Get ready for a whole weekend of free fun – as York Residents’ Festival is back for 2025.
The annual festival, organised by Make It York, aims to give a thank you to residents who share the city with York’s millions of visitors throughout the year – with a whole host of free events, offers, and discounts available.
York Residents’ Festival is Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 January 2025.
We’ve put together a guide of all the attractions that are taking part in this year’s York ResFest.
Historical attractions such as Bedern Hall, Castle Howard, Clifford’s Tower, Yorkshire Air Museum, Merchant Taylors Hall and Beningbrough will be opening their doors for free to residents across the weekend.
Residents can also take advantage of 20% off pottery painting at Rainbow Ceramics and the first 100 visitors can visit for free at York’s Chocolate Story.
Take a look at the full list of offers at the Visit York website.
How to take part
To take advantage of the offers, please present a valid York Card, student card or identity card that proves your York residency. If presenting an identity card, this must clearly state ‘York’ (e.g. driving licence or older person’s bus pass).
The York Card is available to all who live or work within the York area. The York Card costs £6 for adult residents or £10 for non-residents who work in the city, and free to children and young people up to the age of 18. It’s valid for 12 months and is available to purchase as a digital card online or at any Explore library.
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
Ampleforth Abbey
25-26 Jan
FULLY BOOKED. Join us for an exclusive free tour of the fascinating Ampleforth Abbey Church designed by eminent architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott. You’ll be led by a monk and one of our knowledgeable volunteers, who will take you on a journey of exploration through the church’s history and striking architecture. You’ll visit rarely seen areas of the church including the Crypt and learn interesting facts about its many chapels and other fascinating features.
- Ampleforth Abbey, York, YO62 4EN
- Booking required
- More info
Barley Hall
25-26 Jan
Step back in time and discover this Hidden Gem of York! Barley Hall is a medieval townhouse that has been restored to its former glory after being rediscovered in the 1980’s. It boasts stunning high ceilings, beautiful exposed timber frames and a magnificent Great Hall. Learn about the hall’s former residents which included the Priors of Nostell and even a former Mayor of York. Discover how residents would have lived during the medieval period.
- 2 Coffee Yard, Off Stonegate, York, YO1 8AR
- No booking required
- More info
Bedern Hall
25-26 Jan
Step into the remarkable story of Bedern Hall, one of York’s best kept secrets, as you discover what life might have been like for the medieval songmen of the Vicar’s Choral. This year, you can also experience the York Mystery Plays as they present a short excerpt from their nativity series, showing at regular intervals throughout the weekend! Entry is free for all York Residents Saturday and Sunday.
- Bartlegarth, York, YO1 7AL
- No booking required
- More info
Beningbrough
25-26 Jan
Show your proof of address at the till for free entry to Beningbrough all weekend. Head to the first floor art gallery and discover the botanical artworks of eighteenth-century artist Mary Delany in a new photographic exhibition presented in partnership with the British Museum. Visit the Mediterranean Garden, encounter new sculptures in the Great Hall, immerse yourself in the interactive origami room and admire abstract photography collages. There’s also the wilderness play area is on hand to help warm up smaller legs!
- Beningbrough Hall, Gallery & Gardens, Beningbrough, York, YO30 1DD
- No booking required
- More info
Brimham Rocks
25-26 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.
- Brimham Rocks
- Booking required
- More info
Castle Howard
25-26 Jan
SOLD OUT. Castle Howard is delighted to welcome York Residents during York Residents’ Festival, with complimentary Gardens Admission and offers in the Farm Shop and Courtyard Café.
- Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA
- Booking required
- More info
City Cruises
25-26 Jan
Enjoy a free cruise at either 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm or 3pm when showing proof of residency. No pre-booking, first-come, first-served!
- Kings Staith, York, YO1 9SN
- No booking required
- More info
Clifford’s Tower
25-26 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
DIG
25-26 Jan
Free to York residents after 2pm. 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.
- St Saviourgate, York, YO1 8NN
- No booking required
- More info
Ghost Quest York
20-27 Jan
Experience the mind bending challenge of a walking puzzle game through the heart of York, and WIN the delicious prize at the end – all for 75% the usual price!
Start in the city with just your team and a smartphone. Navigate the route by solving puzzles, using strategy, creativity and logic. Each correct answer unlocks the next ghost story and stage of the quest! The Ghost Quest is self-guided so you can play at your own pace.
- York city centre
- Booking required – use code YorkResident
- More info
Golden Tours York
25-26 Jan
Free Bus Tours for York residents, simply show your York Card to a member of the team at Exhibition Square. Tours depart from ExhIbition Square at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm.
- Exhibition Square, York, YO1 7EW
- No booking required
- More info
Hollywood Bowl
7-31 Jan
Get 2 games and a drink for only £10pp! Alcoholic and soft drinks available. Online exclusive offer from 7th-31st January.
- Kathryn Avenue, Huntington, York, North Yorkshire, YO32 9AF
- Booking required
- More info
Merchant Adventurers’ Hall
26 Jan
Fascinating tales, awe-inspiring architecture and intriguing, rare artefacts…explore this stunning timber framed building free of charge on Sunday 26th 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
26 Jan
Explore this amazing building, a hidden gem in the heart of the City of York. It was built in the fifteenth century and has been beautifully preserved. An ancient oak roof covers the main Hall and the small Hall. You can view unique stained glass, pictures and architecture.
Enjoy Tea & Cake in this lovely Hall with all the proceeds of sale going to help with the cost of preserving the Hall.
- Aldwark, York YO1 7BX
- No booking required
- More info
Middlethorpe Spa
Offer ends 31 Jan 2025
Receive 25% discount on all health & beauty half day & full Day Spa experiences at Middlethorpe Spa during the York Resident Festival. Available for bookings made now through 31st January 2025. Take time for yourself to unwind, relax by the pool or workout in the gym, choose your favourite treatments to restore and relax, and just enjoy your stress-free day. Please contact the Spa to book.
- Bishopthorpe Road, York, YO23 2GB
- Booking required – quote ‘Residents Festival’
- More info
Rainbows Ceramics
25-26 Jan
Grab yourself 20% off Pottery Painting in our city centre studio during York Residents’ Festival 2025. Valid with a York card or proof of residency for each painter. Offer is for pottery / bisque only and excludes food & drink plus pre booked discounted groups.
- 15-17 Bootham, York, YO30 7BW
- No booking required
- More info
Villains Rum Of York
Offer ends 30 Jun 2025
Explore the dark and mysterious world of York’s infamous villains at Villains Rum of York on Little Stonegate – with 50% Off Villainous Tour & Rum Sampling Experience.
- 14 Little Stonegate, York, YO1 8AX
- Booking required – use code LOCAL50
- More info
York Army Museum
25-26 Jan
Visit York Army Museum free for York Residents’ Festival! Discover over 300 years of Yorkshire military history with a variety of trails, crafts and object handling; there’s something for all ages. There will be historic weapon handling each day and demonstrations of soldiers’ kit. View our current exhibitions, try your hand on our target simulator, have your say in helping us shape our future exhibitions.
- 3 Tower Street, York, YO1 9SB
- No booking required
- More info
York Archaeology and Explore York Libraries and Archives
25-26 Jan
Between 2021 and 2022 archaeologists uncovered a rubbish dump associated with Clifton Hospital, which opened in 1847 as the North Riding Lunatic Asylum. Come along to see a selection of finds providing a rare insight into the everyday lives of patients and staff at a mental health institution in the past.
For one day only, there will be a supporting exhibition of archives highlighting changing attitudes to mental health in the city. This exhibition will focus on mental health records held at York Explore, which include the archives of York Corporation and the York Poor Law Union.
- Library Square, Museum Street, York, YO1 7DS
- No booking required
- More info
York Art Gallery
25-26 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). Proof of address in the City of York will be required.
- Exhibition Square, York, YO1 7EW
- Booking recommended
- More info
York Castle Museum
25-26 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). Proof of address in the City of York will be required.
- The Eye of York, York, YO1 9RY
- Booking recommended
- More info
York’s Chocolate Story
25-26 Jan
York’s Chocolate Story offering York residents the chance to dive into the delicious world of chocolate history! They’re giving away 100 free tickets each day for their classic guided tours on a first come, first served, walk-in offer basis.
There’s 20% off same-day admissions and when you pre-book in advance. Use code LOCALJAN20 when you pre-book online to save. Show your photo ID on arrival to confirm you live in a YO postcode to claim this discount.
- York’s Chocolate Story, King’s Square, York, YO1 7LD
- Booking required – use code LOCALJAN20
- More info
York City Sightseeing
25-26 Jan
Join York City Sightseeing for Resident’s Weekend – as they’re offering 100 free 24hr Hop-On-Hop-Off tickets to York residents this year. The free tickets are first-come-first-serve, no pre-booking options available. They are operating a service every 30 minutes from 9am-4:30pm over the weekend, with live tour guides on-board from 10am-4pm to help showcase over 2,000 years of York’s history.
- City Sightseeing York, Bootham Tower, Exhibition Square, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7EW
- No booking required
- More info
York Cocoa Works
25-26 Jan
Join us for York’s Residents Festival to create your very own 30g Chocolate Bar, to share or enjoy! You will work with tempered chocolate to mould and decorate your own unique chocolate creation, to be enjoyed at home. This activity is free for York Residents with a valid Resident Card.
- 10 Castlegate, York, YO1 9RG
- Booking required
- More info
York Dungeon
Offer ends 14 Feb 2025
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. 50% off all standard ticket bookings available for local residents with an YO postcode. Residents will need to show a valid photo ID and proof of address upon entry.
- York Dungeon, 12 Clifford Street, York, YO1 9RD
- Booking required
- More info
York Medical Society
25 Jan
York Medical Society is opening the doors to welcome visitors to come and have a look around the Society’s rooms. See the medical instruments museum and secret city centre garden. Formerly the home of Tempest Anderson. An eminent citizen of York, physician and surgeon, photographer, traveller, vulcanologist and philanthropist. Tea, coffee and cakes will be on sale – proceeds to Parkinson’s UK charity.
- 23 Stonegate, York, YO1 8AW
- No booking required
- More info
Yorkshire Air Museum
25-26 Jan
Residents of York can visit the Yorkshire Air Museum for free across the Residents’ Weekend. Note: this does not qualify for the usual 12 month free return. Availability is limited.
- Yorkshire Air Museum, Halifax Way, Elvington, York, YO41 4AU
- Booking essential
- More info
Yorkshire Museum
25-26 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). Proof of address in the City of York will be required.
- Yorkshire Museum & Gardens, Museum Gardens, York, YO1 7FR
- Booking recommended
- More info