Childrens and Schools

Promise your children a trip to a city famed for Kit-Kats, Viking warriors, spooky ghosts, highwaymen, Guy Fawkes and railways and you should have them eating out of your hand. York is full of fun for children, whether it’s a school trip or a family outing. The obvious way to travel is by train, alighting at the city’s station Victorian from where the attractions of the city are all within walking distance. Otherwise take advantage of the city’s very efficient Park & Ride schemes and save yourself the risk of children squabbling in the back seat while you search for a parking space.

Once you’re in the city centre, most of the historic streets are traffic-free, giving you one less thing to worry about. And if you want to pack in as much as you can, the city is so compact you can walk from one attraction to the next quite easily.

If you want to stay more than a day the city offers a range of budget accommodation where family rooms are available and there is even a city centre YHA, ideal for school groups or families.

Jorvik Coppergate Tel: 01904 643211(24 hr information hotline) Advance Bookings, Tel: 01904 543403 www.jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk Fly through the new reconstruction of Jorvik AD 975, when it was the trading hub of the Viking world. An intense, sharply focused visitor experience, which has encouraged many children to develop a real and enduring interest in history and archaeology. And they’ll love all the little details of daily Viking life – particularly those cesspits … Press Contact: Karen Nixon, Tel: 01904 610077, email: karen@partners-group.co.uk

DIG – New for 2006 St Saviourgate, York Tel: 01904 643211(24 hr information hotline) www.jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk York Archaeological Trust, the same educational charity who developed the famous attraction JORVIK, were awarded a £750,000 funding grant from the Millennium Commission to develop a new tourist attraction in the centre of York. The Archaeological Resource Centre at St Saviours Church in York re-opened as Dig! in 2006. JORVIK is currently in its 20th year and has recently welcomed the 14 Millionth visitor – York Archaeological Trust are confident that they can launch another innovative experience that will capture the public’s imagination as JORVIK does. Dig! will provide a unique and exciting archaeological experience. St Saviours will be transformed into a simulated archaeological investigation including an excavation, site hut, and science laboratory and research library. Visitors can excavate parts of a Roman fortress, Viking City, Medieval burial site and Victorian workers cottages. Press Contact: Kay Hyde, PR Manager, Visit York, Tel: 01904 554436 Email: kh@visityork.org

National Railway Museum Leeman Road, York Tel: 01904 621261 www.nrm.org.uk A haven for railway- loving children – Thomas the Tank Engine even has his own extravaganza here in the school holidays. Lots of trains to investigate inside and out, a huge play area, frequent new exhibitions and old favourites such as ‘Palaces on Wheels’,offering a close-up view of Queen Victoria’s Royal train. Unmissable exhibits include the record-beating Mallard, a Eurostar train and a full-size replica of Stephenson’s Rocket. A recent addition even shows how railway signals work. A chance to learn about physics, engineering, social history and geography, amongst other things, while having a great day out at the same time. Press Contact: Emma Farley Tel: 01904 686281, email: Emma.Farley@nrm.org.uk

York Dungeon 12 Clifford Street, York Tel: 01904 632599 www.thedungeons.com Not for tinies, but older children will no doubt be in their element as they bump – literally - into some of York’s shadier characters. Plague, pestilence, torture…there’s no escaping the ickier side of life once you cross the Dungeon’s threshold. The latest addition is the Pit of Despair, uncovering the legendary web of undiscovered haunted tunnels, pits and passageways far beneath the streets of York. Amazingly it all manages to be thoroughly enjoyable as well as totally gruesome! Press Contact: Helen Douglas, Tel: 01904 632599, email: yorkdungeon@merlin-entertainments.com

Castle Museum The Eye of York Tel 01904 687687 www.yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk The reconstructed Victorian and Edwardian street scenes are favourites with generations of visitors. Many remember the enticing old-fashioned sweet shop or post office from when they visited as a child, and are delighted to see them still unchanged decades later. Intricate Victorian dolls houses, the chocolate exhibit, a magnificent Saxon helmet uncovered in the Jorvik dig (and almost crushed by a digger) and Dick Turpin’s condemned cell are just a few more of the eccentric and entertaining Castle Museum highlights. The new Births, Marriages and Deaths display will open young eyes to the realities of life (and death) over the past 300 years. Press Contact: Lee Clark, Tel: 01904 687673, email: lee.clark@ymt.org.uk

York Minster Deangate, York Tel: 01904 557216 The largest and most spectacular gothic cathedral in Europe. The natural starting point for any school visit to York, and unmissable on any family’s itinerary. Young people can experience the unique atmosphere of a great religious and historic building, learn about the many famous people associated with the Minster over the centuries, and discover for themselves the secrets held in some of its nooks and crannies. The Undercroft with its Roman remains, and the magnificent view from the Tower, are popular added extras. Press Contact: Alix Peacock, Tel: 01904 557210, Email: info@yorkminster.org

Yorkshire Museum Museum Gardens, York Tel: 01904 687687 www.yorkshiremuseum.org.uk There are any number of other objects here to fire young imaginations, such as the miraculously-preserved auburn hair of a Roman girl, or the Middleham Jewel, a satisfyingly chunky and priceless piece of medieval treasure. Outside the picturesque ruins of St Mary’s Abbey provide the ideal backdrop for a picnic. Regular visiting exhibitions draw in the crowds. Press Contact: Lee Clark Tel: 01904 687673, email: lee.clark@ymt.org.uk

Yorkshire Air Museum Halifax Way, Elvington, York Tel: 01904 608595 www.yorkshiremuseum.org.uk Unique award winning museum, based on authentic WWI Bomber Command Station. Tremendous atmosphere with fascinating exhibitions including restored Control Tower, Memorial Gardens and Rooms, Air Gunners’ display, Airborne Forces Museum and much more. You can even have lunch in the NAAFI! Press Contact: Ian Richardson, Tel: 01904 608595, email: pr@yorkshireairmuseum.co.uk

Waterworld, City Screen and shops galore If after all the exploring young visitors feel like a swim, or a movie, or a delicious drink from a Juice Bar, York can oblige. And if the shopping bug hits there are any number of stores sure to appeal to appeal, from Borders Books to the Gadget Shop to a shop devoted to Beatrix Potter and her creations. There’s even a shop selling nothing but teddy bears!

Yorkshire Museum of Farming Murton Park, Murton Lane, Murton, York Tel: 01904 489966 www.murtonpark.co.uk A whole range of experiences from the Danelaw Viking Village to Brigantium Roman Fort and the Museum of Farming itself.

York Model Railway Tearoom Square, York Station, York Tel: 01904 630169 This is a show for adults and children alike, with 323 metres of 00 gauge track making up the four main oval systems in the central display. Up to 20 trains running daily, plus a large “N” gauge layout and Thomas the Tank area for the young ones.

Eden Camp Malton, North Yorkshire Tel: 01653 697777 www.edencamp.co.uk Eden Camp is situated on the site of an original Prisoner of War Camp, built in 1942. It is alive with history – detailing World War II in a series of huts from the Blitz to Women at War and a ‘Prisoners’ Canteen and Garrisons Cinema Bar. You will experience the sights, sounds and even the smells of those dangerous years.

World of James Herriot 23 Kirkgate, Thirsk YO7 1PL Tel: 01845 524234 www.worldofjamesherriot.org The World of James Herriot is a unique tribute to vet and author Alf Wight. Based in his original surgery at 23 Kirkgate in Thirsk, North Yorkshire – the ‘Skeldale House’ of the Herriot books – it takes visitors on a journey back to the 1940s and 1950s. And it is the only centre of its kind in the UK dedicated to Veterinary science. For a fun and educational visit in an undercover attraction see the 1950s rooms where the real James Herriot lived and worked.

YorkBoat King’s Staith, Lendal Bridge, York Tel: 01904 628324 www.yorkboat.co.uk York owes its existence to rivers Ouse and Foss. Now the rivers are no longer for defence and trade has dwindled away, but much pleasure can still be had sightseeing. YorkBoat organises Guided River Trips that last approximately one hour and sail regularly throughout the day, from 10.30am, from city centre landings at King’s Staith and Lendal Bridge. Every YorkBoat has open sun-decks and comfortable lounges with panoramic windows to ensure a good view of the riverside landmarks in the city and countryside.

Harewood House Harewood, Leeds Tel: 0113 2181010 www.harewood.org Harewood is renowned for its magnificent Capability Brown landscaped gardens, which include the Serpentine lake, walled garden, woodland and a fascinating bird garden, a sanctuary for rare and protected species of birds.

Castle Howard York, YO60 7DA Tel: 01653 648333 www.castlehoward.co.uk Castle Howard is a spectacular eighteenth-century palace, which has been home to the Howard family for 300 years. The construction of this magnificent palace took more than 100 years and spanned the lifetime of three Earls and numerous architects and craftsmen. As the house was built and decorated, the grounds were filled with lakes, temples, monuments and a grand mausoleum. Indoors, furniture, paintings, sculptures and a host of other treasures were assembled by successive generations after their tours of the Continent. Castle Howard is today still home to the Howard family. Press contact: Eleanor Course, Tel: 01653 648625

Brass Rubbing Centre @ Lady Annes Lady Anne Middleton’s Hotel, 53 Skeldergate, York Tel: 01904 611570 www.ladyannes.co.uk Brass rubbing consists of facsimilies of original medieval church brasses. Appealing to all ages, easy to do, using paper and couloured metallic waxes, you can create your own beautiful wall hangings. A unique English pastime, creative, educational and fun.

Please note that the information given above is subject to change.

For any further information and your free guide to York please contact: York Visitor Information Centre, Tel: 01904 550099, email: info@visityork.org or visit the website at www.visityork.org

Press contact: Kay Hyde, PR Manager - Visit York, Tel: 01904 554451, email: kh@visityork.org website: www.visityork.org