15 things to do with Dad around York this Father’s Day 2016
Fathers across York are bracing themselves for an onslaught of socks, comedy ties and Top Gear DVDs (Clarkson, obviously).
They will look cock-a-hoop with whatever you buy them for Father’s Day because they’re lovely, but why not ring the changes this year by spending some quality time together instead.
If you’re looking for something to do with your dad this weekend (yes, it’s Father Day on Sunday so you’d better get your skates on), York has plenty to offer.
From car shows to barbecues and jazz music to den building, here’s a range of dad-tastic days out.
Car-mad Dads
Yorkshire Post Motor Show
There’ll be hundreds of classic cars and vintage motors on show at Castle Howard this weekend.
Also watch out for an amazing aerobatic display from a Second World War spitfire, family entertainment, crafts, food stands, trade stands, transport collectables and a fun fair for the kids (big and small).
Father’s Day Classic Vehicles
Get within lusting distance of a selection of beautiful classic vehicles at Nunnington’s Father’s Day event.
And what else do dedicated petrol-heads like? That’s right – afternoon tea. You can treat your dad to scones, cakes and dainty sarnies in the tearooms or picnic on prepacked sandwiches in the tea garden.
Heritage Diesel Gala
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Jun 17-19, noon to 4pm
£5 (free with a valid travel ticket)
An extensive range of heritage locomotives will be displayed at this ‘awesome seventies’ themed event.
Groove down to Goathland station in your platforms and flares to hear DJ Lynne spinning some discs, enjoy a pint in the real ale bar, listen to live music from The Glamned and get your fill of classic vehicles and trains.
Flying Scotsman Season: Need for Speed
Why do we have a need for speed? This fast-paced, interactive family science show explains our eagerness to travel ever-faster, as well as highlighting famous locomotives that have broken incredible speed records, including how the Flying Scotsman set the 100 mile-an-hour record for a steam locomotive.
Father’s Day Vintage Vehicles
Forty vintage lorries, cars and tractors (tractors!) will be trundling along to Murton Park for one day only on Sunday.
Why not make a day of it by also taking a look at the women’s land army display and the Viking village?
Fire Service Preservation Group Rally Weekend
Pop along to Eden Camp to see a collection of classic fire appliances, pumps and memorabilia.
The museum will be open as normal, covering British military and social history from 1914 onwards, including a junior assault course for tiny commandos.
Hungry Dads
Summer Fete & Barbecue
Bob along to Bishophill for local beers, tasty barbecue food, live music, face painting, egg and spoon, three-legged and sack racing, tea and scones, crafts, plants, books and DVDs.
All proceeds will go to refugee charities.
Free chocolate tours
Chocoholic dads can indulge in limited edition Father’s Day treats engineered by specialist chocolatiers at York’s Chocolate Story.
They’ve teamed up with Brew York, using its signature smoked porter to make Viking DNA Truffles.
The only drawback is that every dad has to be accompanied by a son or daughter, so you’ll have to fill your face too.
Music-loving Dads
Enjoy an afternoon of jazz at the National Centre for Early Music as part of the Festival of Ideas.
Winners of four BBC jazz awards, Ian Shaw and Liane Carroll, will be performing contemporary covers and original songs interspersed with ‘mischievous fights’ during lively improvisation.
Father’s Day Bandstand
The scout bands will be filling Beningbrough Hall’s bandstand with music for a fun day out in the gardens on Sunday.
If you like to leave things until the last minute, The Stables Shop will be open, offering a range of father’s day gift ideas including gardening tools and books.
Outdoorsy Dads
Tennis at Goddards
As Wimbledon fever starts to grip the nation try your hand at tennis at Goddards House and Garden, just in time for Father’s Day.
The National Trust house on the edge of York racecourse has recently reinstated the tennis net on the historic lawn and you can follow in the footsteps of the Terry family and take up a spot of tennis during your next visit.
There are rackets and balls to borrow so all you need are your skills and your inner Andy Murray. There is also croquet on the lawn if that is more suited to your pace. Or even jigsaws or a game of bagatelle if the weather is bad.
York Cycle Rally
Knavesmire hosts its annual cycling rally, with 70 years of history behind it. Run by volunteers, it’s a fun, family-friendly day out on two wheels.
You can bag a bargain at the auction, enjoy live music and have a beer (or six) in the bar. Oh, and you can also ride your bike in races from five to 50 miles.
Den building for Dads
If your dad likes making stuff (not just a mess), Brimham rocks is hosting a den-building day for him to flex his DIY muscles.
British Wildlife Photography Awards Exhibition
If your dad is wild at heart, he’ll love Nunnington Hall’s new wildlife photographic exhibition which celebrates the natural history of the British Isles.
There’s also a permanent exhibition of miniature rooms – the prestigious Carlisle Collection – for dads who enjoy dolls’ houses.
Hey, we’re not here to judge.