York might be one of the UK’s best cities for families, but that doesn’t mean every family day out goes smoothly. Over the years, despite knowing York inside out, we’ve made plenty of mistakes ourselves, from battling the cobbles of the Shambles with a buggy to promising the kids a York Ghost Merchants ghost in the middle of the summer holidays.
So, in the spirit of helping other families avoid the same chaos, here are some of the biggest mistakes families make when visiting York with kids, plus a few tips that might save your day, your budget and possibly your sanity too. Whether you’re planning a weekend break in York with kids, a day trip or simply trying to make the most of a sunny Saturday, here’s what we’ve learned the hard way.
1. Walking down the Shambles with a buggy
❌ Attempt the Shambles with a buggy
✅ Some streets are baby-carrier territory
Iconic? Yes. Buggy friendly? Absolutely not, unless you visit early or late when it’s crowd-free (and even then, your wheels won’t thank you for it.
2. Forcing everyone to sit down for lunch
❌ Making everyone sit down for a proper lunch
✅ Sometimes a bakery treat and a bench will do
It’s cheaper and quicker to eat on the move, and you can crack on with your next adventure.
3. Taking a buggy onto the city walls
❌ Taking a buggy onto the city walls
✅ It’s another one for the baby carrier
We’ve seen so many families struggling with buggies on the walls – don’t do it! Dogs aren’t allowed either, so leave your furry friend behind. Here’s our guide to walking York’s city walls.
3. Getting on the big wheel with a kid who’s scared of heights
❌ Getting on the big wheel with a child who’s scared of heights.
✅ Check one last time that they’re keen before the doors close
Take a photo of it from the bottom, and then do something else!
4. Promising a ghost from York Ghost Merchants during the summer holidays
❌ Promising a ghost from York Ghost Merchants during the summer (or any other busy time of year)
✅ The queues are famously long, so wait for another quieter time or go to the secret dispensary.
The dispensary at St Anthony’s Gardens usually has a shorter queue (but check opening hours before you go).
5. Driving into the city and weeping at the cost of parking
❌ Don’t drive into York if you can avoid it. The spaces are scarce and the parking charges are high
✅ Public transport is your friend.
Take the train, cycle, walk or catch the Park & Ride – all are more relaxing options than attempting to park.
6. Trying to do everything in a day
❌ Trying to fit too much into a single day
✅ Allow yourselves loads of time, and stay longer if you can
There’s so much to do in York, and nobody likes rushing. Give yourselves longer, stay an extra day or two and enjoy. You’ll never do it all in a day! Here are our best things to do in York with kids.
7. Paying full price for everything
❌ Paying full price everywhere
✅ Using your Little Vikings Family Card for discounts and perks
We genuinely forget to take advantage of our own discounts and perks. Don’t be like us! Pick up your FREE card from Visit York and take a look at the latest offers.
8. Taking them to the York Dungeon before they’re ready
❌ Taking a nervous kid to The York Dungeon
✅ Wait until they’re older and book the walking tour
Many friends have taken their younger kids and had to leave halfway through. Book the walking tour instead and wait until they’re older.
