12 brilliant things to do in York with kids
Looking for things to do in York with kids? My family and I spent 3 days in York last year. It rained, it was cold and one of my children suffered from a severe case of insomnia. Nevertheless, I came away thinking what a brilliant destination York is for a family staycation – we’re keen to return for another York city break to cover some of the attractions we missed. There are so many brilliant things to do in York with children, even when the weather and a lack of sleep are stacked against you.
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Why visit York with kids?
What are the key ingredients for a successful city break with children? If you’re travelling with young children, as we were, it helps if the city centre is compact for easy exploration on foot. You can easily visit York with a toddler as well as with older children.
On a family city break, somewhere central and cost effective to stay rates pretty highly for us; interesting sights to explore, car-free spaces to expend some energy and a few good restaurants in which to refuel are all important factors. It also helps if the city is easy to reach. York with kids ticks all of these boxes. There are lots of family friendly museums in York as well as some rather unusual York child friendly attractions.
Our family trip to York was during October half term. We spent 3 days in York and didn’t manage to visit all of the sights. For a compact city, there’s a wealth of interesting places to visit in York with kids. In this post I’ve put together a list of the best York family attractions. I’ve also detailed some of the best family days out near York in case you have more time to explore.
York has an epic history, it’s a brilliant city to visit if you’d like an overview of the UK’s tumultuous past. Enclosed by well preserved medieval city walls, York pays homage to Viking and Saxon settlers in its excellent museums. There are medieval lanes to explore and elegant Georgian buildings line many of the streets. York’s place in more recent history is what appeals to many children visiting the city: railways and chocolate are both well represented in York.
The National Railway Museum in York: the best thing to do in York with kids
The National Railway Museum was, predictably, one of our best things to do in York with kids. It was definitely a highlight for my rail enthusiast sons. If you’re looking for free things to do in York with kids, you should make a beeline for the National Railway museum.
Not only is it free, it’s vast, and it is packed with all of the big names from the locomotive world. You’ll find the Mallard, the Shinkansen and Eurostar to name just a few. The museum hosts special events during the school holidays and there was an impressive number of volunteers on hand to answer questions during our visit. There’s a great indoor toddler play area for budding engineers complete with a foam Stephen’s Rocket which can be endlessly “dismantled” and reassembled. We spent many, many, hours here.
If you’re looking for things to do in York with kids when it’s raining, the National Railway Museum is perfect. There are some attractions outdoors – there’s an outdoor play area and miniature railway to ride on – but otherwise everything is indoors.
Walk York City Walls
Despite the dodgy weather, we managed to circumnavigate York twice via the 3.5 kilometre medieval York city walls. It’s a great way to get your bearings, there are magnificent views over the city, particularly of the Minster and the excitement of running along the ramparts means that children will travel a lot further than they might on a traditional walk. Along with the Railway Museum, the City Walls are one of the best free places to visit in York.
York with kids: Jorvik Viking Centre
The brilliant Jorvik Viking Centre is one of the most popular things to do in York with kids. Visitors are taken on small carriages through Viking-era York where recreated streets are full of waxwork figures and artefacts reflecting this period in York’s history. There are sights, sounds and even smells (rather pongy ones your children will be pleased to hear) bringing 10th century York to life.
Ensure you book tickets for the Jorvik Viking Centre well in advance.
The Yorkshire Museum and Gardens
If your kids just need a bit of green space in which to tear around, the Yorkshire Museum and Gardens, complete with medieval abbey ruins, are a handy central place to visit. The museum, which includes a Roman mosaic floor, plenty of dinosaur bones and a Playmobil Viking ship, is really enjoyable and a manageable size for children with some fun interactive exhibits and useful trails which you can download from the website. My boys particularly enjoyed dressing up as prehistoric Yorkshiremen and taking to the stormy seas in a Viking ship.
York Castle Museum
So many museums, so little time. Housed in former prison buildings, the York Castle Museum is another attraction we didn’t get the chance to visit as my children were rather keen on returning to the railway museum. However, with recreated Victorian streets complete with people in costume, and a toy museum, it is somewhere I would definitely like to take the kids next time.
Clifford’s Tower
As castle settings go, that of Clifford’s Tower is rather underwhelming and you wonder whether the town planners were all on holiday when this part of the city was being redeveloped. Imagine a hilltop castle in the centre of an important historic city. Would you surround it with a car park? Well, despite the trick photography, Clifford’s Tower is surrounded by vehicles (apparently the car park earns the council over a million quid per year). However, if you’re 6 years old, this isn’t a big issue and there’s a pleasingly steep set of steps to race up and plenty of opportunities to reenact battles and fight your little brother at the top of this Norman ruin.
York Minster
Although St Paul’s Cathedral was a hit with my kids, they declined the opportunity to visit York’s Gothic masterpiece despite its striking facade. The entrance charge to York Minster is rather steep at £10 per adult plus an extra £5 if you wish to climb the tower but as you have to be aged 8 to do the climb, which neither of my children are, I was happy to forgo a visit. However, the Minster, one of the largest cathedrals in Europe, is definitely worth a visit. There’s plenty to keep children’s interest with trails to follow and backpacks to hire, the website has a useful section for families.
Shopping in York with kids
As with the restaurants, York has plenty of independent shops. Tourists flock to the Shambles, a warren of medieval streets with overhanging buildings which make for a fun history lesson (provided you don’t misplace your children amid the crowds, we only did this briefly).
York’s Chocolate Story
I’m not sure how the York Chocolate Story got bumped off our York itinerary in favour of a second walk around the city walls… perhaps we all needed a bit of fresh air. Anyway, I’m keen to brush up on my chocolate knowledge so I hope we’ll be paying the chocolate museum a visit when we return to York.
The River Ouse in York
Exploring by boat is, in my opinion, a particularly enjoyable way to travel through and learn about a city with children. We had a brilliant trip on the Thames in London and I’m sure if we’d had more time and better weather in York we would have taken to the water. As well as organised sightseeing cruises, it’s also possible to skipper your own boat for an hour which looks really appealing.
York Dungeons
This Merlin attraction is one for older kids (aged 8+) which runs along the same lines as the dungeons in London. The York Dungeons tells the story of York using gruesome live shows covering the Vikings, the plague, the War of the Roses and plenty of other moments from York’s rich history.
Dig York
I know one of my sons would really love the experience of being an archaeologist for the day, so I’m keen to take him to Dig when we return to York. There are four replica excavation pits covering the significant periods in York’s history where children can try their hand at archaeology. I think this sounds like one of the best things to do in York with children.
The York Pass
Is the York Pass worth it? Unlike London, quite a few of the best places to visit in York with kids are quite pricey. Aside from the National Railway Museum, you’ll be paying to enter most of the museums in York. The more days you stay in York, the better value the York Pass is. The pass would definitely be a good option if you’re planning to explore the main sites over two or more days.
Where to stay in York with kids
If you’re staying in York with kids, I’d recommend finding a central base from which to explore. There are some good value hotels and hostels in York and of course plenty of self catering apartments to rent.
Churchill Hotel in York
If you don’t want to compromise on that luxury boutique style of hotel which you enjoyed pre-kids, the Churchill Hotel is a good option. This Georgian mansion looks like a country hotel but is right in the centre of York.
Check availability at the Churchill Hotel
York YHA
York YHA is a really good value base for exploring York with kids. There are en-suite family rooms available, some with a double bed. The hostel has a kitchen so it’s perfect it you want to visit York on a budget. The hostel is a 20 minute walk along the River Ouse to the city centre.
Check availability at the York YHA
Family friendly apartments in York
We stayed in a two bedroom apartment in Woodsmill Quay on the banks of the River Ouse. The apartment is perfect for families and incredibly central. There’s a small supermarket just around the corner and we were able to walk to all of the main York attractions with our children. We booked through AirBnB (there’s a link to the apartment we stayed in below) but there’s another apartment in the block which you can book through Booking.com.
Check availability at Woodsmill Quay through AirBnB
Check availability at Woodsmill Quay through Booking.com
York Marriott Hotel
If you would like a hotel in York with a swimming pool, the York Marriott is a really good value option with family rooms. It isn’t in the centre of the city (1.5 miles to the south) but what it lacks in location it makes up for in price and facilities.
Check availability at the York Marriott
Things to do near York with kids
There are enough York attractions for kids to keep you busy for several days. However, if you fancy escaping the city, there are plenty of things to do near York with children. On the doorstep of York is some of the UK’s most spectacular scenery so if you have longer than two or three days in York, it’s worth heading out of the city to explore a little bit of rural Yorkshire.
Brimham Rocks and Pateley Bridge
28 miles / 1 hour drive
I visited York as a child myself and one of the key things I remember is a day out to Brimham Rocks. Located on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Brimham Rocks is like a giant natural playground for kids. The rocks, perfect for clambering on, are all shapes and sizes, having been sculpted by the elements over millions of years. Of all the places to visit near York, this would be my top pick.
If you can drag the kids away from Brimham Rocks, the pretty market town of Pateley Bridge is a great place for a wander. Frequently somewhere near the top of those annoying “best places to live in the UK” lists which newspapers like to print, Pateley Bridge has a charming high street with lots of independent shops and cafes. The town is surrounded by the beautiful scenery of Nidderdale, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
York Maze
6 miles from York / 20 minute drive
I know my kids would absolutely love York Maze or rather mazes: as well as the maize maze you’ll find a dinosaur maze, a mineshaft maze and various other places to lose your children in. There are lots of play areas including a volcano-corn fusion.
Yorkshire Air Museum
7 miles from York / 20 minute drive
My children are fascinated by aviation and so I know they’d love the Yorkshire Air Museum. Around seven miles east of York, the museum is a great day out of the city. There are cockpits to investigate, a control tower to explore and a Dakota aircraft to clamber into.
Castle Howard
15 miles from York / 30 minute drive
The impressive stately home of Castle Howard was built in the 18th century and offers a really wonderful day out near York. If your children aren’t temped by a tour of this grand pile, they’ll no doubt enjoy exploring Castle Howard’s vast grounds. There’s an adventure playground as well as a new island adventure area called Skelf Island which looks like a lot of fun.
Getting to York with kids
York is well connected by rail: London (just 2 hours), Edinburgh, Liverpool and Bristol all have direct services as do many other cities. Otherwise, York is close to the A1M motorway. If you opt to take the train to York, book as far in advance as possible to secure good value tickets.
For more details of York’s museums and the city’s art gallery along with information on discounted entry, see the York Museums Trust website.
Have you visited York? What are your favourite things to do in York with kids? Let me know in the comments below.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Should you click to purchase, it is at no additional cost to you, although I receive a small commission that goes towards the running of this blog.
You might also like to read these other posts about UK holidays:
The best UK beach breaks for families
Family short break ideas in the UK
6 great farm holidays in England
Family friendly places to stop just off the motorway
York is one of my favorite cities in the UK with or without kids! I love the city wall walk and the overall atmosphere of the city. Last December, I went for the Christmas markets which were really nice. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.
I bet it’s lovely at Christmas!
York does look pretty beautiful! The cathedral is absolutely lovely, but even the ruins are nice. I love the gothic architecture and the small stone streets!! #TheWeeklyPostcard
I would love to have gone in the Minster, it’s pretty impressive inside.
I have only been in London, so I don’t know much about York. I’ve heard it’s beautiful though and from what you are describing it’s a great place to visit with or without kids. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Yes, I’d quite like to pay it another visit without kids to try out a few more bars and restaurants!
We’re headed to York in March!! I can’t wait to see the Shambles and walk the walls! Nice to know there are local eateries and not just chain restaurants! Thanks for linking up with #TheWeeklyPostcard!
I’m sure you’ll have a brilliant time. There’s some great pubs too!
We are so anxious to visit York! We have a definite fondness for Medieval cities, castles and cathedrals. And we’re with your boys on wanting to see the National Railroad Museum. 🙂 Great post – really makes us want to book a trip. Like, now! 🙂 Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.
Glad you enjoyed it, York is definitely a fantastic city.
Your photos look like such fun – I will have to add York to my next UK trip. #TheWeeklyPostcard
It’s certainly on our list to return to before too long!
I love York, it’s such a beautiful city with so much to see & do. The history of York is fascinating. Great post 😊
Thanks. I love it too, can’t wait to return!
I haven’t spent so much time exploring the UK yet. Anyway, York is now very high on my UK bucket list thanks to your post. We don’t travel with kids, but I think we would enjoy the city. #TheWeeklyPostcard
It’s definitely a great city for everyone.
Having also two rail enthusiast sons, I guess we cannot miss the rail museum 🙂 it seems like a lovely city
If your boys like trains you HAVE to go!
I have been to York once when I was young(er). I do remember it being beautiful. I really want to discover more UK cities, I would love to spend a weekend there! The architecture is just incredible.
#TheWeeklyPostcard
Yes, I’d like to see more of our cities. Hopefully Bath next!
I hadn’t thought of York for a family break – I haven’t been since I ran the marathon there pre-baby (great marathon if anyone is looking for a challenge!) My little one would love the railway museum and I remember enjoying the Jorvik Viking Centre as a child too, thanks for the reminder. #citytripping
That must have been a great destination for a marathon, plenty of distractions from the task at hand!
Yes, I enjoyed it in a weird kind of way!
I’ve heard the name York, but that’s it 🙂 Thanks for giving me a peak into it. Like Clifford’s Tower! #citytripping
You must go!
I went to York last year and loved it! York Castle Museum really surprised me – it was kinda a last minute ‘why not’ but it was super fun. We used the YorkPasses and saved some cash on attractions too! #citytripping
I’d loved to have visited the castle museum. Unfortunately my kids were a bit museumed-out by that stage!
York is the best city in the UK full stop for me
It’s pretty high up my list too!
We had a very enjoyable day in York last summer but I feel we only just scratched the surface and I’d love to go back for more. #citytripping
I know what you mean. I feel like 3 days only scratched the surface!
There are so many reason here why I need to properly explore York!! Thanks for the great guide. The city wall walk looks fun and the railway museum – wow! Thanks for linking #citytripping
We loved the city walls, such a great way to explore a city with kids!
I have a friend whose kid is obsessed with trains, York would be a great choice for a city break for her. It looks like a very lovely town, it’s on my list of British towns to visit 🙂
The whole of Yorkshire is a really amazing place. There’s also a railways station in North Yorkshire concerted to holiday accommodation where you can sleep in a carriage. That’s next on our list!
York is such a pretty town, although I haven’t been since my university days. Sounds like you had a wonderful few days. My boys would absolutely love that railway museum! #WanderlustKids
Great place for university I would imagine!
I’ve always loved York since my first visit there many moons ago. We returned a few years ago and enjoyed the Jorvik centre (again!) and my hubby still talks about the railway museum. I agree it’s a fantastic city break for families. #farawayfiles
I was gutted we missed the Jorvik but it was great being outdoors on the walls and spending lots of time with the trains!
I love York. It’s such a beautiful city and so full of history. We went for a winter wedding there on our last visit but I’d love to return with the boys. They’d really enjoy the railway museum and the Vikings. #FarawayFiles
I bet it’s lovely in winter!
I simply love ‘lesser known’ English cities and I can never get enough of ‘pushing’ people to explore Liverpool, Bristol or Brighton. York has been on my list for quite a while, I would love to go there!
#MondayEscapes
You must! We are very lucky here in the UK to have so many great cities!
We are not that far from York by train yet have never been, I think this is somewhere we need to make the effort to visit this year as there really is so much for the family thanks so much for linking up #MondayEscapes
I can’t wait to return, and travelling by train is such a fun way to start the visit!
Reading this has brought back some fab memories. We spent a few weekends in York when my teen was young and the hub was on a course there. We did all the sights and loved them, we bought a ticket for the open topped tour bus and hopped on and off around the city. I would definitely recommend it for all ages. I think we need to go back now our boy is older.
#mondayescapes
Yes, I’d imagine it’s great for kids of all ages.
I love York! Such a gorgeous, compact city. We’ve taken the kids to the National Railway Museum quite a few times already. Good to see some of your other tips, especially re booking Jorvik Centre Tickets in advance. We’ll be in the area during the Easter hols and I’m hoping to visit that museum, for a change from trains!
#MondayEscapes
So glad I’m helping other people avoid the mistake we made, I was so disappointed!
One of the best things about travel bloggers – real peoples experiences and top tips.
The last time I was in York was for work more than 10 years ago. This really makes me want to return to see the city properly! #MondayEscapes
I’m really hoping to return in the next couple of years with my boys. They had so much fun and I was so cross with myself for not getting online tickets to Jorvik!
Wow! There’s so much to do! It’s years since I last visited York…maybe time to book my next trip? #MondayEscapes
Definitely!
Wow looks like there is a ton to do. Glad you got over initial adversities and had a great break! #farawayfiles
It’s an amazing city, you must visit some time!
I’m ashamed to admit that I have never been to York! I would love to as I think it certainly looks like an amazing city plus I am really into Vikings so would love to see the Jorvik Centre. Sarah #ExplorerKids
You must go!
My kids would love the railway museum! #ExplorerKids
It is completely brilliant!
We’ve never been to York with the boys and i haven’t been for years and years! Looks like a great city to explore with children with so much to see and do. My boys would love the Jorvik Centre as fascinated by Vikings and the like #ExplorerKids
I’m looking forward to a return visit so we can go to the Jorvik Centre.
Haven’t been to York for many many years! Looks like a great city to explore with children #ExplorerKids
Yes, it’s brilliant!
York certainly does look like a great city break, I would love to go there. #ExplorerKids
It’s great fun, we can’t wait to go back.
I have never thought about York as a holiday destination, but you helped me change my mind. Great pics and very useful tips. Laura #explorerkids
It’s definitely one of our most enjoyable cities, I hope you visit one day.
I haven’t visited York yet, but it’s definitely one of those places I’d love to go to sometime – even more so after reading this! A very thourough guide, and so nicely written, thank you 😊x
#ExplorerKids
Thanks, hope you get the chance to visit.
The in-laws live in Harrogate, and I keep meaning to head across to York while we’re there. It would be fun to compare the two Betty’s!
Important research..!
It is such a fun city! We visit fairly frequently, last time was this December for the Christmas markets. We had a lovely time but oh my goodness it was busy (and very cold!)
I think we’ll need to make a return visit before too long. It was pretty packed at October half term so I expect Christmas must be pretty manic, but lovely as you say!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it in York. I lived here and around here for most of my life and it is my favourite city! Popping by after zig zagging through from your #totstravel post!
I’d imagine it’s a fantastic place to live, and you’ve got amazing scenery on your doorstep too, am very envious!
I live in Wales now but I miss it very much. Wales is equally as amazing for scenery though! Visit the Brecon Beacons next if you haven’t all ready 😉
I visited York once but never got a chance to explore this city. Your post is a wonderful guide to people considering a visit to the city, including me. #wanderlustkids
You must try and visit one day. Although no doubt there are plenty of Portuguese equivalents on your doorstep!
Ooh my favourite thing about York has to be the shopping! I’ve hardly visited with my son, we’ve been to the railway museum a couple of times and I remember spending some time with him in the museum gardens that you mentioned (lovely spot to visit in the Summer). I’d really love to take him on a walk around the castle walls, or to York Chocolate story (actually that’s where I want to go). I think my son would love to do the Jorvik centre too but I’ll learn from your experience and book in advance.
The shops are great aren’t they? There were rather a lot of places I wanted to go into without my children… I definitely want to go to the Jorvik, I vaguely remember it from when I was a child and loved it then.