Sip decadent hot chocolate
Few things provide an antidote to the winter blues quite like a mug of hot chocolate. In both Hull and Beverley, the White Rabbit Chocolatiers serve a range of flavours, although kids may still opt for the razzle-dazzle of their exploding chocolate bomb. A Belgian hot chocolate at Botham’s of Whitby, on the other hand, will warm cold hands following a cobweb-banishing seaside stroll.
whiterabbitchocolatiers.co.uk & botham.co.uk/visit-us
Scoff pizza in plush surroundings
Burton Agnes Hall opens for Christmas, 14 Nov – 23 Dec 2021. Pizzas are served 5 days a week.
burtonagnes.com
Spend pocket money at a sweet shop
On a sunny winter’s day, cycle the family-friendly, 8-mile Gargrave short circuit. Weary legs will be well-rewarded by a tasty stop at The Dalesman Cafe & Sweet Emporium (and there’s the Michelin-starred Angel Inn en route too, complete with children’s menu). Fancy something more leisurely? Timewarp to Christmas past and see Haworth dressed up for the festive season. While you’re there, stock up on bonbons and sugar mice at Mrs Beighton's Sweet Shop. Haworth Christmas Festival runs 27 Nov – 19 Dec 2021, with events each weekend
angelhetton.co.uk & mrsbeightons.co.uk
Spend a day in foodie Malton
Malton Christmas Market, 4 & 5 December 2021
visitmalton.com
Cook up a storm in York
thegrandyork.co.uk/cookery-school & yorkcocoahouse.co.uk
Get creative at a pottery café
It’s rare that kids and breakable objects are a good combination; however, Yorkshire’s pottery cafes are the exception that prove the rule. Follow some creative plate decorating with a slice of homemade cake at Coffee and Clay in Skipton. Alternatively, sign up for a festive storytelling session at Puffin Pottery in Otley. Expect exuberant singing, snacks and Christmas decorations to paint.
coffeeandclay.co.uk & puffinpotteryleeds.co.uk
Indulge in afternoon tea
Follow in the footsteps of Victorian gentlefolk, and sate a mid-afternoon peckishness with afternoon tea. At elegant Jameson’s in Sheffield, children can tuck into a miniature version of their signature afternoon platter. Mini train enthusiasts will love scoffing a fruit scone aboard a restored rail carriage at the National Railway Museum in York.
jamesonstearooms.co.uk & railwaymuseum.org.uk/visit/countess-york
Wrap up warm for frozen treats
bradfordicearena.co.uk & dixonsmilkices.co.uk
Chow down in a diner
For a taste of 1950s Americana, follow a family walk around Bolton Abbey with a trip to Billy Bob’s Parlour. Kids will love the mini burgers and sundaes as well as the undercover play barns.
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