May half term in York 2027 runs from Saturday 29 May to Sunday 6 June for most York families, and it’s one of the best times of year to get out and explore. With family festivals, outdoor adventures, hands-on history and plenty of free things to do, there’s something for everyone.
Events for 2027 are beginning to be announced, and we’ll keep updating this guide with our hand-picked highlights from York and across North Yorkshire. Bookmark it and check back as half term gets closer.
We’re a York family and have been sharing tried-and-tested ideas for days out with kids since 2013. Follow Little Vikings on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok for even more inspiration.
May half term in York 2027 at a glance
- 🌸 York May half term dates: Saturday 29 May to Sunday 6 June 2027
- 🏛️ Headline event: Eboracum Roman Festival
- 💰 Best free activity: Little Vikings I Spy Trail
- ☔ Best for a rainy day: National Railway Museum
- 🌳 Best outdoor adventure: Stockeld Park
- 😎 Best for older children and teens: The Hole in Wand
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🌸 May half term events in York – To be confirmed
Eboracum Roman Festival
The Eboracum Roman Festival is back, celebrating York’s fascinating Roman past. Once known as Eboracum, the city will come alive with living history, family activities, guided walks and hands-on experiences across a range of venues. With plenty happening over half term, it’s a brilliant way to bring history to life for all ages.
📍 York Museum Gardens and other locations
🗓 16–31 May 2026
ℹ️ yorkshiremuseum.org.uk
Step back in time at York Castle Museum
York Castle Museum has a brilliant May half term programme, with retro school pudding demos, creative workshops and plenty of hands-on history. Families can enjoy Victorian classroom sessions, prison and Kirkgate talks, activity trails and sensory experiences celebrating York’s chocolate-making past.
📍 York Castle Museum
🗓 Saturday 23 to Sunday 31 May 2026
ℹ️ yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk
WizardFest 2026
York’s festival of wizardry returns this half term, conjured up by The Wizard Walk of York and co-hosted with Little Vikings. Expect a spellbinding mix of magical activities popping up across the city, from wand-waving fun to enchanting entertainment.
📍 Across York city centre
🗓 23–25 May 2026
ℹ️ wizardwalkofyork.com
Half term fun at the National Railway Museum
Discover new ways to explore the National Railway Museum this half term, with a brand new family trail and curator-led spotlights on some of the museum’s star objects. Don’t miss the free engineering fun on Wednesday 27 May too, with robots, railway signalling challenges and rocket launches as part of York Festival of Ideas and LNER activities.
📍 National Railway Museum, Leeman Rd, York YO26 4XJ
🗓 23–31 May 2026
ℹ️ railwaymuseum.org.uk
Meet the Romans at York Minster
Chat to costumed Roman soldiers, handle replica weapons and artefacts and discover the ancient barracks buried beneath York Minster. Drop-in sessions run daily during May half term, and they’re included with a sightseeing ticket. Tickets valid for 12 months, and all under 16s go free (as do York residents).
📍 York Minster, Deangate, York
🗓 May half term, daily, 10am–12.30pm and 1.30pm–3.30pm
ℹ️ yorkminster.org
May Half Term at York’s Chocolate Story
Uncover the secrets behind the Chocolate City’s past, discover the origins of chocolate, and get hands-on with a range of chocolate-making activities – the perfect family day out this May half term in York!
From Guided Tours and Truffle Rolling to Family Masterclasses, there’s something delicious for everyone to enjoy.
📍 York’s Chocolate Story, King’s Square, York YO1 7LD
🗓 23–31 May 2026
ℹ️ yorkschocolatestory.com
Viking Adventures at JORVIK Viking Centre
Travel back to Viking-age York at the award-winning JORVIK Viking Centre. Hop aboard the time capsule to 10th-century streets, packed with sights, sounds and even the smells of the past. Meet knowledgeable Viking hosts, handle fascinating artefacts and discover what life was really like over 1,000 years ago. Don’t forget you can save 20% on admission with our special Little Vikings Family Card offer.
📍 19 Coppergate, York YO1 9WT
🗓 Open daily
ℹ️ jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk
Hands-on History at DIG
Get stuck into York’s past at DIG, where kids can become archaeologists for the day. Explore four excavation pits packed with Roman, Viking, medieval and Victorian finds, grab a trowel and uncover clues to how people lived through the ages. Use your Little Vikings Family Card to save 20% on admission.
📍 DIG, St Saviour’s Church, St Saviourgate, York YO1 8NN
🗓 Open daily
ℹ️ digyork.co.uk
🌼 May half term events outside York
Storybook magic at Stockeld Park
Step into storybook magic at Stockeld Park this May half term, where characters are brought to life in an immersive theatre experience and children become the authors of their own tales. There’s plenty more to fill the day too, from boats and go-karts to the Flying Stocksman, adventure playgrounds and indoor fun at the Playhive.
📍 Stockeld Park, Wetherby, LS22 4AN
🗓 23rd to 31st May 2026
⏰ Daily, 9.30am to 5.30pm
ℹ️ stockeldpark.co.uk
A magical Maytime adventure at Mother Shipton’s Cave
Follow the yellow brick road to an enchanting half term at Mother Shipton’s Cave. Wander through a woodland inspired by The Wizard of Oz and Wicked, with dazzling displays, magical characters and plenty of surprises along the way. Meet the Green Witch, the Good Witch and a jolly Scarecrow, then explore the historic cave, Petrifying Well, playground and riverside walk.
📍Mother Shipton’s, High Bridge, Knaresborough HG5 8DD
🗓 23–31 May 2026
ℹ️ mothershipton.co.uk
✨ Indoor May half term events
Potion-Making at The Potions Academy
Enjoy a magical experience at The Potions Academy, perfect for young wizards. Join a spellbinding Potions Class led by a potion master, uncover the secrets of famed alchemist Phileas Fry and mix your own magical creation. Every budding wizard or witch leaves with a potion and a graduate badge.
📍 1st Floor (entrance to rear), 37–38 Shambles, York YO1 7LX
🗓 Selected dates (pre-booking required)
ℹ️ potionscauldron.com
Beasts at Barley Hall
Explore a beautifully restored medieval townhouse tucked away in York city centre. Discover Beasts at Barley Hall, an engaging exhibition exploring the role of animals in medieval life, from everyday pets to mythical creatures. With hands-on activities, audio stories and family-friendly displays, it’s a real hidden gem.
📍 Barley Hall, 2 Coffee Yard, York YO1 8AR
🗓 Open daily
ℹ️ barleyhall.co.uk
🌳 Outdoor activities
Discover Dreamery Gardens
Explore the magic of Dreamery Gardens (formerly Northwood Trail), a wonderfully enchanting spot for a family day out. Wander woodland paths, spot fairy doors, get lost in the willow maze and enjoy a well-earned stop at the Dreamery Kitchen. A Little Vikings Award winner and a firm family favourite.
📍 Dreamery Gardens, Buttercrambe Moor Woods, Buttercrambe, York YO41 1AP
🗓 Open daily during half term
ℹ️ dreamerygardens.co.uk
River Cruises & Self-Drive Boats with City Cruises York
Ahoy there! Take to the water with City Cruises York for a memorable family adventure. Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the River Ouse with live commentary, or captain your own self-drive boat for a bit more freedom. We’ve tried both and loved them equally. Don’t forget your Little Vikings Family Card for a discount on river cruises this half term.
📍 King’s Staith Landing, King’s Staith, York YO1 9SN
🗓 Cruises daily
ℹ️ citycruises.com/york
Do something active
From clip’n’climb to aqua parks, soft play and swimming, you’ll find a selection of some of the most fun activities in York on our website. Take a look here for our pick of the best.
💰 Free and cheap activities
Go for a family walk around York
Spring is the perfect time for a family walk: see the flowers in bloom, keep an eye out for butterflies and enjoy some fresh Yorkshire air. Take a look at our guide to the best places for a family walk in and around York for inspiration for all ages and abilities.
Do the Little Vikings I Spy Trail
Recommended by The Sunday Times, the free Little Vikings I Spy Trail is one of the best ways to explore York on foot with children. Collect a map from the Visit York Information Centre or click here to download it from our website.
