York

What's on in York 

April/May/June

York is celebrating 800 years since King John signed a charter effectively giving the city the freedom to govern itself. In York 800, an exciting, year-long programme, there’s a host of special events to enjoy, including an exhibition of paintings, drawings and photographs of the city from 1610 to the present at Fairfax House (1 April-31 August), the launch of a new medieval gallery and exhibition 1212: The Making of the City at the Yorkshire Museum (6 April), and the first ever Buskival, a city-wide busking festival featuring all manner of weird and wonderful performers (2-3 June).

From May to September, the York Science & Innovation Grand Tour showcases the city’s groundbreaking achievements and ingenuity in areas such as geology, the science of flight and information technology. Up to 100 large-scale images and messages will be on display in key locations around the city, each bearing a QR code so that people with smartphones can scan them to learn more about the story behind the image. One of the giant pictures is of a gribble, a tiny marine shrimp that may hold the secret to the development of new biofuels to replace oil and gas. Clever stuff.

Lilies on the Land

Lilies on the Land


24-28 April

Based on the real lives of lasses in the Women’s Land Army of World War II, this funny and thought-provoking play follows four Land Girls who initially clash but inevitably become close as they share toughening experiences such as taking three-inch baths and hauling eight-stone sacks of potatoes. yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

Dante Festival

Dante Festival

16-18 May

There’s an excited buzz in the air for the first of the season’s racing action on the Knavesmire. Last year, HM The Queen’s Carlton House was ridden to victory by Ryan Moore in the Dante Stakes, held on the Thursday, and many of the top horses seen here are likely to reappear in the Royal Ascot Gold Cup. yorkracecourse.co.uk

Olympic Torch Relay and Knavesmire Concert

Olympic Torch Relay and Knavesmire Concert

19 June

Cheer the Olympic flame as it’s carried through the city on its 70-day, 8,000-mile tour of the UK. Around 8,000 torchbearers are responsible for carrying the flame, each covering a distance of around 300m. In the evening, the festivities continue at York Racecourse with a live music concert. york.gov.uk

5 things to see and do in York

5 things to see and do in York

  1. Railfest 2012

    Britain’s biggest rail celebration returns to the National Railway Museum, displaying legendary locomotives such as Javelin, Flying Scotsman and Tornado and an impressive range of the fastest, strongest, smallest and newest trains across a space the size of 11 football pitches. Climb inside drivers’ cabs, stand on footplates and enjoy thrilling rides (2-10 June).

  2. York on the Run

    If the impending Olympics have spurred you into action, join these gentle jogging tours of the city for ages 12 and up. The runs start and finish at York Minster and take in sights such as Dean’s Park, Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, Clifford’s Tower and Newgate Market. They end with a cool-down walk, a short talk and a refreshing drink.

  3. Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens

    These delightful cottage gardens surrounding a late 18th-century farmhouse are colour-themed, densely planted and packed with lush foliage. Stroll along the Avenue, an 18m double herbaceous border, and take the woodland walk to a wildlife pond and wildflower meadow. There are also specialist nurseries and a renovated barn housing a café.

  4. Hockney’s Bigger Ride

    Ride through the landscapes that David Hockney paints on these scenic cycle holidays inspired by the artist’s Royal Academy exhibition. The four-night tours start in Bridlington, home of Hockney’s current studio, progress through Woldgate, Sledmere, Thixendale, Millington Dale and Warter, and end in York. Each day your belongings are sent ahead of you to your comfortable accommodation.

  5. York Castle Museum

    Kirkgate, the recreated Victorian street at the museum, is being expanded to include new, authentic businesses based on real examples from York’s past, such as Leak & Thorpe Drapers, Banks’ music shop and Sessions bookshop. When the attraction re-opens on June 2, you’ll also be able to have a cuppa in the Cocoa Rooms and explore a Victorian funeral directors, a pawnbrokers and an outside privy.

Near the station

The Cat Gallery, 27 Stonegate, YO1 8AW

The Cat Gallery, 27 Stonegate, YO1 8AW

All manner of cat-themed gifts have been hunted down by owners Peter and Alison Hanson for this delightful shop, which includes pet accessories as well as top-quality artworks, jewellery, homewares, books and ornaments.

Demijohn, 11 Museum Street, YO1 7DT

Demijohn, 11 Museum Street, YO1 7DT

Hailed as the world's first liquid deli, Demijohn borrows its concept from Italian wineries, where you take along a container, try the offerings and fill it up. At Demijohn, you can taste whiskies, wines, liqueurs, oils and vinegars, choose one of the shop’s handmade glass bottles and have it filled with the nectar of your choice. Genius.

Giftag Chocolate Box, 37 Fossgate, YO1 9TF

Giftag Chocolate Box, 37 Fossgate, YO1 9TF

There's something for everyone at this mouthwatering shop, from heart-shaped champagne truffles to chocolate Killer Heels and fun characters such as Goofy Giraffe.

Bookmark and Share