Why February Half Term is Perfect for York

Half term's almost here - 16th to 20th February 2026, and if you're wondering how to make this week truly special for your children, York offers something unique.

A city where 2000 years of history isn't trapped behind glass cases, but living in the streets your family will walk.

I'm Harrison from Hedley House Hotel, and I've grown up watching families discover what makes York magical during February half term. Here's your complete guide to making the most of seven days in England's most atmospheric historic city.

February in York has a special quality that summer visitors never experience.

Early darkness at 5pm transforms ancient streets into something from another world. Fewer crowds mean children can explore properly. Mist rising from cobblestones that Vikings once walked creates atmosphere you simply can't get from photos.

The weather's typically crisp and clear - perfect for walking medieval walls and exploring outdoor attractions without the summer heat or winter ice.

The Must-Do Experiences for Families

York Minster: Europe's Greatest Gothic Cathedral

Start with the obvious - but do it properly. York Minster isn't just about admiring the exterior. Climb the 275 steps of the Central Tower and your children will see York spread out like a medieval map beneath them. The views stretch across Yorkshire's countryside, but watch your kids' faces when they realize they're standing where stonemasons worked 800 years ago.

The Minster runs special family activities during half term. Trails designed for young explorers, hands-on workshops in the Undercroft Museum, and costumed interpreters who bring medieval life to reality. Entry is free for children under 17 with paying adults.

Budget tip: Visit late afternoon, then stay for Evensong - it's free and gives children a sense of how this building has been used for centuries.

Walking York's Medieval Walls

York's city walls are the longest medieval walls in England. Walking them with children aged 6 and up turns history into adventure. The complete circuit takes about two hours, but tackle sections each day during half term to avoid tired legs and short attention spans.

Start at Bootham Bar, where children can peer through arrow slits that defended the city for centuries. Each of the four medieval gateways - called bars - has its own stories. Micklegate Bar displays heads of traitors (replicas now). Monk Bar houses the Richard III Experience. Walmgate Bar still has its original portcullis.

Practical tip: The wall walk is free, but some sections can be narrow. Keep younger children close, especially near tower stairs.

Museum Gardens: York's Hidden Family Paradise

Right in the city centre, Museum Gardens offers 10 acres where children can run free among Roman ruins and medieval abbey remains. The Yorkshire Museum houses treasures that bring York's story to life - Roman mosaics, Viking artifacts, and interactive displays.

During half term, the museum typically runs family workshops. Roman writing on wax tablets, Viking jewelry making, medieval manuscript decorating. These aren't just activities - they're time travel experiences that stick with children.

The gardens are perfect for picnics, ball games, and treasure hunts. The ruins of St. Mary's Abbey create natural playground equipment that's lasted 900 years.

Budget option: The gardens are free. Museum entry charges apply, but annual membership pays for itself if you visit twice.

River Cruises: York From A Different Perspective

The River Ouse winds through York's heart, and February river cruises offer views you can't get from street level. City Cruises York runs regular services during half term, with heated boats perfect for February weather.

Forty-five minute trips show you York's riverside buildings, medieval guildhalls, and where Viking longships once moored. Children love spotting landmarks from the water - York Minster's towers, Clifford's Tower, the medieval bridges.

Evening cruises during half term include hot chocolate and biscuits - perfect after a day exploring.

Alternative: Walk the riverside paths for free. The views aren't as comprehensive, but you'll see plenty, and children can feed the ducks.

Ghost Walks and Evening Entertainment

February evenings create perfect conditions for family-friendly ghost walks. Several companies run tours suitable for children aged 6-14. These aren't horror experiences - they're atmospheric storytelling sessions that bring York's history to life after dark.

Look for walks that include Roman soldiers marching beneath Stonegate, medieval monks in Minster grounds, and the various "ladies" who appear throughout the city. Different companies offer different routes and stories.

Where to Eat: Family-Friendly Options

Bettys Tea Rooms - York's most famous tearoom. Expect queues during half term, but the experience is worth it. Traditional afternoon tea in elegant surroundings.

Gray's Court - Medieval guildhall serving afternoon tea that makes children feel like they're dining in a fairy tale. The Long Gallery overlooks secret gardens.

Shambles Kitchen - Traditional Yorkshire fare that appeals to young palates. Proper fish and chips, Yorkshire puddings, sticky toffee pudding. Medieval setting without intimidation.

Pizza Express (Museum Street) - Familiar food in a beautiful Victorian building. Children can watch dough being tossed. Perfect for mid-afternoon energy crashes.

Budget tips: Many pubs offer children's meals for £5-7. Tesco Metro on Goodramgate stocks picnic supplies. Several bakeries sell excellent sandwiches for under £4.

Planning Your Week: A Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive, explore city centre, evening ghost walk

Day 2: York Minster climb, afternoon in Museum Gardens

Day 3: City walls walk (two sections), river cruise, Shambles exploration

Day 4: Yorkshire Museum workshops, afternoon tea, different ghost walk route

Day 5: Final attractions, shopping, departure

Flexible alternatives: If weather turns poor, the National Railway Museum is excellent for train-obsessed children. York Castle Museum offers Victorian street scenes. Both have indoor activities perfect for rainy days.

Practical Half Term Tips

Booking: February half term is popular but not as crowded as summer. Book accommodation early for best choice and prices.

Parking: If driving, book parking in advance. NCP charges around £12-15 per day. Some hotels offer secure parking - worth paying extra for peace of mind.

Weather: Pack layers. February can be crisp and sunny or damp and cold, sometimes in the same day. Waterproof jackets essential.

Money-saving: Many attractions offer family tickets. York Pass covers multiple venues if you're planning intensive sightseeing.

Making Memories That Last

What makes York special during February half term isn't any single attraction - it's the accumulation of moments.

Children touching Roman stones, peering through medieval arrow slits, gasping at cathedral heights, listening to ghost stories on cobblestones walked by Vikings.

At Hedley House, we see families arrive as tourists and leave as temporary residents who understand York's rhythm. When children start asking "can we come back next year?" before they've even left, you know you've chosen well.

Our February half term offer makes it easier for larger families - bring four children on our ghost walks and the fourth comes free, as long as one child is under 14. It's our way of ensuring cost doesn't prevent families from experiencing what York offers.

But whatever accommodation you choose, wherever you eat, whichever ghost walk you join - give your children these seven days.

York in February half term creates the kind of memories that shape how young people think about history, adventure, and what holidays can actually achieve.

Ready to plan your York adventure? Call us on 07428 917515 or book at hedleyhouse.com - half term spaces are filling up fast.