Little Vikings Magazine (Issue 35)

York for kids Issue 35

FREE Spring 2020

Easter and May Half Term in York for Families

C I T S A T N I F A FAMILY DAY OUT at Hull’s amazin

g aquarium

FREE entry and lunch allowance Fast track FREE coach for your h coach access throug parking drive r and dedicated group drop off points entrance

Over 5,000 animals to discover

Plus egg-cellent shows and activities this Easter!

www.thedeep.co.uk • info@thedeep.co.uk • 01482 381000

See website for more details

The daffodils are out The evenings are getting lighter and we’ve got a spring in our step! Welcome to our springtime issue, where you’ll find the very best events and activities for kids in and around York during the Easter holidays and May half term (so hang onto it - it’s going to come in handy for a good couple of months!).

As always, there’s plenty going on, from bunny hunts to the fabulous Little Feet Festival. We’ve got ideas for family days out, some top tips if you fancy heading out on a family camping trip and some recommendations for places to eat out with your kids.

Make sure you don’t miss a thing by subscribing to the Little Vikings weekly newsletter and following us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. The Little Vikings website is updated daily, too!

Whatever you get up to, have a good one and see you in the summer!

All at Little Vikings HQ

Since last issue, we've….

• Visited the Harland Miller exhibition at York Art Gallery. Witty, nostalgic and colourful, it’s excellent and well worth a visit with kids or without.

• Had a paw-some time at the two cat cafes in the region: The Cat’s Whiskers in York and The Kitty Cafe in Leeds.

• Really enjoyed visiting the National Science and Media Museum in Bradford again. It’s free, fun and close enough to York for a day trip.

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 upto-date and accurate, but some things are liable to change. Always check details before you travel.

New playground at Eden Camp New baby sensory area at The Web Adventure Park The Creepy Crawlies experience has just got better for younger visitors, with a brand new baby sensory play area. They’ve got a new servery too. webadventurepark.co.uk

There’s another reason to visit Eden Camp this Easter: the arrival of a brand new playground! Not only will you be transported back to wartime Britain at this former prisoner of war camp near Malton, but the kids will be able to run off some energy too.

Edencamp.co.uk

Allerthorpe Aqua Park opens in May The aqua park at Allerthorpe Lakeland Park re-opens on 2nd May as the temperature (hopefully) rises.

Canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and pedalos are available too. They’ve also added some new play equipment around the site to add extra appeal for younger visitors. allerthorpelakelandpark.co.uk

Exciting activities at Camp Xplode’s holiday clubs This Easter, children can enjoy holiday camps with a sense of adventure with Camp Xplode at The Mount School. The activities to choose from include woodland play, ultimate frisbee, lacrosse, drama, basketball, laser tag and bubble football. There’s still time to book. campxplode.co.uk

Scampston Walled Garden Scampston is a lovely place to visit with children, especially on a dry day. There are lots of garden activities for little ones, plenty of parkland to explore and a little play area too.

It reopens on Friday 3rd April. scampston.co.uk

All change for York’s pantomimes It might seem crazy to be talking about Christmas already, but tickets for York’s pantos are already on sale.

It’s all change this year, with Berwick Kaler and his gang heading to the Grand Opera House and a brand new pantomime launching at York Theatre Royal.

u me er of he me

Foodie birthday parties with Milliefox Cakes If you’re looking for a fun birthday party option, how about a chocolate, pizza or cake party? Milliefox Cakes is a new Yorkbased business offering mouth-watering parties at their studio.

Visit milliefoxcakes.co.uk

Get active at Agility Parks Have you channeled your inner ninja at York’s new obstacle course and fitness centre, Agility? Based just outside Poppleton, there are courses to tackle (age 5+) as well as a small soft play area for younger children.

They also offer birthday parties, fitness classes and family sessions. agilityparks.co.uk

Now Booking Pippi Longstocking Nine-year-old Pippi is strong, brave and fearless. When she comes to live in her new home with her monkey and horse but with no parents and no rules, she brings mischief, chaos and confusion to the folk of this ordinary Midlands town. Pippi takes charge of her own crazy adventures, with her two new friends, Tommy and Annika.

York Theatre Royal, 31st July to 15th August 2020

Spartan Obstacle Course Race Spartan is the world’s largest obstacle course race (OCR) and it’s coming north for the first time, on 5th and 6th September 2020. There are some serious adult races, with a 5km obstacle ‘sprint’ and a harder 10k 25-obstacle ‘super’. Even better, from our point of view, is the fact that children can take part too, with specific children’s races for kids aged 4 to 14.

Castle Howard, 5th & 6th September 2020

Billionaire Boy Joe Spud is twelve years old and the richest boy in the country! He has his own sports car, two crocodiles as pets and £100,000 a week pocket money!But what Joe doesn’t have is a friend. So he decides to leave his posh school and start at the local comp. But things don’t go as planned for Joe and life becomes a rollercoaster as he tries to find what money can’t buy.

Grand Opera House, 6th to 9th May 2020

CBeebies Rainbow Adventure York is going to host the first-ever CBeebies interactive pop-up experience, CBeebies Rainbow Adventure. The inflatable structure will house a CBeebies garden and five themed, interactive rooms based on well-loved CBeebies shows, will be located in the Castle Car Park from 11th September to 4th October 2020.

Tickets for the event are on sale now - cbeebiesrainbowadventure.com

The Original Viking Encounter www.jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk

JORVIK Viking Centre is owned by York Archaeological Trust. A registered Charity in England & Wales (No. 509060) and Scotland (SCO42846)

COMING SOON: LITTLE FEET FESTIVAL AT YORK THEATRE ROYAL

The Little Feet Festival is the bi-annual celebration of children’s theatre and it’s back for 2020. Taking place at York Theatre Royal and curated by tutti frutti from 17th to 20th June, there’ll be a huge range of shows and activities for 0 to 12 year olds. Here are just some of the highlights.

Paper Moon (2 to 5+):

Sweet Dreams (3+):

Join Poppy and her dog Peppy on a wonderful adventure as she launches across the canvas sky towards the Paper Moon to rescue the MooMoo. Expect music, movement and interaction.

Join Ivy and Bun Bun as they try to find a place to sleep that’s just right. With sublime music, songs and beautiful design, this new tutti frutti show is made of dreams.

Is this a dagger? The story of Macbeth (8+):

Pub Quiz for Kids (5+): This runaway hit from the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is coming to York. Story knowledge, family film and TV music rounds make this a fun event for the whole family. This show will find out who is Boss Baby and who doesn’t have a Scooby Doo!

Explore the paths between fact and fiction, myths and truths in this hourlong distillation of Shakespeare’s finest. A perfect introduction to this wicked tale and a fresh take for fans of the Bard.

The Little Feet Festival runs at York Theatre Royal from 17th to 20th June 2020 - Visit yorktheatreroyal.co.uk for more details and to book tickets Issue 35

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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.

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

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What’s on this Easter in York The best egg hunts and more!

Hoppity Hop to Mother Shipton’s Learn about the hatching process, see real eggs in incubators and maybe even see them crack open to reveal fluffy little chicks! Follow the Easter trail through the magical woodland: find the woodland bunnies hopping through the park, help Mr Mcgregor create a vegetable garden masterpiece, decorate a pot and plant a sunflower seed to take home and grow. There are eggs to decorate, too.

Easter Adventure Quest at Scarborough Castle Join the hunt for dragon eggs on a legendary quest this Easter holiday.

Crack the clues as you and your family follow the trail through the grounds of the castle. Chocolate treats will be provided by Hotel Chocolat. Yum! Saturday 4th to Sunday 19th April 2020, 10am to 5pm english-heritage.co.uk

4th to 19th April 2020, 10am to 5.30pm - mothershipton.co.uk

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Easter Adventure Quest at Whitby Abbey Join the hunt for dragon eggs on a legendary quest this Easter holiday.

Crack the clues as you and your family follow the trail through the grounds of the abbey. Look forward to a sweet treat courtesy of Hotel Chocolat!

Saturday 4th to Sunday 19th April 2020, 10am to 5pm english-heritage.co.uk

ADVENTURE IN THE HIGH TREES Yorkshire

Scale the high trees up to 15m off the ground and run wild on our giant bouncy nets

NEW! Tree Climbing Find us next to Lightwater Valley near Ripon

015394 47186 www.treetopnets.co.uk

Easter Eggstravaganza at The Deep Head to The Deep this Easter and discover new life in the oceans and learn about the different types of eggs laid by some of the residents including sharks, turtles and penguins. Don’t miss the fun presentations where you can learn how parents make decisions when laying and caring for their eggs and experience egg development and care through interactive activities.

There’s a special trail and crafts too.

4th to 19th April 2020 - thedeep.co.uk

Easter Eggstravanganza Fun at Piglets Adventure Farm The Piglets Easter egg hunt is back!

Collect the eggs from the chicks hidden around the farm and earn a special treat. There’s also a brand new show from the Magic Hatter, as well as lots of animal fun, from lambing live to lamb bottle feeding and the Piglets maternity ward. In other news, the Piglets beach is back! Bring your wellies to explore two acres of sand and rock pools - you can even hire a beach hut.

4th to 19th April 2020 pigletsadventurefarm.com

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Find the Frogs at Askham Bryan Wildlife Park

For the latest news, reviews and info visit little-vikings.co.uk

Find the frogs at Askham Bryan Wildlife & Conservation Park this Easter. They’re celebrating amphibians throughout the holiday, with themed events and talks. Join the ‘find the frogs’ stamp trail, enjoy fun frog arts and crafts, and do a spot of pond-dipping. Learn about fabulous frogs, explore the amazing arboretum and get closer to all the incredible creatures.

4th to 19th April 2020, 10am to 5pm (last entry 4pm) - abcwildlifepark.co.uk

EASTER EGG TRAIL

TM

Easter Egg Hunt with York’s Chocolate Story

Glorious Chocolate at York Mansion House

York’s home of chocolate, York’s Chocolate Story, is bringing back its popular Easter egg hunt again.

The Easter Bunny will be running a fun Easter experience that begins at York’s Chocolate Story and will take you to the ground of the Merchant Adventurer’s Hall. You’ll meet colourful characters, play games and have a laugh. It’s an outdoor adventure, so be eggstra sensible and dress for the weather!

Join the Chocolate Trail at York Mansion House this Easter. Embark on this tasty adventure to discover the Mansion House’s chocolate history, unveil tasty secrets and hear stories of the people who made our favourite treat what it is today. Answer questions, explore the smallest cellar and largest hall and don’t forget to stick around for dressing-up and Little Mayor backpacks. On the 4th, 6th and 7th April, York-based chocolatier Ashley McCarthy will be running Easter egg decorating workshops too.

6th to 13th April 2020, 11am & 2pm book in advance - yorkschocolatestory. com

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4th to 19th April 2020 mansionhouseyork.com

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Hop down to William’s Den Expect an exciting William’s Den twist to Easter this year: enjoy a traditional egg and spoon race or embark on a quest for eggs around The Den in the exciting Egg Hunt Challenge! If you’re feeling really energetic, why not do The Bunny Bop and show off your dance moves? There’ll be a variety of great craft activities taking place across the holiday, including Easter egg decorating. You can (try to) pin the tail on the bunny whilst you’re there too. Enjoy themed food and drink at the Kitchen Table restaurant too. williamsden.co.uk

www.jollydaysglamping.co.uk

THE FLYING SCOTSMAN & AN EASTER TRAIL AT THE NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM For the only time this year, Flying Scotsman is back on display in York at the National Railway Museum from 1st to 21st April 2020. Don’t miss your chance this April to see the world-famous locomotive when it will form part of The Flying Scotsman Story exhibition. Get up close to the well-travelled loco and marvel at the engineering details of this magnificent engine, designed by renowned Sir Nigel Greeley. A special platform allows access to the cab for everyone, including wheelchair users and little ones in pushchairs.

The exhibition is free with admission (and admission to the museum is free).

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Visitors over Easter can also explore the museum in a whole new way with an alternative Easter trail. On your journey, you’ll discover a host of strange and colourful objects from the collection - simply sign up online before your visit or pick up a free trail map at the ticket desk to begin your Easter adventure. Continue the fun and make your own light-up Easter card in the free drop-in activities. The museum will also be running a daily science show, steam rides and trips on the miniature railway.

National Railway Museum, Leeman Road, York YO26 4XJ - railwaymuseum.org.uk

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WOLDS WAY LAVENDER REOPENS WITH NEW FAMILY ACTIVITIES If you’ve never been to Wolds Way Lavender & Nature Farm, Easter’s a great time to visit as it reopens on 21st March. Although the lavender might not be in bloom, there’s loads to enjoy including some brand new children’s activities in this beautiful place on the edge of the wolds.

Hunt for bugs around the living Willow Maze and complete Woldie Willow’s Insect Orienteering as you go. You can even watch the bees at work from Woldie Willow’s giant beehive. Follow the footsteps to discover crowdpleasing favourites like the miniature railway (small additional charge), football golf, timber trail, sandpit and mud kitchen, giant chess, den zone and much more.

You don’t have to go far to discover amazing wildlife: follow Woldie Willow, ‘Guardian of the Wolds’, to find out more. Step inside the new bird hide and use Woldie Willow’s life-sized guide to identify hedgerow favourites.

Why not take part in Woldie Willow’s Butterfly Count: can you spot the first emerging butterflies of the year?

www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

Wolds Way Lavender, Wintringham, Malton YO17 8HW - woldswaylavender.co.uk

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Spring Issue 35

#EboracumRomanFestival

The armies of ancient Rome are marching on York this May complete with military parades, horses, birds of prey displays, a living history camp, a kid’s army and much more for the whole family to enjoy!

Find out more at yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk Photography by Jo Rutherford Photography, Charlotte Graham Photography and Anthony Chappel-Ross.

26774 YMT Eboracum Roman Festival 2020 Little Vikings Ad ART.indd 1

06/03/2020 11:04

What’s on this May Half Term in York The best events for kids

11:04

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May-hem Circus at Piglets Adventure Farm

Medieval Fool School at Scarborough Castle

Crazy upside-down juggling, deathdefying stunts, amazing acrobatics, a giant pink big top and the usual adventure farm fun is all coming up at Piglets Adventure Farm this half term.

Channel your inner jester at Scarborough castle’s medieval fool school! Brush up your juggling and stilt-walking skills at one of the drop-in sessions and join in with interactive tales of Robin Hood.

23rd to 31st May 2020 pigletsadventurefarm.com

23rd to 31st May 2020 (11am to 5pm) english-heritage.org.uk

For the latest news, reviews and info visit little-vikings.co.uk

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K R A P AQUNA AY! M D N 2 S OPE

B o o k O n li n e T o d ay 8+ Y ea rs

ÂŁ1 5 Pe r Pe rs on | 1 H ou r 5 Se ss io ns R un Ea ch D ay

Further information, booking & frequently asked questions are on our website...

Bookings can be made at reception on the day, but subject to availability. For groups of 20+ please contact us.

allerthorpelakelandpark.co.uk Allerthorpe, Nr Pocklington YO42 4RL | 01759 301444 Open: Tues - Sun 9am - 5pm & Bank Holiday Mondays

Hop in to Rainbows this Easter for a painting Eggstravaganza!

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!

Falconry at Whitby Abbey Watch incredible birds of prey with falconry displays at Whitby’s star attraction. While you’re there, check out the new visitor centre and why not treat yourselves to some fish and chips down by the harbour, too?

23rd to 25th May 2020, 11am to 5pm - english-heritage.org.uk

Visit the Pixie Village at Mother Shipton’s Ever dreamt of meeting real pixies and stepping into an enchanted realm? Deep in the woods at Mother Shipton’s, among the fairy rings and secret doorways, pixies are waiting to play! This May half term, tread carefully through the land of the woodland people and keep your eyes peeled as you follow the trail to see their tiny houses. Play in the wilderness like real pixie folk, dance like a fluttering fairy and learn about folklore in your lesson at the Pixie Village school.

23rd May to 31st May 2020 - mothershipton.co.uk

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EBORACUM ROMAN FESTIVAL: A ROMAN INVASION IN THE HEART OF YORK The Eboracum Roman Festival is back!

From 29th to 31st of May, visitors can journey back in time 2000 years to Roman York.

Head to York Museum Gardens on the 30th and 31st May to experience the sights and sounds of a Roman camp. Join the parades as the legionaries march through the streets and find out how they established York as a Roman fortress. There’s plenty for children to enjoy: enrol in the kids’ army, discover what fashionable Romans would wear and see legionaries gather for military displays. It’s worth visiting the Yorkshire Museum, too, where you can see some of the country’s greatest Roman treasures and have a go at some hands-on activities. Keep an eye on the Little Vikings website for more details.

Eboracum Roman Festival - 29th to 31st May 2020 - yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk

Join the Easter bunny on an incredible Easter egg hunt experience B O O K O N L I N E YO R K S C H O CO L AT E S TO RY. CO M

Five reasons to visit...National Science and Media Museum

One of the Science Museum Group family (along with York’s National Railway Museum), the National Science and Media Museum is well worth a trip over to Bradford for. We visited again recently and our children really enjoyed it. We’re happy to give it the Little Vikings seal of approval, and here are just five reasons to plan a trip Issue 35

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1

The Wonderlab is wonderful

A riot of colour and sound, the Wonderlab is a permanent exhibition that inspires curiosity and encourages exploration. Through fun, handson activities pitched at a level that children and non-scientists can understand, we learnt about UV light, tested our hearing, discovered more about sound, got lost in mirrors and much more. We’ve been to the one at London’s Science Museum a couple of times which is bigger but is also ticketed. This free version is great fun and doesn’t feel like a downgrade at all. www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

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You’ll meet fascinating characters from real life and fiction The museum’s focus on media means that it covers one of our children’s favourite pastimes: TV! There’s something for visitors of all ages to enjoy, from models of the Wombles and Thunderbirds to a replica Dalek!

Along the way we found out more about how television programmes are made and who first invented moving pictures, as well as diving into the world of television advertising.

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Make a day of it with a trip to the cinema

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They run regular children’s activities It’s well worth keeping an eye out for the regular holiday activities for children, as they’re both fun and generally free. We visited when there was a week of CBBC video games activities which all of our children enjoyed. They coded their own video game, played existing CBBC games and found out how their favourite CBBC video games were created.

Even when there aren’t any special exhibitions on, there are plenty of things for children to enjoy. Our gaming-mad 10 year-old was thrilled to discover the Gaming Lounge with its selection of retro video games to play (take some coins as some of them have to be paid for, but prices have been kept as they would have been at just 10p to 50p per game).

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If you fancy making more of a day of it, why not catch a film while you’re there? The in-house Pictureville cinema is home to three big screens including the biggest IMAX in West Yorkshire. They show the latest blockbusters as well as family favourites. If you fancy eating at the museum, it’s worth mentioning that the cafe is lovely and reasonably priced.

5

Admission is free

We’re delighted to report that budget isn’t a barrier to a great day out at the Science and Media Museum as admission is free with donations gratefully received. To keep costs down even more, there are designated picnic areas too. Although there’s no parking at the museum, there are plenty of options within a five minute walk and parking charges are very reasonable by York standards! The station is a short walk away, too, if you fancy travelling by train.

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National Science & Media Museum, Bradford BD1 1NQ - scienceand media museum.org.uk

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11549_LittleVikings_Ad_March2020_148x105mm_AW_out.indd 1 The

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www.mountschoolyork.co.uk

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How to survive a family camping trip (and three family campsites near York) Here are our top tips for an enjoyable adventure under canvas that should stop you from having to google the nearest hotel in the middle of the night. You’ll also find our recommendations for three family-friendly campsites fairly near York, if you’re brave enough to give it a go but don’t want to go too far.

Location, location, location

Make a list and check it twice

For a simple way to holiday, camping has become complicated: are you a wild camper or a fair-weather glamper? Would you prefer a pod, yurt, hobbit-hide or good oldfashioned tent? You might have romantic visions of wild camping on a Scottish beach without any facilities, but your kids may have other ideas, so choose your location carefully. Our family’s essentials: proximity to great things to do, space to play, decent shower block and, ideally, access to decent coffee (the exhausted parents’ vice of choice). Wet weather options are vital too.

Forget something essential (sleeping bags/tent/coats for everyone) and you’ll be heading home before you’ve even got started. Make a list of everything you need and tick things off as you pack them. Unless they are older and/or sensible, this isn’t the time to let the kids do their own packing. Don’t forget cards, balls and other games. New tent? Try putting it up at home first, rather than in front of an amused audience at the campsite.

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Embrace the creature comforts This isn’t the time to channel your inner Bear Grylls, and no-one will thank you for being a hero. You’re

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meant to be on holiday! And holidays are much better when everyone’s slept well, so borrow/buy decent airbeds, bring the kids’ pillows and take a cuddly toy for little ones. Tents with blackout compartments are a gamechanger and might prevent everyone from being awake at the crack of dawn.

There’s not a lot to do at 5am on a campsite, trust us.

Shun the screens for the green Our children are no strangers to the screen, but our camping holidays are a screen-free zone. Let them be ‘bored’.

Within five minutes they’ll be running wild, making up games and making friends. It’s what the Swallows and Amazons would have done and it’s how summer adventures are made.

Visit our beautiful hundred acre fairy wood near York and the world’s first Fairy Museum, full of exquisite fairy artefacts.

Open Wednesday – Sundays Book online only

WWW.NORTHWOODTRAIL.CO.UK

FR Three family-friendly places to camp in Yorkshire

Named one of Britain’s top five campsites by The Telegraph, this family-run campsite is perfectly placed for a weekend (or longer) in the Yorkshire Dales.

We’ve stayed before and we loved it because it’s friendly, it has brilliant views and it’s close to some of our favourite places. It’s a great spot for walking at Bolton Abbey, eating at Billy Bob’s Parlour and climbing to your heart’s content at Brimham Rocks. Tents and VW campervans welcome, and glamping also available. Coffee and croissants are available to buy in the morning - sold!

Catgillcampsite.co.uk The Hideaway @ Baxby Manor A very popular site with Yorkshire families, The Hideaway @ Baxby Manor is just a few miles from Thirsk and Easingwold. Take your own tent or take advantage of the various glamping options, with ecopods, treehouses and even a hobbit house. It’s a chilled out place to a hang out, and the fact that it’s family-run and respects the environment is even better.

Thehideawayatbaxbymanor.co.uk Humble Bee Farm A pebble’s throw from our top spots on the Yorkshire coast - Scarborough, Hunmanby Gap, Bridlington and Filey - Humble Bee Farm is a very popular choice with families. While many choose to stay in one of the many glamping options, including yurts and wigwams, there’s also a handful of tent pitches.

There’s a children’s play area, nature trails, animals, a football pitch and great facilities. It’s no wonder that it won the Little Vikings Award for Best Camping & Glamping 2020.

Humblebeefarm.co.uk

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© 2010 and TM – David Walliams/HarperCollins Publishers Ltd/Tony Ross/Quentin Blake

Catgill Campsite, Bolton Abbey

© 2010 and TM – David Walliams/HarperCollins Publishers Ltd/Tony Ross/Quentin Blake

FROM THE AWARD-WINNING PRODUCERS OF GANGSTA GRANNY!

‘WHAT A MAGNIFICENT SHOW! IT COULDN’T BE BETTER!’ DAVID WALLIAMS

Wed 6 - Sat 9 May Box Office: 0844 871 3024* atgtickets.com/york*

* Bkg Fee / Calls 7p per min, plus your phone company’s access charge

Grand Day Out Sutton Bank

The good folk of Yorkshire are never short of a grand claim or two, from the size and magnificence of the county to our Olympic medal record and the life-changing properties of a properly made Yorkshire pudding and a carefully crafted cup of Yorkshire Tea. So perhaps it should be no surprise that God’s Own Country also lays claim to ‘the finest view in England’.

No, it’s not the view from of the rooftops from the top of York Minster or the North Sea from Scarborough Castle (both incredible vistas, by the way), but the view of the rolling countryside from Sutton Bank.

We headed out to Sutton Bank on a crisp winter Sunday for some fresh air and to introduce the kids to the famous view. Just a half-hour drive from home, we hadn’t been in the car long before the kids started pointing out the sheep and then, even more Issue 35

excitedly, the White Horse at Kilburn.

Rather than start our walk at the White Horse, we drove up Sutton Bank to the Visitor Centre with its promise of loos, a cafe and an outdoor play area.

The small natural play area was a huge hit with the kids (10, 7 and 5) with just one drawback: they didn’t want to leave. With trees to climb, places to hide and lots of balancing challenges, the appeal is obvious.

No sooner had we managed to lure them out of the play area than we got stuck inside the visitor centre’s Bird Buffet: a dedicated bird-spotting area where you can use a pair of binoculars to spot the many species of birds that have come to dine on seeds. The kids ticked off the ones they’d seen and even had a go and drawing a couple of them. There are a number of walking trails that are available online, but we picked one up from the Visitor Centre 32 www.little-vikings.co.uk

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york@rugbytots.co.uk

for a small donation.

A certain amount of encouragement later (thankfully we’d gone equipped with a box full of flapjacks that proved a good incentive), we headed out on the short circular White Horse Walk as we had a birthday party to get back for in York that afternoon. Once we had worked out where the trail starts (across the main road from the Visitor Centre, as it turns out), it was a very clear route all the way around. Had we not had a map, we could have just followed the many other families, dog walkers and couples making the most of the glorious day.

With three children to keep happy, there’s always a fairly high risk that one, two or all of them will decide that walking’s boring and they’d rather be at home nagging for screen time. Not this time, though. Whether it was the incredible views, the entertainment

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New 2020 Discover Woldie Willow’s Way Help Woldie Willow count butterflies, spot birds and look after bees and bugs.

Ride the miniature railway, build dens, play foot golf or take on the timber trail, discover giant games in the willow maze, and much more...

An Outdoor Adventure With Nature

www.woldswaylavender.co.uk

of watching the gliders take off and land or the novelty of actually being able to chat to each other without any distractions, everyone enjoyed themselves and nobody complained.

The White Horse was a bit of a disappointment for them because the route we took us to the top of it, so we could just see a corner of it rather that the whole thing, but that’s a good reason for us to go back and do another route next time. By the time we got back to the Visitor Centre, we all felt that we’d had a good walk and a really good morning together.

The cake we’d promised the kids from the cafe didn’t materialize because the queues were huge, but they were in such a positive mood that they didn’t kick off (amazing). Besides, they know I keep a not-so-secret Issue 35

stash of snacks in the car for exactly this purpose: you don’t get through a decade of parenting without learning a peacekeeping trick or two.

Incredibly, ‘the finest view in England’ wasn’t any of those that we’d seen on our walk, but one that’s a short distance from the car park. We took a quick detour for a look and, yes, it’s stunning. Well done, Yorkshire - you win. Again.

Trip essentials Address - Sutton Bank National Park Centre, Sutton Bank, Thirsk YO7 2EH Distance from York - 45 mins Opening hours - Visitor Centre hours vary by season; check the website for current hours 34 www.little-vikings.co.uk

l l a g n i l l a C

o l a ff u Gr s r e t t p S

to Dalby Forest Follow the trail, spot the signs and see what creatures you can find

Download the NEW Gruffalo Spotter 2 app before you visit! ©1999 & TM Julia Donaldson/ Axel Scheffler. Licensed by Magic Light Pictures Ltd

forestryengland.uk/ gruffalospotters Forestry England

THREE GREAT PLACES TO WALK WITH KIDS IN YORKSHIRE There’s no shortage of amazing places to walk in God’s Own County, but that means it can be hard to know where to start. Why not make life easy by choosing a walk with something interesting to look at or the promise of a cafe with cake at the end? Here are three options with great family-friendly walks.

Dalby Forest

M

s

A selection of walks to choose from, some of which have been created specifically with children in mind. There’s loads to see to keep it interesting, and there are cycling routes as well. Don’t miss the adventure playground either. Free admission, just pay to park.

Forestryengland.uk Yorkshire Sculpture Park Another place where you just have to pay to park, Yorkshire Sculpture Park is a brilliant place to take kids. As well as awe-inspiring outdoor artwork, there are spectacular views and lots of sheep (always a highlight for our kids). The cafe serves good home-cooked view, but it’s perfect territory for a picnic too.

Ysp.org.uk Bolton Abbey The stepping stones alone are a reason that children love to visit Bolton Abbey (who doesn’t love a stepping stone?!). There are a few different walking routes with something for all ages - ours love the Welly Walk - and you only need to pay to park. Keep an eye out for special kids’ activities throughout the year.

Boltonabbey.com

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EASTER

MULTI-SPORT CAMPS 6 April – 9 April

The best way to stay active over the school holidays Dodgeball · Tennis · Football Hockey · Netball · And More!

Don’t miss out! Head to york-sport.com/holiday

T PERFEC S E G FOR A 4 6 –1

HOLIDAY SWIMMING COURES 6 April – 9 April

Dive in with our four day intensive swimming courses!

Stages 1- 5 courses available

NEW FO R EASTER !

Rookie Lifeguarding and snorkeling courses also available this easter!

Don’t miss out! Head to york-sport.com/holiday

 /YorkSport   YorkSport1

49387 Easter Little viking A5_V5.indd 1

02/03/2020 09:05

LITTLE VIKINGS EAT AT...

PLUSH CAFE

We visit the newest and most joyful addition to York’s blossoming cafe scene It’s berry nice that you’ve decided to read our review of one of York’s newest cafe, Plush. You really are the zest! A pun-packed menu is just one of the quirky aspects of this family-run venture, nestled in a cosy, higgledlypiggledy building in the heart of York on Stonegate. There are three themed dining rooms that reveal themselves as you move through the building: the funky Neon Room, the cosy, Moroccan-inspired Bohemian Room and the flower-decked Garden Room.

Carefully designed to delight and surprise, and each one has a different vibe to match any mood.

With two excitable girls in tow, there was one room that I knew would appeal above all others: the Garden Room. It’s an Instagrammer’s dream, with faux foliage and flowers covering every inch of wall, and - the stars of the show - swings hanging from the Issue 35

ceiling! Yes, actual swings that you can sit on while you enjoy your meal.

The girls couldn’t believe their eyes (or their luck), although I was relieved to see that the swings have been designed to just allow a gentle rock.

We took a table at the window which gave us a great view of Stonegate shoppers scuttling about under their umbrellas.

In contrast to the rain outside, the menu at Plush is pure sunshine.

The all-day brunch menu contains such delights as the ‘I Like You Berry Much Granola Bowl’, ‘Pancake My 38 www.little-vikings.co.uk

Eyes Off You Breakfast Pancakes’ and ‘Meat is the Wurst Breakfast Sandwich’. There are vegetarian and vegan options galore, and gluten-free choices too. We chose to eat from the Luxurious Lunch menu - a ‘Say Cheese’ three cheese toastie for me and, predictably, unicorn toast for the unicorn-obsessed girls. To drink, the girls opted for a berry smoothie each, which they declared to be ‘SO GOOD’.

Not wanting to be labeled a boring old grown-up (again), my enthusiastic little dining companions talked me into ordering a pink pixie superfood latte with edible flowers. I had no idea what to expect but it was so good: warm, comforting, not too sweet and pretty as a picture.

I’m always grateful for a short wait when I’m eating with my children, whose approach to eating out seems to be ‘I don’t have time for this’ (I’m not quite sure what they would rather be doing, but hey). Thankfully the staff at Plush are on it: swift service and a cheerful demeanor were on the menu when we visited. The people on the table next to us had a little baby (high chair provided - top marks from us), there was a group of students hanging out on the one opposite and a couple were enjoying a leisurely breakfast in the corner - there doesn’t seem to be a typical Plush customer.

The girls were absolutely delighted www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

with their unicorn toast, especially when they discovered the illicit popping candy hiding in the icing.

Zero nutrition points perhaps, but ten out of ten for experiencing something that they won’t forget in a hurry, and we’re all for making memories.

Anyway, there was plenty of fruit in that smoothie...No complaints about the grilled cheese either: thick cut malter bloomer, generously filled with oozing cheese and homemade pesto, served with a little salad and some crisps. What’s not to like?

We loved everything about Plush, from the quirky rooms to the witty menu and the friendly welcome. It’s a little bit of unexpected, unadulterated joy in the heart of York, and the fact it’s independent and family-run is a bonus too. The girls have already told me that we have to go back, and next time we’re trying the Bohemian Room. Who am I to argue?

Plush Cafe, 6 Stonegate, York YO1 8AS - plushcafe.co.uk 39

Spring Issue 35

LITTLE VIKINGS EAT AT… THE BLUE BARBAKAN

taste anything as I was recovering from flu), and my husband and I spending our wedding night at one of the Blue Bicycle’s apartments. A lot has changed since then, but Barbakan remains the same in spite of the move.

When a child-free lunch opportunity arose unexpectedly, it was the perfect opportunity to check out the new premises of Barbakan, the muchloved Polish restaurant. A promising sign that independent, family-run eateries can flourish in York, Barbakan has relocated its restaurant to the old Blue Bicycle building, just up the road in Fossgate.

It prompted a whirlwind of memories: me and my mum breaking up a tough day of shopping by tucking into stuffed pancakes at Barbakan (she loved it there); the whole family sitting down to a pricey celebratory meal for my 21st at The Blue Bicycle (I couldn’t Issue 35

The new space means that they’ve addressed my only criticism - it could feel cramped, and you couldn’t be certain of a table. The new restaurant feels more spacious but without losing the authentic atmosphere of the original. It’s cosy and inviting, but more relaxed and welcoming than its previous incarnation. We were welcomed with a big smile and given a window table so we could watch the geese go by (no otter sightings, sadly, although it’s worth keeping an eye out).

The menu too is reassuringly familiar, featuring all the Polish favourites, from zawijaniec (cheese-topped pancakes stuffed with buckwheat and vegetables) to bigos (hunter’s stew) 40 www.little-vikings.co.uk

a lovely lunch with a rich coffee from Malton-based roastery, Roost. It’s wonderful to see The Blue Barbakan flourishing in its new home. My mum, no longer with us, would have approved.

The kids’ menu looks tempting, so we’re planning to take our children along and introduce the next generation to the joys of Polish food.

The Blue Barbakan, 34 Fossgate, York YO1 9TA

and potato pancakes with goulash and sour cream. If you’re just in the mood for a sandwich, there’s a selection of those too (and a tempting breakfast menu as well). But we don’t go to Barbakan for sandwiches, we go for hearty Polish dishes. Our friendly waitress recommended the new vegan golabki (cabbage leaves stuffed with buckwheat and oyster mushrooms, served with a tomato sauce), while Mr Viking opted for the pierogi with spinach and smoked cheese.

They turned up in gorgeous Polish pottery, piping hot from the oven and absolutely delicious. We polished off the lot (no pun intended), leaving no room for anything from the tempting pudding menu, instead rounding off

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LITTLE VIKINGS MAKE...

CARROT CUPCAKES

The Easter bunny would approve of these carrot cupcakes, and parents will approve of the veg content too! Our kids really enjoy making them (and eating them). This recipe makes around 12, depending on the size of your cases.

Method 1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees and put cupcake cases in a tray (we use a Yorkshire pudding tray) 2. In a pan, melt the butter and golden syrup over a medium heat.

3. Once melted, remove from the heat and stir in all the other ingredients until mixed.

4. Fill the cupcake cases evenly with the mixture and put in the oven

Ingredients • • • • • • • • •

200g carrots (about three), grated 80g unsalted butter 1 egg 100g light brown sugar 150g self-raising flour ½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda 2 tablespoons golden syrup Pinch of salt Sprinkle of cinnamon

5. Bake for 18 - 25 minutes (depending on your oven). Keep an eye on them and remove when golden and well risen.

6. Once slightly cooled, put onto a wire rack.

7. Decorate as you fancy. We made some buttercream but you can ice as you like, add Easter eggs or pile on the sprinkles!

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Open Day 6 June

Spring days out with the National Trust

Get out and about this Easter with nature adventures at National Trust places in Yorkshire. The Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt also returns, so bring your best detective skills to crack the clues to earn a chocolate reward.

Beningbrough Hall, Gallery & Gardens, near York Test your green fingers as a garden apprentice this Easter. Join the garden team to learn skills you can take home to try, from seed sowing to harvesting.

Become a mini beast explorer with a look at life inside the pond in the American Garden and meet the team to find out how they look after wildlife and nature. And take a ‘tiny things trek’ to hunt for bugs and beasties that call Beningbrough their home. Nunnington Hall, near Helmsley Go with the flow and join river inspired activities, and meet the team from ‘Ryevitalise’ to find out about the river Rye and its wildlife. Have a go at river sampling, get the family involved in wacky wildlife races, and be creative with river-inspired crafts. You can search for clues around the garden to discover just how important the river is to the wildlife. Make a day of it with games in the garden, and a visit to the Lion’s Den nature play area.

Promoted content

Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, near Ripon Spot the signs of new life and colourful flowers waking up from their winter slumber on the spring family trail. It’s the perfect way to explore for the first time or a good excuse to return so you can spot something you’ve never noticed before. Search high and low around the abbey to help Henry the honey bee to find all of his bee friends.

Head to nationaltrust.org.uk/yorkshire for more details of what’s on this spring.

LITTLE VIKINGS MAKE...

A NO-SEW SOCK RABBIT 1. Take the sock and fill up threequarters of it with rice and then secure it with an elastic band. This will form the rabbit’s body.

2. Take the second elastic band and wrap it around the rabbit’s body two-thirds of the way up to create a head.

3. Take the felt and cut a large oval shape out of the white and a smaller heart shape out of the pink. Stick the heart on top of the oval to create the rabbit’s nose and mouth.

4. Using your strong glue, stick the rabbit’s nose and two googly eyes to the rabbit’s head.

5. Take the ribbon and wrap it around the rabbit’s neck and tie a bow.

6. Finally, using your scissors, cut the floppy bit of leftover sock on the top of the rabbit’s head into two and then shape the halves into ears.

7. Just like that you’ve transformed an old smelly sock into a new fluffy friend.

What are you waiting for? Hop to it!

You will need: • • • • • • • •

A sock (clean with no holes init) A bag of rice Two elastic bands Some pink and white felt or material A length of ribbon Two Googly Eyes A pair of scissors Some strong glue

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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Spring at Castle Howard FROM SATURDAY 4 APRIL

Join us at Castle Howard for an outdoor adventure like no other. Pick up a Spring Adventure Trail sheet from our Ticket Office and connect with nature on our seasonal woodland trail, with challenges and activities along the way, culminating at Skelf Island, our new Adventure Playground.

At weekends during the school holidays go on an adventure walk led by raucous Rusticus Theatre and meet cheeky Moss the Skelf, the newest member of the gang! Enjoy boat trips on the Great Lake (weather permitting), rides on the land train and delicious ice cream! It all makes for a great Easter day out.

Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA www.castlehoward.co.uk

castlehowardest

castlehoward

castle_howard

see website for opening hours

Au t tee o s

12 Hole Mini Golf

Footgolf Course

9 Hole Pay & Play Golf Course

18 Bay Floodlit Driving Range

PGA Pro Teaching

CafĂŠ

T O W T H O R P E M O O R L A N E , N R S T R E N S A L L , Y O R K Y O 32 9 S T

www.yorkgolfrange.co.uk

tel: 01904 499275

Fun for all the Family

Little Vikings Book Club

York

for k

ids

Easter eggs coming out of your ears? At this time of year, even the most committed chocoholic can have too much of the sweet stuff. Why not give your kids a smaller egg and a book this Easter instead - save their teeth and give them a story to get their teeth into instead.

One Springy Day by Nick Butterworth (Ages 3-7)

Counting on Katherine by Helaine Becker (Ages 9-12)

Spring has arrived in Percy’s park and the gang are busy playing hide and seek!

Katherine loved to count. She became brilliant at Maths and was ready for high school at the age of ten. But her town’s high school didn’t admit black students – of any age. She was not deterred. Katherine died earlier this year having worked for NASA on the first Apollo moon landing – this is her inspiring story.

One Springy Day is a charming story that adults and children will happily read over, and over again.

Nick Butterworth’s endearing stories and enchanting illustrations have delighted readers for over 30 years. A timeless classic.

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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

Oranges and Lemons by Paula F Andrews (Ages 13+) Drawing on a real York landmark to tell an unusual ghost story that marries Victorian chill with modern day issues. The author’s Saturday job in a shop in Stonegate and the tales of a friendly spirit is the inspiration for the story. Throw in time travel and a mysterious smoky cat and you have a fascinating debut novel by a local author.

www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

49

Spring Issue 35

Jokes What does Winnie the Pooh call his girlfriend?

Honey!

What kind of bugs live in clocks?

What do you call a frog with no hind legs?

Unhoppy!

Ticks!

What do cars do at parties?

Brake dance!

What’s a duck’s favourite dance?

The quackstep!

What do ghosts put on their roast dinner?

Grave-y!

Issue 35

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Why Little Vikings loves...

Newby Hall Meet Giles Brandreth’s teddy bear collection in The Bear House

The miniature railway is lots of fun

The water area is brilliant on hot days

Explore the gorgeous gardens

The adventure playground is great for kids of all ages

Older kids love the pedalos

Newby Hall & Gardens, Ripon HG4 5AE - newbyhall.com   Issue 35

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Boo Discou k nt Ticket ed s Online

4– Sat 19 Sun ril Ap

EASTER

EGG-STRAVAGANZA

Easter Egg Hunt, Bottle Feed Lambs, Lambing Live, Baby Animals, Magic Hatter Easter Shows, & all the usual farm park fun.

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

Easter Fun! 4 – 19 April 2020 York Castle Museum Yorkshire Museum York Art Gallery

Join us this Easter at our BRICKLIVE play tables at York Castle Museum and the Yorkshire Museum. Have fun creating your own castle or even a Jurassic World out of bricks.

Pick up a Penguin...

Be inspired by our Harland Miller exhibition and take part in a range of arty activities at York Art Gallery. You can help illustrate the Studio walls or join in the dancing in the gallery.

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

yorkmuseumstrust.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.

Copyright © Brick Live Group Limited. All rights reserved. Brick Live Group Limited is an independent producer of BRICKLIVE and is not associated with The LEGO Group. LEGO® is a trademark of LEGO Juris A/S. Information correct at time of print.

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