Celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with an activity fit for royalty! There are some lovely events going on in and around York to mark Her Majesty’s epic 70-year reign but be warned: go hungry, as they all seem to involve eating! So if you don’t fancy just staying at home and tucking into piles of scones and cucumber sandwiches (we’re in!), here are some other ideas for things to do. Keep an eye on our handy guide – we’ll add more events and activities as we get them.
Family activities at York Minster
There’s a range of family-friendly activities at York Minster (free admission for children and any York resident): get crafty in Dean’s Park by creating your own bunting or doing some colouring (free) or join a drop-in family session with a Jubilee twist. Find all the details here.
Platinum Jubilee Holiday fun at the National Railway Museum
Celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee at the National Railway Museum, with special May half-term family activities, royal carriages you can peep inside and a new exhibition all about the royals’ love of train travel. The National Railway Museum has everything you need for a regal day out. Activities are free, unless otherwise stated. 2nd June to 5th June 2022 – Visit the National Railway Museum website for details
Queen Bee Quest at Woldie’s Lavender and Nature Farm
This half term celebrate the Queen Bee at Woldie’s with the Queen Bee Quest! To complete the quest. find the bees and reveal the Queen Bee’s secret code to win a prize! Bumble through Woldie’s NEW Bees & Friends Garden, track bees, pollinate the giant flower and dare to enter the giant observation hive to spot the queen bee and her hive making honey. Set in tranquil woodland, wildflowers, lavender and nature; fun for all the family! 28th May to Sunday 5th June – Visit the website for info and to book
Jubilee Fair at Tang Hall Explore
Head to Tang Hall Explore Library on Saturday 4th June for lots of fun, free activities for the whole family. There’ll be games, live music and dressing up is encouraged. Follow them on Facebook for the latest.
Jubilee Family Fun at Agility
On Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th June, head to Agility York to enjoy a bouncy castle, old school sports day races, hog roast pulled pork sandwiches, afternoon teas and a fully stocked bar. No need to have a session booked – just turn up to enjoy. Follow Agility on Facebook for more info.
Platinum Jubilee Half Term on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Join the North Yorkshire Moors Railway for a right royal time! The stations will be decorated with red, white and blue fit for a royal welcome this May half-term. There’ll be jubilee treats to enjoy, and you can even buy a cream tea to tuck into along the way! Visit the North Yorkshire Moors Railway website
Celebrate at Murton Park
There’s a variety of fun activities going on at Murton Park, just outside York, to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Ride back in time on a vintage train, enjoy some Viking crafts and, on Sunday 5th June, join a street party. Bring a hamper or buy one on-site (pre-booking required) and enjoy some magic with Professor Dan’s shows throughout the day. 2nd June to 5th June 2022 – Visit the Murton Park website for details
Create a chocolate bar fit for a queen at York Cocoa House
Head to York Cocoa Works’ Cocoa Academy and make your very own 200g chocolate bar! Get hands-on and discover the art of working with tempered chocolate. For the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations, why not create a chocolate bar fit for a Queen? Discover more about the Queen’s love of chocolate and jubilee chocolate celebrations past and present. Multiple slots available every afternoon. Visit the York Cocoa Works website for info.
Beacon lighting at York Spring Fair 2022
York Spring Fair & Food Festival returns to York Racecourse for 10 days of Jubilee Holiday fun from 27th May to 5th June 2022, bringing together one of the largest vintage funfairs seen in North Yorkshire, a food festival, live music and family entertainment. It’s also a great place to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee in York, with the lighting of York’s beacon on the evening of Thursday 2nd June and the opportunity for a Big Jubilee Lunch on Sunday 5th June, where the array of food and drink stalls can provide a picnic to suit all tastes! Visit the York Spring Fair website
Bishy Road Street Party
Exciting news! The legendary Bishopthorpe Road Street Party is returning for the Jubilee weekend! Details are still being finalised, but put Sunday 5th June 2022 in your diary and watch this space. Follow Bishy Road on Facebook.
Majesty: Monarchy and York Minster Exhibition
Discover York Minster’s royal connections and collections through a new exhibition exploring the cathedral’s centuries-old relationship with the monarchy in celebration of HM Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. The exhibition is free with admission to York Minster, and you can book a timed ticket in advance. Until 1st January 2022 – Visit the York Minster website for details
Jubilee celebrations at Raby Castle
The majestic Raby Castle in County Durham is pulling out all the stops to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee this May half term. From picnics in the park to a new street party themed trail to bunting competitions and special collections on display in the castle, join them for a week of family fun. Find out more here
Malton Food Lovers’ Festival
Home to artisan producers and award-winning independent businesses, visitors to the Malton Food Lovers’ Festivals this year can expect a huge array of unique stalls with tasty treats and gorgeous gifts, celebrity chef talks and demonstrations, live music and fun for all the family. Friday 3rd to Sunday June 5th 2022 – Visit the Visit Malton website for details
Great British Food Festival at Harewood
Home to artisan producers and award-The Great British Food Festival is returning to Harewood for 2022. Take a good helping of local and artisan producers, a big serving of tasty hot food vendors, add a dash of bars, a sprinkling of children’s activities, a dollop of top chef demos, stir in some competitions, with lashings of excellent live music, and mix together to make a fabulous foodie family day out! Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th June 2022, 10 am to 5.30 pm – Harewood House, Harewood, Leeds LS17 9LG – Visit the Great British Food Festival website for more details
Afternoon tea at Castle Howard
Pull out all the stops and enjoy an exclusive afternoon tea experience in the Long Gallery at Castle Howard. 27th May to 12th June 2022 – Visit the Castle Howard website for details.
