnic at one of York’s parks: Rowntree, Homestead, West Bank, the Museum Gardens or Dean’s Park (next to York Minster)

9. If you’re a York resident, visit York Minster for free (take proof of address)

10. Do the Little Vikings I Spy Trail, a fun free walking trail of York (details on the Little Vikings website or pick up a map from the Visit York Information Centre.

Pick up a FREE Little Vikings

Family Card from the Visit York Information Centre for discounts and perks'

FAMILY FUN FOR EVERYONE

YORK LEISURE CENTRE

If you’re looking for things to do with kids, York Leisure Centre at the York Stadium Leisure Complex at Monks Cross has a great range of activities guaranteed to turn up the fun. From junior gym, swimming, racquet sports and clip ‘n climb, the whole family will enjoy the great range of fun and affordable activities.

Pre-book your activities at better.org.uk/york-lc

LAVENDER & NATURE FARM

NATURE GARDENS, TRAILS & PLAY

“ A brilliant day out for all the family”

ReviewCamp Katur in the Yorkshire Dales

With scenery that’s out-of-this world (Brimham Rocks, we’re looking at you), more wildlife than a David Attenborough documentary and some of the best attractions in the UK, the Yorkshire Dales is one of the best destinations for families. While we usually settle for a day trip as it’s an easy drive from York, we’ve

You are cordially invited to the first...

About Camp Katur

Camp Kátur is based on the 300-acre Camp Hill Estate, just outside Bedale in the Yorkshire Dales. One of the most popular glamping sites in Yorkshire, it offers a variety of accommodation options: geodomes, lodges and canvas tents. This is a place to go off-grid, recharge and reconnect with nature, but with the added bonus of a large woodland play area, swing park, outdoor gym and even a pub!

Getting there

It might be tucked away in the heart of the Dales, but that doesn’t mean Camp Katur is hard to find or tricky to get to. Even allowing for busy Easter holiday traffic, Camp Katur was an easy 45-minute drive from our home in York city centre. Our lodge, Lyra, has its own parking space right outside the door, which made unpacking the car a doddle and meant we could start relaxing as soon as possible.

The accommodation

We were lucky to be one of the first guests to stay in Lyra, Camp Katur’s new luxury lodge and the first of its kind in the UK. With a beautiful, sustainable Scandinavian design, underfloor heating, shower rooms, integrated kitchen, and two gorgeous bedrooms with floor-to-ceiling

windows, it’s one of the loveliest places we’ve stayed. Light but cosy, luxurious but welcoming, we immediately felt at home (while rather wishing it was our home). The outdoor experience was equally impressive, with a large private deck with a dining area, comfortable lounge area, fire pit and - oh yes - a wood-fired eco hot tub! That’s not to mention the stunning views across the countryside that changed as the day unfolded and eventually turned into night. Lyra is in its own generous plot, so we could enjoy the peace without hearing anyone else (apart from the birds, but we’ll let them off).

What’s in it for kids?

We’d expected some kickback from our kids about the fact that there was no TV or Wifi (wisely we didn’t let them know in advance…), but they genuinely enjoyed disconnecting and spending some time together. They also loved seeing creatures of all kinds, from a beautiful heron to bounding bunnies and pheasants galore. We were all really impressed by the brilliantly creative outdoor gym - working out has never been so fun, or so natural. The kids adored the outdoor play area with its huge castle, plentiful playhouses and cracking zip wire, and there’s even a zone that’s entirely dedicated to swings!

Food & drink

Each of Camp Katur’s hideaways comes with a BBQ, and there are communal pizza ovens on the site. As a luxury option, Lyra has a well equipped fitted kitchen with a proper oven, fridge-freezer and dishwasher (hoorah!) so it’s easy to whip up a meal after a day of adventuring.

What’s on the doorstep? What isn’t?! The Yorkshire Dales is chock-full of fun things to do with children. With rolling hills, dramatic waterfalls and a patchwork of Postman Pat-style fields and dry stone walls, the Yorkshire Dales is a natural paradise with endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. It’s home to an abundance of family-friendly attractions, including Fountains Abbey, Newby Hall, Thorp Perrow Arboretum, World of James Herriot, Forbidden Corner and, for a cheeky cone, Byrmor Ice Cream Parlour.

The verdict

While we only stayed two nights, we felt as relaxed as though we’d had a week away. We’re regular campers, well used to a more back-to-basics experience in the great outdoors, but we really enjoyed the luxury of Lyra. For a treat of a family break in the Yorkshire Dales, we’d wholeheartedly recommend it. For us, the only problem will be convincing our kids back under canvas…

Camp Katur The Camp Hill Estate, Kirklington, Bedale DL8 2LS - campkatur.com

TEA AT…

The Principal York

Long gone are the days when afternoon tea was an adults-only experience, a chance for the grown-ups to indulge in some child-free time over tea and cake. While you might like to keep it to yourselves - we promise not to tell your kids if you’d rather reserve it for yourselves - there are lots of places in York that offer afternoon tea for the whole family. After a bit of a break, afternoon tea has returned to The Principal York - the grand hotel set right next to York station - and we were invited along to try it out. Our three children (13, 10 and 8) didn’t take much persuasion to come along. We had them at ‘cake’.

The setting - First impressions of The Principal were, well, impressive. We’ve visited before, but never fail to be struck by the marbled floors, high ceilings and plush furnishings (not to mention the incredible, Instagrammable, staircase). Afternoon tea is served in the spacious Garden Room which has the right balance of sophistication and relaxation: it felt like a special place to be but without feeling overly formal (ideal with children in tow). Our friendly server greeted us and seated us at a low table that seemed overly large until the many elements of the afternoon tea began to arrive.

The afternoon tea - The Principal’s new afternoon tea menu has a special twist, and one that we knew would appeal to our sweet-toothed children: chocolate. Inspired by

York’s famous chocolate history, the hotel’s executive chef has created an indulgent selection of sweet treats that pay homage to some of the nation’s favourite chocolates. The Big One - a purple brioche choux bun filled with hazelnut and caramel - is a love letter to the iconic purple Quality Street, while The Mint - a dark chocolate brownie with mint-infused moussewas a clever take on the much-loved After Eight.Simple finger sandwiches and lovely warm scones balanced out the sugar hit slightly (at least until the kids got their hands on the jam) and we all really enjoyed the little caramelised onion tarts. For the adults, a pot of English breakfast tea was the perfect accompaniment (there were more adventurous options available, but we kept it traditional) while the children had hot chocolate. Obviously.

The service - The atmosphere was welcoming, and the staff made sure that our children felt included and had a memorable experience. Although the food took a little longer to arrive than we would have expected, it was a good opportunity to play a few games,

and we all agreed that it was worth the wait.

The bottom line - Our family afternoon tea experience at The Principal Hotel in York was really lovely. The elegant setting, warm service and delicious food made it a memorable afternoon in one of the city’s most impressive hotels. Welcome back!

Good to know - Afternoon tea is served daily in the Garden Room of The Principal York between 12 noon and 4pm. The Principal York, Station Rd, York YO24 1AAtheprincipalyork.com/

Step back in time to an original prisoner of war camp and experience the sights, sounds and smells of life gone by !

Little Vikings Make... pine cone bees

Making pine cone bees is a lovely activity to do with children. The fun craft itself helps develop fine motor skills, plus there are lots of opportunities to talk about the amazing job bees do pollinating plants. Once the pinecone bee is attached to a stick on a string, then children love to take it out and about with them and make it buzz amongst the flowers! For older children, try making alder cone bees using felt wool. Alder cones are smaller and a bit more fiddly but the small bees make a lovely decoration.

Method

1. Take the wool and start wrapping it around the pine cone until you are happy with the look. Try and wrap around the end so it doesn’t come loose.

2. Take a separate piece of wool - this will be the wool the bee will dangle from a stick from - and tie it around the bee’s middle, leaving a long piece to tie to the stick later.

3. Take a tea bag and cut a small incision at the top and tip the tea out. Open up the bag and cut out a wing shape. The easiest way to do this is to cut over the fold so the wings stay together.

Catkin & Co. is a York-based small business that creates nature based kits and resources for children.

4. Take the end of your scissors and poke the wings into the pine cone. You may want to use a blob of glue to make sure they stay fixed.

5. Finally, tie your bee on a string to a stick and off you go collecting and spreading pollen between flowers!

6. If you want to find out more about bees, then check out Catkin & co for bee cards and kits.

You will need:

• A Paper Cup

• A Polystyrene Ball or Egg

• An old Wooden Chopstick or large Lollypop Stick

• A Roll of Masking Tape

• Some Coloured Tissue Paper

• Some Googly Eyes

• And Some PVA Glue.

Little Vikings Book Club

Find a nice spot to sit outside in the sunshine and dig into one of these lovely books, recommended by our friends at The Bluse House Bookshop on Bootham.

It’s Time to Sleep, My Love by

Nancy Tillman

A cuddly panda on the front cover is already a winner. This beautifully illustrated board book bedtime story takes you through the animal kingdom of sleepy beasts. The story,by a New York Times bestselling author, will live on in your dreams.

York for kids

Kitty and the Runaway Train by

Paula Harrison

This is a magical adventure by the light of the moon. When a famous train comes to town everyone is excited to see it, but someone goes missing. Kitty, whose superhero skills make her a girl by day and a cat by night, is there to save the day.

A Day in the Life of an Astronaut, Mars and the Distant Stars by

Mike Barfield

For fans of local author Mike Barfield this is another enticing graphic cartoon book. We’ve followed the life cycle of a caveman, a Queen and everything in between and the awardwinning life of a poo, gnu and you and now we turn to space. Cleverly written with simple explanations and great humour, it’s a must for your budding spaceman or woman, and those who find reading a chore. This book is fun to read, and you’ll learn something too.

Our thanks to The Blue House Book Shop on Bootham for these hand-picked recommendations

10 Bootham, York YO30 7BL

Food: Little Vikings make… little lemon pots

This refreshing recipe is perfect for summer: zesty and delicious, you’ll feel like you’re abroad from the first spoonful! Many thanks to our friends at The Cookery School at The Grand, York for giving us their recipe to share.

Method

1. Put four glasses/ramekins in the fridge to chill.

2. In a saucepan add the double cream and lemon zest, bring to the boil and then add the sugar.

3. Turn the heat down and simmer for 3-4 minutes, making sure no cream catches on the side of the pan.

4. Add the lemon juice to the cream and bring it back to the boil, then take off the heat.

5. Pour the mixture into the chilled glasses and chill for 3-4 hours before serving.

Ingredients

• - Zest and juice of 2 lemons

• - 170g caster sugar

• - 500ml double cream

Jokes

Whydidthefruit jumpintothepool? It was a watermelon!

Whydopenguinsnever gotoparties?

Becausetheyalwaysgetcoldfeet!

What’s an astronaut’s favourite chocolate? A Mars Bar!

What sound does a nut make when it sneezes?

Cashew!

What are the hottest daysofsummer?

Sun-days!

What did the bus driver saytothefrog?

Hopon!

Why Little Vikings loves... National Railway Museum

Admission’s free Perfect on a rainy day

Hands-on kids’ activities

Iconic engines

Indoor play for little ones

Picnics welcome

Little Vikings Award-winner

National Railway Museum, Leeman Rd, York YO26 4XJ

railwaymuseum.org.uk