
A Taste of Learning History with a Difference in York

From Bonfire Night in York to spooky Halloween performances at Whitby, we’ve loved visiting Yorkshire at this time of year…. But today we’ve grabbed the chance to wrap up warm and head into York’s historic city centre to discover more about the Industrial Revolution, Georgian History and to build on our learning in Porto about the Age of Discovery.
Discover the story of Chocolate at the York chocolate story


Download free factsheets about the history of chocolate and its journey from bean to bar and make a no-cook chocolate tiffin.
LifeinourVan Top TipYork’s Chocolate Story is in the heart of the city centre in King’s Square and costs £29.50 (family of 4). Special offers are available online or just use your York Pass.
LifeinourVan Top TipA Georgian gem – Fairfax house
York is undoubtedly one of England’s finest and most beautiful historic cities. The Romans knew it as Eboracum (find out more here) whilst the Vikings called it Jorvik (find out more here) but it’s equally famous for it’s fine Victorian Railway station and it’s imperious Georgian Townhouses like Fairfax House.
Sadly photography isn’t allowed in the main house, but you’ll have to take our word for it……. it’s been impeccably restored (much like Barley Hall near Stonegate) and houses a truly brilliant award winning treasure trail which our girls absolutely loved.
Before you visit, it’s well worth checking out the child friendly free factsheets on their website. It’s a veritable history lesson in itself and is added to by their brilliant ‘room hosts’
LifeinourVan Top TipFairfax House is in the heart of the city centre near CastleGate and costs £17.50 (family of 4). Special offers are available or just use your York Pass.
LifeinourVan Top TipOne of the finest Medieval buildings across Europe
Having loved visiting and learning about a similar guildhall in Exeter (Tuckers Hall) both girls couldn’t wait to explore the stunning medieval building… reputably one of the finest remaining examples across Europe.

It often seems that York’s modern life is inextricably linked to it’s past…. a point made even clearer by the snaking roman walls that encircle the historic centre. But it’s clear to see just how much medieval endeavour must have gone into the timber framed hall (built in 1357) and both girls loved seeing examples of just how impressive it must have looked back then (see here)
Before you visit, it’s well worth checking out what might be available. There are educational workshopson Trade and Exploration,Tudor Medicine & Dance workshops
LifeinourVan Top TipMerchant Adventurers Hall is in the heart of the city centre near CastleGate and costs £12 (family of 4). Special offers are available or just use your York Pass.
Yet again, York has proved itself to be a History Lovers Paradise and one that has yet again provided us with another fantastic ‘road schooling’ lesson on Georgian History that both girls loved from start to finish.
york chocolate story
fairfax house
merchant adventurers hall york
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