Here at Little Vikings, we’re really excited about the opening of a unique new attraction in Yorkshire, The Northwood Fairy Sanctuary. It’s set within 100 acres of glorious woodland with 1.5km of imaginative nature trails winding through it: be inspired by a willow walled maze, a large collection of fairy doors on trees, fairy treehouses connected with rope bridges, a tree stump village, giant mushroom ring, Elven thrones and a natural play area, with sandpit, mud kitchen and den-building. Brought to us by the brains behind Jollydays Glamping and Northstar Club (both tried, tested and recommended by Little Vikings), Northwood is billed as a natural rustic attraction. It’s no theme park: it’s sympathetic to its woodland surroundings and perfect for reconnecting children and adults to the freedom and magic of the natural world, all year around.
Inside there is a unique Fairy Museum, largely the work and collection of Professor Harvey John Howland, an eminent fairy collector and fellow of the New Society of Arcane and Natural History. The museum’s based in Professor Howland’s old studio and houses some of his writings, drawings and curiosities. The bulk of the collection is made up of carefully restored fairy clothes, shoes, crowns houses and other stunning artefacts. This collection of exquisite miniatures is unlike anything else in the UK and will inspire and inform both children and adults.
The Northwood Kitchen is a new woodland café / bar, where you can enjoy the woods whatever the season. It’s a fabulous place to enjoy your daily coffee (no tickets to the trail are needed), or a stronger tipple by the fire. Striking woodland décor, friendly staff and the best local (organic if possible) food and drink.
Northwood is a fantastic place to have a kids’ party and it welcomes schools and homeschooling groups. It’s set outdoors in the great Yorkshire countryside, so be prepared with suitable footwear and if it’s wet, waterproofs or a change of clothes!
Open 6 days a week and all year round, you’ll find full times and pricing on the website. Check out the website for exciting seasonal events, such as autumn lantern walks in the woods and magical candlelit storytelling with St Nicholaus.
Limited car parking means booking of time slots is in advance and online only, to allow them to manage visitor numbers and ensure a better experience for everyone. Northwood is just 15 minutes from the outskirts of York and Malton, just 10 minutes from the A64, it is within easy reach of Hull, Leeds, Harrogate, Middlesborough, Sheffield and Newcastle and less than 2 hours from Manchester.
Good to know – If you want to make a break of it, Northwood is also home to the Jollydays Glamping accommodation with its huge and well-equipped safari-style tents, a communal campfire and craft cabin to keep everyone happy and busy. Find the Little Vikings review of Jollydays Glamping here.
The details – Northwood Trail, Buttercrambe Moor Wood,
YO41 1AP York. Visit the Northwood Trail website here.
The Northwood Trail is a member of the Little Vikings Club for family-friendly businesses
