Local Area

Set on the site of York Castle, today an award-winning museum showcasing 400 years of York’s past. Walk the cobbled street of Kirkgate, a recreation of a Victorian Street, stop for sugared mice at the sweet shop. Take a trip down memory lane at the Toy Stories exhibition and rediscover toys from your childhood and visit the prison and learn the stories of infamous residents including Dick Turpin.

Experience world class horseracing at York Racecourse. Race day's take place annually from May to October, including the oldest and richest races, Ebor Festival. York Racecourse at Knavesmire also holds many events throughout the year including Comic Con and Living North fairs.

Visit the National Railway Museum and see iconic locomotives including Mallard – the world’s fastest steam locomotive, and the splendour of the Royal carriages. Discover the history of the railway and how it shaped the world, as well as world-changing inventions. Entry to the museum is free.

Discover 2,000 years of York’s darkest history with a visit to The York Dungeons… if you dare! One for the brave, actors will bring to life stories from the past through 10 live shows guaranteed to have you laughing and screaming.

Marvel at the majestic Minster on your visit to York and discover 2,000 years of history from its Roman roots to the present day. Join a guided tour to learn fascinating facts and details that may have otherwise gone unnoticed, head to the Undercroft museum to see Roman barracks or walk the 275 steps of the tower for panoramic views of York. Little Explorer Backpacks and family friendly trails are available.

Encircling the city since Roman times, today two miles of the walls remain – the most miles of intact medieval wall than any other English city. Opening at 8am, closing at dusk, it is free to walk around the walls and they provide a great way to see the city from a new perspective. Posters are dotted around the route, providing insight into the walls as you make your way round.

Strike it lucky at Hollywood Bowl or go for a hole in one at Puttstars. Both are located a short five-minute drive from us at Vangarde, perfect for those looking for a little evening entertainment. Both offer food and drink and arcade games for additional fun.

The best-preserved medieval shopping street in the UK, and rumoured to be inspiration for Diagon Alley, The Shambles is a vibrant and bustling street. Once occupied by many butchers, look out for meat-hooks hanging outside the timber framed buildings, today the quaint street is home to an array of independent shops and cafés.

Located in the Howardian Hills is the inspiring Castle Howard, with its impressive architecture and interiors it sits in 1,000 acres of parkland. The house is open between April – October, and for its popular annual Christmas event between mid-November until early January. Explore the gardens throughout the year from woodlands to the walled garden, enjoy a peaceful wander through the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Children will love adventure playground, Skelf Island.

Experience a bygone era and hop on board the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. It runs from Pickering to Whitby, with several stops on the way including Goathland, which has played a part as Hogsmeade Station in the first Harry Potter film. You can enjoy several itineraries to suit you. The heritage railway has steam and heritage diesel trains running 18-miles through the stunning scenery of the North York Moors National Park.

Set in 375 acres of North Yorkshire countryside, Flamingo Land is an exciting day out for all ages. With its thrilling range of rides including the latest addition, Sik, which has 10 inversions. Younger visitors will love Dino Roller whilst families can enjoy taking a ride in the sky with Zooom. The attraction is also home to 140 species of reptiles, mammals and birds and is one of the most popular zoos in the UK.

Explore stetches of golden sand and seaside villages just a one hours’ drive away. Visit the bustling town of Whitby and climb the 199 steps to the atmospheric Abbey, visit the boutique shops which line the cobbled streets and take a walk along the pier with award-winning fish and chips. The old fishing village of Robin Hoods Bay is a gem on the Yorkshire Coast, explore pretty streets and a beautiful beach with rockpools to explore. For nostalgic seaside holidays, head to Scarborough.

Head to Coppergate Centre in York City Centre for a magical game of golf at Hole in Wand. Embark on a nine-hole adventure to find Grobblenook, along the way you’ll come across cauldrons, giant picture frames and the enchanted library. Do you have what it takes to be a wizard?

Adventure your way through Dalby Forest on one of the many waymarked cycling and walking trails. With over 8,000 acres of forest to explore, families can enjoy the Gruffalo trail and children will love the Grand Father Oak play area. For more thrills, swing through the trees at Go Ape with a treetop adventure or keep your feet on the ground with Forest Segways.