This brand new event is part of Ghosts in the Gardens, one of York’s best-loved events. Explore York Museum Gardens after dark and discover 45 ghostly sculptures inspired by York’s past, illuminated with dramatic lighting, smoke, and sound. Uncover the history behind the ghosts at six storytelling areas, featuring York’s top storytellers sharing both classic […]

Nurturing and supporting new talent is at the heart of York’s Aesthetica 2024. The dynamic film festival spotlights rising stars in the New Wave initiative and has a vibrant family friendly programme. We believe in the power of film to inspire the next generation by encouraging creativity. It is an important mechanism to develop media […]

Whether it’s York’s ancient history or its recent connections with the world of Harry Potter, the city has become a popular destination for families in search of magic. The most magical spot in our already enchanting city is the Shambles, a quirky, cobbled medieval street that feels like stepping into a fairytale. Now there’s even […]

Share how you travel around York, and you could win a £50 York Gift Card. Simply fill out the quick 2-minute travel survey to be entered into the prize draw. You could be the lucky winner and enjoy spending your £50 on whatever you like in York. Don’t forget to check the terms and conditions here. While we’re […]

It’s time for a spooktacular Halloween at Mother Shipton’s – and one lucky family can win tickets to experience the magic for FREE! From October 26th to November 3rd 2024, Mother Shipton’s will be transformed into a Hocus Pocus-inspired wonderland, filled with witches, bubbling cauldrons, and magical spells. Explore enchanting displays, interact with spell-casting actors […]

‘Tis the season to pick pumpkins, seek out spooky events and huddle around the bonfire (not too close, mind). October is a brilliant time to visit York with kids, with a wide variety of activities going on, from pumpkin festivals to pumpkin picking and even the odd event NOT involving large root veg! Here’s our […]

Half term Spooky Pass! Calling all little monsters, witches, and ghouls!  Oxygen’s Spooky Pass brings you chills, thrills, and some eerily irresistible BIG-TIME FUN this October half-term! Grab your Spooky Pass and get ready to BOO-unce with the hero crew all week long. For just £30, you’ll enjoy an hour of jumping every day from Monday […]

We thought there was no magical spell strong enough to turn rainy Sunday frowns into happy faces, but here it is: afternoon tea at Dreamery Gardens (formerly Northwood Trail). Located outside Stamford Bridge, just a short drive from York, Dreamery Gardens is more than just a walk in the woods — it’s a chance to […]

If you’re lucky enough to be in York at Christmas, there’s one place you really must follow the twinkling lights to: York Minster. A joy at any time of year, York Minster is even more magical at Christmas, with lots of reasons to visit, from the fabulous Christmas Tree Festival to carol concerts and a […]

The North York Moors, with its misty landscapes and ancient woodland, are a haunting backdrop for atmospheric autumn adventures, but where should budding ghost-hunters start? Overshadowed by the imposing ruins of the abbey, Whitby is one of our favourite places to spend time at Halloween. Its winding cobbled streets and eerie cliff-side paths are seriously […]

Autumn’s here and there’s something spooktacular going on in York: the return of Ghosts in the Gardens! The York BID is once again bringing some horribly good wire mesh sculptures to some of York’s most stunning green spaces and this year it’s bigger than ever. Eagle eyed viewers will spot six new ghosts including a […]

Come out to play at Beningbrough this half term holiday. Explore the gardens and get involved with the Harvest Heroes hunt or take part in a nature-related activity (available on selected days). There’s space to play on the south lawn, trees to climb and fish to spot or head to the wilderness play area and […]

It’s that time of year again— your chance to show your appreciation for the many fantastic family-friendly places in and around York! Now celebrating its 10th year, the Little Vikings Awards recognizes the very best York has to offer for children and families. It’s the only awards scheme that highlights the top places to visit, […]

York Restaurant Week is back from 14th to 20th October 2024 with more offers on food and drink than ever before and some exciting new eateries to explore. Businesses taking part for the first time this Restaurant Week include Yemen Heaven, Miller & Carter Steakhouse, Poly’s Kitchen, Rio Brazilian Steakhouse, The Savvy Baker, Sky Blue Chinese Restaurant, […]

When it comes to autumn activities, it doesn’t get more wholesome – or more colourful – than picking your own pumpkin. Chucking one in the supermarket trolley might be cheaper, but you’d miss the joy of hunting around in the fields for ‘the best one’ and refereeing your kids who may not agree on which […]

However well you think you know York, chances are that there are iconic buildings you’ve walked past thousands of times but have no idea what’s hiding behind the front door. If, like us, you’d relish the opportunity to have a little look around, we’ve got just the event for you: York Unlocked. Here’s what you […]

It’s one of York’s coolest events, and it’s back for 2025! Yes, York Ice Trail is returning in February next year and the theme has been revealed. York Ice Trail will take place on February 1st and 2nd 2025 and the theme will be ‘Origins’, with each sculpture telling a unique story. As always, the […]

We’re putting it out there: York is the best place in the UK for a Christmas family break. An amazing family-friendly destination at any time of year, York’s even more special at Christmas. From November onwards, the city transforms into a winter wonderland, with a festive atmosphere, Santa experiences, seasonal shows and pantomimes and wonderful […]

Did you know that York has more ghosts than anywhere else in Europe? Although we don’t know who counted all the ghosts, we do know that York’s a haunted city that takes Halloween equally seriously. In fact we’d go so far as to say it’s the best place in the UK to celebrate Halloween, making […]

We’ve got some excellent eerie news for you if you’re looking for something fun – and free – to do in York during October half term: the Little York Ghost Hunt is back for 2024! It’s part of York Ghost Week, which runs from Monday 28th to Thursday 31st October 2024. Join the search each […]