York Residents Festival 2018 – Your complete guide

**For the 2019 Residents Festival Guide go here**


It’s the time when we reclaim the city.
York Residents Festival is back, offering free entry to top attractions in and around York, as well as discounts in shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.
So what’s on? We’re glad you asked…
New for 2018

Gyrocopter Experience
Rufforth Airfield East, Rufforth, York, YO23 3QA
Sat 27 Jan @ 10am-4pm
Pre-booking? No
Remember James Bond’s Little Nellie Gyrocopter? The experience has a collection of modern gyrocopters. With a museum, cinema, simulator and hangar.
Jacobs Well
Trinity Lane, Micklegate, York, YO1 6EL
Sat 27 Jan
@ 10am-4pm
Pre-booking? No
Jacobs Well was originally the home of the Chantry Priests from Holy Trinity Priory. It was bought by Isabella Ward, Prioress of Clementhorpe Nunnery in 1539, later became an Inn and is now the Parish rooms for Holy Trinity Church.
King’s Manor
Exhibition Square, York YO1 7EP
Sat Jan 27 @ 11am-3pm
Pre-booking? No
An opportunity to find out more about this historic building in the centre of York, and about the history of York, drop in tours and talks sessions.
Museums and more

The Bar Convent Living Heritage Centre
17 Blossom Street, York, YO24 1AQ
Sat 27 Jan @ 10am-5pm
Pre-booking? No
Explore 300 years of history, then relax with home cooked food in the café. Complimentary glass of wine, beer, soft drink or hot drink valid on main meals over £7.
Castle Howard
Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA
Sat 27 Jan & Sun 28 Jan @ 10am-4pm (last entry)
Pre-booking? No
With woodland and lakeside walks, wildlife spotting on the Great Lake and fun adventure playground, Castle Howard’s exhilarating landscape is yours to discover this winter. Dogs are welcome. A choice of cafés and shops are open daily. Please note the house itself is closed.
DIG – An Archaeological Adventure
St Saviour’s Church, St Saviourgate, York, YO1 8NN
Sat 27 Jan & Sun 28 Jan @ 10am-5pm
Pre-booking? No
Places will be available to York residents on each DIG tour throughout the day over Residents Festival weekend. Tours take place on the hour from 10am. Last admission 4pm. Places are allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Explore York Libraries and Archives
York Explore Library, Library Square, Museum Street, York, YO1 7DS
Sat 27 Jan @ 10am –4pm
Pre-booking? No
Map Attack! Join in the one-day Residents Festival spectacular at York Explore Library as they use historical maps from the archives as inspiration to help us recreate York from Lego! Event takes place in the Marriot Room.
Henry VII Experience
Micklegate Bar, York, YO1 6JX
Sat 27 Jan & Sun 28 Jan @ 10am-3pm
Pre-booking? No
Discover the impact the first Tudor monarch had on York when you visit the Henry VII Experience at Micklegate Bar.



Jorvik Viking Centre
Coppergate, York, YO1 9WT
Sat 27 & Sun 28 Jan @ 1pm-5pm
Pre-booking? No
Residents are invited to visit after 1pm across the weekend to explore the re-imagined JORVIK experience. Visitors will be admitted on a first come, first served basis. Last admission 4pm.
National Railway Museum
Leeman Road, York, YO26 6HS
Sat 27 Jan & Sun 28 Jan @ 10am-5pm
Pre-booking?
Get onboard awe-inspiring locomotives and see railway legends including Mallard, the world’s fastest steam locomotive. Experience atmospheric Station Hall, home to Queen Victoria’s saloon and the luxurious collection of royal carriages.
Richard III Experience
Monk Bar, Goodramgate, York, YO1 7LQ
Sat 27 Jan & Sun 28 Jan @ 10am-4pm
Pre-booking? No
Explore the impact the last Plantagenet monarch had on York when you visit the Richard III Experience at Monk Bar.
St Nicks Environment Centre
Rawdon Avenue, York, YO10 3ST
Sat 27 Jan @ 12pm-4pm
Pre-booking? No
Explore the green heart of York: free guided tours of the centre and 24 acre reserve start at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. Plus family-friendly activities, crafts sale, refreshments including food from haybox cookers, info on green living and volunteering.
York Army Museum
3 Tower Street, York, YO1 9SB
Sat 27 Jan & Sun 28 Jan @ 9am – 4pm
Pre-booking? For the talks only-01904 731532
Explore the museum and discover its Behind the Lines exhibition. Last admission 3.30pm. Free talks – The Half-Shilling Curate, Sat, 4.30pm; York’s Military Legacy, Sun, 4.30pm.
York Castle Museum
Eye of York, YO1 9RY
Sat 27 Jan & Sun 28 Jan @ 9.30am-5pm
Pre-booking? No
Votes for Women! Join the museum’s suffragette on a march down Kirkgate, the famous Victorian street. Put on a sash, (or a policeman’s helmet if you prefer), make a badge and take up a banner as you join the cause for women’s rights.

York’s Chocolate Story
King’s Square, York, YO1 7LD
Sat 27 Jan & Sun 28 Jan @ 8.50am-4pm
Pre-booking? No
There are five free tours of the attraction at 9am, 9.15am, 9.30am, 9.45am and 10am on both Saturday and Sunday (first come first served). There will also be one-third off for York residents throughout the whole weekend. Discover how chocolate made history and played its part in York
York Cold War Bunker
Explore the nuclear bunker where Yorkshire operations would have been directed if the worst had happened. Pre-booked tours at 10am and 11am each day.
The York Dungeon
12 Clifford Street, York, YO1 9RD
Sat 27 Jan-Wed 31 Jan; Sat & Sun @ 12-5pm; Mon-Wed @ 12-4pm
Pre-booking? No
The York Dungeon is a 75 minute journey into 2,000 years of York’s horrible history. Bringing together an amazing cast of theatrical actors, special effects, stages and scenes in a truly unique and exciting walkthrough experience. Recommended for ages 10+.
York Mansion House
St Helen’s Square, York, YO1 9QL
Sat 27 Jan & Sun 28 Jan @ 10am-4pm
Pre-booking? No
Your first chance to visit the fully restored Mansion House. Past the grandeur of the prominent green doors and beautiful façade lies an inspiring, interactive environment where you can experience the story of York’s past and present.
York Minster
Deangate, YO1 7HH
Sat 27 @ 9.30am-4.15pm; Sun 28 Jan @ 1.15pm-3.30pm
Pre-booking? No
Enjoy a trip up the Minster’s Central Tower for unrivalled views of our city. Trips start from 9.30am Saturday every 45 minutes until 4.15pm. On Sunday, the first trip is 1.15pm, last 3.30pm. Also-object handling sessions, treasure hunt and performances.
York Museum Gardens
Museum Street, York YO1 7FR
Sat 27 Jan & Sun 28 Jan @ 10am-3pm
Pre-booking? No
Take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch and meet experts from the RSPB. A garden tour takes place on Sunday at 1pm.
Yorkshire Museum
Museum Gardens, York, YO1 7FR
Sat 27 Jan & Sun 28 Jan @ 10am-5pm
Pre-booking? No
Built on the remains of St Mary’s Abbey, the Yorkshire Museum is home to Britain’s greatest treasures. Walk on a genuine Roman mosaic floor, marvel at Viking and medieval treasures and learn stories of those who made York the city it is today.


History

All Saints North Street
All Saints North Street
Sat 27 Jan
@ 10am-5.30pm
Pre-booking? No
Visit this fine medieval church. 10.30am – Tour of the world famous stained glass windows; 11.30am – Recent Archaeology and The York Visions and mounted mid-wives; 4.30pm – An introduction to York’s finest Medieval Church; 5pm Vespers – Latin plainsong.
Barley Hall
Coffee Yard, Off Stonegate, York, YO1 8AR
Sat 27 Jan & Sun 28 Jan @ 10am-4pm
Pre-booking? No
Explore a beautifully recreated medieval townhouse, right in the heart of the city, once home to the Priors of Nostell and a Lord Mayor of York. Plus, this is your last chance to discover six sumptuous costumes from the smash-hit BBC2 show Wolf Hall.
Bedern Hall
Bartlegarth, York, YO1 7AL
Sun 28 Jan-Wed 31 Jan @ 10.30am-4pm
Pre-booking? No
Discover York’s hidden medieval hall through a new exhibition and film. Once home to the Vicars Choral of York Minster, this 14th century hall has tales to tell of priests, poverty and pork pies!
Central Methodist Church
St Saviourgate, York, YO1 8NQ
Sat 27 Jan @ 11am-4pm
Pre-booking? No
This Grade II listed building, built in 1840 to seat 1,500 people, is one of the few chapels of its period still intact. The interior is horse-shoe shaped with a gallery and box pews. Come and listen to the organ, one of the finest in York.
Clifford’s Tower
Tower Street, York, YO1 9SA
Sat 27 Jan & Sun 28 Jan @ 10am-4pm
Pre-booking? No
There’s plenty to discover at Clifford’s Tower, standing proud on its high mound, raised by William the Conqueror. It is almost all that remains of York Castle and has served as a prison and a royal mint in its time.
Fairfax House
27 Castlegate, York, YO1 9RN
Sat 27 Jan @ 10am-5pm; Sun 28 Jan @ 11am-4pm
Pre-booking? No
Grasp the opportunity to go behind the scenes and see Fairfax House as never normally seen during its deep-clean winter hibernation. Learn what makes this house tick and what it is like to be involved in this Georgian York Treasure.

Fishergate Postern Tower
Junction Piccadilly / Lead Mill Lane
Sat 27 Jan & Sun 28 Jan @ 10am-4pm
Pre-booking? No
Come and see the internal rooms of this 500 year old tower, climb the narrow spiral staircase, find the garderobe, look for masons’ marks and inspect the inside construction of the roof.
Holgate Windmill
Windmill Rise, Holgate, YO26 4TX
Sat 27 Jan & Sun 28 Jan @ 11am-4pm
Pre-booking? No
Come and see York’s only surviving windmill, restored and in full working order. Stoneground flour milled here is available for sale.
Holy Trinity Goodramgate
Holy Trinity, 70 Goodramgate, York, YO1 7LF
Sat 27 Jan & Sun 28 Jan @ 11am-4pm
Pre-booking? No
Tucked in a secluded churchyard behind a busy shopping street, Holy Trinity Goodramgate is medieval York’s hidden gem. Come along and discover this stunning historic building, with free guided talks at 11am and 2pm each day over the festival.
Merchant Adventurers’ Hall
Fossgate, York, YO1 9XD
Sat 27 Jan @ 10am-4pm
Pre-booking? No
Featuring fascinating tales, awe-inspiring architecture and intriguing rare artefacts. Explore this stunning timber framed building. The merchants’ coffee house will also be open serving delicious food and drink.
Merchant Taylors’ Hall
Aldwark, York, YO1 7BX
Sun 28 Jan @ 11am-3pm
Pre-booking? No
A unique opportunity to visit the ancient hall of the Merchant Taylors. Meet the members, learn about the guild’s history, participate in the needle hunt and see the exhibits. Refreshments available.

St Anthony’s Hall
Peasholme Green, York, Y01 7PW
Sat 27 Jan & Sun 28 Jan @ 10am-4pm
Pre-booking? No
St Anthony’s Hall is a medieval guildhall, now being used by Trinity Church York. Learn more about this historic building and how it is used now. There will be tea and cake available and a treasure hunt.
St Denys Church
St. Denys Road, York YO1 9QD
Sat 27 Jan @ 10am-4pm
Pre-booking? No
A warm community welcome is extended to all. Tea, tours, talks and entertainment under the theme of “Eat-Pray-Love” telling the history and ambition of the church.
St Helen’s Church
St Helen’s Square, York, YO1 8QN
Sat 27 Jan @ 2pm-5pm
Pre-booking? No
The York & District Organists’ Association invites members of the public to come and play the pipe organ in St Helen’s Church. No experience is necessary. Just come and ‘have a go’. Members of the YDOA will be available to assist.
St Saviourgate Unitarian Chapel
St Saviourgate, York, YO1 8NQ
Sat 27 Jan @ 10am-4pm & Sun 28 Jan @ 12.30pm-4pm (service 11am)
Pre-booking? No
Grade II listed 17th century chapel with an exhibition about the garden, originally a graveyard. On Saturday at 11.30am, join poet and performer Anneliese Emmans Dean for Flying High!, a journey through the bird year in laughter, rhythm and rhyme and birdsong too.
Transport

City Cruises York
Sailing from King’s Staith or Lendal Bridge
Sat 27 Jan & Sun 28 Jan-departs 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm
Pre-booking? No
Sit back, relax and enjoy a 30 minute York City Cruise. Listen to the captain’s commentary as you cruise along the Ouse.
York MotorSports Village
Kathryn Avenue, Monks Cross, York, YO32 9JS
Sun Jan 28 @ 10am-6.30pm
Pre-booking? Yes – via the website
York MotorSports Village is offering York Card holders the chance to try their facilities for free or discount. Drive the F1 or F2 petrol karts in a 15 lap timed practice session for £5 per person. Juniors aged 4-7 years can come and sample a 10 minute drive in the new electric F3 Karts for free.
Music, art and theatre

Beningbrough Hall, Gallery & Gardens
Beningbrough, York, YO30 1DD
Sat 27 Jan & Sun 28 Jan @ 11am-3.30pm
Pre-booking? No
Wrap up warm and get outdoors and closer to nature exploring the nation’s love of owls through a series of 15 art installations in unexpected places around the gardens in the ‘Oh Wise Owl’ art trail-new for winter.
Black Swan Folk Club
The Black Swan Inn, Peasholme Green, York, YO1 7PR
Sun 28 Jan @ 2-5.30pm & 7.30-10.30pm
Pre-booking? No
Winter Folk Day: Afternoon and evening concerts featuring many of the talented local singers and bands associated with York’s award-winning Black Swan Folk Club. Free entry – come and go as you please, space permitting.
The Joseph Rowntree Theatre
Haxby Rd, York YO31 8TA
Sat 27 Jan & Sun 28 Jan @ 10.30am-4pm
Pre-booking? No
Tour the Grade II listed art deco theatre interior including backstage and see how scenery changes and sound lighting operate. A small exhibition on the theatre’s history included. On Sunday witness a rehearsal of The Producers in the afternoon.
National Centre for Early Music
Join the ‘Come & Sing’ workshops, aimed at anyone wanting to enjoy the positive effects of social singing. Lead by vibrant vocalist Vivien Ellis, these sessions are open to adults and children 5+. No prior experience of music needed. The session times are 10am-12pm and 1.30-3.30pm.
Riding Lights Theatre Company Youth Theatre
Friargate Theatre, Lower Friargate, York, YO1 9SL
Sat 27 Jan 11am-2pm
Pre-booking? Yes – 01904 655317
11am-12pm – An hour long taster session, showcasing the best of Riding Lights Youth Theatre. Play games, create characters, tell stories and learn some new skills! For 11-18 years. 1-2pm – Do you enjoy acting? Come along for an hour-long taster session of the adult theatre workshop.

The Stained Glass Centre
St Martin-cum-Gregory Church, Micklegate, York, YO1 6LN
Sat 27 Jan @ 11am – 4pm
Pre-booking? No
Family-friendly activities, craft stalls and delicious refreshments. Explore the atmospheric building and discover historic stained glass and fascinating graffiti. Watch craft demonstrations or have a go yourself!
York Art Gallery
Exhibition Square, York, YO1 7EW
Sat 27 Jan & Sun 28 Jan @ 10am-5pm
Pre-booking? No
New commissions, Old Masters and more than 2,000 ceramic works can be found at the multi-award winning York Art Gallery. Head to the studio for practical art activities till 4pm.
York Theatre Royal
Join the Theatre Royal team for an access all areas tour of the theatre and see parts of the building normally off limits to the public. Tours every 30 minutes. Places are limited. Café also open for refreshments.
Walks and tours

Guided Historic Pub Walk
Starts at the Royal Oak, 18 Goodramgate, York, YO1 7LG
Sat 27 Jan & Sun 28 Jan @ 3.30pm – 5pm
Pre-booking? Yes – 07506 570234
A guided walk through the city centre covering the history, events and people associated with approximately 15 of York’s historic pubs. Duration 1.5 hours.
York Cemetery
Cemetery Road, York, YO10 5AJ
Sun 28 Jan @ 10am-4pm
Pre-booking? No
Come along and visit the Cemetery Chapel for free tea/coffee and cake. History walks in the Cemetery and Catacomb tours. Talk to Cemetery Genealogists who will help in locating graves. The RSPB will host a Big Garden Bird Watch.
Sport and fitness

New Earswick Swimming Club
Hawthorn Terrace, New Earswick, York YO32 4AQ
Sat 27 Jan @ 2pm-3.30pm; Sun 28 Jan @ 9am-10.30am & 2pm-3.30pm
Pre-booking? Yes – via [email protected]
Free swim on production of a York Card. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult and
children aged 8 or under must be accompanied in the water by an adult (at a ratio of 1 adult to 2 children).
Yogabomb
6 Bootham Terrace, York, YO30 7DH
Sat 27 Jan & Sun 28 Jan @ 8.30am-6pm
Pre-booking? Yes – via [email protected]
Come and try Hot Yoga. All you need is yourself, a bottle and maybe a towel. All classes will be mixed ability and suitable for all ages, shapes and sizes.
Further afield

Eden Camp Modern History Theme Museum
Eden Camp, Malton, North Yorks, YO17 6RT
Sat 27 Jan & Sun 28 Jan @ 10am-5pm
Pre-booking? No
Housed in the buildings and grounds of an original prisoner of war camp, the unique museum transports visitors back in time to experience the sights, sounds and smells of life on the home front and front line during World War II. Last admission 4pm.
Lost Earth Adventures
Go deep below the surface and experience the labyrinth of underground passageways, follow a stream way, clamber over boulders and wade through crystal clear water as you travel back in geological time. No experience necessary.
National Centre for Birds of Prey
Duncombe Park, Helmsley, YO62 5EB
Sat 27 Jan & Sun 28 Jan @ 10am-4.30pm
Pre-booking? No
The National Centre for Birds of Prey is the largest collection of these wonderful birds in the north of England. There will be flying demonstrations at 11.30am and 2pm on both days.