Little Vikings I Spy Trail
Children don’t always share their parents’ enthusiasm for city exploration, which is why we created the Little Vikings I Spy Trail. Our self-led walking trail is a fun, free way to discover York and turns a day trip into a game that the whole family can enjoy.
Recommended by The Sunday Times and supported by Visit York, the Little Vikings I Spy Trail is available all year round.
There are 22 weird and wonderful things to spot (for little legs, you can just do the first 10 clues), taking in all the big landmarks and some hidden gems that you might otherwise miss.
The map is all you need –follow the route and see how many you can find (don’t forget to look up!).
To get started:
Pick up a paper map from the Visit York Information Centre on Parliament Street, OR Download the map from the Little Vikings website (little-vikings.co.uk)
Happy exploring! Show us what you find on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter by using the hashtag #ispyyork
With so many spellbinding experiences to discover, York is bound to captivate the whole family. Young wizards will be in their element, with enchanting mini golf, wizard-led tours, and hands-on potion-making to enjoy. It’s a dream come true for any Harry Potter fan! Here’s our pick of the most magical things to do!
Play wizard-themed
Winner of the Little Vikings Award for Most Magical Attraction! The Hole in Wand is the world’s most magical golf course, based in Coppergate near the JORVIK Viking Centre. Grab your club to discover bubbling cauldrons, magical portals and spirits to be awakened in darkened corridors! Discover your magical powers and receive a magic potion gift to take home at the end of your adventure.
Head to No. 9 ¾ Shambles, The Potions Cauldron, for a quirky shopping experience you won’t find anywhere else. Stock up on chocolate frogs, exploding bath bombs and Butterbeer for a souvenir with a difference.
3 Take a selfie on Diagon Alley (sort of)
Straight out of a film set (a Harry Potter film set, to be precise) it’s no wonder that Shambles - York’s medieval thoroughfareapparently inspired the world famous wizard series. Brimming with independent shops and places to eat, it’s a must-visit street where every cobble tells a story.
Head to The Potions Academy for a Potion Class
4
Step into the world of magic with The Potions Class, a spellbinding family experience led by a master potion-maker. Discover the secrets of the legendary alchemist and grand wizard, Phileas Fry, as you mix and brew your own enchanted creations. Each aspiring witch and wizard will leave with a magical potion of their own and a special graduate badge to mark their achievement!
5
Explore York with The Wizard Walk of York
Spellbinding magic and comedy on a tour that kids (and big kids!) go Potty for. Five-star fun for ALL the family, as you wand-er the enchanted streets. Book the most magical ticket in town at www.wizardwalkofyork.com
Also available for birthdays, schools, kids clubs and more “Brilliant, fun and engaging. Our children said this was the highlight of their week in York!” – A. Tolen
Winner of the Little Vikings Awards for Best Tour of York 2023, 2024 and 2025!
Have a laugh at The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring
6
The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring is York’s most braintickling attraction! With interactive exhibits designed to challenge perception and spark curiosity, it’s the perfect place for families, friends, and colleagues to explore. Located on Merchantgate, everything is indoors, making it a fantastic day out - whatever the weather! Step inside and experience hands-on illusions and puzzles like you’ve never seen before. 14 Merchantgate, York YO1 9TU
1
golf at The Hole in Wand
2
Shop like a wizard at The Potions Cauldron
from another angle? Hop on a boat or climb to the top deck of a sightseeing bus. Of if you want to go it alone, we’ve got that covered too. Here are our top tours in York for families.
Recommended by The Sunday Times, The Little Vikings I Spy Trail is a fun, self-led walking trail that turns a walk around York into a game. With 22 quirky things to spot, it’s an entertaining way to tick off iconic sights and explore secret streets. Pick up a map from the Visit York Information Centre or download it from the Little Vikings website. little-vikings.co.uk
Join The Wizard of York on a quest to find magical creatures as you wand-er the alleys and snickelways. It’s a truly magical alternative to the many ghost walks in the city - no spooky ghosts, no scary stories… The Wizard Walk focuses on fun over frights! wizardwalkofyork.com
Hop aboard a City Cruises blue boat for a memorable journey along the Ouse, with entertaining on-board commentary along the way. With food and drink available on board, it’s a relaxing way to see the city. Feeling more adventurous? Why not hire one of the little blue boats and skipper your own river adventure? cityexperiences.com
Race you to the top deck! Climb aboard a City Sightseeing bus for a whistle-stop tour of York with commentary in a variety of languages. You’ll see all the major sights and learn about York’s incredible history from the comfort of your seat. city-sightseeing.com
Calling all cat lovers! We have just the thing for you: York Cat Trail. Pick up a free trail leaflet from The Cat
Little Vikings I Spy Trail
The Wizard Walk of York
City Cruises of York
York Cat Trail
York City Sightseeing
Visit Wonderlab, the National Railway Museum’s inspiring new interactive gallery. Play your way through 18 hands-on challenges and fuel your kids’ curiosity with amazing live experiments. A charge applies for Wonderlab, but we think it’s well worth it.
Swim, play or clip’n’climb at York Leisure Centre
National Railway Museum, Leeman Road, York YO26 4XJ
Amazing indoor and outdoor play at The Web Adventure Park
Pop along with the family, big or small, and have a fun, chilled couple of hours painting pottery. They have a vast selection of ceramics and an array of stamps and stencils for you to release your inner creative. It’s very convenient, just across the road from York Art Gallery. Rainbows Ceramics, 15-17 Bootham, York YO30 7BW
Active families love York Leisure Centre at Monks Cross. Splash about in the pool (main and toddler pools available), join a toddler soft play session or climb the walls at the Little Vikings Award-winning clip’n’climb arena. Teens and tweens will love the junior gym sessions.
York Leisure Centre, Kathryn Avenue, Monks Cross Drive, Huntington, York YO32 9AF
The Web Adventure Park is heaven for under-11s and a must-visit for those with young children. There’s an excellent indoor soft play area with zones for all ages, a large outdoor adventure playground, fairground rides (selected dates), animals and good food and drink options.
The Web Adventure Park, Cliftongate Business Park, Wigginton Rd, York YO32 2RH
Get Your Brain Buzzing at The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring
Prepare for a mind-bending adventure at The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring –York’s most intriguing attraction! Packed with interactive exhibits that challenge perception and ignite curiosity, it’s good fun for all ages. Step inside and dive into a world of hands-on illusions and puzzles that will leave you scratching your head!
14 Merchantgate, York YO1 9TU
Get hands-on at Wonderlab
Get creative with Pottery Painting at Rainbows Ceramics
Come face to face with colourful characters from York’s murky past at York Dungeon Not for the fainthearted, it’s an immersive, spine-tingling theatrical experience that braver older children (8+) will love. For younger children, check out their hilarious familyfriendly walking tours of the city.
York Dungeon, 12 Clifford Street, York, YO1 9RD
This popular ghost tour puts the comedy into York’s tragedy. Discover foul deeds and infamous hauntings on this genuinely funny hour-long tour of the city.
deathlydarktours.com
York’s most notorious former resident, gunpowder plotter Guy Fawkes, was born just across from York Minster. Spot the blue sign in the window of the cosy Guy Fawkes Inn and pop in for something to eat from the themed menu.
Guy Fawkes Inn, 25 High Petergate, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7HP
and deliver! Visit the grave of horrible highwayman Dick Turpin in St George’s churchyard, a short walk from the city centre. 6 Lead Mill Lane, York YO1 9QH
Dare to visit York Dungeon
Gander at Dick Turpin’s grave
It’s hard to believe that the sun doesn’t always shine in God’s Own County, but even if it does start chucking it down, there’s plenty to do that’ll keep everyone dry and happy. Here’s our pick of the best.
Have a round of wizard mini golf at The Hole in Wand. It’s magical fun for the whole family. (The Hole in Wand, 14 - 16 Coppergate Walk, York YO1 9NT).
Rock up at The Web Adventure Park, one of the best indoor and outdoor play areas in York (Wigginton Rd, York YO32 2RH).
Bounce, run and climb at Oxygen York, the new trampoline park (Clifton Moor Centre, Hurricane Way, York YO30 4XU).
Get creative and paint something lovely at Rainbows Ceramics pottery painting studio - a relaxing rainy day activity if ever there was one (15-17 Bootham, York YO30 7BW).
Explore, learn and play at the National Railway Museum, unofficially York’s umbrella (Leeman Rd, York YO26 4XJ). Don’t miss the new Wonderlab interactive gallery (charge applies).
Kids may not love shopping, but they do love the covered play area at York Designer Outlet (free parking, no admission fee; St Nicholas Ave, York YO19 4TA).
Have a swim or tackle the clip’n’climb at York Leisure Centre (Kathryn Avenue, Monks Cross Dr, Huntington, York YO32 9AF).
Relax and read in the children’s section at Explore York Library (Library Square, Museum Street, York YO1 7DS).
Take in a film or show at York Theatre Royal, Vue, Everyman Grand Opera House or City Screen.
Visit one of the museums and attractions: York Castle Museum, JORVIK Viking Centre, The Yorkshire Museum, York Art Gallery, York Minster and many more.
Entertainment
No matter the time of year or time of day, there’s always something entertaining going on in York for families. Here are the top spots for family-friendly culture in York.
For an indulgent movie experience, Everyman York is the place, with plush sofas and good food delivered to your seat. There are parent and baby screenings too.
Blossom Street, York YO24 1AJ
One of the oldest theatres in the country, York Theatre Royal has an ever-changing programme of children’s theatre and a spectacular pantomime. The cafe is a great place to go with kids, too - spacious, friendly and with delicious things to eat and drink.
St Leonard’s Place, York YO1 7HD
Looking gorgeous after its recent refurbishment,
The Grand Opera House is a great choice for touring family shows, right in the heart of York.
Cumberland St, York YO1 9SW
This popular city centre cinema has Saturday morning kids’ club, family films and a relaxed family-friendly cafe with river views. A lovely place to spend a rainy afternoon.
13 - 17 Coney Street, York YO1 9QL
National Centre for Early
The NCEM is the place to introduce your children to opera, jazz, early and other types of music with a programme of family events throughout the year.
St Margaret's Church, York YO1 9TL
For the full multiplex experience, complete with buckets of popcorn, comfy chairs, huge screens and epic sound, Vue is an excellent option. Stirling Rd, Rawcliffe, York YO30
Grand Opera House
York Theatre Royal
City Screen
Music
Vue
has plenty of brilliant things to do that are free or budgetfriendly, from the world-leading Railway Museum to strolling along the city walls and exploring the parks and gardens. For special discounts and offers, make sure you pick up a FREE Little Vikings Family Card from the Visit York Information Centre on Parliament Street and we’ll help you save you even more money. Here are the best things to do that don’t cost the big bucks.
There’s free entry for under 5s at many of York’s attractions; check the websites for the latest ticket info.
Visit York during one of the many festivals, from York Ice Trail to the JORVIK Viking Festival - there are always free activities to enjoy.
Visit the incredible National Railway Museum, where admission’s free.
Do the Little Vikings I Spy Trail, recommended by The Sunday Times. Pick up a map for this free, self-led trail at the Visit York Information Centre.
See the city from York’s wonderful walls
Stroll the streets, taking in the secret snickleways and courtyards.
Head to one of the York Explore libraries they’re very welcoming and great for kids.
Head to Rowntree Park, one of York’s finest parks, with swings, slides, skatepark and much more.
Do the White Horse Walk from the Sutton Bank Visitor Centre (where there’s a great wilderness play area too).
Do one of the walking or cycling trails at Dalby Forest, where you only pay to park.
Head to the Yorkshire coast - we love Whitby, , Scarborough, Robin Hood’s Bay, Bridlington among others.
See the awe-inspiring Brimham Rocks, where you’ll just pay to park.
The White Horse at Kilburn
Danes Dyke, Flamborough
same place, even better). For a trip that’s a guaranteed 10/10, here’s our pick.
A bit of a hidden gem, Askham Bryan Wildlife and Conservation Park is THE place for animal-obsessed children. Askham Bryan Wildlife Park, Askham Bryan, York, YO23 3FR
Little Vikings Award-winning Piglets Adventure Farm is a guaranteed winner with kids, packed with indoor and outdoor play opportunities.
Piglets Adventure Farm, Towthorpe Grange, Towthorpe Moor Lane, York YO32 9ST
One of the most iconic places in North Yorkshire, Castle Howard isn’t just for grown-ups. Children from across the area nag their parents to visit, thanks to the incredible adventure playgroundSkelf Island - as well as imaginative holiday activities.
Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA
Stockeld Park is the stuff of dreams when it comes to adventure play. It’s home to Playhive, one of Europe’s biggest (and most impressive) indoor play areas.
Stockeld Park, Wetherby Rd, Wetherby LS22 4AN
The biggest play centre in York, The Web Adventure Park has plenty to entertain children of all ages.
The Web Adventure Park, Cliftongate Business Park, Wigginton Rd, York YO32 2RH
The lovely family-run attraction at Beetle Bank Farm is perfect for fans of all things furry. Moor Ln, Murton, York YO19 5XD
Here’s our pick of the best places to eat in York with kids, from Instagrammable afternoon tea to stunning street food. You’ll find more ideas on our website.
Most kids are mad for pizza, and Cresci is York’s top spot for a margherita (or even something a bit more exciting). Resist the allure of the chain restaurants and head to this awardwinning independent pizzeria for a taste of Italy.
Cresci, 20 Piccadilly, York YO1 9NU
Bettys is a jewel in the city's crown. It’s the ultimate destination for afternoon tea in York, but it's also a lovely place for a meal if you’re splashing out. It’s surprisingly family-friendly and there’s nowhere else quite like it.
Bettys, 6-8
St. Helen's Square, York YO1 8QP
Eat like the locals at Robinsons on Bishopthorpe Road. Famous for their brunch - and their weekend queues - it’s a lovely independent place that’s worth the short walk out of the city.
Robinsons, 7 Bishopthorpe Rd, York YO23 1NA
If you’re happy to eat outside, Shambles Market in the heart of York is an increasingly popular spot for good street food in York. From Krep’s crepes and galettes to Shambles Kitchen’s burritos and the TikTok famous Crumbles, there’s something for everyone.
A great brew and a really good brownie are guaranteed at Brew and Brownie, but it’s famous for its pancakes. Our kids can happily make their way through a stack, which vary from the traditional to the inventive, all with locally sourced ingredients. Prepare to queue, but it’s worth it.
Brew & Brownie, 5 Museum St, York YO1 7DT
The Balloon Tree is an award-winning farm shop and cafe just outside York that warmly welcomes families.The café serves home cooked breakfasts and lunches as well as a tempting array of cakes, but children love it most for the play area and pick-yourown.
Proof that York isn’t all about history and heritage, Spark:York is an outdoor box park where local businesses serve delicious street food. It’s a relaxed place that locals adore for its relaxed vibe, regular events and friendly atmosphere. Parents can tuck into the spicy stuff, while kids will enjoy the authentic pizzas. 17 - 21 Piccadilly, York, YO1 9PB
A166, Gate Helmsley, York, YO41 1NB
Cresci
Shambles Market
Bettys
Robinsons
Spark York
Brew & Brownie
Hotels with Family Rooms
Middletons doesn’t just have family rooms - it has family cottages! It’s friendly, stylish and the location is excellent. middletonsyork.co.uk
The Grand, York is a five star hotel in the heart of York where families are warmly welcomed. Check out the Cookery School at The Grand which has parent and child classes. thegrandyork.co.uk
Delta Hotels by Marriott York has a swimming pool, gardens and lovely views of the racecourse. Families are very welcome, with connecting rooms available. The location is excellent for driving out to the coast, moors or dales. marriott.co.uk
Novotel York is a stone’s throw from the city centre, with a swimming pool and spacious family rooms. novotel-centre-york
For a glamping stay in stunning woodland just a short drive fromYork, Jollydays is a lovely place to escape. jollydayscamping.co.uk
On the Coast
Caramel Cottage is a lovely three-bedroom house in the popular Filey holiday village of The Bay. Newly renovated, it’s a cosy place to relax with secluded garden, free parking, free swimming pool access, pub and shop on site and it’s just a 10 minute stroll down to Hunmanby Sands beach. Scarborough, Bridlington and Flamborough are a short drive away. caramelcottage.com
Self Catering and Glamping
walking country for families with children old enough to enjoy exploring, and there are some lovely family-friendly attractions too. Hop on a steam train, explore a forest, embark on a family walking or cycling trail and even see the finest view in England!
Dalby Forest is a stunning place to spend time, and a great budget option too (just pay to park): walk, run or cycle your way around, and don’t miss the special themed family walking trails (you might just spot a Gruffalo!).
There’s a cafe, bike hire and Go Ape is on-site too.
Dalby Forest Visitor Centre, Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire, YO18 7LT
Experience the sights, sounds and smells of life on the Home
Front and front line at Eden Camp, the site of an original WW2 Prisoner of War Camp. It’s an immersive experience that the whole family will enjoy and there’s a fab adventure play area too.
Eden Camp, Malton YO17 6RT
For a bracing walk with beautiful views under an hour from York, Sutton Bank is just the place. Proudly boasting ‘the finest view in England’, there are numerous walking trails, bike hire and a lovely Visitor Centre that’s free to enter. Just pay to park and pull on your walking boots or get on your bikes.
Sutton Bank, Thirsk YO7 2EH
Castle Howard is a jewel in North Yorkshire’s crown and it’s perfect for a family day out. There’s woodland to explore, a next-level adventure playground and regular children’s activities. The house is iconic, and well worth a visit too. Don’t miss their award-winning Christmas experience. York YO60 7DA
A trip aboard the heritage North York Moors Railway is a must if you’re visiting the Moors. Expect a memorable journey through one of the most stunning areas of the county, and more than a hint of Harry Potter. There are a few routes to choose from, but go for the Seaside Special to Whitby for some coastal fun.
Visit nymr.co.uk
Dalby Forest
Castle Howard
Sutton Bank
Eden Camp
North York Moors Railway
the great outdoors, there are some brilliant family-friendly attractions that we’d really recommend too.
Under half an hour from York, Mother Shipton’s (England’s oldest tourist attraction!) is a magical place for families to visit on a trip to Knaresborough, especially during the school holidays. Their seasonal activities are imaginative and engaging, and don’t miss the famous petrifying well.
High Bridge, Knaresborough HG5 8DA, UK
One of the unofficial seven wonders of Yorkshire, Brimham Rocks is an aweinspiring natural playground that’s unlike anywhere else in the county. Do one of the walking trails (maps available from the visitor centre), spot the quirky shaped rocks or have a picnic with views right across the Dales.
Brimham Rocks, Summerbridge, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG3 4DW
Fountains Abbey
Fountains Abbey is a beautiful place for a day trip in the Dales. There are acres of ancient ruins and green space to explore, and regular children’s trails and activities. Don’t miss Studley Royal Water Garden or the Deer Park.
Fountains, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 3DY
Another great option for a Dales day out is Bolton Abbey, where there are walking trails, stepping stones and regular children’s activities during the holidays. It’s free to enter, just pay to park.
Bolton Abbey, Skipton BD23 6EX
You’ve probably never been to anywhere like The Forbidden Corner. There’s a surprise around every corner at this quirky, independent attraction. It’s a feel-good place be, and you’ll laugh your way around. The Forbidden Corner, Tupgill Park Estate, Coverham, Leyburn, North Yorkshire, DL8 4TJ
Mother Shiptons
Brimham Rocks
Bolton Abbey Abbey
from York, but it has so much to offer that you might want to stay longer than a day. Here are some of our favourite spots.
The beautiful fishing town of Whitby is a wonderful place to visit with kids. Enjoy a boat trip, tuck into fish and chips and climb the steps up to Whitby Abbey. It’s a long way up but well worth the effort for stunning sea views from the ruins of this former monastery.
The quieter cousin to the larger coastal towns, the pretty town of Filey is big on charm. Not only has it won Sunday Times Beach of the Year for its vast expanse of sand, but there are rockpools to explore, gardens to discover and a nice selection of places to eat and drink.
One of the most popular seaside resorts in the country, we love Scarborough’s charms. The bustling South Bay is great for arcades and sandcastles, but the rugged, less busy North Bay is well worth a visit. Hire a pedalo at Peasholm Park and don’t miss Scarborough Castle (pack a kite!).
The Yorkshire coast is a wonderful place to spot wildlife, and the seal colony at Ravenscar is one of the most popular sights. Grey and common seals call Ravenscar home, and you can see them clearly from the foot of the cliff. If you decide to visit, visit the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s website for advice on how to seal-watch safely.
Channel your inner smuggler with a visit to Robin Hood’s Bay, one of the most beautiful spots on the Yorkshire Coast. Wander through the cobbled alleys, browse the independent shops and see if you can find any fossils.
Bridlington is another popular option for a coastal day out thanks to its beautiful sandy beaches. Sewerby Hall is our top pick for families, with acres of gardens to explore, furry and feathered creatures to meet at the zoo, play area and regular children’s activities in the school holidays. Bridlington’s Splash Zone is a great value swimming pool with slides, and RSPB Bempton Cliffs is the best place to birdwatchyou might even spot a Puffin!
Whitby
Robin Hoods Bay
Scarborough
See the seal colony at Ravenscar
Bridlington
Best time to visit York: York’s an all-year round destination, with plenty to do whatever the weather. The daffodils on the city walls are stunning in the spring, but the Christmas lights are beautiful too.
Best way to travel to York: By train or bus. It’s easy to reach by car, but parking is expensive and city centre traffic is best avoided. The Park and Ride bus service is excellent, and York is very well connected by trains. Visit itravelyork.info for public transport information.
Best way to get around York: On foot! York is a very walkable city, with the main attractions, shopping and eating destinations concentrated in a small area.
Useful addresses
York Hospital
(Accident & Emergency Department)
Wigginton Road, York YO31 1AB
York Station
Station Road, York YO24 1AB
Visit York Information Centre 21 Parliament St, York YO1 8SG
We hope you have an amazing visit and come back soon!
