Echoes of Yorkshire: The Museum Illuminated

York is a short drive away for us now that we live in Harrogate and was a close contender when we finally decided to relocate north from Windsor.

We might not live there (we determined it was too far from my folks) but we do spend most weekends in this UNESCO Creative City of Media and Arts, just as I did as a child, roaming the cobbled streets (The Shambles), marvelling at feeling as if we were transported back in time Doctor Who style, with so much of York’s magnificent architecture still intact and well preserved, the York Minster the diamond in the crown. To pretend to live as the Romans, Vikings and Anglo Saxons did. Being enveloped by the imposing city walls which surround the city makes you feel as if you’re in another world, that York belongs to you and you to it.

Sunday night made for another memorable visit.

Taking the whole family once night had fallen, we gasped at the breathtaking visuals in the darkness, a world where history and art collide as you weave your way through the trees, starting at the age of the dinosaurs, to the time of York’s Roman occupation, the power of the Vikings and the mysteries of the Medieval world.

Each chapter comes to life through artistry, imagination, sound and light with silver sculpted knights dotted on the path to guide you on your journey.

After a trip through golden, russet red and purple illuminated trees (Florence, 3, fittingly named the park as ‘The Magic Gardens’, we collectively enjoyed everything hot we could get out mits on to eat and drink: hot dogs, hot chocolate and piping hot giant skewers of marshmallows we turned on a crackling, open fire.

It was the perfect way to bring in autumn whilst giving us a taste of the festivities to come with Christmas round the corner. This visual and literal feast is on until November 2nd 2025 so be quick!