Discover world-class attractions, beautiful gardens, scenic walking trails, mouth-watering street food and relaxed alfresco dining throughout the day.
With so much to see and do, why not unwind in the evening and continue your adventure the next day? York offers a wide range of accommodation, from boutique hotels and luxury spa retreats to self-catering stays, providing the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring. Whatever your style or budget, you’ll find the ideal base for your visit. And if you’re travelling with a four-legged friend, there’s also a great selection of dog-friendly accommodation across the city.
Step into summer and York’s gardens and hidden corners
The summer days in York are made for getting outdoors, enjoying the fresh air and exploring the city’s beautiful gardens and green spaces, perfect for leisurely walks or relaxed picnics in the sun.
One of the best ways to experience York is on foot. Wander through the city’s famous snickelways or along the historic City Walls, and you’ll uncover hidden gems, scenic views and charming corners that reveal York at its most atmospheric.
Don’t miss the brand-new, free art trail, The Watchers of York, inspired by York Minster’s carved stone figures, the grotesques. Individually designed, these new sculptures have been re-imagined with a contemporary twist to bring the historic forms to life throughout the city centre. Pick up the trail map from the Visit York Visitor Information Centre from 29 June to 31 August.
Outdoor dining and market treats
There are a variety of incredible cafes, restaurants and beer gardens with outdoor seating.
Shambles Market is open throughout the year where you can find something different every day from 9am to 5pm, offering a delightful variety of choices. It’s the ultimate destination for a diverse range of independent shopping from exquisite gifts and stylish accessories to fresh flowers and artisan crafts from local traders.
Nestled within the market, the Shambles Food Court is a culinary haven and the destination for gastronomic delights, catering to a wide range of global tastes. Plus, it’s a dog-friendly spot so you can grab you and your pooch a treat and relax at picnic bench area.
In addition, celebrate our great region with the curated artisan Yorkshire Day Market, from 30 July to 2 August, and find unique, handcrafted goods and delicious bites from Yorkshire’s finest producers.
York’s favourite pop-up bar, THOR’S, is back this summer at Parliament Street. With all things new, including a new look, food and drinks menu and community events. They’ll also be returning to The Milner York gardens with an unmissable line up of events.
City centre family friendly activities
There are plenty of things to see and do for your little ones over the summer holidays right in the heart of the city centre. From 30 July to 2 August, dive into a vibrant celebration with seaside-inspired fun that bring a splash of coastal charm to Parliament Street.
The Seaside Fun Zone will be full of activities with a pop-up sandpit and classic fairground rides, uncover hidden corners in Shambles Market with the self-guided Seagull Trail. Head to the Visit York Visitor Information Centre to pick up your trail leaflet. Little ones can also climb aboard a real farm tractor, alongside hands-on craft activities.
Take a tour on the river
Discover York from a different perspective with City Cruises York, offering a range of experiences along the River Ouse. The popular York City Cruise, led by knowledgeable local skippers, takes passengers through the city’s rich history, from its Roman origins to its famous chocolate heritage, with panoramic views from open-top decks and enclosed saloons. Visitors can also upgrade to the Fish and Chips Cruise, featuring freshly prepared meals from award-winning Mr Chippy delivered directly to the boat.
As the evenings grow longer, guests can relax on the water with a choice of evening sailings. The lively Alive After Five cruise combines live commentary with a sociable atmosphere and discounted onboard drinks, while the Evening Escape and Strawberries and Cream cruises offer a quieter experience complete with a complimentary boarding drink. For those seeking independence, Self-Drive Boat Hire allows families and groups of up to five people to captain their own adventure on the River Ouse, with no previous boating experience required.
Enjoy a thrilling mix of laughs, scares and storytelling
Step back through 2,000 years of York’s darkest history at The York Dungeon, where live actors, immersive sets and special effects bring the city’s murky past to life. Encounter Vikings, notorious figures including Guy Fawkes and Isabella Billington, and terrifying tales of plague, torture and highwaymen including the return of the infamous Dick Turpin.
For those brave enough to visit after dark, York Dungeon Lates offers an adults-only experience on Saturday evenings. Featuring extra scares, twists and turns, cheekier humour and surprises that only come out at night, the experience combines theatrical storytelling with edge-of-your-seat surprises for a darker and more intense night at the Dungeon.
All aboard for a journey through railway history
Discover world-famous locomotives, groundbreaking engineering and inspiring railway stories at National Railway Museum. In the newly reopened Station Hall, you can experience the atmosphere of York’s former goods station, explore magnificent royal carriages and uncover the stories of the people and journeys that shaped the railways. The museum is also home to iconic exhibits including Mallard, the world’s fastest steam locomotive, alongside immersive experiences such as the Flying Scotsman VR Experience.
With free entry and interactive attractions for all ages, the museum offers a memorable day out for the whole family. Young visitors can get hands-on in Wonderlab: The Bramall Gallery, packed with experiments and activities exploring the science behind the railways. Visitors can also travel to the museum in style aboard the Road Train from the city centre (complimentary for Visit York Pass holders).
Theatre under the evening sky
Shambles Market becomes the venue for York Mystery Plays as it hosts memorable performances depicting medieval times.
The return of the York Mystery Plays sees two twilight performances staged at the market’s unique setting on 30 June and 1 July. These atmospheric productions bring medieval storytelling to life in the very setting where history unfolded, offering audiences a unique open-air theatre experience.
Performed by local communities, the York Mystery Plays are a theatrical spectacle. Across the evening at Shambles Market, five plays unfold with each one introduced by a Storyteller inviting you to experience the stories and discover your own response within them. Performances also take place on 28 June and 5 July with the programme including a two-week fringe of events.
Ease of travelling in and out of the city
Travelling in and out of the city couldn’t be simpler with frequent services from First Bus heading straight into the heart of the city.
If you do drive, using the York Park & Ride service is the best way to travel by car. With six convenient sites located around the city, you can relax on board zero-emission buses and let someone else do the driving into the heart of York. It’s quicker and easier than driving into the city centre. What’s more, three children aged 16 or under can travel free when accompanied with an adult ticket from just £4!
Discover history, gardens and adventure at Castle Howard
Set within the Howardian Hills National Landscape just outside York, and easily accessible by bus from the city centre, Castle Howard is one of Britain’s most celebrated historic houses and gardens. Home to the Howard family for more than 300 years, the magnificent estate is regarded as one of the finest examples of English Baroque architecture. You can explore the grand interiors at your own pace while discovering the rich history and striking design of the house.
Beyond the house, you can enjoy almost 1,000 acres of Grade I listed parkland and gardens, featuring lakes, fountains, statues and woodland walks with sweeping countryside views. Families can make the most of the Skelf Island Adventure Playground, while shops, cafés, the farm shop and garden centre provide plenty of opportunities to relax and browse throughout the day.
Shop, dine and save
Home to more than 100 designer and premium brands, York Designer Outlet offers savings of up to 60% off recommended retail prices across a wide range of fashion, lifestyle and homeware stores.
It is also a great destination for a family day out, with a dedicated children’s play area and a full programme of activities and events running throughout the summer holidays. Visitors can also enjoy the Food Quarter, offering a variety of dining options to suit all tastes.
Just minutes from York city centre, the outlet is easily accessible via a regular Park and Ride service running daily, alongside free parking and EV charging points for added convenience.
Unlock more of York with the city’s official sightseeing pass
Grab a Visit York Pass for convenient access to more than 35 attractions, along with exclusive offers designed to save you both time and money during your visit. Enjoy free entry to leading sites in York and the surrounding area, with the flexibility to build your own itinerary at your own pace.
The more attractions you visit, the greater the savings compared with purchasing individual tickets. Fully digital and easy to use, the pass is stored on your phone for instant access on the go. You’ll also unlock a range of discounts and offers on dining, shopping and experiences to help make the most of your stay.
You can buy your Pass online or in person from the Visit York Visitor Information Centre. It’s also the place the friendly and knowledgeable team can help you with top tips for enjoying your summer in York. The shop is full of locally made gifts and souvenirs, as well as attraction and travel tickets, guides and maps, in addition, you can pick up the new summer guide.
With so much to see and do, head to visityork.org/summer for must-see attractions, things to do and a full list of events not to be missed.
@VisitYork | #SummerInYork
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