Little Vikings Magazine (Issue 33)

York for kids Issue 33

FREE

Christmas 2019

The Best of York for Families this Christmas

Love dance like we do

enpointeyork.co.uk Ballet . Jazz . Tap . Lyrical . Contemporary . Technique . Pointe Work . Acro Gymnastics Classes start from 2yrs to adults . 7 days a week . Studios in York . Start a trail this term

Ho! Ho! Hello!

It’s the most magical time of the year, but also the most frantic, what with all the present shopping/food planning/Christmas show attending, not to mention all the mince pie eating/mulled wine drinking. We can’t do it all for you, but we can help you pick the best festive activities to do in and around York, from the most sparkling Santa’s grottos to memorable Christmas days out and fantastic festive entertainment. Whatever you get up to, we hope you have lots of lovely family time together this December.

Wishing you all a very happy Christmas!

Very best festive wishes, All at Little Vikings HQ

Since last issue, we've….

• Launched the NEW Little Vikings website!

We're really proud of it - take a look.

• Done the Dalby Forest Glow Trail, based on the new Shaun the Sheep film. It's a really fun way to discover the forest.

• Really enjoyed seeing York's most magnificent building transformed by light and sound at Northern Lights.

• Been planning the Little Vikings Advent Calendar promotion for 2019. Visit our NEW website every day in December up to December 24th to win some amazing prizes

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 2019/20. 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.

Your Christmas begins at...

Dalby Fore st Pick your perfect Christmas tree with the help of our specialist tree team Open from 30 November between 10am to 4pm. Bring the kids after school!

forestryengland.uk/dalbyforest

Where to meet Father Christmas in and around York On a roof, in a castle, near a cave or in the forest: there’s no end to the places you can meet Father Christmas in and around York this year. Here’s our pick of the best places to meet Santa.

Santa’s Sweet Adventure at York’s Chocolate Story

Christmas Experience at Mother Shipton’s

Head to York’s best chocolate attraction to join a special Santa tour to help the big man save Christmas!

You’ll discover festive facts about iconic chocolate brands and find out how chocolate was involved in Christmases past.

Make festive memories at Mother Shipton’s Christmas Experience.

Not only will you get to meet Father Christmas himself, but children can also write him a letter and post it at the special Post Office, listen to Christmas stories and see the toymaker making his toys. Adults can enjoy a complimentary glass of mulled wine too. You can purchase a photo of the children with Santa if you like.

Mother Shipton’s will also be hosting a Champion Day on 30th November for children and adults who prefer a more relaxed visit to Santa with no bright lights or loud noises.

You’ll make a Christmas-themed lolly and watch festive demos, as well as taking home a commemorative photo. These special tours take place on selected days - book in advance through the website.

23rd November to 24th December 2019 - yorkschocolatestory.com

30th November to 24th December 2019. Tickets must be purchased in advance - visit www.mothershipton. co.uk/events/christmas/.

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Meet Father Christmas at Castle Howard

Storytime with Father Christmas at Beningbrough

If your children are on the nice list (of course they are – it’s Christmas!), why not treat them to a visit to Father Christmas at Castle Howard? The prebooked Father Christmas events may be sold out, but there’s no need to miss out as there’s no need to book for the Courtyard Grotto (30th November – 22nd December), just book a timed slot when you arrive at the ticket office. Don't miss a visit to the house, too, where you'll see the magnificent tree and all the amazing installations for the Christmas Masquerade event.

We all know that travelling creates a lot of washing, and Father Christmas travels more than most. He’s got a pile of laundry to do, so he’s visiting the Victorian laundry at Beningbrough during weekends in the build-up to Christmas. Father Christmas will share a new tale with small groups of children, then every child will see him and give him their list if they wish.

Then there's a small gift to take away and either put under your tree if they can wait that long. Drop into the free artrageous family art workshops too.

To book, call 01904 472014.

Selected dates in November and December – castlehoward.co.uk

www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/ beningbrough-hall.

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Christmas Issue 33

St Nicholas and Lady Winter at the Northwood Trail

Santa’s Sleigh Ride at Piglets Adventure Farm

There's a lovely new festive event in York for kids this year, and it's taking place in the woods up at the Northwood Trail. It’s a Santa experience with a difference: no red-suited ‘ho ho ho’s here! Expect a more natural and enchanting experience with stories, candles and imagination. Dressed in green, Northwood's St Nicholas mirrors the Father Christmas of the past. Enjoy a glass of hot punch (alcoholic/nonalcoholic), before being taken to the woodland grotto to make a wish with Lady Winter and listen to a short story with St Nicholas. Children will receive something symbolic to take home, and a chocolate coin too.

Check in at Elf Airlines for a Father Christmas experience like no other. You’ll then be whisked to the twinkling woodland village aboard Santa’s sleigh! Meet Mrs Claus, enjoy storytime with the elves and then meet the big man himself! You can then unlock Santa’s toy shop with the special key and choose your own toy.

The kids don’t get all the fun - there’s a free mince pie for the grown-ups in Santa’s teepee too!

23rd November to 24th December 2019 - pigletsadventurefarm.co.uk

Selelcted dates in Nov/Dec Northwoodtrail.co.uk.

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Meet Father Christmas at Treasurer’s House

Victorian Father Christmas at Nunnington Hall

Meet Father Christmas in the attic of Treasurer’s House in this charming Christmas experience. Santa has crashed into the roof, but while he’s waiting for his sleigh to be fixed he’s keeping in good spirits by meeting the girls and boys of York and telling them stories. Suitable for age 5+, you’ll need to don a hard hat to avoid bashing your heads on the low doors!

It's a lovely place to meet Santa, and handily located in York city centre so you can combine it with some Christmas shopping.

Head out to Nunnington Hall to see how it was decorated in Christmases past, from the indulgent Georgian era to the ‘make do and mend’ 1940s and 50s. While you’re there, why not meet a Victorian Father Christmas?

Advance booking is required so that you receive a personalised invitation.

Get creative in the elf workshop before meeting the man of the moment and receiving a gift to take home.

Normal admission charges apply. £8 per child. Weekends from 30th November to 16th December 2019 (Fri, Sat, Sun) - book on 01439 748283 or visit nationaltrust.org.uk/nunningtonhall

Weekends from 1st to 21st December 2019 - book on 01904 624247 or visit nationaltrust.org.uk/treasurers-house

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The Christmas Experience at Lotherton

Stories with Father Christmas at Fountains Abbey

This ever-popular festive experience is back at Lotherton and better than ever. Enjoy a magical Twelve Days of Christmas walk through the woods, make the turtle doves fly, walk through five gold rings and become a drummer drumming. There’s the chance to visit Father Christmas in the North Pole (booking essential) and meet the elves in their workshop too. In the Elf Village, join in with craft activities and listen to stories.There’s ice skating and a magic show too (extra charge applies).

Meet Santa at Fountains Abbey this Christmas. Step into the cosy reading room at Fountains Hall where Father Christmas will read a festive tale and then give a gift to all the good boys and girls. Booking essential (0344 249 1895); tickets £10.

Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/ fountains for dates and times.

22 November 2019 to 5 January 2020 thechristmasexperience.co.uk

www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

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Christmas at William’s Den

Meet Santa at The Web Adventure Park

Head to one of Yorkshire’s favourite family attractions to visit The Christmas Den. You’ll be greeted by elves and discover how to become an honorary elf, meet Mother Christmas and learn about her special gingerbread and then meet Father Christmas and take home a gift. Full William’s Den entry is included in the price, as is a gingerbread man and build-a-bear for children.

Meet Father Christmas at a VIP breakfast this festive season. As well as a Christmassy breakfast, there’ll be Christmas crafts, reindeer food-making and a gift from Father Christmas. Ticket price includes unlimited play after the event.

Selected dates in December; visit the website for details. Other Father Christmas events at The Web Adventure Park include Baby Meets Santa for little ones and the chance to visit Father Christmas and build a bear.

Selected dates in November and December 2019 - visit williamsden.co.uk

Visit the website for all the details. webadventurepark.co.uk

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Make memories

this Christmas Christmas is in the air. Enjoy the sounds and smells of Christmas with beautifully decorated rooms, festive music and seasonal food and don’t forget to pre book in with the big man himself. Explore further with cheery walks in the crisp wintery air.

These are the places that make us. nationaltrust.org.uk/yorkshire © National Trust 2019. Registered Charity no. 205846. Photography © National Trust Images.

Festive Days Out It's not all about Santa! Immerse yourselves in the warmth and sparkle of these lovely festive family days out, Father Christmas optional!

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A Dickensian Christmas on Kirkgate

A Christmas Masquerade at Castle Howard

Experience the magic of Christmas past as York Castle Museum’s Victorian street comes to life each weekend with a host of Dickensian characters, including Ebeneezer Scrooge himself. Visit the Victorian shops (top marks if you can extract yourselves from the sweet shop without making a purchase) but you might want to dodge the Artful Dodger’s Christmas CureAll Potion. If you’re really (un) lucky, Fagin might even perform a magic trick for you (just watch your pockets). There’ll be festive Punch and Judy shows too! Why not top off your visit with a meeting with Father Christmas?

A truly magical experience is guaranteed at Castle Howard this festive season. Step into the house to see how it’s been transformed by professional designers to create a Christmas Masquerade theme with incredible displays and installations. This year’s theme celebrates the house’s theatrical roots and will see it dressed as it prepares for a grand masked ball.

This year you can also visit Castle Howard at twilight on selected dates – visit the website for details.

Saturday 16th November 2019 to Sunday 5th January 2020 - castlehoward.co.uk

16th November to 24th December 2019 - visit www.yorkcastlemuseum. org.uk/christmas

www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

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The Gingerbread House at York Mansion House

Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland If they can walk, they can skate.

That’s the theory anyway, and it’s the reason we’ve been strapping skates on our youngest at Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland since she was as small as one of Santa’s elves. Back for its 15th year, York’s only ice skating rink also offers fairground rides, a lovely alpine-themed cafe to warm up in and Christmas shopping opportunities galore (it’s in the car park of York Designer Outlet!).

Step out of the crowds and into a fragrant festive world as the Mansion House transforms itself into a beautiful gingerbread house with glittering decorations and incredible displays. Visitors of all ages are welcome to follow the gingerbread trail and enjoy mulled wine and gingerbread (extra charge may apply). Don't miss the historic kitchen, the highlight of our visit: do some virtual cooking and watch real cooking demos too.

16th November 2019 to 5th January 2020 yorkshireswinterwonderland.com

14th November to 22nd December 2019 - mansionhouseyork.com

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H U L L

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Over 5,000 animals

The Keeping of Christmas at Fairfax House Experience Fairfax House in all its splendour as it celebrates The Keeping of Christmas with a magnificent festive installation inspired by the traditions of the eighteenth century. See the Georgians’ love of the natural world as they decorated their homes for Christmas, as well as their festive food, extravagant dining table displays, elegant decorations, and remarkable Twelfth Night Cake.

Feeding ons presentati il a and d y dive show

Get hands on with interactives

Thursday 14th November 2019 to Tuesday 31st December 2019 - fairfaxhouse.co.uk Visit our website to see our calendar of events www.thedeep.co.uk info@thedeep.co.uk Tower Street, Hull, HU1 4DP • 01482 381000

www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

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Music, lights and more at Fountains Abbey

A medieval Christmas at Barley Hall

As well as the chance to see Father Christmas (pre-booking required), there are lots of festive activities at Fountains. Follow the Christmas tree trail while learning about the traditions of the tree, try your hand at Christmas crafts like making paperchains and angels or play games and pretend it’s Christmas morning. The Music and Lights event is always popular, with live music and stunning lights in the cellarium on selected dates in November and December.

Discover the charms, potions and magic used during Christmas celebrations at this wonderful medieval townhouse. Join the lady of the house as she prepares her house to welcome the great and good of York into her home, see the wonderful decorations and discover the Christmas activities of the time.

17th November 2019 to 5th January 2020 - barleyhall.co.uk

Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/ fountains for all the details.

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15th to 23rd February 2020

Bring your little Vikings along to the biggest Viking Festival in Europe

!

With events including the Strongest Viking and Best Beard Competitions, Battle Re-enactments, Have-a-Go Sword and much more!

Visit jorvikvikingfestival.co.uk to find out more and for all the latest event announcements

#JVF20 JORVIK Viking Festival is managed by York Archaeological Trust, a registered Charity in England & Wales (No. 509060) and Scotland (SCO42846).

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DISCOVER WINTER WILDLIFE AT BENINGBROUGH We have friends who consider Beningbrough an extension of their back garden, visiting with their children throughout the year and seeing the seasons change. This winter there’s a new reason to visit: the Winter Wildlife exhibition. Taking inspiration from the creatures living in the extensive gardens, acclaimed Yorkshire artist Gerard Hobson has created fourteen sculptural scenes that you’ll find hidden among the trees and garden buildings. Venture inside the bothy to watch a short film about Hobson, and pop into the restaurant to pick up a special colouring-in sheet (good luck resisting the lure of the cake display while you’re there). Inside the Hayloft you’ll find a display of his work, and you can even buy a print from the gift shop. Keep your eye out for special printmaking workshops with the artist himself, including a family printmaking workshop on Saturday 22nd February 2020 (£25 for one adult and one child; book on 01904 472014).

Winter Wildlife Exhibition at Beningbrough - 26th October 2019 to 1 March 2020 - Visit the Beningbrough website for more details Issue 33

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Christmas gift guide Look away now if you’re the organised kind of person who’s polished off their Christmas shopping before the end of the summer holidays. For the rest of you, here are some locallysourced last minute present ideas for the whole family.

(1) Handmade chocolates - Choose between mulled wine and gingerbread flavours among others! Price varies - York’s Chocolate Story, King's Square (2) WOWOW reflective rainbow jacket, £18.85 (3) Bell side track helmet, £32.99 Both Cycle Heaven, Hospital Fields Road, York (4) Dancing ballerina bunny in tube, £23.95, Upside Down Design, Bootham, York YO30 7BW. upsidedowndesign.co.uk Issue 33

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(1) Gift voucher for Brewtown Tours - Put it towards a microbrewery beer or gin distillery tour! A great one for the grown-ups. Brewtowntours.co.uk (2) Mr and Mrs Claus Christmas crackers, £25.50, Interiors by Nine to Eleven, Malton. 11 Market Pl, Malton YO17 7LP, Ninetoeleven.co.uk (3) Magic Meter – Test your magical abilities with a magic meter! If you are truly magical you will make the liquid boil and rise to the top chamber. £9.99 each, or 2 for £15 this Christmas. (4) Potions selection pack – Four different magic potions in a special gift pack, £10. Both The Potions Cauldron, The Shambles, York YO1 7LZ Issue 33

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MINIFIGS & BRICKS We offer a unique shopping experience for ® LEGO fans of all ages.

New and pre-loved sets Minifigures (including build your own) 1000's of bricks and pieces you can buy by weight like a giant pic'n'mix Collectables (including sets & minifigs) Come and play in our dedicated ® LEGO room which has a massive brick pit and build tables for children and adults.

Simply pay by the hour and use your creativity to build something truly unique.

At the end of the session you can even buy what you have built!

Not creative? Choose from one of our 200+ sets to build.

Looking for a new and exciting party experience for your child and their friends? ®

We now host LEGO Brick Parties designed for 5-12 year olds which are structured to keep children focused and engaged at all times.

Visit www.brick-party.co.uk or

/ BrickPartyYork

Or call Bev on 07746 598865 for more details.

Wigginton Road, York YO32 2RH Tel. 01904 690527

l l

www.minifigsandbricks.co.uk / MinifigsAndBricks

LEGO® is a registered trademark of The LEGO Group. Minifigs & Bricks is in no way ® endorsed by, representative of or officially associated with LEGO or The LEGO Group.

Festive family shows Get the whole family together and take your seats for some Christmas entertainment

Sleeping Beauty at York Theatre Royal The legendary York Theatre Royal returns with this classic tale. Although Berwick Kaler has retired from the stage, he’s co-written the script. We’re hoping that means we can expect the same silly jokes and nonsensical plot that we’ve come to know and love. Whatever the story, we’re sure it will be safe in hands of panto family Martin Barrass, Suzy Cooper, A.J.Powell and David Leonard.

7th December 2019 to 25th January 2020 - yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Grand Opera House York Heigh ho! The seven dwarfs are back!

Expect a magic mirror iPad, an ugly truth told to an evil stepmother, a poisoned red apple and a beautiful enchanted princess, plus plenty of magic, mayhem, singing and dancing.

12th December 2019 to 4th January 2020 - atgtickets.com

The Storm Whale at York Theatre Royal

York Minster Crib Service

Little ones will love this show based on the award-winning Benji Davies books. Noi lives with his dad and six cats by the sea. One summer, Noi rescues a little whale that washes up on the beach and so begins a friendship that changes their lives forever. From the team behind Grandad’s Island, a charming and heartwarming experience is guaranteed.

Whatever you believe in, the crib service at York Minster is a wonderful festive event that’s a popular Christmas Eve tradition for many local families. It’s a relaxed affair with all much-loved Christmas carols and dressing up! Admission is free 12 noon (doors open 9am), 24th December 2019

14th December 2019 to 4th January 2020 - yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

York Minster - yorkminster.org

A Great Escape to Humble Bee Farm

Every summer our family falls back in love with camping, and every year the so-called ‘end’ of the camping seasons rockets around faster than we can say ‘but we haven’t been camping enough yet!’. Hardier families than ours might enjoy nights under canvas well into the autumn, but for us, our outdoor adventures need to be cosy and relatively comfortable for everyone to enjoy themselves. And we’ve discovered a place that fits the bill perfectly: Humble Bee Farm near Scarborough.

What it is Humble Bee Farm is a family-run glamping and camping site on a working farm. There’s a range of accommodation for every budget, family size and season, from pretty bell tents to gorgeous yurts, Wigwam cabins and holiday cottages. There are even a few camping pitches if you want to take your own tent.

Location Just under an hour from York, Humble Bee Farm is located a hop, skip and jump from the Yorkshire coast in the stunning Yorkshire Wolds. It’s a beautiful part of the county, and the drive is so pretty that it’s actually enjoyable (even with three excitable children in the back of the car). It’s a very short drive from Humble Bee to some of our favourite places on the coast: Scarborough, Issue 33

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artventurersyork www.artventurers.co.uk/York

Hunmanby Gap, Bridlington and Filey. We could easily fill a week with great things to do in the area, but this time we just had a night.

Where we stayed We hot-footed it over to the coast after school one Friday night to stay in one of Humble Bee’s Running Water Wigwams. We’ve stayed in no-frills camping pods before, but this was something else. www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

MAKE YOUR CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT MORE FUN!

TRY RUGBYTOTS Our dynamic weekly play sessions enable boys and girls aged 2–7 to develop their social and physical skills in a fun, positive environment. For more details, just call or email.

0345 313 6716

york@rugbytots.co.uk

rugbytots.co.uk

The world’s favourite rugby play programme

With fairy lights, bunting, flowery bedding and lots of homely touches, our Wigwam certainly lived up to the glamping name.

The most luxurious of the Wigwam options, the Running Water Wigwam has - no prizes for guessing - running water in the form of a little bathroom with loo, sink and shower: ideal for anyone with young children prone to request a midnight trip to the toilet. With a little kitchen area with a sink, kettle, microwave, crockery and fridge, you could certainly knock up a simple meal. There’s even a TV if all that nature gets too much.

Officially sleeping four, there were two basic but comfortable double beds. The boys of the family took one while the three girls shared another. Had the girls been bigger, we might have struggled to sleep, but we have it on good authority that Humble Bee is introducing new, more spacious accommodation for large families very soon.

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Site facilities There’s a large, wellmaintained toilet and shower block, family bathroom and washing area. The reception also has a shop for the basics, and the friendly owners are often around with any advice and help that you may need.

Things to do We were lucky enough to be greeted by our own Issue 33

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B

The

Mount School York

“The quality of the pupils’ academic and other achievements is excellent.”

THE MOUNT JUNIOR SCHOOL GIRLS AGE 4-11

Curiosity Creativity Confidence

“The quality of the pupils’ development is excellent.”

The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), November 2018

www.mountschoolyork.co.uk

admissions@mountschoolyork.co.uk

Book online in advance and save 10% www.castlehoward.co.uk

steaming hot hot tub on arrival: our entertainment sorted! We spent most of the evening in the water, chatting, listening to the sheep and enjoying the fresh air and just being together.

When we’d been in so long that we were in danger of becoming wrinkled raisins, we fired up the fire pit (the fire pit’s provided, just buy your wood on arrival), toasted some marshmallows and had a drink or two. In the morning we explored the site a bit more. The children particularly enjoyed the play area and sports field, and could have spent all day jumping on and off the giant straw bale sofa.

We all loved meeting the animals too. It’s worth keeping an eye out for

T special events at Humble Bee during the holidays as they often run fun activities: watch out for something special at Christmas. But one of the main draws of the site is its fantastic location on the Yorkshire coast. It’s a fantastic base for families to explore the area at any time of year - that’s if you can manage to drag your kids away from Humble Bee Farm.

Humble Bee Farm, Flixton, Scarborough YO11 3UJ humblebeefarm.co.uk

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Experience the magic of a

Georgian Christmas

The Keeping of Christmas, 14 November - 31 December

Brewtown Brewery Tours Brewtown Brewery Tours provides the ultimate experience of brewery tours in Yorkshire. We offer a fun, laid back touring experience with fellow beer lovers, giving our guests unrestricted access to some of the best beer in the county. Our knowledge of the local beer scene and our great relationships with local breweries create a VIP tour experience for our guests – every tour is different, and every brewery has something unique to offer.

Meet the big names and rising stars of the county’s craft brewing scene on our never-before-available Yorkshire brewery tours.

Lasting for around half a day, our tours are all inclusive so once you join us you won’t have to worry about a thing along the way.

So if you’re interested in connecting with Yorkshire’s craft beer community, hop aboard the Brewtown minibus and join us for a tour.

Book now & grab a seat on the next bus!

01904 636666 hello@brewtowntours.co.uk brewtowntours.co.uk

23rd Nov - 24th Dec 2019 Join our magical elves on Santa’s mission to save Christmas!

£17.50 per child £9.50 per adult £6 under 4 years old B O O K N O W, T I C K E T S S E L L I N G FA S T YO R K S C H O CO L AT E S TO RY. CO M

Winter walks in and around Yorkshire this Christmas There comes a time during every family Christmas - usually when the kids start fighting with each other and you're onto your tenth Christmas movie - when it’s best to get everyone outside.

Prise yourselves off the sofa, put the lid on the selection box and chuck on your coats for a good dose of fresh Yorkshire air and a decent walk. The children will whinge, but they’ll feel better and probably behave better (no guarantees though, sorry) too. Pack a flask of hot chocolate and some spare chocolate coins as an extra incentive. Here are some great places for a family walk in Yorkshire. www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

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Dalby Forest

Yorkshire Sculpture Park

There are so many ways to enjoy and explore the beauty of Dalby Forest, with twelve walking trails to choose from. Visit the Dalby Forest website for all the details. There’s something for all abilities, and even a new Aardman Farmageddonthemed trail. Prefer two-wheeled travel? There are plenty of cycling trails for all abilities too. Take your own bikes or hire them there. Pack a picnic or grab something to eat and drink at the cafe. There’s a great adventure playground, too.

Admission to Dalby Forest is free, just pay to park.

Set in 500 rolling acres, Yorkshire Sculpture Park is one of the most exciting and inspiring collections of sculptures that appeals to all ages and it's the perfect place for a walk. Children love to run around, touch and climb on the exhibits, not inhibited by ‘DO NOT TOUCH’ signs or the hushed tones of an indoor gallery. There are four stunning Damien Hirst sculptures there at the moment too. This is one of our top days out from York. For the price of a parking ticket you’ll get a day of inspiration, exercise and fresh air.

Dalby Forest Visitor Centre, Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire, YO18 7LT - forestryengland.uk/dalby-forest

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Yorkshire Sculpture Park, West Bretton, Wakefield WF4 4LG - ysp.org.uk

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MAGICAL SLEIGH RIDES TO SANTA’S WOODLAND VILLAGE Sleigh ride with Elf Airlines / Donkeys in the Stable /Santa’s Grotto / Story time with the Elves / Animal petting area / Santa’s Woodland Village / Unlock the Toyshop with your magic key / Santa’s Tepee

PIGLETS, NR YORK YO32 9ST TEL 01904 499183 PIGLETSADVENTUREFARM.COM

Online Bookings Only. Limited Availability.

For prices, availability and to book tickets visit pigletsadventurefarm.com

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Bolton Abbey

The Howardian Hills

Bolton Abbey is a stunning place to walk, and there are various routes from the car parks. Children love the stepping stones and throwing stones into the river.Reward yourselves at the end with a treat from the tearoom or a picnic by the river. It would be hard to find a more picturesque place to rest and it’s all free, just pay to park (£10 per car). Bolton Abbey, Skipton, North Yorkshire

The Howardian Hills are home to some beautiful places to walk – it is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty after all – and you can find a selection of trails on the Howardian Hills website. It includes walks from Terrington and Slingsby, as well as two of our favourite places: Castle Howard and Nunnington Hall. howardianhills.org.uk

BD23 6EX - boltonabbey.com

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Rainbows Ceramics Painting Studio, 15/17 Bootham, York YO30 7BW. Tel: 01904 675533 www.rainbowsceramics.co.uk FB: Rainbows Ceramics Painting Studio OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!

Northwood Trail

Hagg Wood

Ideal for little legs, this magical trail through the woods at Buttercrambe is stunning. Look out for the fairy houses, challenge yourselves to get to the middle of the willow maze (and out again!) and warm up with a hot drink at the cafe afterwards.

Hagg Wood is an ancient wood just outside Dunnington, and is somewhere we’d wholeheartedly recommend for a trip with kids.

York isn’t short of beautiful places to visit, but Hagg Wood is pretty remarkable. The height and variety of the trees had our kids openmouthed when we first visited. It’s a good option for little legs. Parking is free and there aren't any loos, so go before you set off unless you want to co-ordinate wild wees! Hagg Wood, Intake Lane,

Pre-booking required Buttercrambe Moor Woods, Buttercrambe, York YO41 1AP - northwoodtrail.co.uk

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festive fun at york designer outlet

skate play shop dine sat 16 november 2019 – sun 5 january 2020 northwood_christmas_advert.pdf

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Askham Bog

York city walls

For woodlands, meadows and flocks of birds just outside the city, head out to Askham Bog. On the site of an ancient lake, it’s the perfect place for spotting birds and other water and woodland creatures. Budding David Attenboroughs could bring their binoculars. This is a good option for a buggy-friendly walk out of town, thanks to the boarded path. It’s an easy circular stroll of about a mile with plenty of benches if you need a rest. Other than a basic (free) car park, there are no facilities here so don’t expect a tearoom or toilets.

No collection of Yorkshire walks is complete without a mention of York’s wonderful medieval walls.

There’s almost 3.5km of medieval wall to choose from, all with fantastic views, and it’s totally free.

If little feet aren’t up to a big hike, just choose a small section. It’s easy to hop off once you’ve had enough, and there are plenty of cafes, restaurants and tearooms for refreshments.

Askham Bog, just off the A1036, York YO23 2UB

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Little Vikings Awards 2020 Sponsored by Bootham School - The Finalists We are absolutely delighted to announce the shortlists for this year’s Little Vikings Awards. All finalists have been chosen from the nominations that you have made, and we’d like to say a huge thank you to the thousands of you who took the time to nominate.

It’s over to you again now to decide on our lucky winners! Head over to the Little Vikings website to place your votes, and keep an eye out for the all-important announcement in the New Year.

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 • Ellie Cawdell - Puddleducks York, Hull and Yorkshire. ‘Ellie is a wonderful person who works tirelessly to promote the importance of water safely for babies and toddlers. Ellie contributed significantly to the New Earswick community swimming school committee and her work and involvement helped with the successful outcome’.

• Tricia Goodall from Tricia's Day Nursery ‘I am nominating our amazing childminder, Tricia. she is not only a child-minder looking after our children and covering long hours but she is a school governor, runs a phonics group, has 2 of her own small children and on top of this is also a surrogate mum’ • Little Green Rascals Minster Yard. ‘Amazing support for my premature babies who have needed special attention. The staff are so caring and supportive. The boys absolutely love going to nursery’

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Attractions - Sponsored by En Pointe Best family attraction in York • • • • •

Best family attraction (North York Moors)

York Castle Museum Castle Howard Beningbrough Hall Piglets Adventure Farm National Railway Museum

• • • •

Best family attraction (Yorkshire Coast) • • • •

Best chocolate experience • York’s Chocolate Story • Hot chocolate at Wild Things Forest School • Goddards House and Gardens

The Deep Whitby Abbey Alpamare Scarborough Sea Life Scarborough

Best gory experience • The York Dungeon • The Bloody Tour of York • York’s Chocolate Story Trick or Treat Trek

Best family attraction (Yorkshire Dales) • • • •

Dalby Forest North Yorkshire Moors Railway Falling Foss Tea Garden Sutton Bank Visitor Centre

Bolton Abbey Fountains Abbey Brimham Rocks Forbidden Corner

Birthday parties - Sponsored

by William’s Den Best birthday party provider

Best birthday party entertainer

• • • •

• • • •

The Woodland Adventure Co. Energi Trampoline Park Rainbows Ceramics Askham Bryan Wildlife Park

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Minifigs & Bricks Angela at Bish Bash Pot Josh Benson, JB Entertainment Cassie & Janet, Story Craft Theatre

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Days Out - Sponsored by Queen Ethelburga’s Best day out...with an adventure playground

Best festival for kids • Deer Shed • York Balloon Fiesta • JORVIK Viking Festival

• William’s Den • Castle Howard • The Web Adventure Park/ Creepy Crawlies • Stockeld Park

Best rainy day destination • • • •

Best day out...with rides • Flamingo Land • Lightwater Valley • Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland

National Railway Museum York Castle Museum Rainbows Ceramics The Web Adventure Park

Best Christmas experience (including Santa’s grotto)

Best day out...with animals

• Santa’s Sleigh Ride at Piglets Adventure Farm • Christmas at Castle Howard • Santa Cruise with City Cruises York

• Askham Bryan Wildlife Park • Yorkshire Wildlife Park • Beetle Bank Farm

Entertainment - Sponsored by Fancy Hanks Bar & Kitchen Best cinema

Best theatre

• City Screen • Everyman York • Vue

• York Theatre Royal • Grand Opera House • Joseph Rowntree Theatre

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Places to stay - Sponsored

by Footloose Shoes Best family-friendly accommodation

Best family-friendly camping and glamping

• 109 Nunnery Lane • Novotel York • Middletons

• Humble Bee Farm • Jollydays Glamping • The Hideaway at Baxby Manor

Food & drink - Sponsored

by The Mount School Best family-friendly breakfast

Best place for ice cream

• • • •

• • • •

The Pig & Pastry The Balloon Tree Bill’s Brew & Brownie

Trinacria Roberto’s LICC The (N)ice Cream Company

Best family-friendly lunch

Best date night destination

• • • •

• • • •

Trinacria Rowntree Park Reading Cafe The Pig & Pastry York Theatre Royal

Skosh Roots Mr P’s Curious Tavern Everyman York

Best family-friendly Sunday roast • • • •

The Rattle Owl Kennedy's The Winning Post The Balloon Tree

Childcare - Sponsored by didi Rugby Best nursery • Little Green Rascals Issue 33

• York Childcare nurseries

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• Muddy Boots

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Classes for kids - Sponsored by Wild Things Forest School Best baby/toddler swimming class

Best dance class

• • • •

• • • •

Puddle Ducks Turtle Tots York Sport Water Babies

My Baby Can Dance En Pointe Jazzy J’s Dance Academy Yorkshire Rose Academy of Dance

Best swimming class (aged 4+)

Best pregnancy class

• York Sport • York Swimming Academy • Carol Magson Swim School

• Hypnobirthing with Yoga for Modern Life • Pregnancy yoga at Stables Yoga • Aquanatal with Puddle Ducks

Best active class (not swimming) • • • •

Best music class

Young Spartans Children’s Self-Defence Rugbytots Wild Things Forest School Hoglets

• • • •

Best drama class • • • •

Best creative class

PQA York Hoglets York Theatre Royal Story Craft Theatre

• • • •

Best holiday club • • • •

Miss Tycal’s Magical Emporium Story Craft Theatre Sounds Right Phonics Lingotot

Best STEM class

Technology in Play Total Sports Camp Xplode York Sport Multi- Activity Camps

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diddi Dance My Baby Can Dance Rhythm Time Music at Heart

• Technology in Play • Scientots • Whizzbang Science

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Eating out with kids: Fancy Hanks While our kids would happily return to the same restaurant time after time (we’re looking at you, Pizza Express), the grownups of the family like to try eating at new places. And if it’s somewhere independent and family-run, so much the better.

That’s why we used our powers of persuasion to get the children to agree to lunch at Fancy Hanks.

You might recognise the exterior from its previous incarnation, Cut & Chase. Although the name has changed, the family behind the restaurant remain the same, they’ve just decided on a change of direction.

With a new, darker, Instagramfriendly interior, Fancy Hanks has a vibe that made us feel instantly relaxed. The menu, inspired by America’s Deep South, is full of temptation: all day breakfasts, waffles all ways, a variety of eggs benedict, burgers, sandwiches Issue 33

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and buttermilk fried chicken.

There was plenty of choice for all of us - a rare thing, considering everyone’s various dietary foibles. In fact the menu includes our children’s favourite food in the entire world: mac and cheese for the youngest, cheeseburger for the eldest and s’more waffles for the middle one. We ordered classic eggs benedict and a veggie corn burger for the grown-ups while promising ourselves that we’d eat fruit and veg aplenty for the rest of the day….

The children were on the verge of becoming hangry by the time the food arrived, but we put the delay down to teething problems (we visited just a couple of days after they’d opened). The food itself was worth the wait: delicious and clearly freshly made, we were all happy with our choices and the empty plates spoke for themselves. It’s good, well-made comfort food without the grease or junk food hangover you might expect from other places. Only our eldest, who’d persuaded us to let him have a salted caramel pretzel milkshake, was unsurprisingly defeated by his meal. He declared the shake to have been worth the full belly.

There were a few other families in when we visited, all of whom seemed to be enjoying their meals too. Fancy Hanks is a fun place to eat where the whole family should - fingers crossed - be able to eat something they really love. And not a pizza in sight!

Fancy Hanks, 39 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LS - fancyhanks.co.uk

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Date night dinner: Zaap Thai

It’s wedding anniversary time in the Little Vikings family, so it’s also the time of year that we like to sit back and reminisce about the most luxurious holiday we’ve ever been on (and, now we’ve got three kids, are ever likely to): two incredible weeks in Thailand.

The beaches were like something from a glossy magazine and the hotels were amazing (and at Yorkshire prices - even better) but it was the food that really won us over. From the street food in Bangkok to pad Thai in the hotel’s beach restaurant, it was unlike anything we’d had before Issue 33

and we loved it. So when we heard that there was a new Thai restaurant opening in York, Zaap Thai was the obvious choice for our next child-free meal out. Sidenote: children are very welcome (and there is a kids’ menu), but ours are still in an endless picky phase where a whiff of anything they consider ‘spicy’ is rejected before it’s even escaped the pan.

We headed to Zaap Thai for a very early Friday lunch expecting that we’d be the first to be seated, only to be greeted by a restaurant buzzing with diners cheerfully welcoming in 50

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the weekend over piles of steaming noodles. We were met with the same warm Thai welcome that we enjoyed so much on our honeymoon and shown to a table at the back: the perfect location for watching the hardworking kitchen team in action. It’s a scene that wouldn’t be out of place in Bangkok, and refreshingly different for York. The restaurant itself is colourful and vibrant, with Thai tunes playing loudly. It’s a fun, informal place to be that doesn’t feel like anywhere else in in the city.

Zaap Thai majors in authentic street food, with a huge array of choice, from chicken satay to Thai fishcakes, deep fried okra to deep fried golden tofu. If small plates aren’t your thing, there are curries, soups, salads and noodle dishes galore: just allow yourselves plenty of time to choose. Can’t decide?

Platters (meat or veggie) offer the chance to try a few things at once.

There are plenty of vegetarian options, and vegans don’t miss out either. The drinks menu is equally tempting, groaning with unusual offerings like an chan soda (butterfly pea juice with soda water and lemon juice) and coconut juice with pulp.

just the thing. And reliably good they were: the piping hot dish of tom yum was creamy and warming on a cold day and just the right side of really spicy. The pad thai could have packed more of a punch, but what it lacked in flavour it made up for in quantity - no complaints about the portion sizes here. While nothing will quite live up to the real deal, this is as close as York will get to Thailand without having to jump on the next flight from Manchester. It’s a fun and friendly place to eat. Next time, we might just bring the kids.

For old time’s sake, we ordered our old favourites: a vegetarian pad thai and a bowl of tom yum soup, with veggie spring rolls to start. Unadventurous perhaps, but sometimes a bowl of memory-inducing comfort food is www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

Zaap Thai, 7 Lendal, York, YO1 8AQ - zaapthai.co.uk

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Cook - festive tiffin

Chocolatey, biscuity and delicious, tiffin is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It’s a great recipe for kids to make without too much adult involvement, and there’s no real cooking involved either. Serve a batch at your Christmas party, give as an edible gift to a lucky teacher or friend or even leave a piece or two out for Father Christmas to fuel him on his travels.

Method 1. Line a 20cm x 20cm (approx) tin with greaseproof paper 2. Put the biscuits in a sealed bag and break them up. You want them to be in small pieces but not smashed to smithereens.

3. In a large pan, melt the butter and syrup.

4. Add the chocolate and stir until it melts.

5. Add all the other ingredients to the pan and mix well.

6. Pour into the lined tin and flatten down with the back of a big spoon (or similar).

7. Melt the dark chocolate (we did it in the microwave) and then pour over the mixture evenly. Decorate as you like, the more festive the better.

8. Chill in the fridge for an hour or two, then cut into pieces. Warning: cut them smaller than you think you need them to be - they’re very rich!

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Ingredients • 200g ginger biscuits (or you could use digestives but they’re not as Christmassy!)

• 100g unsalted butter • 140g golden syrup • Zest of a satsuma • 200g milk chocolate (and extra 200g milk, dark, white or a mixture for the topping if you like) • 100g raisins • 50g dried cranberries (optional but festive) • A sprinkling of cinnamon if you like • Decorations of your choice 52

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Little Vikings make… a Christmas Tree Peg Garland If your house is anything like ours, at Christmastime you’ll need this handy Peg garland. As soon as December arrives the Christmas cards start to appear, lists upon lists upon lists are made, party invitations arrive and lots of Christmas pictures are created. It’s so easy for these things to go missing. So this handy little craft isn’t just a lovely decoration but a cute Christmas organiser you can use year after year.

1. Firstly, take whichever green material you have chosen and cut it into triangles roughly the same length as your peg, then cut the triangles horizontally into three.

You will need: • 1. Wooden clothes pegs • 2. A length of string, yarn or ribbon • 3. Card, paper, material or felt in 2 different shades of green • 4. Pom poms • 5. Star stickers • 6. Beads or other shiny decorations • 7. Scissors • 8. Strong glue.

2. Taking your strong glue, start sticking the parts of the triangles onto each peg alternating in shade: light, dark, light then dark, light dark and so on. Your peg should hopefully begin to look like a mini Christmas tree.

3. Using the glue, once again stick a star at the top of your tree and stick the beads, pom poms or shiny decorations onto the tree to look like baubles.

4. Now take the string and either thread or glue on a bead. Then thread on a peg and keep alternating until the string is full or all pegs are hung. Feel free to secure the pegs and beads in place with a little glue.

Thanks to Gemma from Hoglets for providing the craft. Hoglets us a weekly drama and storytelling class in York for babies and toddlers from 0-5 years. See www.hoglets. org.uk for more info.

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Jokes What do dragons eat with cheese?

Why did the pie go to the dentist?

It needed a filling!

Firecrackers!

How do birds know if it’s going to rain?

What part of a football stadium is never the same?

They watch the feather forecast.

The changing rooms!

Did you hear about the jester who quit his job?

What do you call a flying policeman?

He was nobody’s fool!

A helicopper!

The place to visit Father Christmas!

St

ay & • Baby meets Santa! play after!

• Breakfast with Father Christmas!

• Visit Father Christmas in his grotto & more!

Book your tickets at www.webadventurepark.co.uk or by calling 01904 692221

Why Little Vikings loves...

Northwood Trail - England’s Fairy Sanctuary Perfect for off-grid, screen-free family time

A new, independent, family-run place

Lots of fairy houses and signs of magic along the route

Magical walk through stunning woods

The willow maze looks easy but it’s not!

The trail’s a perfect length for little legs

Refuel with delicious coffee and cake

Don’t forget to look behind the door in the fairy museum

Look out for special seasonal events

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Chris Moreno Russ Spencer Stuart Wade for

THREE BEARS PRODUCTIONS presents

viCki michelle as the Wicked Queen

MARK LITTLE

MARTIN DANIELS

as Lord Chancellor of Trumpville

as Muddles

i n t he magical pa ntomime

jonny muir as The Prince

steve wickenden louise henry

as Nurse Brexit

as Snow White

Thu 12 Dec 2019 - Sat 4 Jan 2020 0844 871 3024

Fees Apply

atgtickets.com/york Fees Apply

Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge

GRAND OPERA HOUSE YORK

NEW for 2019, York Castle Museum presents A

Dickensian Christmas on Kirkgate

Weekends from 16th November — 22nd December plus Monday 23 – Tuesday 24 December 2019

Experience the magic of Christmas past as Kirkgate, our Victorian Street, comes alive each weekend with a host of Dickensian characters helping you get into the spirit of the festive season.

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York Museums Trust

Discover more at yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk

York Museums Trust

Discover more at yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk

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