It’s that time of year when visions of twinkly, picture-perfect Christmas give way to the reality of the festive end-of-term frenzy. Juggling the shopping, planning and digging out costumes for the kids can all feel a bit much, so it’s a good idea to carve out a little grown-up time to actually sit back and […]

This year, many families are watching the coins (the real ones in their bank accounts and, if our house is anything to go by, the chocolate coins that have been stashed away for later in the month), so we’ve been on the lookout for free and cheap ways to enjoy Christmas in York. The good […]

Loved Luna Cinema this summer? Well it’s back for winter, and it’s under cover! Hosted in the iconic Grade II listed building, with its stunningly decorated high ceilings, beautiful stained-glass windows, and impressive organ, St Saviourgate Church will be transformed into the perfect setting for a cosy winter experience.  What’s on? What’s not! They’re screening […]

There’s something magical about Raby Castle. It’s become a firm favourite for a family day out since we discovered it, and even more so since the opening of The Plotters’ Forest, their brilliant outdoor adventure play area. Set in a beautiful corner of County Durham, it’s a wonderful place to see the seasons change, and […]

The Little Vikings Christmas Countdown is back and it’s a festive giveaway like no other. We’re sprinkling a little festive fairy dust across York this Christmas, giving away an amazing prize every day to one lucky follower. To be in with the best chance of winning: – Keep an eye on our website every day […]

Win four VIP tickets for The Cauldron Experience at The Potions Cauldron York The Little Vikings Christmas Countdown is back and it’s a festive giveaway like no other. We’re sprinkling a little festive fairy dust across York this Christmas, giving away an amazing prize every day to one lucky follower. To be in with the […]

Loved Luna Cinema this summer? Well it’s back for winter, and it’s under cover! Hosted in the iconic Grade II listed building, with its stunningly decorated high ceilings, beautiful stained-glass windows, and impressive organ, St Saviourgate Church will be transformed into the perfect setting for a cosy winter experience.  What’s on? What’s not! They’re screening […]

The Little Vikings Awards 2024 shortlists announced! Voting is now open Drumroll, please……We’re delighted to reveal the shortlists of the Little Vikings Awards 2024, sponsored by The Yorkshire Museum! Now in its ninth year, the Little Vikings Awards is the only awards scheme to reward the very best of family-friendly York, from the best family-friendly […]

Win a family ticket for Christmas in Neverland at Castle Howard! We’re excited to announce the return of the Little Vikings Christmas Countdown, a festive giveaway like no other. We’ll be sprinkling a little festive fairy dust across York this Christmas, giving away an amazing prize every day to one lucky follower. No spoilers, but […]

Sweet news, cake fans! Mama Doreen’s, the popular independent cake emporium, is expanding its little empire with a brand new restaurant in York. Hailing from Harrogate, Mama Doreen’s is much loved for its beautiful cupcakes, creative afternoon teas and incredible celebration cakes. As well as brunch, lunch and afternoon tea, there’ll be seasonal variations to […]

Sad that York’s cosiest festive bar won’t be at the heart of the Christmas Market this year? Don’t be – it’s coming to a new, and much more exciting, location and we can’t wait. The team at Thor’s have announced that it will be setting up camp for the Christmas period at one of York’s […]

Christmas is one of our favourite times to visit the Yorkshire coast, from windswept walks at Hunmanby at Fraisthorpe to bracing New Year swims (yes, really) and the fabulous lobster pot Christmas tree at Filey. This year there’s another reason to visit: Scarborough Lights, part of the new Scarborough Fair cultural festival. Here’s what you […]

While we’ll never stop hoping that they’ll one day bring back the massive York bonfire night and firework displays we enjoyed as kids – anyone else remember the sight of fireworks waterfalling down Clifford’s Tower or the massive, free displays on the Knavesmire? – there are still some fun ways to celebrate York’s naughtiest plotter. […]

Now we’ve heard it all! You’re already able to meet Santa in a boat and on a steam train, but now you can meet him on a plane! This Christmas, Father Christmas is flying into the Yorkshire Air Museum with a host of festive fun for the whole family. Get your ticket to Santa Airlines […]

Despite the cooler weather and falling leaves, it’s the perfect time for some exciting family adventures in the North York Moors. After a busy start to the school year, we anticipated some reluctance for a weekend family walk, but our children (13, 11, and 8) were eager to hop in the car and escape to […]

York Christmas Market – also known as St Nicholas Fair – is set to return from 14th November to 22nd December 2024, with twinkling lights, the scent of mulled wine and lots of unique gift ideas. The famous alpine chalets will return to line Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, creating a festive wonderland of local traders […]

Where can you go this October half term where you can get lost in a mysterious maze, watch a magic show, set off on a quest to find the Gruesome Ghosts of York, enjoy oodles of indoor and outdoor play AND pick and carve your own pumpkin? Piglets Adventure Farm, that’s where! The famous Piglets […]

Exciting news for train fans of all ages! Flying Scotsman, the world’s most famous locomotive, will be displayed at the National Railway Museum this October half term (21st October to 5th November 2023) as part of its centenary celebrations. On static display on the historic turntable in the museum’s Great Hall, visitors will be able to see […]

With more ghosts and ghouls per square foot than any other city in the world (possibly), where better to celebrate the spookiest season of the year than York? There’s are more Halloween events coming up around York this October half term than you could shake a broomstick at, from pumpkin trails to pumpkin carving, ghost […]

We don’t know who did the sums on the spectres, but York is famously brimming with spirits (and that’s not just the York Gin). This October half term, there are family activities a-plenty in the home of Halloween and you can find our top picks here. While you’re out and about on the Little Ghost […]