Attractions for Special Days Out with the Children

York really does top most places for the choice of things to see and do, so here we share a few that will bring smiles to all the family.

Take the York Boats River Bus

The river bus departs from Naburn Lock Wharf at 9.30am every Saturday up to 26 September with additional sailings on Thursdays during School holidays.
You can find details and fares here.

If you can’t make the river bus trip, there are still morning and afternoon cruises from Kings Staith (close to the Piccadilly bus stop) or Lendal Bridge. York Boats all have a bar and refreshments on board and you can be assured of an historical and entertaining commentary. For information about York Boats cruises contact York Boat Information or Call 01904 628324

York National Railway Museum

Behind York Railway Station, on Leeman Road, the National Railway Museum comes highly recommended as there’s lots to occupy children of all ages, and it’s FREE.

Throughout the museum you can get close to the locomotives and trains. Pictured in the Great Hall, Mallard retains the 126mph World Speed record for steam locomotives. At the end of the season you may also see Flying Scotsman. In addition to the two main exhibition halls, there is the North Shed restoration shop viewing balcony and the signalling school with its viewing platform overlooking the York main line.
Find directions and opening times here.

York Castle Museum & Gaol

No average or boring museum here, York Castle Museum is famed for its authentic Victorian Streets and the Gaol, where the infamous highwayman Dick Turpin was held before his execution.

You’ll spend alot of time telling the children “we used to have one of those in our house”, so allow a half day for the visit. Find York Museum prices and opening times here.

Jorvik Viking Centre, York

York’s amazing Jorvik Viking Centre is located in Coppergate close to the 42 bus stop. Jorvik recreates the Viking way of life in the 9th Century in Jorvik, the Viking name for York.

A highlight of your visit is a guided-transporter tour of wonderful dioramas depicting life, farming and work in Viking times. All created from the excavation of a Viking settlement 9 metres below today’s street level in York city centre. Find opening times and purchase advance tickets here.

Yorkshire Air Museum, Elvington

The former RAF Elvington airbase is home to a large collection of military and civilian aircraft ranging from WW1 biplanes up to the Spitfire, Hurricane, Halifax and Cold War jet aircraft.

The museum retains the atmosphere of an operational WW2 airbase with its collection of fire, support and armoured vehicles. Find directions and opening times times here.

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