Summer in York 2017: Your always updated guide to the holidays

Schools out, summer’s in and there are six long weeks to fill.

Fortunately York has loads on to keep the whole family occupied. And even more fortunately, we’re here to guide you to all the goodies.

We will be adding more to this guide as new events come in, so keep checking back. And if your favourite event or attraction is missing, drop us a line.

The summer guide 2017 is created in association with York’s Chocolate Story, which has a range of great family events inside and out.

So what are you waiting for? Bring on the hols!

All summer long

Terry’s Guided City Walk

The new city walk will take visitors around the city, looking at key buildings and areas connected to Terry’s. You’ll hear tales that have come straight from the workers themselves, and get to try a series of exclusive samples connected to the company.

Summer holiday activities at the Yorkshire Museum

Make your own sagas, drums and brooches as part of the Vikings season – see the link for what’s on when.

Summer events at Beningbrough Hall

This summer at Beningbrough there is art to look at, with portraits from David Beckham to Beatrix Potter, art to make and do, and bugs in the gardens – see the link for what’s on when.

Summer holiday activities at York Art Gallery

Don’t miss your chance to play around of Leisure Land Golf in the Art Garden, plus accessible story making – see the link for what’s on when.

Summer Sleuthing

Discover the science behind crime and mystery and follow the clues to solve a murder with fun events for detectives of all ages.

Summer holiday activities at York Castle Museum

Meet the characters of old York, and enjoy tasty treats – see the link for what’s on when.

Garden fun at Treasurer’s House

Enjoy giant jenga, croquet and garden games in our small but perfectly formed garden with neighbouring York Minster on the skyline.

York Maze

York Maze is not just the largest maze in the UK, it’s an award winning fun filled, day out in the country. With over 20 different rides, attractions and shows to enjoy York Maze offers an amazing fun-filled full family day out.

250 Year’s Of Terry’s

York’s Chocolate Story is a fascinating fully guided tour through the history of York’s most famous chocolate-making families and their finest creations. This year, check out its exhibition marking 250 years since Terry’s began and have a go at making some Terry-like sweet treats.

Family fun

Micklegate Soapbox Challenge

It’s back, bigger and more bonkers. Watch as teams hurtle down the hill in handcrafted go-karts of variable roadworthiness.

Tractor Ted comes to Murton Park

Come and meet Tractor Ted at Murton Park on August 6th! Ted has promised to bring along all his friends and his bouncy castle as well. It sounds like there will be a lot of fun to be had, including welly wanging, Ted’s activity trail and giant jigsaw.

Poo Day

Join in at historic Barley Hall this summer and learn all about the muckier side of archaeology.

St Leonard’s Hospice It’s a Knockout

Teams representing a range of businesses, organisations and families will be facing a silly, fun and foamy tournament of games. Fun to watch or join in on the other events during the day, there will be rides, tombolas, games, stalls and inflatables as well as food stands.

York Unleashed – York’s Comic-Con

A mighty mix of cosplay, star guests – including former Doctor Who Peter Davison – gifts and memorabilia, and workshops – who’s enrolling for Zombie Survival School?

Holgate Windmill

During these open days tour York’s working windmill, and maybe buy some flour to bake with at home.

Art, books and stories

Summer Reading Challenge

Explore York libraries need your help to crack the puzzle of some peculiar happenings. The Animal Agents are on the case but they want children to take part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge to solve the mystery…

Crafty fun at York Minster

Families can enjoy hands-on animal craft activities that celebrate the theme of Noah’s Ark. There will also bespecial storytelling sessions and fun family-friendly tours of the cathedral on each of these activity days.

Story time at York’s libraries

Take your tots to one of York’s many excellent libraries this summer to chill out with a good story.

Plates With Faces

Take inspiration from the new ceramics exhibition and paint your own paper plate so it smiles or frowns.

Little Diggers – Norse Myths and Stories

A Viking storyteller, called a skald, hits DIG to weave some magical tales and sagas.

Animals and outdoors

Meet the Creatures

A Meet the Creatures session with a few small and friendly exotic animals. Kids will get to see and touch some amazing animals from around the world.

Little Diggers: Garden Explorers

Explore DIG’s sensory garden and discover what you can find out about archaeology from what we know about bugs and animals.

Big Bug Bonanza

They’re celebrating all things invertebrate this summer, with daily talks, trails, themed crafts and brilliant bug events all holiday.

Sporty fun

York 10K

Hailed as one of the most beautiful city runs in the country, runners pound through the heart of York cheered on by large crowds. The route takes in some of the city’s stunning scenery and historic landmarks, including Clifford’s Tower and York Minster.

Ebor Festival

York’s oldest, richest, fastest, and most famous races provide sporting excellence combined with fashion and fun over four fabulous days.

Junior Parkrun

A free, timed 2km run for children aged from 4 to 14. Starts from the main entrance to the racecourse at 9am. Make sure the kids keep active this summer and get their trainers on every Sunday at the park run.

Shows

Great Yorkshire Fringe

The Great Yorkshire fringe will become a key summer event in York’s entertainment calendar, bringing the best in comedy, cabaret, theatre and music to Yorkshire.

Music Showcase Weekend

It’s time for the weekend that combines fab racing with top music. It’s Jess Glynne on the Friday evening and All Saints on the Saturday.

Robin Hood: The Arrow Of Destiny

There’s a lot more to being cool than standing around Sherwood Forest in green tights! Join the young people who are putting on this funny, fast-moving take on Robin and his outlaws.

Stage Experience: FAME

Stage Experience returns with the musical story of a group of star-struck hopefuls trying to make it on Broadway. Will Carmen achieve the fame she craves? Will Serena make it to become a successful actress? Will hard work pay off for Tyrone? You’ll have to hit the Grand Opera House to find out…

The Tiger Who Came To Tea

The timeless children’s book by Judith Kerr is turned into a musical play. When the doorbell rings, the last person Sophie and her mum expect to see is a stripy tiger. Suitable for children aged three and upwards.

Sherlock Holmes: A Study In Scarlet

By Jove Holmes, are Nightshade Productions staging one of your stories as never before? Yes Watson, partly performed on the street and partly in the pub. But be warned this is for seven year olds and upwards only.

Musical Play In A Week

A summer week of creativity and fun for 10 to 15 year olds! Aimed at youngsteres who enjoy acting, making music (any instrument or voice) and listening to thrilling stories from the past.

History fun

Viking: Rediscover The Legend

Featuring some of the most exciting Anglo-Saxon and Viking discoveries ever made, this new exhibition explores how the Vikings transformed life in Britain.

Little Diggers: Norse Myths and Stories

Have a go at mythical crafts and activities while we explore the characters, gods and monsters of Viking sagas.
Pre-booking essential due to limited spaces.

Archaeology in Coppergate

Join in with a host of fun activities showcasing the exciting world of archaeology!

Rowntree’s Theatrical Performances

Lawrence, the grandson of Joseph Rowntree, died in the Battle of Passchendaele which started 100 years ago on July 31 1917.To commemorate the anniversary of the battle actors Rebecca Beattie or Charlotte Wood will provide performances of the life of Lawrence Rowntree using extracts from his journal.

Living History at the Hall

Barley Hall’s award winning volunteer team are offering visitors a special treat this summer when they take the Hall back in time, showcasing serving life from the late-medieval period.

Animals In The First World War

Drop in activity led by local artist Abi Hiskey exploring the animals who made a difference during the First World War.

WWII Living History Bank Holiday Weekend

Reenactors bring the Second World War homefront to life over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Made in York

This exhibition celebrates the wealth of this Georgian city’s inventive and enlightened output through 1670-1830.

Little Diggers: Archaeology of the Future

What will archaeologists discover when they look back at us in 100 years? That’s the question at this fun workshop…

Shopping

Summer Social at York Designer Outlet

Make up, magic and football – just some of the activities for children on at the shopping centre on Thursdays over the summer.

Transport

Vintage Props Day

Vintage propeller aircraft are celebrated at this special day, including the original Dakota.

Yorvik Morris Minor Owners Club Rally

See the summer holidays out with a classic car rally. Previous years have seen 60 old Morris Minors gathered at Eden Camp.

Golden Era Vintage Motorcycle Run

An annual nostalgic gathering of amazing pre 1931 vintage motorcycles with many examples over 100 years old.

Further afield

Piglets Adventure Farm

Lots of activities on the farm, from the fairy trail to Fatt Matt’s Circus.

Castle Howard

Woodland exploration, gravity-inspired hill rolling and water-borne fun are all lined up for Castle Howard’s Summer Explorer Adventures.