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.

New for 2018

Gyrocopter Experience

Remember James Bond’s Little Nellie Gyrocopter? The experience has a collection of modern gyrocopters. With a museum, cinema, simulator and hangar.

Jacobs Well

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

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

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

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

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

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

Discover the impact the first Tudor monarch had on York when you visit the Henry VII Experience at Micklegate Bar.

Jorvik Viking Centre

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

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

Explore the impact the last Plantagenet monarch had on York when you visit the Richard III Experience at Monk Bar.

St Nicks Environment Centre

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch and meet experts from the RSPB. A garden tour takes place on Sunday at 1pm.

Yorkshire Museum

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.