Hello!
The longest school holiday of the year is upon us, but there’s no need to panic. In your hands is everything you need to stave off complaints of boredom. Read on to find out what’s happening in and around York this summer, with plenty to keep the whole family entertained, whatever the weather and your budget.
For daily inspiration, keep an eye on our website and make sure you’re following us on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. Don’t miss a thing by signing up for our weekly newsletter.
Wishing you a summer filled with sunshine, good times and minimal moaning from the little ones!
Best wishes
Little Vikings HQ
Since last issue, we've….
• Been to the Monet in York exhibition to see the waterlilies. It’s beautifuldon’t miss it.
• Tried the Wizard Walk of York ice cream from Loopy Scoops ice cream shop - it’s delicious!
• Had an outdoor dip at Pool Bridge Farm, Wheldrake now that it’s warmer. We’re looking forward to going back with the kids this summer
• Had a walk and a paddle at Falling Foss, one of our favourite places.
Little Vikings was founded and is run by a York family. Contact us at hello@little-vikings.co.uk. Content © Little Vikings 2024. 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.
Tracey Beaker to star in the Grand Opera House York’s panto!
It’s all change at the Grand Opera House York this Christmas, with a brand new Christmas offering. We’ve already heard that this year’s pantomime will be Beauty and the Beast, but now the cast has been revealed and it’s a good one.
Our kids won’t be the only ones excited about seeing TRACEY BEAKER live on stage! Yes, BAFTA award-winning Dani Harmer, much loved as CBBC’s Tracey Beaker, will star as Fairy Bon Bon.
Book now at atg.com
Let us out! A brand new escape room for kids
As if we weren’t already spoilt for choice for things to do with kids in York, a brand new escape room has opened and it sounds fab. Candy Chaos at Star Street Escapes is the brainchild of the team behind the fantastic Star Street Salon, York’s only dedicated hairdresser for children, and it’s the only one of its kind in the city. starstreetescapes.co.uk
New wizard joins the Wizard Walk!
The Wizard Walk of York has welcomed a new magical guide to their awardwinning team. Viridian the Green will amaze and amuse as he takes you around some of York’s most enchanting spots.
Book at wizardwalkofyork.com
New offers and perks for Little Vikings Family Card holders!
Family life can be expensive, so why not pick up a FREE Little Vikings Family Card from the Visit York Information Centre on Parliament Street for special discounts and perks?
You can find our offers on the Little Vikings website (little-vikings.co.uk)
Now Booking
Hans Zimmer’s Interstellar in Concert at York Minster - Hear Hans Zimmer’s epic Oscar-nominated Interstellar suite performed on York Minster’s magnificent Grand Organ this August. Listen to highlights from the film’s iconic score, alongside intergalactic favourites from A Space Odyssey and Holst’s The Planets. Get ready for an out-of-this-world musical experience, suitable for all the family.
29th August 2024 - yorkminster.org
A Dahl-icious Adventure, a York Theatre Royal summer holiday club - Become an Oompa-Loompa, revel in the delight of being an evil witch and see if the BFG can escape from the Flesh Lump Eater! Enjoy a week full of characterful chaos and barmy bonkers fun, with the chance to share at the end of the week. For 8 to 11 year olds.
July 22nd to 26th - Book via yorktheatreroyal.co.uk
PHOENIX at York Minster - The iconic cathedral has announced Reclaimed from the Flames, a programme of events and activities to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the devastating fire at York Minster. Tickets for Phoenix, a new light and sound show in autumn, go on sale in July.
yorkminster.org
Tim Peake: Astronauts - The Quest to Explore Space at York Barbican - After multiple sell-out tours with his debut show, My Journey to Space, Tim Peake returns to venues across the UK with his hugely anticipated new show, ASTRONAUTS: The Quest to Explore Space.
25th September 2024 - yorkbarbican.co.uk
Finding Neverland at Mother Shiptons
Immerse yourself in the magic of Neverland with our enchanting themed displays, featuring the mischievous Tinkerbell, mysterious shipwrecks, and swashbuckling pirate hideouts. Watch as actors bring the story to life, sprinkling a touch of magic and wonder throughout your visit.
20th July to 1st September 2024 - mothershipton.co.uk
Star Carr: Life After the Ice at The Yorkshire Museum
Explore what human life was like 11,000 years ago, a few hundred years after the last Ice Age, through an exciting and interactive new exhibition at the Yorkshire Museum, which brings together wonderful artefacts from one the most famous Mesolithic sites in the world.
yorkshiremuseum.org.uk
Embark on The Wizard Walk of York (WINNER Little Vikings Best Tour 2023 and 2024 WINNER Visit York Best of York Award 2024)
Spellbinding magic and comedy on a tour that wizard fans go Potty for! Explore the enchanted streets on York’s only tour specifically created for families with children.
A great alternative to a ghost walk with NO spooky ghosts and NO scary stories – expect five-star fun for ALL the family! Book the most magical ticket in town at www. wizardwalkofyork.com. Early booking recommended, tours fill fast.
Tours also available for birthdays, schools, Beavers, Rainbows and more. An enchanting time guaranteed! NEW for 2024, why not add the What a Hoot! Bird of Prey Photo Experience (selected dates only).
Fun for the whole family
Guided Tour
Truffle
Wonderlab at the Railway Museum
Wonderlab: The Bramall Gallery is a ground-breaking interactive gallery exploring the how, what and why that underpin the creation of the railways. In the gallery, families can explore interactive exhibits together and challenge themselves to think like engineers. Admission to the museum is free, but a charge applies for Wonderlab; advance booking is a good idea. railwaymuseum.org.uk
Tee off at York Golf Range
Have some fun in the fresh air at York Golf Range this summer. Navigate the obstacles on the crazy golf course or have a go at footgolf, ideal for kids age 4+. The 9-hole course is ideal for kids, and there’s a special kids’ annual membership for £40 (under 10s) or £70 (10 to 17 years). Or they can just pay a green fee from £11. There’s no dress code, just bring your clubs or hire them for £4.
yorkgolfrange.com
Explore a medieval house at Barley Hall
Barley Hall is one of York’s hidden gems, and another great JORVIK Group attraction with plenty of hands-on activities for children. Tucked away down Coffee Yard, it’s a stunning medieval townhouse that’s been painstakingly restored. Hands-on activities will keep the kids entertained.
barleyhall.co.uk
York Georgian Festival
York Mansion House is proud to collaborate once again with some of the city’s much-loved museums, venues and historical experts to bring back York Georgian Festival for the second year. Thursday 1 August until Sunday 4th August 2024. Keep an eye out for kids’ activities!
mansionhouseyork.com
Visit the Vikings
Take your little Vikings to discover York’s Viking legacy at the awardwinning JORVIK Viking Centre. Hop aboard the time capsule to 10th century York, and take in the sights, sounds and even the smells –including rotting fish and cabbages - of the Viking Age city. Dig deeper into the Viking story of York by getting close-up with a rare collection of 1,000-year-old-artefacts whilst talking to friendly Viking hosts.
jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk
Head to JORVIK DIG
At DIG, kids get to discover only the most exciting archaeological artefacts from the 2000 years of history hidden under the streets of York. Four excavation pits are filled with Roman, Viking, medieval and Victorian finds, so you can grab a trowel and dig up the clues that show how people lived in these times. This is a one of a kind! So…dig it! Shake it! See it! Feel it! Find it!
digyork.co.uk
Discover the City Walls Experience at Micklegate Bar
Take the kids to visit one of the historic gateways into the city – and discover 2,000-year stories involving battles, imprisonment and near destruction! yorkcitywalls.com
Play a round of wizard golf
Head to The Hole in Wand in York’s Coppergate Centre and have a go at wizard-themed minigolf at the city’s newest attraction. It’s great fun and good value, too. Visit the Little Vikings website for details of a special Little Vikings Family Card offer at The Hole in Wand!
theholeinwand.com
Out of the Ashes at York Minster
Discover the story behind the 1984 fire that threatened to destroy York Minster through a new exhibition –Out of the Ashes – commemorating the 40th anniversary of the blaze. The exhibition journeys through the dramatic events of 9 July 1984, when the roof of the South Transept was struck by lightning. It details the heroic rescue efforts, clean-up operation and four-year restoration using eyewitness accounts.
Yorkminster.org.
Get lost at York Maze
It’s only here once a year, so make the most of it! There’s so much to do that you’ll easily fill a day. In addition to the epic maze, there are over 20 rides, attractions, and shows, from giant jumping pillows to the Crowmania trailer ride, a hilarious house of illusions, and a large outdoor play area. It’s different every year but never disappoints.
Book in advance - yorkmaze.com
A Summer of Adventure at Piglets Adventure Farm
There’s so much going on at Piglets this summer, with changing themes throughout the weeks, from dragons, knights and princesses to Dino Adventures and Showtime! Meet a princess, have a dinosaur encounter and watch jaw-dropping tricks. Why not buy a Summer Pass (£30) and enjoy unlimited visits throughout the holidays? pigletsadventurefarm.com
The Great Garden Adventure with Shaun the Sheep at RHS Harlow Carr
There’s lots going on at Harlow Carr in Harrogate this summer. Take part in a Claystation session and head off on a bug hunt at one of the Forest School workshops. You can even try some circus skills and orienteering. Need a rest? Chill out with a familyfriendly yoga session. Find the Flock by hunting down the three decorated sculptures of Shaun in the garden and meet him ‘in the fleece’ for a selfie.
20th July to 1st September 2024 - rhs.org.uk
Around the World in 80 days-ish
Pack your bags and join York Theatre Royal on the trip of a lifetime as it goes Around the World in 80 Daysish (18th July to 3rd August) in a circus-themed summer production. Based on the classic Jules Verne novel, this adaptation introduces real-life character Nellie Bly, who circumnavigated the world in less time than the fictional Phileas, into Fogg’s story as he attempts to race across the world for a wager.
yorktheatreroyal.co.uk
MONET’S WATERLILIES
Epic news for art lovers young and old: Claude Monet’s incredible waterlilies have arrived at York Art Gallery as part of a new exhibition! The iconic painting ‘The Water-Lily Pond’ is the centrepiece of a stunning exhibition that brings together key loans from regional and national institutions and a large-scale commission by contemporary artist Michaela Yearwood-Dan. The exhibition runs until 8th September 2024 and it’s an unmissable opportunity to see world-class, world-famous art right on our doorstep. We’ve been along to check it out and it’s wonderful.
Keep an eye out for family-friendly activities running alongside the exhibition, too. York Art Gallery is in one of the most vibrant areas of the city that’s great for families. It’s a stone’s throw from York Museum Gardens (run around with the squirrels), York Explore Library (chill in the children’s area and borrow a book), York Theatre Royal (see a show or just enjoy lunch in the cafe) or head into the city centre.
York Art Gallery is open from Wednesday to Sunday every week. Visit www.yorkartgallery.org.uk for more info and to book tickets.
THE POTIONS ACADEMY - A NEW ATTRACTION FOR YORK
Exciting news for young wizards! York’s iconic Shambles is already a mustvisit for fans of all things wizard-related, and it’s set to get even more magical with the opening of a brand-new attraction that’s perfect for Potter fans. Set to open in July 2024, The Potions Academy is the brainchild of the team behind The Potions Cauldron and The Hole in Wand.
At the heart of The Potions Academy are two captivating experiences:
• Broom School - A broom flying experience that invites wizards and witches to embark on a virtual flying adventure across the cityscape, evading landmarks and outsmarting dragons, with a personalized souvenir video to take home.
• Potions Class - A 30-minute immersive journey into the world of alchemy. Led by skilled actors, participants will delve into the art of potion-making while savouring the renowned elixirs crafted by The Potions Cauldron.
Watch this space! The Potions Academy also plans to offer additional experiences in late 2024 including Wizard afternoon teas as well as walking tours and animal encounters. We’ll bring you all the details as we have them, so keep an eye on our socials and website (little-vikings.co.uk).
Five fabulous places for an ice cream
There’s nothing more joyful than an ice cream in the sun, and we’re lucky to have some lovely places for a cone, cup or something more exotic. Here’s our pick of the best:
• Trinacria (Bishopthorpe Road) - For generous portions of delicious homemade gelato
• Two Hoots Ice Cream Boat (moored by the Millennium Bridge on the Fulford side on warm days, high water levels permitting) - Because the novelty of a floating ice cream van never wears off
• Roberto (Goodramgate) - Beautiful authentic Italian gelato, a stone’s throw from York Minster
• LICC (Swinegate) - Not just a pretty shopfront, LICC has an amazing array of ice cream flavours
• Loopy Scoops (Church Street) - The only place in the city you can buy a Wizard Walk of York ice cream! It’s magic.
Sat 20 Jul – Sun 1 Sep
Join Shaun this summer as he learns from the experts at RHS Garden Harlow Carr how to grow the best fruit and veg to keep him baa-rilliantly healthy! Your visit supports our work as a charity.
rhs.org.uk/harlowcarr
RAINY DAY BINGO!
While we’re hoping for wall-to-wall sunshine, experience tells us that there might be a wet day or two before the start of the autumn term. But don’t spend the soggy days shopping for uniform or dealing with cries of boredom - do one of these activities instead!
Bounce around at Oxygen York, the new trampoline park
See Monet’s waterlilies at York Art Gallery (free for York children)
Head to the library and do the Summer Reading Challenge (free!)
Go swimming or do clip’n’climb at York Leisure Centre
Catch a show at York Theatre Royal
Have a round of wizard golf at The Hole in Wand
Visit the National Railway Museum (free!)
Catch a film at one of the cinemas (Vue, City Screen, Everyman or Cineworld)
See the Star Carr exhibition at The Yorkshire Museum (free for York children)
Head to York Designer Outlet and let them play in the covered play area (free!)
Visit York Minster (free for York residents and all under 16s)
Walk down the recreated Victorian street at York Castle Museum (free for York children)
Visit the Little Vikings website for more ideas - little-vikings.co.uk
Free (or pretty cheap) days out!
There’s a lot of time to fill before the kids go back in September, and costs can really rack up. Discount codes and offers are great (check out the free Little Vikings Family Card for exclusive perks for our followers) but free days out are even better. Here’s our pick of the best things to do around York that are free or don’t cost a fortune.
1. Walk York’s city walls
2. Do the Little Vikings I Spy Trail (visit our website for details or head to the Visit York Information Centre for a map)
3. Play in one of York’s parks (Rowntree Park, Homestead Park and West Bank Park are our top picks)
4. Visit the National Railway Museum
5. Spot the squirrels and play hide and seek in the Museum Gardens
6. Explore the walking and cycling trails of Dalby Forest (free, just pay to park)
7. See the incredible rock formations at Brimham Rocks (free, just pay to park)
8. Do a riverside walk and do the stepping stones at Bolton Abbey (free, just pay to park)
9. See the seals at Ravenscar, then head to Robin Hood’s Bay for a paddle and fossil hunting
10. Head to Allerthorpe Lakeland Park for a walk and paddle (free, just pay to park)
Find more ideas for things to do for free on the Little Vikings website - little-vikings.co.uk
Pick up a FREE Little Vikings Family Card from the Visit York Information Centre for discounts and perks'
What’s on at Raby Castle
Wonderland Trail in The Plotters’ Forest 29th June – 1st September
Up, Up & Away Trail in The Deer Park 29th June – 1st September
Classic Car Show Sunday 30th June
Adventure Cinema
The Greatest Showman – 12th July
Encanto – 13th July
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – 14th July
Auto Italia Car Day Sunday 21st July
Childrens Interactive Theatre: Pirates!
Saturday 3rd August
Harvest Seasonal Market
Saturday 24th – Monday 26th August
Find out more about our seasonal events and incredible new spaces, part of the dynamic ‘Rising’ scheme opening June 2024S
www.raby.co.uk/raby-castle
Little Vikings Eat at… Spark:York
The sun has got his hat on and Spark has got its roof off, which means only one thing: summer has arrived in York! The annual Spark summer makeover is always a great excuse for a trip to the city’s most unique place to eat, drink and hang out, so we headed there for lunch with our kids to see what’s new.
About Spark:York - Bricks? They’re so last century. Spark is one of the most vibrant and exciting corners of the city, entirely made from shipping containers. Home to many of York’s creative start-ups, it’s place to go for a relaxed meal, a drink in the sunshine and exciting events throughout the year. This summer, they’ve gone big and colourful with the decor, with loads to look at (and take selfies with). There’s plenty of outdoor seating on both levels, with optional heaters if the weather doesn’t play ball and enough cover overhead that it’s still a good option on a rainy day.
What’s on the menu? One of the reasons for Spark’s popularity - and a big bonus for families with picky eaters - is the range of food on offer. It’s a hub for some of York’s best street food (and a tempting array of grownup drinks that might have you booking a babysitter while you wait). Ordering is done through an app, which means you can order from a variety of places and it will all be delivered to your table. While that means you won’t necessarily all get your food at the same time, we think it’s worth it to avoid arguments and make sure that everyone’s tucking into something they really like. Our kids rarely all eat the same thing, and this trip to Spark was no different: vegan BBQ ribs from Herbivorous for the eldest, a stonebaked Rad Pizza for the middle one and a halloumi tray from Sasa Greek Street Food. Everything was fresh and delicious, and it’s so relaxed and easygoing that there’s no need to worry about dodgy table manners. For little ones, there’s plenty of space to
park buggies, baby changing and even an outdoor playhouse for them to potter in. If you’re looking for a relaxed summer meal that supports local businesses, look no further.
Good to know - Dogs and kids all welcome. Regular children’s activities run during the year, so follow them on Instagram for the latest. Check opening hours before you travel.
Spark: York, 17-21 Piccadilly, York YO1 9PB - https://www.sparkyork.org/
Food: Little Vikings make…
frozen fruity yoghurt buttons
Sometimes it’s best to keep things simple, and this ‘recipe’ is certainly that. It’s perfect for a hot summer’s day when you need an easy activity and something fresh to eat at the end of it. Free free to mix up the flavours and fruits depending on what you’ve got.
Method
1. Prepare a baking tray with baking paper or a silicone sheet.
2. Using a desert spoon, put blobs of yoghurt onto the tray, well spaced out.
3. Chop any fruit that needs to be made smaller (eg. slice any strawberries).
4. Place a piece of fruit on top of each blob of yoghurt.
5. Freeze for around an hour (if you leave them in for ages, they will be very hard!).
6. Remove from the tray and enjoy!
Ingredients
• 200g flavoured yoghurt of your choice
• A couple of handfuls of soft fruit of your choice, eg. strawberries/ blueberries
Jokes
Whatdidthebeachsayto the tide when it came in?
Longtime,nosea!
Whatdoyoucallatrain made of bubble gum? A ‘Chew-Chew Train’!
Whydidthesungotoschool?
To get a little brighter!
Whatdoyoucalladogon the beach in the summer? Ahotdog!
What does the sun drink out of? Sunglasses!
Whatdoyoucalla snowman in the summer? Apuddle!
Catkin & Co. is a York-based small business that creates naturebased kits and resources for children.
FAMILY FUN FOR EVERYONE
YORK LEISURE CENTRE
If you’re looking for things to do with kids, York Leisure Centre at the York Stadium Leisure Complex at Monks Cross has a great range of activities guaranteed to turn up the fun. From junior gym, swimming, racquet sports and clip ‘n climb, the whole family will enjoy the great range of fun and affordable activities.
Pre-book your activities at better.org.uk/york-lc
Why Little Vikings loves...
Falling Foss
Falling Foss, Whitby YO22 5JD
Pretty woodland walk
Lovely food at Falling Foss Tea Garden
Beautiful waterfall
Stream to paddle in
Close to the coast Hidden rope swings in the trees
Photo