Anyone know York? (visiting with a toddler)

[cashewnut]

I'm after some advice on visiting York with a toddler.

We're spending most of next week up there, staying in a self-catering apartment near the city centre. We don't know the town well at all, just decided to explore the UK while longer journeys/planes are such a pain.

Can anyone give advice on things to do there with a nearly-2 year old? Places to visit, places to eat, good playgrounds etc etc. We do have a car but would like to minimise driving as much as possible.

Thank you!!!

[sarahf]

I grew up in York and have taken my 2yo son there. There's plenty of museums - Railway Museum, Jorvic (possibly not old enough), a farming museum and the Air Museum at Elvington. There are also a few farm parks but you will need to get in the car again. We used to go to the homestead park near Clifton although after a recent revisit, realise that London playgrounds are more advanced (I guess that most people in York have decent sizes gardens with their own swings, slides etc). On a sunny day, a trip to Scarborough on the train is nice in a retro kind of way. On a rainy day, the designer outlet is a good bet - incidentally, the playground there isn't bad. Food wise, there's plenty of the casual dining options. If you have a child who will sit through a tasting menu..., The Blind Swine is worth a visit.

Hope that you have a lovely holiday!

[crystal7]

We spent a weekend in York last year and the Railway Museum was a big hit with our toddler.

[cashewnut]

Brilliant thanks guys.

Any more suggestions much appreciated. There seems to be a lot to do around there but it's difficult to tell in advance what will appeal to very small people.

[scareyt]

Eureka in Halifax would be worth the train trip if you're there for a week - it's right next to Halifax train station and is brilliant for toddlers - loads of interactive stuff including a toddler sized M&S, kitchen, post office, garage & bank to play in. We went over six months ago and my son still talks about it.