Little Vikings - Issue 48 - Easter 2023

Hello!

Spring is in the air, the sun is shining and Easter is approaching faster than a child at an egg hunt. Speaking of egg hunts, we’ve handpicked the very best hunts and trails in York and across the region, as well as the very best days out and activities this spring.

We’ve also got all the latest news and events to look forward to during the rest of the year and even as far ahead as 2024 (welcome to York, Monet!). Don’t forget that you’ll find our recommendations for every day of the week, whatever the weather and whatever your budget, on the Little Vikings website and on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.

And if you haven’t subscribed to our newsletter, what have you been doing?! Sign up online and we promise you’ll never miss a thing.

Wishing you and your family a very happy easter!

Best wishes

All at Little Vikings HQ

Since last issue, we've….

• Launched Little Vikings Great Yorkshire Family Escapes, an inspiring selection of places to stay with kids in York, on the Yorkshire coast and in the Dales and Moors. Do check it out.

• Loved seeing the daffodils popping up all over the city walls. Catch them while you can!

• Enjoyed the new Mischievous and Marvellous exhibition at York Art Gallery. It’s really fun and very family-friendly - we’d recommend it.

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.

Monet’s masterpiece is coming to York!

Well this is exciting - a world famous masterpiece is coming to York Art Gallery. You’ll have to wait a while (it’s heading this way in May 2024) but it’ll be worth it. yorkartgallery.org.uk

Stockeld Rox

New venue for Yorkshire Balloon

The new location for the everpopular Balloon Fiesta will be announced very soon. We’ve heard some exciting rumours but we’ll let you know once it’s confirmed officially. Keep an eye on their social media for all the latest.

yorkshireballoonfiesta.co.uk

This family music festival is coming to Stockeld Park in August, with an exciting line-up still to be announced (Scouting for Girls are definitely on the bill). There’ll be plenty of entertainment, live music and lots of tempting food and drink options.

stockeldrox.com

Now Booking

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at Grand Opera House York

Watch out! The most fantasmagorical musical, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, lands in York this Easter. Having broken all box office records in the West End, this fun-filled new production from York Stage, the team that brought you Elf and Shrek the Musical, promises laughs and magic galore – and Chitty herself live on stage!

6th to 15th April 2023 - atgtickets.com

The Amazing Bubbleman at York Theatre Royal

Louis Pearl has been thrilling audiences around the world for over 30 years with the art, magic, science and fun of bubbles. Louis explores the breathtaking dynamics of bubbles, combining comedy and artistry with audience participation and enough spellbinding bubble tricks to keep everyone mesmerized.

12th April 2023 - yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

Pretty Woman The Musical

One for the adults, this West End smash is coming to York in 2024. Once upon a time in the late ’80s, Vivian met Edward and her life changed forever. Be swept up in their romance in this dazzlingly theatrical take on a love story for the ages, and get to know these iconic characters in a whole new way.

20th to 24th February 2024 - atgtickets.com

Hey Duggee

Everyone’s ‘favourite’ big lovable dog Hey Duggee is touring for the first time ever and here’s your chance to see him in York! Hey Duggee

The Live Theatre Show is going to be huge and will feature Duggee, the Squirrels plus many more of your favourite characters!

29th June to 2nd July - yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

What’s On

Easter egg masterclass at York’s Chocolate Story

Enjoy some choc-tastic crafting of stunning Easter products while sampling some of the finest chocolates with a chocolatier-led masterclass. It’s perfect for all of the family as you get to create and take home your very own handmade Easter treats. Hot chocolate, egg decorating, piping activities and more included. Recommended age 6+ with an adult.

3rd to 9th April 2023, 11am/3pm - yorkschocolatestory.com

Easter at Northwood Trail

Spring is the most beautiful time in the woods and it is a real pleasure to watch everything waking up and beginning to grow. Head to Northwood for Easter celebrations – there might be some chocolate eggs involved and the odd white rabbit or two…

Selected dates and limited availability - northwoodtrail.co.uk

The Easter Adventure at Stockeld Park

There’ll be lots of eggstra Easter touches around Stockeld Park over the Easter holidays, from meeting the Easter bunny to a giant Easter egg trail. Explore the Enchanted Forest, get lost in the Magical Maze, discover the many adventure playgrounds and enjoy indoor fun at one of Europe’s biggest indoor play areas, The Playhive.

Giant eggs

1st to 16th April 2023 - stockeldpark.co.uk

Easter at Mother Shipton’s

Hop along to Mother Shipton’s during the Easter holidays for an egg-ceptional time! There’s something for the whole family at England’s oldest tourist attraction, including the birthplace of the Yorkshire prophetess Mother Shipton, the incredible petrifying well, a large children’s adventure playground (access is subject to weather conditions), and a museum and gift shop.

Egg-cellent

1st April to 16th April 2023 - mothershiptons.co.uk

Explore the history of York’s walls

Visit one of the historic gateways into the city – and discover 2,000-year stories involving battles, imprisonment and near destruction of the walls! Meet some of the characters whose stories are intertwined with Micklegate Bar: a princess, a Royalist in the English Civil War and an early 20th-century policeman who made the gatehouse his home. yorkcitywalls.com

Piglets Easter Egg-stravaganza

There’s lots to enjoy at Piglets Adventure Farm this Easter, from indoor play to lambing live, Magic Hatter shows, baby animals and much more.

1st to 16th April 2023 - pigletsadventurefarm.com

What’s On

Dig into some archaeological fun

At DIG, kids get to discover only 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. This is a one-of-a-kind!

Digyork.co.uk

All of Our Eggs Are Missing! Easter trail at York Theatre Royal

New event!

The Easter Bunny has laid a trail of eggs around the theatre but someone has stolen them. Only the empty wrappers are left. Can you solve the clues and riddles to help find the missing eggs? There’s an egg-tasted reward if you succeed. For ages 3+; children must be accompanied by an adult. 3rd and 5th April 2023, 10am and 12 noon; £5 per child.

Majesty: Monarchy & York Minster

Discover York Minster’s royal connections and collections in celebration of the Coronation of King Charles III. See an ancient ‘coronation chair’, Maundy Money distributed by Queen Elizabeth II, Chinese silk gifted to Queen Victoria on her wedding day and other fascinating artefacts. Try on regal robes, cuddle a soft-toy corgi and pose for a majestic photograph before adding your wishes for the Coronation year to a special crown-shaped tag. Free with general admission.

Regal

yorkminster.org

Dig, dig, dig

Do the Little Vikings I Spy Trail (free!)

Recommended by The Sunday Times, the free Little Vikings I Spy Trail is one of the best ways to explore York on foot with children.

Pick up a map from the Visit York Information Centre

Indulgent

Easter egg hunt at Fountains Abbey

This spring, treat the whole family to a world of adventure at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal on an Easter trail.

Make your way along the trail and find nature-inspired activities for the whole family.

1st to 16th April 2023 - nationaltrust.org

Egg trail

What’s On

Paint your own Easter Egg at York Mansion House

Take time to relax, get creative and take part in some seasonal activities in the beautiful Georgian State Room of York Mansion House. The delicious white chocolate eggs are from local chocolatier Ashley McCarthy, as seen on Channel 4’s ‘Extreme Chocolate Makers’.

Tasty

April 2nd, 3rd and 4th 2023 - 1 hour 30 mins - suitable for all ages (recommended age 5+) - mansionhouseyork.com

Woldie’s Easter Tweet

It’s all about birds at Woldies this Easter! Follow the rainbow egg trail and crack the code to open the robin’s nest. Prize for every child! It’s a lovely day out in the Yorkshire Wolds.

1st to 16th April - woldies.co.uk

Tweet tweet!

Bunny Hop Trail in the Deer Park at Raby Castle

Head to Raby this Easter for an adventurous easter trail around the deer park. Raby Park bursts into life in the spring and there’s plenty for families to discover as they explore acres of parkland. This Easter there’ll be a brand new trail for families to discover too.

raby.co.uk

Hop along

Step back in time at Barley Hall

Barley Hall is a medieval townhouse located on one of York’s oldest streets. Previously inhabited by the Priors of Nostell it has been beautifully restored to its former glory. Children can dress up and participate in activities in a Tudor School Room. The new exhibition, Bard at Barley Hall, is a must-see, showcasing costumes from well-known movies and an interactive stage.

Back in time

Barleyhall.co.uk

Little Vikings Great Yorkshire Family Escapes

We’re delighted to let you know about Little Vikings Great Yorkshire Family Escapes, a whole year of inspiration for anyone looking for a family break in Yorkshire. Over the next few months, we’ll introduce you to the best places to stay on the Yorkshire Coast, in the North York Moors, Yorkshire Dales and the towns and cities in between. You’ll discover why it’s a great place to stay with kids, and some ideas for things to do while you’re there. Put away your passports and plan a memory-making, great Yorkshire family escape like no other. Visit the Little Vikings website and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram in 2023 to discover:

• The best family-friendly hotels in and around York

• Family-friendly camping and glamping

• Places to stay on the coast, moors and dales

• Places to stay with hot tubs, swimming pools and other perks

Here’s to a year of great Yorkshire family adventures!

DATE NIGHT

Blissful afternoon tea at The Grand, York

with an abundance of accolades and awards. Housed in the former headquarters of the North Eastern Railway Company, this distinctive red-brick building stands proudly at the entrance to York city centre, a twominute walk from York station and just five minutes from York Minster. It doesn’t get more central than that.

As end-of-term treats go, a Blissful Afternoon Tea experience at The Grand, York is up there as one of the best. After powering through to the end of the longest January and shortest school term on record, a morning in the spa followed by warm scones and delicious cakes was a very welcome indulgence. Here’s why we’d recommend it as the perfect parental pick-me-up.

The location

The Grand is, as the name suggests, one of York’s finest hotels. In fact, it’s one of the UK’s top five star hotels,

The spa

After a quick change, we made our way to the cocooning surroundings of the pool area. Hotels with a swimming pool are a very rare thing for York, and

For children aged 5-13 years old (from Year 1 school age)

State-of-the-art facilities and high-quality independent school coaching staff ensure that your child has a safe, enjoyable and unforgettable experience that they will remember always. Residential options are available.

Easter Camp 3-6 and 11-14 April 2023

nd out more visit www.qe.org

01423 333300 |

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.

this one is beautiful. At 14 metres, it might not be large enough to train for the Olympics, but it’s the ideal size for a relaxing dip. As the spa was busy on the day we visited (a Friday before half term), we spent most of our time moving between the pool and the lava-hot sauna. With a jacuzzi and steam room too, it’s a luxurious space to forget about the world and focus on winding down and feeling good.

from tiny pecan tarts to little jars of panna cotta. The chocolate choux with brown sugar fudge and cardamom ganache was a highlight, as were the butternut squash and whipped feta sandwiches. And yes, there were scones: warm, fresh and really good with a pot of tea.

The verdict

Our experience at The Grand was exactly what we hoped it would be: a luxurious and genuinely relaxing couple of hours away from the demands of life, just a short walk from home. It’s proof that you don’t have to be an out-of-towner to enjoy what they have to offer (and if you are from outside York, this is truly a lovely place to stay, and family-friendly too).

The Grand, York, Station Rise, North Yorkshire, YO1 6GDthegrandyork.co.uk

Afternoon tea

Following all that - ahem - exertion, we really needed a delicious afternoon tea to replace the calories. After a quick shower and change, we made our way up to The Rise. As you’d expect from a place that’s won a variety of awards for its afternoon tea, it was more than just scones and sandwiches. We were presented with three colourful tiers of temptation,

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

AFTERNOON TEA

Why not treat the family to a delicious Sunday lunch

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

The Bike & Boot, Scarborough (A

Great Yorkshire Family Escape)

www.raby.co.uk/raby-castle/play

Easter at Castle Howard 1st-16th April

For a few years now, we’ve been trying to find somewhere to stay in Scarborough so we stay longer and fit in everything there is to do.There was great excitement when we saw that a new, modern hotel had opened right that looked as though it would tick our boxes: The Bike & Boot. Here’s what we thought of it when we went to check it out for ourselves.

Book now for a family adventure castlehoward.co.uk

Wildlife Willow Sculpture Trail, and Chocolate Workshops in partnership with York Cocoa House.

What it’s like

The Bike & Boot is a relaxed, modern hotel that’s perfect for active families looking for a comfortable, fun base for exploring the Yorkshire coast. The colourful, eccentric interior of the reception area sets the tone for the rest of the hotel, where flat caps and vintage bike helmets adorn the walls, alongside quirky dog-related art (it’s not just a dog-friendly hotel, it’s dog-mad!). There’s plenty of space to spread out in the ground floor lounges and plan your adventures, as well as a restaurant and bar for refuelling for breakfast, lunch or tea.

Getting there

While Scarborough might be an easy drive from York, unless we’re laden down with stuff, we take the train. It’s a direct route that takes around 45 minutes and only stops a couple of times, and it’s more relaxing than tackling the A64. If you do decide to drive, The Bike & Boot offers free parking permits for guests. The hotel is a short walk from the station (10 minutes at a child’s pace) and very close to all the action of the South Bay.

The room

The warmth of the communal areas - where you can enjoy unlimited hot drinks all day, as well as free cake at 4pm - is reflected in the bedrooms at The Bike & Boot. We were lucky to stay in a Medium Side Sea View Room

which was more than big enough for the three of us, with a comfortable large double bed, a good quality sofa bed and ample space if we’d needed an extra bed. The coffee machine was a bonus, too, especially as fresh milk was provided for free in the wellstocked fridge. The best thing was the incredible sea view. It was such a treat to be able to watch the view change with the time and tides, and is well worth paying a bit extra for.

What’s in it for kids?

As a family of five, we often struggle to find hotel rooms that can accommodate us all, and booking two rooms is pricey. The Bike & Boot has rooms that are large enough to fit us all in, with a small extra charge for additional beds. They can also provide

cots if you request them in advance. High chairs are available at Bareca, and there’s a film club if you fancy watching a film downstairs three times a day (the earlier the showing, the more family-friendly it is). A stone’s throw from the sea, it’s perfectly placed for early morning walks along the beach with your little sleep-refuser or for bodyboarding or surfing with your active older child.

Food & drink

Our Scarborough diet tends to consist of fish, chips and ice cream from our usual haunts, but now we’ve got another option: Bareca. Open to nonresidents as well, it’s a relaxed place to eat with a tempting menu of burgers, pizza, salads and much more, as well as a selection of good beers, wines and gins (and juice for the kids, of course). Pizza Friday is a family tradition for us, so that’s what we ordered and they were delicious. A few hours later we were back for breakfast, which was a self-service affair with a tasty selection of fruit, porridge pots, cereals,

croissants, breads and jams that set us up for the day.

What’s on the doorstep?

Scarborough’s top attractions, from the shiny arcades of the South Bay to the rugged charms of the North Bay, as well as Scarborough Castle, Sea Life Scarborough, Alpamare, Peasholm Park and the North Bay Railway are within very easy reach. The coastal towns of Filey and Bridlington are a short drive away, as is the popular surfing beach of Cayton Bay.

The verdict

The Bike & Boot isn’t just somewhere in Scarborough to rest your head, it’s an experience that’s as much a part of your family break as your daytime activities. No need to worry about being tutted at for your muddy boots or sandy shoes; it’s a relaxed and modern hotel where we felt right at home, just with much better views.

The Bike and Boot, Cliff Bridge Terrace, Scarborough YO11

2HA - bikeandboot.com

Little Vikings eat at Parlormade

Cafe and Scone House

While we can’t all agree whether the jam or cream goes first, we can all agree that a freshly made scone is a thing of joy. Done well, the combination of humble ingredients casts a spell of happiness and nostalgia unlike any other baked good, and York just happens to have an entire tearoom devoted to this iconic British classic. Nestled on the corner of York’s most magical street, Parlormade Cafe and Scone House looks as though it’s been transported straight from

Diagon Alley. Without a straight line or double-glazed pane in sight, it’s one of York’s quirkiest buildings which, in a city brimming with weird and wonderful constructions, is saying something. Undoubtedly charming and characterful, access is an issue: there’s no way we would have attempted it with a buggy and it’s impossible for wheelchairs (the downsides of a historic city). If you can’t make it in, it’s worth knowing that you can get cream teas to take away and enjoy at home.

Our buggy days are over, so we headed along to Parlormade with two of our scone-loving children to check it out early one Sunday morning. This place is popular, and people like to linger over their cream tea, so we were lucky to be able to squeeze onto a table in the room at the top. Top tip: try to go when it’s less busy, even if that means you’re eating scones at 10am (we’re not here to judge).

Once you’re in, though, you’ll soon realise it was worth the effort. Downstairs the shelves groan with freshly made scones of all flavours, the sweet scent drifting up to the top of the medieval building. There’s a cosy, bustling atmosphere and lots of interesting things to look at, from pineapple light fittings to eccentric art and one of the best views of Shambles Market.

Unsurprisingly, the menu is heavy on scone-based options, from the standard plain and fruit through to blueberry and lemon, raspberry and coconut and, if you’re not in the mood for something sweet, cheese and chive. We opted for a fruit scone and two brownies, with a pot of tea and a couple of lemonades, delivered quickly by one of the friendly staff. Our girls were very happy with their brownies, but the star of the show was the oven-fresh scone which was unbelievably good. We’d thought the ones we make at home were pretty decent, but this was leagues apart in flavour and texture. It’s nothing fancy, of course, but that’s the beauty of the scone. Get it right, slather it with cream and jam, and it’s heaven on a plate. Dumbledore couldn’t conjure up a better start to the day.

Parlormade, 1 Little, Shambles, York YO1 7LY - Visit the website https:// www.parlormade.co.uk/

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

Discover the award-winning JORVIK Viking Centre

What’s beneath your feet?

At JORVIK, visitors stand on the very site which revealed some of the most astounding discoveries in modern archaeology. Your first experience at JORVIK is a fully immersive display, taking you back to the famous Coppergate dig.

Explore Viking-age York

Hop aboard a time capsule for an unforgettable trip back to 10th century York. Listen to a Norse couple arguing over what to have for dinner, take in smells from fish to woodsmoke and spot the famous Bogar – who has been sitting on the toilet since the day it opened!

Meet a Viking

Chat to friendly Vikings who can tell you more about life on Coppergate and get up-close with some of the most beautiful and rare Viking artefacts in the world.

Recipe: Easter tiffin bites…

In the unlikely event that the kids haven’t scoffed all the chocolate by Easter lunch and you’ve got some left over, why use some of it to make this easy, no-bake Easter tiffin?

5. Add the chocolate mixture to the biscuit mixture and stir until well coated.

6. Pour into the tin and flatten down gently.

7. Top with the 100g broken Mini Eggs, pushing them into the mixture.

8. Put in the fridge to set for a couple of hours or overnight. Cut into squares (keep them smallish - they’re rich!)

Ingredients

• 250g digestive biscuits

Method

1. Line and lightly grease a 20cmx 20cm tin

2. In a large mixing bowl, break up the biscuits, leaving some chunks among the crumbs. We use the end of a rolling pin to break them up. Add 120g Mini Eggs.

3. Break up the chocolate and add to a medium microwave safe bowl. Add the butter and golden syrup.

4. Gently microwave the chocolate/ butter/syrup, 30 seconds at a time. Keep taking out and stirring to check on it, adding extra time if necessary. It’s ready when it’s melted and smooth.

• 100g dark chocolate

• 200g milk chocolate (or leave out the dark chocolate and use 300g of milk if you don’t like your tiffin too rich)

• 120g Mini Eggs

• 100g butter

• 150g golden syrup

• A handful of raisins or nuts of your choice (optional)

For the topping

• 100g Mini Eggs, broken

Jokes

Whatdaydoesan Easteregghatemost?

Fryday!

Where does Christmas come before Easter?

Thedictionary!

WhydoestheEaster Bunny’sfurlooksogood?

Heusesharespray!

What’s the Easter Bunny’sfavouritemusic?

Hiphop!

WhatdidtheEasterBunny saytothecarrot?

Nicegnawingyou

WhathappenswhenanEaster egghearsafunnyjoke?

Itcracksup!

Why Little Vikings loves... Stockeld Park

Our bespoke curriculum encourages

Girls explore their imaginations, ask questions, experiment, take risks & draw their own conclusions.

From Zog © Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler 2010. Published by Scholastic.