Tips for Traveling Cheaply in Yorkshire, Great Britain with Young Children

Are you planning an out of the country to get away? Have you convinced yourself that it will have to wait until your children are older? Are you desperate to do something now, but not sure how you can possibly make it affordable? Are you interested in examining another country's history and natural beauty, but not sure if your children are ready for it before the age of five?

Getting Around

It is possible to travel abroad with young children, and Yorkshire in Great Britain is an easily accessible option. Flights into Manchester can be direct from some major US cities, and once you arrive, public transportation is convenient and cost effective. Children under the age of two are often free on trains and many buses.

Bed and breakfasts are an accessible accommodation option throughout the countryside, and many will happily accept young children staying with their parents at no extra charge (but be sure to look or ask, first). In addition, many will offer travel cots and highchairs, so that you don't have to travel with your own.

What To See and Do

Are you interested in visiting historic castles, abbeys, and ruins? Children under the age of five are free at all National Trust sites, and children under the age of 16 are free at English Heritage sites if accompanying English Heritage members. A cost effective option would be to select one of these organizations and get an adult membership, and then plan to only visit their sites.

In North Yorkshire, for example, you can join English Heritage and visit Fountain's Abbey and Studley Royal, Rievaulx Abbey, Byland Abbey, Helmsley Castle, Spofforth Castle, the famous York Minster, and a dozen more, all within an hour's drive of York or Harrogate, both popular tourist destinations. You could easily spend a day walking around York, and even the children can enjoy the National Railway Museum, also free of charge!

Eating Out with Children

Though many adults worry about stereotypical bad English food, your concerns aren't founded today. Most restaurants will offer children's options, and if they don't allow children, will say so right on the door. Smoking is now illegal in enclosed spaces in England, so you won't have to worry about smoke in restaurants, either. Many areas are also home to children's indoor play places, which will serve decent food for adults, as well.

Clearly, travel abroad with young children can be a daunting experience. However, with the right amount of planning, it can be a very cost effective and enjoyable experience, even with the youngest of children.