By Alexander Dawson
York is famous for its history and medieval culture, with King George VI saying that: ‘The History of York is the history of England.’
In short, York has a lot of history and therefore has a lot of historical locations for tourists and locals alike to visit, observe and learn.
If you get a kick out of history, or have children who are just as passionate, you’re in luck, that’s what we’re here for. York’s historical attractions cater to every age and group, providing fun and entertaining amusements to convert even the most cynical of children into an avid fan of history.
York Dungeons
One of the most famous attractions in York, The York Dungeons is perfect for any child over the age of eight who grew up watching Horrible Histories, or those who enjoy the darker side of History. Retelling 2000 years of York History, focusing on gory and gruesome stories of Vikings, Guy Fawkes, Witches and many more to find, prepare to scream and laugh your way through the Dungeons and enjoy a once in a lifetime experience, if you dare…
And for any adults who want a little more of a scare, every Saturday, the Dungeons have a 18+ show with more raunchy humour and even more scares. It is not for the faint hearted but for those who wish to take the drop will never forget the experience.
To learn more or to book tickets, visit www.thedungeons.com
York National Railway Museum
With a focus on catering to both little and big locomotive fans, The National Railway Museum is ideal for any fans of trains and railways. Touting more locomotives than any other museum in the world, with iconic trains as the world’s fastest steam engine, Mallard, the streamlined Duchess of Hamilton, and the only Bullet train to ever been seen outside of Japan, the Shinkansen.
The National Railway Museum contains more new activities for adults and children, including a miniature railway ride for little ones to sit and enjoy, a build-your-own miniature locomotive, and the Mallard experience, a thrilling simulation of riding the Mallard.
Come and gawk at the boundless amount of trains before you, and learn all about the history of the greatest inventions ever, the National Railway Museum.
To learn more and to book your free tickets, visit www.railwaymuseum.org.uk
JORVIK Viking Centre
The JORVIK Viking Centre is the perfect must-see attraction for anyone visiting York, young or old, man or woman. Standing on top of a 1000 year Viking city, the JORVIK Viking centre aims to teach everyone the history of the Vikings who settled in York. With an updated state-of-the-art ride experience, see hear and smell, yes smell, what the old city used to be though art galleries, recreated Viking streets and houses allowing anyone who steps in to visit the remnants of this old Viking civilisation.
With newly added ground-breaking animatronics and touch screens, you too can become an archaeological conservator just like the ones who found the remains years ago.
To learn more or to book tickets, visit www.jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk
Shambles
Being the original inspiration for Diagon Alley in the movie adaptions of the Harry Potter, it’s no question that the Shambles is as famous for its history as it is for Harry Potter, being one of York’s most famous landmarks and also being considered one of the most best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe. With many shops that reside on the Shambles streets still preserving the exterior wooden shelves and overhanging buildings, the ancient cobblestone paths of a by-gone era continue to be walked on to this day, the mismatched tiles and narrow alleyways help to bring the spirit of the Shambles to the modern day.
Nowadays, the busy and beautiful street is filled with cheery and unique cafes, quirky attractions like miniature hand crafted ghosts, food and beverage stalls and chocolate, fudge and sweet shops. The Shambles is great for any families wanting to immerse themselves in the past of York.
Learn more about the Shambles at www.visityork.org
York’s Chocolate Story
I’m sure it’s safe to say everyone has a little bit of a sweet tooth, and York’s chocolate story is the perfect place to satiate that appetite while unwrapping the entirety of York’s chocolate history. Come and find out how cocoa is transformed from bean to bar, learn to taste chocolate like a real expert, watch professional chocolatiers at work make perfect bars, and find out about the origins of one of the most famous chocolate bars in the world, the KitKat, which originated right here in York.
Once you’re done, feel free to visit their shop afterwards and indulge in some of the best chocolate and sweets that York has to offer. To learn more or to book tickets visit www.yorkchocolatestory.com
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