Family day out in Howden
TWO DAY FAMILY-FRIENDLY ITINERARY
Planning a family day out in Howden? This two day itinerary is an easy way to explore, with short walks, simple activities and plenty of stops to keep everyone happy.
Two days in Howden can be as busy or as slow as you like, with a good balance of fresh air, history and kid-friendly activities. This itinerary is designed to be flexible, so you can follow it in order or swap the mornings and afternoons around. Mix and match to suit nap times and energy levels!
DAY ONE: COBBLES AND CURIOSITIES
Morning
Let the little ones lead the way as you explore Howden on the Heritage Blue Plaque trail. It’s a simple, town-centre walk that turns a wander into a game of “spot the next plaque”, with plenty of short stops built in.
Top tip: For a self-guided tour to follow, Howden Civic Society shares walking routes that introduce the town’s key historic buildings.
Midday
After the trail, continue your stroll with a gentle wander through Howden’s historic streets and architecture, then stop for lunch.
There are plenty of spots to choose from for a bite to eat, keeping even the fussiest of eaters happy. Take a look at our Food & Drink directory before your visit, or just see what grabs your fancy on the day. If you’re visiting on a Friday, you can also call in at The Shire Hall Community Café and Mini Market, which runs weekly.
Afternoon
Head to The Ashes Playing Field, a large community green space near Howden Minster. It’s a great place for kids to run around, with a playpark, a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) for ball games, and a pétanque court.
Why not have the little ones bring their bikes or scooters along to do a lap (or two) of the Howden Mile, an all-weather track that loops around the edge of the park.
DAY TWO: WILDLIFE AND WIDER HORIZONS
Morning
Start the day at Howden Marsh Nature Reserve for a gentle pace and some wildlife spotting. The site has a flat surfaced route and boardwalk with no barriers, making it suitable for buggies and prams. Children should be supervised, particularly near the water.
Good to know: there are picnic areas, but no toilets on site.
Midday
Keep lunch simple by picking up something easy earlier in the day (or the day before) and having a picnic in the Community Orchard at Howden Marsh or back at The Ashes, if you want play space nearby.
If the weather isn’t on your side, you’ll still have plenty of indoor options in town.
Afternoon
Finish your visit with something a bit different at Howden Minster, where you can hunt for the 30 tiny carved mice hidden around the Minster’s woodwork and furnishings. It’s a great family-friendly find them all challenge! Afterwards, grab an ice cream before making your way home or back to your accommodation.
IMPORTANT LOGISTICS FOR FAMILIES VISITING HOWDEN
Getting around with little ones
Howden is mostly flat, which makes routes around the town manageable for little legs, buggies and prams.
While you’re out and about, the Howden map is handy for getting your bearings and checking locations as you go.
Toilets and baby changing
Public toilets (including an accessible RADAR-key toilet and a Changing Places facility) are available on Charles Briggs Avenue, Howden, DN14 7SX, and it’s worth using them before visiting Howden Marsh, as there are no toilets on site.
Travelling to Howden
Howden has two East Riding of Yorkshire Council pay-and-display car parks (with some streets covered by a Controlled Parking Zone).
Howden is easy to reach by public transport, with a railway station and local bus services connecting the town with nearby areas. More information about transport links and parking in Howden is available on our website.
What’s on in Howden
There’s always lots going on in Howden, so be sure to check out upcoming events when you’re planning your visit.
