Hark back to the days of yore when you eagerly awaited the last bell at the end of the school day before summer: dreams and plans of the adventures you had (even if they were only in the back garden). As a parent, it’s a somewhat different story. You will probably find that organising a summer holiday is a logistical nightmare. Instead of going abroad, why not try a staycation? There are so many beautiful spots to visit in the UK, but for me York takes the cake.
Jorvic Viking Centre
A perfect trip for any budding historian or archeologist, the Jorvic Viking Centre is one of many excellent historical exhibits within the city. Exploring its Roman, Saxon, and Viking past, the Jorvic centre is a replica of York’s Viking days. “Complete with sounds, sights, and smells,” this is one of the most fun and immersive museums in the UK, with reenactors everywhere displaying everyday life in 1000 AD and answering questions. Be sure to check their holiday schedule for any extra events.
York Castle Museum
Another interactive museum, the York Castle museum takes visitors on a journey back to the 19th century version of the town. Have fun exploring a school, apothecary, and pawn shop in their 1880s street, where gallery assistants answer questions and genuine music boxes and games can be played in the alleys. In the next building, learn about the origins of the Castle as a debtors’ prison opened in the late 18th century with interactive ‘meet the prisoner’ videos.
Ghost Hunt
Younger kids might find this too scary, but older children and teenagers will have great fun on a night-time ghost walk of the town centre. Starting outside the York Minster, guides will take you on a trip through the town, with stops at the scenes of grisly crimes or unsolved mystery. The guides have a passion for drama and know how to make Yorkshire history appeal to a hungry crowd, so be ready for some sensational real stories!
York Boating
Kids of all ages will enjoy a boat tour of the city down the River Ouse, with everything to see from Roman walls to families of ducks. Rates are very reasonable for families, and makes a great day out with promise of a picnic or a spot of good Yorkshire tea before or after your river tour.
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