Little Vikings Magazine (Issue 34)

York for kids Issue 34

FREE

New Year 2020

The Best of February Half Term

OPEN WEEK MONDAY 2 - FRIDAY 6 MARCH • NURSERY - YEAR 6

Hello! And a very happy new year to you!

The decorations may be back in their boxes and the 24-hour Christmas movie marathons are at an end, but there’s no need to despair as there’s plenty coming up in and around York to keep you entertained this season. And if December has left the piggy banks empty, don’t despair as lots of it’s free. Top of our list is York Ice Trail, one of our favourite events of the year. We’re even more excited about it this year because Little Vikings is sponsoring one of them! Head to Parliament Street to see what it is (no prizes for guessing!).

We’re also extremely excited to announce the winners of this year’s Little Vikings Awards, sponsored by Bootham School. Once again, you voted in your thousands, so our winners really are a true reflection of the places and things that families love in and around York. Thanks so much to all who voted, and why not try out our winners for yourselves?

See you in the springtime, and in the meantime keep warm!

Best wishes Little Vikings HQ

Since last issue, we've….

• Visited Agility the new indoor adventure fitness park: lots of active fun for the whole family • Caught a film at the new cinema, Cineworld. It’s big and shiny and there’s an IMAX screen too • Enjoyed a great brunch at Robinson’s on Bishopthorpe Road - since their extension they’ve got loads more space and the food is delicious • Been chatting to our readers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and through our weekly eNews. Follow us!

Little Vikings was founded and is run by a York family. Contact us at hello@little-vikings.co.uk.

Office address The Hiscox Business Club, Peasholme Green, York YO1 7PR. Content © Little Vikings 2020. Little Vikings is a registered trade mark. Every effort has been made to ensure that this guide is up-to-date and accurate, but some things are liable to change. Always check details before you travel. www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

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February Half Term - Issue 34

What’s on in and around York this February

Whatever the Weather at RHS Harlow Carr

All about birds at Nunnington Hall It’s the perfect time to wrap up warm and get out and about to learn all about birds and how you can help them in your garden. Get hands on building bird boxes, then collect useful, natural materials for your Nest Gatherer, providing birds with the bits and pieces to help make their nests comfortable and cosy. Take part in the bird trail before heading inside to warm up and explore the house. Don’t forget to head up to the children’s room.

Enjoy a range of fun all-weather activities including a chance to make weather wheels and wind socks during half term and discover more about the wild weather of the UK on a daily garden trail. Normal garden admission.

15th to 23rd February 2020 - rhs.org.uk

15th to 23rd February - Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/nunnington-hall

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Baby, it’s cold outside! But who cares when there’s fun to be had, memories to be made and - maybe, just maybe - snow to play in?

Here are some of the great things coming up in and around York this season.

Wild Wood Adventures at Fountains Abbey

Changing Seas at The Deep Winner of the Little Vikings Award for Best Family Attraction (Yorkshire Coast) 2020, The Deep is a great place to visit with kids. Head there this half term to enjoy an exciting new exhibit featuring lionfish, pufferfish, eels and more. Learn about how climate change is affecting our oceans and what this means for the creatures who live there.

It’s all about nature at Fountains Abbey this half term. Grab your wellies, wrap up warm and see what you can see. There’s stargazing (20th Feb), a welly trail around the abbey and water garden (15th - 23rd Feb) and wool-based crafts too. On 18th and 20th Feb, head to Swanley Grance to make a friendship bracelet for someone special.

15th to 23rd February 2020 - thedeep.co.uk

Visit nationaltrust.org.uk www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

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The magic of trees at Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens

Fleecy Fun at Piglets Adventure Farm

It’s your last chance to follow the latest trail as a nature detective at Beningbrough. Join the garden team on a naked tree walk to understand the secrets of winter trees when they are bare and spot the first signs of spring, with 300,000 bulbs ready to open expect carpets of snowdrops as you wander. Enjoy hands-on crafting in an Artrageous workshop and explore the Winter Wildlife in Print exhibition before it finishes. Free entry for National Trust members and under-fives.

Get ready to watch NEW Fleecy Fun Shows with The Magic Hatter, bottle feed adorable new-born lambs and whizz down giant slides in the undercover Bale Play Baaarn at Piglets Adventure Farm this February. Bottle feed adorable new-born lambs, jump aboard the tractor and trailer ride, see cute animals in the animal barn and if you’re lucky you might even see some baby animals being born in Lambing Live and the piglet maternity ward.

Piglets Adventure Farm Park - Visit pigletsadventurefarm.com

15th to 23rd February (closed Monday) 11am to 3.30pm - Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/beningbrough

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Family time made with the National Trust Visit Beningbrough Hall, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal and Nunnington Hall this February half term for spring adventures. nationaltrust.org.uk/yorkshire Š National Trust 2019. Registered Charity no. 205846. Š National Trust Images/Chris Lacey.

February fun at Stockeld Park

Catnapped! At York Castle Museum

If you want to wear out your children, Stockeld Park is a very safe bet. Visit this half term to explore the Enchanted Forest and its many adventure playgrounds, to get lost in the maze and skate on the (undercover) outdoor ice rink.

A Victorian feline thief is on the loose at York Castle Museum this February half term and the Police need your help to put the hoodlum behind bars.The thief has struck on the Victorian street Kirkgate, stealing the defenceless moggy – which belongs to the Lord Mayor - with no apparent motive. Become a young detective and help police to return the cat to its owner and catch the thief. On selected dates in February and March, you can meet Dick Turpin too!

15th to 23th February 2020 - stockeldpark.co.uk

15th to 23rd February 2020 yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk

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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).

Vikings galore at the Yorkshire Museum

The Snail and the Whale at York Art Gallery

Get stuck into lots of great Vikingthemed activities this half term (15th February to 23rd February 2020). Have a go at rune-making (small charge), act out a Viking voyage, dress up in Viking costumes and listen to new kids’ curator talks with hands-on demonstrations (suitable for 7 - 11 year-olds). There’ll be a Viking Trail running too - see if you can spot the seven Viking characters to find missing letters and spell a Viking word.

There’s a Snail and the Whale theme to activities at York Art Gallery this half term, with workshops inspired by the popular book. Join a propmaking workshop and enjoy an interactive storytelling session. On 22nd & 23rd February, drop in and decorate a beach pebble to show that ART ROCKS! There are some great monster-themed activities coming up in March too - keep your eye on the Little Vikings website for more details (and why not sign up to our weekly newsletter for the best of York for kids each week, straight to your inbox?).

yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk

yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk

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DIVE INTO

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featuring lionfish, pufferfish, eels and more!

www.thedeep.co.uk • info@thedeep.co.uk • 01482 381000 *Conditions and exclusions apply. See website for details

*Conditions and exclusions apply. See website for details

D o n ’t f o r g e t ! tickets include FREE return visits for * 12 months!

PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO IN 2020

Make 2020 a year to remember for your family.

Here’s just a selection of the many fantastic events coming up in and around Yorkshire in 2020.

You know where to find the rest, of course: the Little Vikings website, there for you 24/7/365 with handpicked inspiration for things to do with your family throughout the seasons.

York Ice Trail

Oliver! The Musical

Where - Across York When - 1st & 2nd February More - visityork.org

Where - York Theatre Royal When - 12 to 22nd February More - yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

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An ‘Excellent’ rated, vibrant and supportive school

community, set in 220 acres

of beautiful North Yorkshire Countryside.

We welcome day students

from 3 months to 19 years

and boarders from 6 years to 19 years.

Academic, sport, music and

drama scholarships available

for students in Years 7 to 13.

The No.1 independent secondary school in the North of England (QE College).

Sunday Times Schools Guide 2020

Minibus service

across Yorkshire.

Senior School Open day 18th January 10.30am - 3.00pm

Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate “To be the best that I can, with the gifts that I have.” www.qe.org | admissions@qe.org | 01423 333330 | York YO26 9SS

JORVIK Viking Festival

Peppa Pig

Where - Grand Opera House When - 4th to 5th March More - atgtickets.com

Where - Across York When - 15th - 23rd February More - jorvikvikingfestival.co.uk

Join the fun at Raby Explore the Woodland Play Area, Castle Terrace, Deer Park, Stables CafÊ and Shop - open daily from 10am Looking ahead: Castle and Walled Gardens reopen 4th March | brand new Children’s Tours and activity sheet | Easter events and the return of Open Farm Sunday

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Room on the Broom

Where - York Theatre Royal When - 24th - 25th March More - yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

Billionaire Boy

Where - Grand Opera House When - 6th to 9th May More - atgtickets.com

Half Term Painty Fun at Rainbows!

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!

Little Feet Festival

York Festival

Where - York Theatre Royal When - 17th to 20th June More - yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

Where - York Sports Club When - 19th to 20th June More - york-festival.com

Deer Shed Festival 11

Pippi Longstocking

Where - Baldersby Park, Thirsk When - 24th to 26th July More - deershedfestival.com

Where - York Theatre Royal

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When - 31st July to 15th August

More - yorktheatreroyal.co.uk 14

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BBC Countryfile Live

Babysitting Babysitting & & Nanny Nanny Services Services Bright BrightBeginnings BeginningsChildcare ChildcareAgency Agency have haveaachildcarer childcarerto tosuit suityour yourevery everyneed need–– from fromone-off one-offbabysitters babysittersto tofull-time full-timenannies. nannies.

Nursery NurseryManagers Managers––Ask Askus usabout aboutSupply SupplyStaff!

Staff!

01904 691698 691698 email: email:info@bb-agency.co.uk info@bb-agency.co.uk www.bb-agency.co.uk www.bb-agency.co.uk

Where - Castle Howard Howard When - 6 to 9 August August More - countryfilelive.com countryfilelive.com

York Balloon Fiesta

All Allour ourchildcarers childcarershave: have:DBS DBSChecks, Checks,Paediatric PaediatricFirst FirstAid, Aid, Qualification/Experience, Qualification/Experience,Uniform, Uniform,ID Card, ID Card,aaminimum minimumofoftwo tworeferences. references.

26443 26443BBCA BBCALittle LittleVikings VikingsMagazine Magazine74mmx105mm 74mmx105mm(Proof (Proof3).indd 3).indd 11

Where - York Knavesmire Knavesmire When - TBC More - yorkballoonfiesta.co.uk yorkballoonfiesta.co.uk

02/12/2019 02/12/2019 12:41 12:41

Tap Jazz Ballet Lyrical Technique Pointe Work Contemporary Acro Gymnastics enpointeyork.co.uk All abilities welcome . After school and weekends From 2yrs – adults . Studios in York . Start a trail this term

WED 4 & THU 5 MAR

THU 23 – SUN 26 APR

BOX OFFICE 0844 871 3024* ATGTICKETS.COM/York*

*Fees apply to online & phone bookings. Book at the Box Office and pay no booking fees!

Try a new class in 2020!

artventurersyork www.artventurers.co.uk/York

Make music with York Suzuki

Get creative with ARTventurers York

Young children get a huge amount of joy from music, and the new classes from York Suzuki aim to help parents connect with their little ones through nursery rhymes, action songs and high quality musical instruments.

Classes are kept small to encourage a calm and relaxed environment. Classes at Tang Hall Community Centre and on Tadcaster Road.

Kids love to get creative, but parents aren’t always thrilled with the mess it creates. Thankfully ARTventurers York has a solution: head to one of their classes, let your child and then let them clear up afterwards! Jelly, glitter, paint and glue feature strongly: rather them than me! Classes take place at Bootham Junior School and Haxby Memorial Hall.

Visit yorksuzukiece.co.uk

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Visit ARTventurers.co.uk

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If your little one dreams one day of taking to the stage, creating arty masterpieces, heading into space or dancing like the Strictly stars, why not help them along by signing them up to a class? The new year is an ideal time to join and help make 2020 their decade. Here’s a little selection of some of the great children’s classes in York, with something for everyone.

You’ll find even more on the Little Vikings website (little-vikings.co.uk)

Learn through play with Phonics Stars York

Feel confident in the water with Puddle Ducks

Phonics Stars offers physical, creative and sensory activities to develop 2-5 year olds skills in phonics sounds, numbers, motor skills and self-confidence.

Classes let children learn through play whilst building learning foundations in a fun, active and stimulating environment – supporting children’s transition into education and helping with school readiness.

Your baby is too little for new year’s resolutions, but for most parents, water safety is a priority all year round. Puddle Ducks’ classes start from any age up to five years, and there are aquanatal classes if you’re expecting a baby this year. Puddle Ducks have won ‘Best Swimming Class’ in the Little Vikings Awards since their launch, so they must be doing something right!

Visit phonicsstars.co.uk

Visit puddleducks.com

www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

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Learn to dance with En Pointe Dance School

Engage your brain with Technology in Play

Join this award-winning dance school for a full range of dance classes for children age 2+.

Classes are held in their purposebuild studios and include ballet, tap, jazz, acrobatics and musical theatre. Unusually, there are Sunday classes too.

If STEM is your child’s thing, Technology in Play’s classes are a must. They run fun, creative and engaging weekly STEM clubs, code clubs, holiday clubs and parties.

Visit technologyinplay.club

Enpointeyork.co.uk

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Explore stories with Story Craft Theatre

Active fun with didi Rugby York You’re (almost) never too young to get into rugby. Girls and boys from 18 months to six can enjoy multi-skilled rugby classes with a rugby theme at York RI RUFC and Pocklington Scout Hut.

A newcomer to the York kids’ classes scene, Story Craft Theatre have already made quite a splash. Their weekly Crafty Tales sessions at York Theatre Royal for 2 to 5 year-olds have been a huge hit, thanks to the winning combination of stories and crafts.

Their birthday parties have had incredible feedback too.

Visit didirugby.com

Visit storycraftheatre.co.uk

www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

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Supported by

JUNIOR TRIATHLON

Bike/Run Sessions Come along and give it a tri Fun sessions suitable for all abilities

AGES 8–14 Each weekly session is led by fully qualified British Triathlon coaches.

We focus on cycling, running and transition skills with optional swimming classes.

Sign up at any time, it’s never too late to start!

BOOK ONLINE york-sport.com/junior/triathlon York Sport Village, Lakeside Way, Heslington YO10 5FG york-sport.com  /YorkSport  @yorksport1  @yorksport1

An amateur production presented by arrangement with MusicScope & Stage Musicals Ltd of New York. All authorised performance materials supplied by MusicScope, 75 Furnival Street, Crewe, CW2 7LH. www.musicscopeuk.com

YORK THEATRE ROYAL

FEB

FEB

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York Ice Trail 2020 - It’s back!

Seek out your scarves and dig out your gloves (bonus points for a matching pair): York Ice Trail returns for 2020!

It’s one of our favourite events of the year and it’s back on Saturday 1st February and Sunday 2nd February with two whole days of ice sculpture fun. There will be around fifty fabulous sculptures brought to you by some fantastic York businesses including, for the first time, Little Vikings! Yes, we’re sponsoring a sculpture and we

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couldn’t be more excited. No spoilers, but let’s just say that children should enjoy what we’ve got planned. Pick up a trail map from the Visit York Information Centre (1 Museum Street) to find out which sculptures are where and see how many you can spot!

York Ice Trail - 1st & 2nd February 2020 - visityork.org

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York Residents Festival 2020 Dust off your YorkCard, it’s time for York Residents Festival! This annual thank you to locals for giving visitors such a warm welcome sees the city’s attractions open their doors free of charge. It’s a great excuse to go out and explore new places or revisit old favourites without spending a penny.

There will be special offers on eating out, too, if you decide to make a day

www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

of it. Some attractions do require prebooking, so it’s worth planning ahead.

Keep an eye on the Visit York website for the latest details.

York Residents Festival 2020 Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th January 2020 - visityork.org

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Little Vikings Book Club

York

for k

ids

We can’t think of a better New Year’s resolution than making more time to share stories as a family. Here are some lovely new stories to inspire your little ones at the start of a new decade.

The Garden of Lost Secrets by A. M.Howell (Ages 9-11)

The Jolley-Rogers and the Pirate Piper by Jonny Duddle (Ages 6-9)

During WW1 Clara is sent away to live with her formidable aunt in the grounds of a grand house. With strange goings-on and a locked room, is everyone keeping secrets? With echoes of The Secret Garden, this book is a gripping historical adventure for children who enjoy classic fiction.

When a greedy mayor upsets an evil pirate captain, the Jolley-Rogers come to the rescue! A delightfully funny pirate retelling of the Pied Piper of Hamlyn, and an ideal first chapter book with brilliant black and white illustrations on almost every page.

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Thank you to Karen from The Blue House Bookshop for the reviews. You can find this lovely new book shop at 10 Bootham, York YO30 7BL

A Stone Sat Still by Brendan Wenzel (Ages 3-5)

Be Your Own Superhero

by Dr Laura Meek

A poetic, beautifully illustrated environmental picture book about how a seemingly ordinary stone is the one constant in a changing world.

Seen from the perspective of lots of different animals, and open to all kinds of reader interpretation, this is a lovely gentle book to read and talk about together.

This is an excellent book by local author Dr Laura Meek, an NHS doctor. It’s an indispensable guide to help slightly older children unleash their potential and develop their superpowers. It should help them to feel happier and more confident, and we’ll be encouraging all our children to read it. It’s accessible, engaging and important.

www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

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Grand Day Out Shaun the Sheep Farmageddon Glow Trail

There can’t be many children who hear the words ‘let’s go for a walk!’ and immediately jump off the sofa and put their coats and wellies on.

Tell them that you’re going to do the Shaun the Sheep Glow Trail, however, and they might even get their coats and unlock the car too. This new walking trail at Dalby Trail has been designed with children in mind, and if our experience of doing it with our children (9, 7 and 5) is anything to go by, they’ve got it absolutely right.

lot of parking, with overflow if it gets busy, but we had our pick of spaces as we arrived just as the Visitor Centre opened at 10am.

Admission Dalby is high on our list of recommended places for families in and around York for many reasons, not least because it’s amazing value.

You have the run of one of the country’s finest forests for free, just pay to park (£9 per car, payable at one of the pay stations).

Getting to Dalby

Adventure playground

Provided that the A64 is behaving, Dalby Forest is an easy drive from York at around 40 minutes. There’s a Issue 34

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wouldn’t be embarking on the trail for a while. It’s a great playground with plenty of equipment for children of all ages, from little houses to play in to slides, balance beams and more.

Luckily the cafe is a stone’s throw away, giving weary parents the chance to recaffeinate before the next activity.

goodies. To get the most out of the trail, you also need to download the free Glow Trail app. We downloaded it before we arrived to avoid any issues with dodgy mobile signals. Make sure your phone is fully charged, too!

The Glow Trail The trail itself starts at the overflow car park, in the opposite direction of the popular Zog trail. Aimed at children aged 6+, it’s a 3km route that takes you up through the trees and is unsuitable for buggies. Our youngest has just turned five and had no problems completing the route.

Within the visitor centre is the shop where you can buy the pack for your chosen walking trail. Although it would be possible to do the pack without the trail, it’s much more fun if you have one. Given that admission’s free, we were more than happy to buy the kids a trail pack each (£3.50) and they were very pleased to discover that they had a UV pen each, among other www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

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probably because they were so preoccupied with completing the various challenges on the app and finding the next clues. The app is based on the Farmageddon movie, but it doesn’t matter whether you’ve seen the film or not (we hadn’t) as the idea is very simple: Shaun the Sheep’s alien friend has crash-landed and you have to help her charge her communicator to phone home. The short challenges within the app are really fun too: how many trees can you touch in 30 seconds? How many sticks can you gather? Yep, you might well be going home with pockets full of forest. The fact that the app counts your steps was really motivating for the kids, too.

The trail is mostly well-signed, although we did see a couple Issue 34

of families follow an arrow the wrong way and take a much more challenging (and muddy) route than they needed to. If you manage to solve all eight puzzles (it’s not very difficult!), you’ll be rewarded with a bit of magic at the end of the trail as Shaun the Sheep appears. You can even take a photo with him, which is a touch that our kids really loved and is a lovely memento of a fun, whinge-free family walk in the woods.

Everyone agreed that they’d enjoyed themselves and we’re all keen to go back and do it again. Dalby’s Glow Trail is a smart use of technology to get kids outside and engaging with nature and each other while exploring the great Yorkshire countryside: baarilliant.

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Trip essentials Approx. journey time from York - 40 minutes Price - Admission is free and it’s £9 per car to park Opening hours - 10am to 4pm daily Address - Dalby Forest, Low Dalby, Thornton-Le-Dale, Pickering, YO18 7LT Website - forestryengland. uk/dalby-forest

artventurersyork www.artventurers.co.uk/York

DARK SKIES FESTIVAL 2020 If there’s one event that will help your children that the dark can be enjoyed rather than feared, it’s the annual Dark Skies Festival. Taking place across two of the most stunning areas of the county - the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales - from 14th February to 1st March, there will be over 100 events to get involved with, including lots of familyfriendly activities. Here are some of the highlights: • Go Ape! Night zip • A multimedia indoor planetarium pop-up experience which gives you a 360 degree journey through the stars • Stargazing safaris • Ghost walks through Robin Hood’s Bay • Moon rock geocache, galactic treasure hunts, young artist starry night workshop and other crafty activities For more details, visit darkskiesnationalparks.org.uk

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JORVIK Viking Festival 2020 - The Best Bits for Kids

The Vikings are back! This February, the JORVIK Viking Festival returns to York with an exciting programme of events and activities, many of which are perfect for children. Voyages of the Vikings is the theme for this year, so expect to hear incredible tales of Viking adventures. Between Sunday 15th February to Sunday 23rd February 2020 there are over 80 events across York and these are our highlights for children (and yes, it does include Poo Day!).

Viking Crafting for Kids Channel your inner Viking with some creative crafting, from pottery to woolbraiding, beard making, coin pouch making and flag painting.

Magical Menagerie at Barley Hall The Vikings told stories about many fantastical beasts and you can meet some of their more ordinary cousins at the Festival! Get up close to lizards, snakes, chickens and more, before learning about the Vikings’ beliefs at Magic & Mystery: Seafaring Sagas and Spells.

Magic & Mystery: Seafaring Sagas and Spells Explore Norse beliefs about crossing perilous seas and discovering new shores through this special addition to the Magic & Mystery exhibition at Barley Hall, only for the JORVIK Viking Festival. Find out how Vikings sought protection from the elements on voyages and told tales of encounters with sorcerers, shapeshifters and sea monsters.

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Little Diggers These Viking-themed activity sessions for two to five-year-olds at DIG: An Archaeological Adventure are always fun and good value. There are four themed sessions for the festival: Gudrird’s Viking Voyages, Ibn Fadlan’s Middle Eastern Treasure, Ingvar’s Golden Quest and Bjorn’s Sea Stories. As well as storytelling and activities, there’ll be the chance to dig in the archaeological dig pits too.

Family City Tour: Viking Riddle Challenge!

Kids will love exploring York via genuine Viking and Saxon riddles, led by a Viking guide. With riddles, historical sites and glimpses of famous figures like King Arthur, Eric Bloodaxe and even a mermaid, this will be fun for all the family, with a small prize for the wisest group.

Poo Day It’s smelly, it’s squelchy but it tells us lots about the past! Bring the kids to find out why archaeologists love poo, and get hands on making your own replica poo fossil. Don’t forget to go and see the famous Lloyds Bank Turd at JORVIK Viking Centre!

Annual Best Beard Competition Men, women, children and dogs welcome to create and don an award-winning beard (or show off a home-grown one!). You might just take home the trophy for the Best Beard of 2020.

March to Coppergate A sight to behold, head into town on Saturday 22nd February to see hundreds of Viking warriors march through the city.

Battle Spectacular in the Land of Darkness Head to the Eye of York for this year’s grand finale where you’ll see the tale of Ibn Fadlan, the Arabic witness to the might of the Vikings. His vivid account of their strength, rituals and ferocity will be brought to life with a cast of legendary Norsemen, spectacular fire displays and soundscapes to recreate their historic encounter in ‘the land of darkness’. Pre-booking required.

JORVIK Viking Festival runs from 15th to 23rd February 2020 - Visit the JORVIK Viking Festival website for all the dates and timings.

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– 15 Sat n 23 Su eb F Imp ro Indo ved Bale or Baa Play arn!

FEBRUARY FROLICS LOADS OF UNDERCOVER FUN THIS FEBRUARY HALF TERM!

NEW Fleecy Fun Shows with The Magic Hatter! | Bottle Feed New Born Lambs | Lambing Live | Tractor and Trailer Rides | Baa-rilliant Bale Play Baaarn with…

GIANT Slides, Junior Tractor Drivers, Rope Swings, Dig ‘n’ Play, Heated Seating Area and lots more Adventure Farm Fun! PIGLETS, NR YORK YO32 9ST TEL 01904 499183 PIGLETSADVENTUREFARM.COM

New Year, New Decade, New Season, New Shoes!

It’s a new year, and it’s out with the old and in with the new for lots of us. If you’re finding that you’re dropping off bags of your children’s tootight shoes to the charity shop, it might be time to invest in some new footwear. We’ve been chatting to Footloose Shoes over in Pocklington and they’ve given us some great advice on choosing the right shoes for our children’s ever-growing feet. We thought we’d pass it onto you so your little ones can run, jump and play in comfort this year too.

Top tips Babies’ feet are really delicate, and it’s not just the soft skin but the bones inside. In fact the bones in children’s feet do not fully ossify (harden) until their teenage years, so the right shoes are crucual to make sure they grow and develop healthily.

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Here are a few simple guidelines • Don’t put shoes with a sole on children who can’t walk. Barefoot is best.

• Ensure that their first shoes are light and very flexible to help with balance and natural walking.

• Have shoes fitted by an experienced shoe fitter: a qualified fitter will be looking for lots of different points on the shoe, rather than just putting on the ‘right size’. The measure is a guide and the size is just a number’; shoes are like clothes in that they vary between brands and styles.

• Where possible, buy natural, breathable materials like leather or cotton, particularly when the shoes will be worn all day at nursery or school.

• Always allow for growth so that there’s wriggle room for toes and the shoe lasts longer.

• However, do not go too big: over-generous shoes bend in the wrong place and cause a child to grip with their toes.

• Children’s shoes should be professionally checked for correct fit every 3-6 weeks for infants (0-3 years), 6-8 weeks (3-4 years) and 10–12 weeks thereafter. It is unlikely they will need new shoes every time, but it’s good to check.

• Don’t share/hand down worn shoes that have taken on the shape of the first wearer.

• Choose school shoes carefully as whatever is worn all day is very important. New school shoes are often quite sturdy and can rub, particularly if it’s hot. Allow children to wear them in the house before the first day back.

• Buy the best that your budget will allow, and remember to polish and protect them to make them last.

• Wear the correct sized socks that don’t curl toes or overfill shoes.

• Don’t be afraid to ask for advice.

• Choose a child friendly retailer who can make the whole experience a pleasure for both parents and child.

You can find Footloose Shoes at 47 Market Pl, Pocklington, York YO42 2AP - footloseshoes.co.uk

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LITTLE VIKINGS AWARDS 2020 THE WINNERS

Wondering what the best family-friendly things are to do in and around York? Wonder no more! Here are the winners of this year’s Little Vikings Awards, all voted for by our readers and sponsored by Bootham School. Huge congratulations to them all!

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SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD SPONSORED BY FOOTLOOSE SHOES, POCKLINGTON Ellie Cawdell - Puddle Ducks York, Hull and Yorkshire ATTRACTIONS AND EXPERIENCES SPONSORED BY EN POINTE DANCE SCHOOL Best attraction in York

National Railway Museum Best family attraction (Yorkshire coast)

The Deep Best family attraction (Yorkshire Dales)

Fountains Abbey Best family attraction (North York Moors)

Dalby Forest Best chocolate experience

York’s Chocolate Story www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

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Best gory experience

York Dungeon Best rainy day destination

National Railway Museum Best Christmas experience

Christmas at Castle Howard BEST DAYS OUT SPONSORED BY QUEEN ETHELBURGA’S COLLEGIATE Best day out with an adventure playground

Castle Howard Best day out...with rides

Flamingo Land Best day out...with animals

Yorkshire Wildlife Park Best festival for kids

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CLASSES FOR KIDS SPONSORED BY WILD THINGS FOREST SCHOOL Best baby/toddler swimming class

Puddle Ducks Best swimming class (4+)

York Sport Best active class

Rugbytots Best drama class

York Theatre Royal Youth Theatre Best pregnancy class

Aquanatal with Puddle Ducks Best music class

My Baby Can Dance Best dance class

En Pointe Dance School

www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

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Best creative class

Story Craft Theatre Best STEM class

Scientots Best holiday club or workshop

Total Sports BIRTHDAY PARTIES SPONSORED BY WILLIAM’S DEN Best birthday party provider

The Woodland Adventure Co. Best birthday party entertainer

Cassie and Janet, Story Craft Theatre

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ENTERTAINMENT SPONSORED BY FANCY HANKS BAR AND KITCHEN Best cinema

Vue Best theatre

York Theatre Royal FOOD & DRINK SPONSORED BY THE MOUNT SCHOOL Best family-friendly breakfast

The Balloon Tree Best family-friendly lunch

Rowntree Park Reading Cafe Best family-friendly Sunday lunch

The Balloon Tree Best ice cream

LICC - Luxury Ice Cream Co www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

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Best date night destination

Everyman York BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY PLACES TO STAY Best family-friendly accommodation

Novotel York Best family-friendly camping and glamping

Humble Bee Farm CHILDCARE SPONSORED BY DIDI RUGBY Best nursery

Little Green Rascals Nurseries

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With thanks to our sponsors

www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

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February Half Term Issue 34

LITTLE VIKINGS EAT...

at The Talbot in Malton For a little market town, it’s fair to say that Malton punches well above its weight when it comes to good food. As well as the popular food market, it’s brimming with fabulous independent food businesses, from Florian Poirot’s famous macaron shop to the gorgeous Bluebird Bakery (and not forgetting the Rare Bird gin distillery for the grown-ups).

a little odd when you’re not staying there, but there’s not of that at The Talbot. We were shown straight through into one of the dining rooms and instantly felt relaxed as it’s a pleasingly unfussy affair: rustic wooden furniture and floors, warm lighting and large windows overlooking the stunning Yorkshire countryside.

Another place that is making a name for itself when it comes to food is The Talbot, the hotel, restaurant and bar on the edge of town. We’d been following their recent refurbishment and relaunch (and drooling over their food pictures) on Instagram for a while, and decided that it was about time to try it for ourselves.

With Castle Howard just a 10 minute drive away, we decided to work up an appetite with a morning exploring the house and playing at Skelf Island before heading to The Talbot for Sunday lunch.

There’s a tempting two- or threecourse set menu for Sunday lunch (£20 or £25.50 respectively) but with three hungry little mouths to feed we went straight to the main event.

The carnivores of the family shared a whole roast chicken with lemon and thyme that came with all the trimmings: enormous Yorkshire puddings, pigs in blankets, hot and crunchy roast potatoes, cauliflower cheese and a glorious gravy (£28 between two). Between them, they polished off the lot. I’ve rarely seen our nine-year-old eat a meal as happily.

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Our two vegetarian girls (5 and 7) fared less well, with fewer options from the children’s men. They overdose on pasta during the week, so that didn’t appeal, making cheese on toast (£3) their only choice. Thankfully it’s their favourite, but I couldn’t help thinking that they’d missed out. The cheese on toast was good, but I was pleased to have ordered them a side of chips each otherwise they would have left hungry. They devoured it all and happily declared that they still had space for pudding.

eaten it twice over. I’d return to The Talbot for that dish alone, and the boys would definitely go back for the chicken. It’s a lovely place to eat as a family and looks like a fantastic place to stay - we’re adding it to our wishlist, if we’re ever lucky enough to have a child-free night away.

We were tempted by The Talbot’s pudding menu, but the lure of the Groovy Moo ice cream parlour over the road in Talbot Yard proved too strong. Homemade gelato is their speciality, with a dizzying array of flavours to choose from. Predictable creatures of habit that we are, we all walked out with a waffle cone groaning with salted caramel (we’re talking portions of Yorkshire proportions). We had a nose around Talbot Yard while we ate and resolved to come back soon and to come back hungry.

Grown-up vegetarians, on the other hand, are spoilt for choice, with plenty of delicious options to choose from. I had the butternut and polenta gnocchi with wild mushrooms, tiny onions and sage (£12.50), and it was absolutely beautiful - creamy but light and utterly moreish: one of the best things I’ve eaten in a long time, and a welcome change from the usual veggie options. Perhaps I’m greedy, but after a morning of stomping around in the fresh air, I could have www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

The Talbot, Yorkersgate, Malton YO17 7AJ - talbotmalton.co.uk

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Food: Little Vikings bake…

Valentine’s shortbread

What better way to say ‘I love you’ than by whipping up a batch of heart-shaped biscuits? These are a doddle to make, and quick too, meaning you can spend more time getting creative with the decorating.

Personalise with the name of your fave person, cover with icing kisses or ignore all the love stuff and go wild with the sprinkles. It’s up to you!

Method 1. Line a couple of baking trays with baking parchment.

2. Beat/cream the butter and sugar with a wooden spoon or electric mixer in a big bowl until light and smooth.

3. Add the flour and vanilla extract and mix with your hands or electric mixer until it forms a dough.

Ingredients • • • • •

125g softened butter 60g caster sugar 180g plain flour A few drops of vanilla extract Whatever you like to decorate

4. Roll the dough out onto a lightly floured surface until it’s around 1cm thick. Cut into whatever shapes you like (hearts, dinosaurs, sloths…) and sprinkle with a little caster sugar.

5. Put the shapes on the trays and put in the fridge for 20 minutes. Pre-heat the oven to 180 degrees/gas mark 4.

6. Bake for around 15 minutes (but keep an eye on them as some ovens are fiercer than others).

7. Remove from oven and leave on tray until fully cooled and firm.

8. Decorate to your heart’s desire!

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England’s fairy Sanctuary is open for winter weekends and fully reopens at half term fresh air, magical woodland, fairies and great coffee!

Visit www.northwoodtrail.co.uk to book Photographer: Charlotte Graham

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Lakeside Watersports and Family Fun...

53 acres of beautiful lakes and woodlands with activities and facilities for all ages!

Inflatable Aqua Park Paddleboarding Sailing Kayaking Pedalos Multi Activity Days Playground Feed the Fish Melbourne Road, Allerthorpe YO42 4RL | 01759 301444 Open: Tues to Sun 9am - 5pm | Open Monday in school holidays

www.allerthorpelakelandpark.co.uk

Little Vikings Make... a little Viking helmet!

Make your own Viking helmet and then wear it to the JORVIK Viking Festival!

1. To make your own Helmet you will need:

5. Using the remainder of your coloured card, draw and cut out around 10 small circles. Glue these onto various places around the base of your helmet.

• A piece of A2 cardboard any colour of your choice

6. Set one aside to draw your own Viking crest or symbol on, something that tells others what kind of Viking you are. Glue this special circle right on the front to finish your Helmet.

• A piece of A4 white cardboard • A pair of scissors • Some strong glue

Now go Little Vikings and conquer old Jorvik Town!

• Some felt-tip pens 2. Cut 2 long strips from the bottom of the A2 sheet of card. Cut one of the long strips in half so you have 3 strips.

3. Roll the longest strip into a ring big enough to fit around your head and secure it in place with the glue. Take the other 2 strips and glue them into a cross shape.

Glue each end of the cross into the inside of the ring. This creates the base of our helmet.

4. On the plain white piece of A4 card, draw 2 large horn shapes and cut them out, fold over a small tab on the bottom of each horn and glue them onto your helmet.

Thanks to Gemma from Hoglets for providing the craft. Hoglets runs weekly drama and storytelling classes in York for babies and toddlers from 0-5 years.

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

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ant esvery child to love w ter lly. a wimm w e W ing, respect the autifu e and swim b

e. qu i n u h is c a ro Aquanatal app Tha r u classes o t’s wh d n a y our stand t s e Baby and ards are the high Pre-school Age 0-4

Classes available at ROKO Health Club, New Earswick, Energise (hydrotherapy pool) and Archbishop Holgate’s School.

T: 07825 269146 E: york@puddleducks.com Find out more: puddleducks.com

Join any time

TM

Jokes Where do eggs go when they visit the USA? What’s angry and goes with custard?

New YOLK!

Apple grumble!

What do cats have for breakfast?

How do you know if there’s a dinosaur in the fridge?

Mice Krispies!

You can’t shut the door!

What do you call a fish with no eyes?

What flower grows on your face?

Tulips!

Expires 28 Feb 2020

A fsh

See the world in

Bring your family to Clifton School and Nursery.

There’s lots to explore.

Arrange your visit at: www.cliftonyork.org.uk/visitus

Clifton St Olave’s St Peter’s 3–8 8–13 13–18 Registered Charity Number: 1141329

Why Little Vikings loves...

The Deep

Tickets valid for 12 months

A brilliant rainy day option

Hands-on activities Seriously sweet penguins More fish (and sharks and much more) than you have ever seen!

Little play area for little ones

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Activity Trail

ractive e t in e h t e r lo Exp rail Zog Activity T t! s at Dalby Fore

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Zog © 2010 & TM Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler.

Licensed by Magic Light Pictures Ltd.

dalbyforestfc @dalby_forest T: 01751 460295 forestryengland.uk/dalby forest

Family Fun! 8 February – 22 March 2020 Meet Dick Turpin Hear about the exploits of the infamous highwayman Dick Turpin, who spent his final months in the prison cells at York Castle Museum.

Catnapped A Victorian feline thief is on the loose and the Police need your help to put the hoodlum behind bars! The thief has stolen the Lord Mayor’s moggy and we need you to become a detective and help solve the crime.

Rat Catcher The streets of Kirkgate are overrun with rats!

The Mayor has employed a rat catcher; a profession that needs much learning and courage. Join our rat catcher to take up the challenge of mastering these most cunning creatures and become a rat catcher yourself.

Activities take place on selected dates. For more information, please visit:

yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk

York Museums Trust is an independent charitable trust which manages York Art Gallery, York Castle Museum, the Yorkshire Museum, York Museum Gardens and York St Mary’s. Charity number 1092466.

Information correct at time of print.