York Residents’ Festival is back for 2024 – with a whole weekend of free fun.
Organised by Make It York, the annual festival is a thank you to residents who share the city with York’s millions of visitors throughout the year – and in 2024 there are over 50 events and offers for residents to take advantage of.
The festival takes place over the weekend of 27 to 28 January, though some offers are extended or take place later in the year.
We’ve put together a guide of all the attractions that are taking part in York ResFest this year.
Historical attractions such as York Minster, Jorvik Viking Centre, Clifford’s Tower, Fairfax House, Barley Hall, Merchant Adventurers’ Hall and Treasurer’s House will be opening their doors for free to residents across the weekend.
Residents can also take advantage of free wizard golf at The Hole in Wand and the first 100 visitors can visit for free at York’s Chocolate Story.
There are also some great offers and discounts on walking tours and outdoor activities too – Mountain Goat Tours will be taking residents off the beaten path to explore the beautiful Yorkshire countryside, The Wizard of York will be leading a spellbinding family-friendly walk of York, and learn to abseil and climb Brimham Rocks with Lost Earth Adventures.
How to take part
To take part in York Residents’ Festival, please present a valid YorkCard, student card or identity card that proves York residency. If presenting an identity card, such as a driving license or older person’s bus pass, this must clearly state ‘York’.
YorkCards are available from all of York’s Explore libraries, with a £6 administration charge for adults (free for under 18s) or £10 for non-residents who work in the city.
YorkCards entitles users to discounts at a range of leisure facilities and attractions throughout the year.
See individual listings for more information, including pre-booking information. Some venues have limited free tickets and operate on a first come first serve basis.
Attractions & Things to Do
All Saints Church North Street
27 Jan
All Saints North Street, York will be open 10am – 4pm on Saturday 27th January offering tours and refreshments for York Residents’ Festival. Guided tours will run at 10.30am and 2pm.
- North St, York YO1 6JD
- No booking required
- More info
The Bar Convent
27 Jan
Explore the UK’s oldest living convent, established in secret in 1686 when Catholicism was illegal. It is home to the Congregation of Jesus who opened the first school for girls in the country to offer the same education as boys in London in 1669- and the second in this house. Join us to discover more about the foundress, trailblazing Yorkshire woman Mary Ward. 50p entry for York Residents.
- 17 Blossom Street, York, YO24 1AQ
- No booking required
- More info
Barley Hall
27 – 28 Jan
Barley Hall is a medieval townhouse, tucked away down one of the oldest streets in York. See costumes worn by famous actors such as Kate Winslet and Al Pacino, make yourself at home and explore the Great Hall decked out and ready for a medieval feast.
- 2 Coffee Yard, Off Stonegate, York, YO1 8AR
- No booking required
- More info
Bedern Hall
27 – 28 Jan
Our family friendly displays share stories from 700 years of history – with squirrels. priests and pork pies there’s something for everyone. Join 3 of York’s ancient guilds in this splendid medieval hall to learn how their history has shaped the City over the centuries. Learn about our Roof Appeal and plans for a new vision for this popular venue.
- Bartlegarth, York, YO1 7AL
- No booking required
- More info
Beningbrough
27 – 28 Jan
Show your proof of address at the till for free entry to Beningbrough all weekend. Get Inspired by Italy in the latest art exhibition and find out more about the history of the estate and people, wander the grounds and see how the Mediterranean Garden is developing, explore the wilderness play area, and more.
- Beningbrough, York, YO30 1DD
- No booking required
- More info
Black Swan Folk Club Concert
28 Jan
The very best of York’s local bands and musicians live at the Black Swan. Free entry to York residents. 2pm – 10.30pm.
- 23 Peasholme Green, York, YO1 7PR
- No booking required
- More info
Castle Howard
27 – 28 Jan
Castle Howard is offering York Residents complimentary Gardens tickets for 27th and 28th January 2024. These are subject to availability, and must be booked online in advance using the offer code: YORKRESFEST24.
- Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA
- Booking required – use code YORKRESFEST24
- More info
CANCELLED –City Cruises
27 – 28 Jan
Sadly the flooding has cancelled the City Cruises sightseeing tours. However, City Cruises are giving away free tickets for use before 9 February – see here for more
Clifford’s Tower
27 – 28 Jan
Clifford’s Tower offers unrivalled views over the heart of the ancient city and an unforgettable insight into its turbulent past. Walkways and staircases inside have opened up parts of the tower that have been off-limits for centuries, and immersive soundscapes and stories are bring the tower’s history to life like never before. There is a limit on capacity inside the castle so queues are expected.
- Tower Street, York, YO1 9SA
- No booking required
- More info
The Deathly Dark Tours
28 Jan
SOLD OUT. We will be running a one off, free ghost walk for all York Residents on Sunday 28th January at 6pm. Though the ghost walk is sold out, York Residents can still get 20% discount using “resfest20” on bookings for Tuesdays and Wednesdays for the rest of January!
- Grape Lane, York, YO1 7HU
- Booking required – use code resfest24
- More info
DIG
27 – 28 Jan
Discover the most exciting artefacts from 2000 years of York’s history at DIG. Kids can grab a trowel and dig up the clues that show how people lived in Roman, Viking, medieval and Victorian times. Plus, you can now explore the brand new Soundmarks exhibition. Free to York residents after 2pm.
- St Saviourgate, York, YO1 8NN
- No booking required. Tickets are offered on a first-come, first-served basis
- More info
Fairfax House
27 – 28 Jan
Have you ever wondered how historic houses care for and clean their collections? Now’s your chance to find out! Step behind the scenes of one of York’s finest townhouses whilst we’re mid-conservation and find out all about our annual winter clean. Expect to find the house in a state of undress as you discover how we look after our rich collection of eighteenth century furniture, glassware, silverware, and more! Free tickets for residents with a valid York Card, students with a valid University of York, York St John, or York College ID card.
- Castlegate, York, YO1 9RN
- Pre-booking available
- More info
Fishergate Postern Tower
27 – 28 Jan
Climb the narrow spiral staircase of this early Tudor tower, work the model portcullis and find a remarkably complete garderobe, masons’ marks, reused roof beams and our displays, including replicas reborn from fragments found in our last dig. Free entry, open 10am to 4pm.
- Junction of Piccadilly & Lead Mill Lane, York, YO1 9AF
- No booking required
- More info
Get Cycling
22 – 27 Jan
We are offering 50% off bike hire to all residents of York to celebrate York Residents’ Festival! Enter the code Residents24 for 50% off your total when you book your hire bikes, proof of residency is required when picking up cycles.
- 22 Hospital Fields, Fulford, York, YO10 4DZ
- Booking required – use code Residents24
- More info
Goddards
9 – 10 Mar
The garden at Goddards hasn’t opened for the season when the Visit York Residents’ Festival takes place in January, so it’s opening its doors to residents for free on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 March, 11am – 4pm. The five-acre garden on the edge of York racecourse is often described as a hidden gem. Bring a picnic or grab a take away as you explore formal terraces, the orchard, vegetable garden and glasshouse and wildlife areas.
- 27 Tadcaster Road, York, YO24 1GG
- No booking required
- More info
The Guildhall
27 Jan
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the 15th century Medieval Hall and the Committee Room. Guided tours of the Council Chamber will also be available, with pre-booking required.
- Coney Street, York, YO1 9QL
- Tour requires booking
- More info
The Hole in Wand
27 – 28 Jan
SOLD OUT. Visit York’s most magical Mini Golf Course – The Hole in Wand at Coppergate (Opposite JORVIK) for 9 holes of fun. Take on the quest to find the missing gargoyle – Grobblenook! There will bubbling cauldrons and dark forests along the way – all is not what it seems!
- 14-16 Coppergate Walk, York, YO1 9NT
- Sold out
- More info
Holy Trinity, Goodramgate
27 – 28 Jan
Come and meet the neighbours in the Holy Trinity, Goodramgate graveyard as part of the events for York Residents Weekend. Find out the stories of some of the people buried in the graveyard, and find 10 wooden mice highlighting the stories of people linked with Holy Trinity and get a chocolate treat. There is also a bookable tour on the Sunday.
- Holy Trinity Church, Goodramgate, York, YO1 2LF
- Tour requires booking
- More info
Jorvik Viking Centre
27 – 28 Jan
Discover York’s Viking legacy at the award-winning Jorvik Viking Centre! Meet a Viking of Coppergate, get up close with rare artefacts and take in the sights, sounds and smells of Viking-age York when you visit. Free to residents after 2pm.
- Coppergate, York, YO1 9WT
- No booking required
- More info
Lost Earth Adventures
28 – 29 Jan
Come try rock climbing and abseiling with us at Brimham Rocks on a 3-hour taster session. Suitable for all abilities and anyone aged 7+. All equipment included. Maximum 2 people per booking. Session timings are 9am – 12pm or 1pm – 4pm.
- Brimham Rocks, Brimham Moor Road, Summerbridge, Harrogate HG3 4DW
- Pre-booking is essential. To book get in touch via email at [email protected] or phone on 01904 500094
- More info
Merchant Adventurers’ Hall
27 Jan
Fascinating tales, awe-inspiring architecture and intriguing, rare artefacts…explore this stunning timber framed building free of charge on Saturday 27th January. The Merchants’ Coffee House will also be open serving delicious food and drink plus our shop full of unique gifts.
- Fossgate, York, YO1 9XD
- No booking required
- More info
Merchant Taylors’ Hall
28 Jan
Merchant Taylors’ Hall will be open to all members of the public free of charge, residents and tourists alike. Members will be on hand to explain the history of the hall that spans over 600 years, and light refreshments will be available all day.
- Aldwark, York, YO1 7BX
- No booking required
- More info
Mountain Goat Tours
27 – 28 Jan
Take a chance to explore the wider Yorkshire area with the friendly guides at Mountain Goat York. Find places you might have never known of and explore roads you never knew were there as Mountain Goat Tours head off the beaten path into Yorkshire finest scenery. 50% discount for York Residents Festival with code YORK50.
- Meet at Minster Yard, York, YO1 7HH
- Book using code YORK50 for 50% discount
- More info
National Centre for Early Music
27 – 28 Jan
Join the National Centre for Early Music for two free events as part of York Residents’ Festival. On the Saturday, journey into the world of jazz as an adult learner in an immersive workshop and on the Sunday, there’s a concert of swing, contemporary jazz, and funky groove with the York Music Forum Jazz Ensemble.
- St. Margaret’s Church, Walmgate, York, YO1 9TL
- Booking essential
- More info
National Railway Museum
27 – 28 Jan
Home to iconic locomotives and thousands of railway object, the National Railway Museum is a fantastic day out for all the family. For York Residents’ Festival, they’re offering free annual pass upgrades for day tickets bought during the weekend in the museum or online with code YRFWL24 for the interactive gallery Wonderlab, and visitors can also enjoy the Flying Scotsman VR Experience with 50% off tickets online using YRFVR50 or book in the museum.
- Leeman Road, York, YO26 4XJ
- Booking highly recommended
- More info
Rainbow Ceramics
27 – 28 Jan
20% Pottery Painting in our city centre studio for York Residents. Valid with a York card or proof of residency.
- Leeman Road, York, YO26 4XJ
- Booking not essential
- More info
The Spa at No.1
28 Jan – 2 Feb
Book a 60-minute Ritual and we’ll tailor a bespoke treatment to you to revitalise your mind, body and soul. Get 20% off your first treatment between Sunday 28th January – 2nd February 2024 as part of the York Residents Festival when you show you York residents card.
- 1 Clifton, York, YO30 6AA
- Call 01904 644744 to book or email [email protected]
- More info
Treasurer’s House
28 – 29 Apr
Treasurer’s House hasn’t opened for the season when the Visit York Residents’ Festival takes place in January, so it’s opening its doors to residents for free on Sunday 28 and Monday 29 April, 11am – 4pm.
- Minster Yard, York, YO1 7JL
- Pre-book via the website using the code YORKRESFEST24. Bring your proof of address on the day for the team at the till.
- More info
The Wizard Walk of York
27 Jan
Join The Wizard of York for spellbinding magic, comedy and five-star family fun! Especially suitable for ages 5-10. Places are limited and allocated on a first come first served basis.
- Meet on the Shambles
- Pre-book by emailing [email protected] with your name and the total number of adults and children
- More info
York Art Gallery
27 – 28 Jan
All residents of the City of York are eligible for free entry across our sites this weekend (York Castle Museum, Yorkshire Museum, York Art Gallery including special exhibition).
- Exhibition Square, York, YO1 7EW
- Pre-booking recommended – proof of address in the City of York will be required
- More info
York Castle Museum
27 – 28 Jan
All residents of the City of York are eligible for free entry across our sites this weekend (York Castle Museum, Yorkshire Museum, York Art Gallery including special exhibition).
- The Eye of York, York, YO1 9RY
- Pre-booking recommended – proof of address in the City of York will be required
- More info
York Cemetery
28 Jan
Come and explore York Cemetery as part of York Residents Festival this year. The Cemetery, Chapel and Harriet Center will all be open from 10am to 3pm with the following activities: Guided walks at 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm and 1.30pm, catacombs tours from 10am – 3pm, the genealogy team will be in the Chapel to do grave searches, sustainable travel advice in the Chapel, light refreshments in the Harriet Centre.
- 49 Cemetery Rd, York YO10 5AJ
- No booking required
- More info
York’s Chocolate Story
27 – 28 Jan
Embark on a delectable journey through the sweet history of chocolate at York’s Chocolate Story. Be one of the lucky 100 to enjoy a complimentary guided tour on Saturday and Sunday for our 9.00am, 9.15am 9.30am and 9.45am guided tours – first come, first served.
If you miss the free tours, York Chocolate Story are offering residents 20% off the standard guided tour throughout the weekend. Simply show your York residency to enjoy this special discount at the door or use code YORKRES20 online.
- King’s Square, York, YO1 7LD
- Pre-booking not essential. Use code YORKRES20 when booking online
- More info
York Cold War Bunker
27 – 28 Jan
SOLD OUT. The most modern and spine-chilling of English Heritage’s properties, the York Cold War Bunker uncovers the secret history of Britain’s Cold War. Enter the blast-proof doors and investigate the more unusual side of York’s heritage. Pre-booking is essential.
- Monument Close, York, YO24 4HT
- Please visit the York Cold War Bunker website and use code YORKRES012024 to book.
- More info
York Dungeon
27 – 28 Jan
Get ready for a thrilling time as you journey through York’s dreaded past! The York Dungeon is a journey through 2000 years of York’s darkest history, bringing together iconic characters, immersive sets and thrilling special-effects in a unique and exciting actor led experience that you see, hear, feel and smell. This is a pre-booking only offer for York Residents – all tickets must be pre-booked using the promo code YoDuRESFEST24.
- 12 Clifford Street, York, YO1 9RD
- Booking required – use code YoDuRESFEST24
- More info
York Explore Library and Archive
27 Jan
Peopling the Past: Come along to our temporary exhibition of items from the archive exploring York’s historic residents. Take a glimpse into life in York, and spot faces from the past! Drop in anytime between 10am and 3pm, no need to book.
Map Attack! Lego City of Wonder: Come and use our Lego and Duplo to build the wonderful city of York! Take inspiration from historic maps of York from the city’s archives. What will you create? Drop in anytime between 10am and 3pm, no need to book.
- Library Square, Museum Street, York, YO1 7DS
- No booking required
- More info
York Guided Historic Pub Walks
27 – 28 Jan
SOLD OUT. Discover the history of York’s beer & pub heritage and much more by taking a guided walk through York City Centre. Each walk covers the history of 10-12 pubs as well as the centuries of events, people (and spirits) associated with them. SOLD OUT
- Minstergate, York, YO1 7LG
- Sold out
- More info
York’s Hidden History
27 – 28 Jan
Join us for the 2024 York Residents’ Festival, as we offer a quartet of York’s Hidden History walks, featuring Victorian photography, Micklegate meanderings, and a ‘Guilded Tour’ of the medieval city.
- York City Centre
- Pre-booking required
- More info
York Mansion House
27 – 28 Jan
Explore four floors of civic history this Residents Festival and uncover a fascinating exhibition…
‘In 1972, brutal dictator, Idi Amin expelled all Asians from Uganda, forcing over 60,000 people to flee for their lives. Discover stories of those who escaped Amin’s regime 50 years ago and settled in York through this emotive, engaging and award-nominated exhibition.’ Commissioned by Uganda50 York and produced by Navrang Arts.
- St Helen’s Square, York, YO1 9QL
- No booking required
- More info
York Minster
27 – 28 Jan
General admission to York Minster is free for York Residents all year round! Please bring proof of residency upon your arrival to the cathedral to gain free access.
- Deangate, York, YO1 7HH
- No booking required
- More info
York Photo Walks
27 Jan
York Photo walks are about learning and developing your photography knowledge, whilst exploring York’s wonderful history, people and architecture. The aim is to inspire you to stretch your creative legs when you are out and about with your camera. We are running 2 sessions on January 27th : choose from 10.30am or 12.00pm. 50% discount for York Residents: £10 for adults, kids under 16 go free with a paying adult.
- Starting outside The Minster West entrance
- Places are limited so book early. Call: 07950 882794 or email: [email protected]
- More info
York Steiner School
27 Jan
Enjoy exciting eco crafts and super science experiments for all ages with plenty of hot drinks and biscuits! Families of all ages are most welcome and teachers will be on hand to welcome you to our school and answer any questions you may have about the unique Steiner School education. Each session lasts 1 hour – Early booking is essential.
- York Steiner School, Fulford Cross, York YO10 4PB
- Booking info TBC
- More info
Yorkshire Air Museum
27 – 28 Jan
Residents of York can visit the Yorkshire Air Museum for free across the Residents’ Weekend.
- Yorkshire Air Museum, Halifax Way, Elvington, York, YO41 4AU
- Pre-book online
- More info
Yorkshire Heart Vineyard
28 Jan
Join us as we celebrate York Residents’ Festival. We will be running free vineyard and winery tours all day on Sunday 28th January 2024. These will run on the hour of 11am, 12noon, 1pm and 2pm. We will also have a wine and beer tasting table offering tasters of our products.
- Pool Lane, Nun Monkton, York, YO26 8EL
- Booking is not essential, but is preferred
- More info
Yorkshire Museum
27 – 28 Jan
All residents of the City of York are eligible for free entry across our sites this weekend (York Castle Museum, Yorkshire Museum, York Art Gallery including special exhibition).
- Museum Gardens, York, YO1 7FR
- Pre-booking recommended – proof of address in the City of York will be required
- More info
York Witches & History Walking Tour
27 – 28 Jan
Grab your 2-4-1 tickets for York Residents’ Festival! Experience Yorkshire’s wicked history on this spellbindingly unique walking tour, led by a bewitching guide…Hear the true historical tales of suspected Yorkshire witches across the ages. Delve into fascinating pieces of York’s history along the way too; hear secrets of St Crux Church, York Minster, Petergate, Swinegate and so very much more await on this character led walking tour.
- Meet at Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate Street Sign
- Booking required – use code YORK241
- More info