We thought there was no magical spell strong enough to turn rainy Sunday frowns into happy faces, but here it is: afternoon tea at Dreamery Gardens (formerly Northwood Trail). Located outside Stamford Bridge, just a short drive from York, Dreamery Gardens is more than just a walk in the woods — it’s a chance to […]

If you’re lucky enough to be in York at Christmas, there’s one place you really must follow the twinkling lights to: York Minster. A joy at any time of year, York Minster is even more magical at Christmas, with lots of reasons to visit, from the fabulous Christmas Tree Festival to carol concerts and a […]

The North York Moors, with its misty landscapes and ancient woodland, are a haunting backdrop for atmospheric autumn adventures, but where should budding ghost-hunters start? Overshadowed by the imposing ruins of the abbey, Whitby is one of our favourite places to spend time at Halloween. Its winding cobbled streets and eerie cliff-side paths are seriously […]

Autumn’s here and there’s something spooktacular going on in York: the return of Ghosts in the Gardens! The York BID is once again bringing some horribly good wire mesh sculptures to some of York’s most stunning green spaces and this year it’s bigger than ever. Eagle eyed viewers will spot six new ghosts including a […]

Come out to play at Beningbrough this half term holiday. Explore the gardens and get involved with the Harvest Heroes hunt or take part in a nature-related activity (available on selected days). There’s space to play on the south lawn, trees to climb and fish to spot or head to the wilderness play area and […]

It’s that time of year again— your chance to show your appreciation for the many fantastic family-friendly places in and around York! Now celebrating its 10th year, the Little Vikings Awards recognizes the very best York has to offer for children and families. It’s the only awards scheme that highlights the top places to visit, […]

York Restaurant Week is back from 14th to 20th October 2024 with more offers on food and drink than ever before and some exciting new eateries to explore. Businesses taking part for the first time this Restaurant Week include Yemen Heaven, Miller & Carter Steakhouse, Poly’s Kitchen, Rio Brazilian Steakhouse, The Savvy Baker, Sky Blue Chinese Restaurant, […]

When it comes to autumn activities, it doesn’t get more wholesome – or more colourful – than picking your own pumpkin. Chucking one in the supermarket trolley might be cheaper, but you’d miss the joy of hunting around in the fields for ‘the best one’ and refereeing your kids who may not agree on which […]

However well you think you know York, chances are that there are iconic buildings you’ve walked past thousands of times but have no idea what’s hiding behind the front door. If, like us, you’d relish the opportunity to have a little look around, we’ve got just the event for you: York Unlocked. Here’s what you […]

It’s one of York’s coolest events, and it’s back for 2025! Yes, York Ice Trail is returning in February next year and the theme has been revealed. York Ice Trail will take place on February 1st and 2nd 2025 and the theme will be ‘Origins’, with each sculpture telling a unique story. As always, the […]

We’re putting it out there: York is the best place in the UK for a Christmas family break. An amazing family-friendly destination at any time of year, York’s even more special at Christmas. From November onwards, the city transforms into a winter wonderland, with a festive atmosphere, Santa experiences, seasonal shows and pantomimes and wonderful […]

Did you know that York has more ghosts than anywhere else in Europe? Although we don’t know who counted all the ghosts, we do know that York’s a haunted city that takes Halloween equally seriously. In fact we’d go so far as to say it’s the best place in the UK to celebrate Halloween, making […]

We’ve got some excellent eerie news for you if you’re looking for something fun – and free – to do in York during October half term: the Little York Ghost Hunt is back for 2024! It’s part of York Ghost Week, which runs from Monday 28th to Thursday 31st October 2024. Join the search each […]

There’s always something fun going on in and around York for kids, and we’ve handpicked the very best so you don’t have to. Each month we round up the very best events and activities in and around the city so you can plan ahead, with inspiration for all ages, weathers and budgets. For ideas every […]

Whether you’re here for a day, a weekend or longer (or you’re lucky enough to call it home), York’s brimming with activities for families, including the littlest ones. There are lots of family-friendly places to eat and drink, and some excellent places to stay too. But what to do? From interactive experiences to outdoor adventures, […]

We might be bidding farewell to the summer holiday activities soon, but fear not: York’s the city that never rests, so it’s no surprise that there are lots of new things coming up in the autumn term for families to look forward to. As always, we’ll bring you details of the best so you don’t […]

As the last day of the summer holidays loomed, it was tempting to channel our gloom into sorting out the school bags and embarking on a giant game of Hunt The PE Kit. But that’s no way to celebrate surviving (and sometimes actually enjoying) another six-week school-free stint, so we headed to Ambiente Tapas in […]

Even the most boring sandwich tastes amazing when it’s eaten in the sunshine. There’s a lot to love about picnics – the kids can run about, the grass can deal with the crumbs and it’s cheaper (and less stressful) than piling into a restaurant or cafe. Take a look at our pick of the best […]

The summer holidays can be pricey at the best of times, what with the endless snack requests, demands to go out and do something fun and cries for ice cream. With prices rising, we’re all going to be watching the pennies more than usual this year, so we’ve put together this handy guide to try […]

Visiting York Minster with kids is an awe-inspiring experience that you won’t forget, but did you know it can also be a bit of a family workout? Families fit – and brave – enough can embark on the York Minster Tower Challenge, climbing to the top of Central Tower for some of the most spectacular […]