Things are hotting up nicely – here’s our pick of things to do in York this summer.
From the music of ABBA at York Minster, a Georgian Festival and Eden Camp Women at War – there’s plenty to choose from.
If you think we’ve missed something important, please contact us with details.
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What’s on in York this summer
York Mystery Plays at the Bar Convent
Visit the new display Women of the Mystery Plays and take inspiration from the creatives past and present who have worked on these spectacular medieval historic plays.
Find children’s costume to try on, and explore the beautiful colours of the medieval Arma Christi, alongside the stunning objects throughout the exhibition, to create your own artwork.
Step back in time at York Castle Museum
This summer, experience a grand day out reminiscent of York’s iconic summers across two centuries.
From the Victorian York Gala, an annual tradition for 60 years, to the swinging Sixties, a pivotal decade for the city, our programme will immerse you in history and nostalgia filled with entertainers, games and crafts, music, floral displays and seasonal decor.
Summer at York Maze
Get lost in the UK’s largest maize maze – this year celebrating the 100th Birthday of Sir David Attenborough.
York Maze also offers more than 20 exciting rides, live shows and attractions – plenty to keep the kids entertained.
Eden Camp – Women at War
Uncover the extraordinary stories of the women who helped win the Second World War through a variety of hands-on family activities.
Celebrate their courage, determination and resilience through special summer holiday activities, experiences and workshops.
Kids go FREE on North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Kids travel FREE with a paying adult this summer, as you journey through the stunning North York Moors on this heritage steam
railway. You can stop off at Goathland, better known as Hogsmeade from the from the first Harry Potter film, or continue all the way to the historic seaside town of Whitby.
Summer at the Yorkshire Air Museum
Whether it’s open cockpit events, re-enactment days or just plain fun in the
playground, there’s always something going on at the museum.
Summer at Castle Howard
Explore the gardens, grounds and fabulous award-winning Skelf Island adventure playground, before discovering Playshapes: Castle Constructors. This large-scale, hands-on installation is made from six one metre coloured cubes that can be transformed by children and adults into towers, follies and dens.
York’s Chocolate Story summer events
Join York’s Chocolate Story this summer for sweet family-friendly activities in
York, from immersive guided tours, to hands-on chocolate-making fun.
Summer at the National Railway Museum
Enjoy a full summer holiday experience all in one day! Explore the countryside,
have fun at the seaside and even go abroad – all without leaving the museum.
The Music of ABBA at York Minster
Enjoy the timeless music of ABBA in the stunning surroundings of York
Minster, performed by acclaimed vocalist Maggie Wakeling and beautifully
accompanied by a live string ensemble
York Georgian Festival
The fourth annual festival celebrates 18th Century life in York with talks, tours,
performances and workshops at attractions across the city, including another
visit by Horrible Histories author Terry Deary.
York Unleashed Comic-Con
Celebrate the end of summer with a geeky day out in York – guest stars
include Jamie Kenna and Harry McEntire.
YorkMix Family Raceday – with the Gruffalo
There will be a Racing Interactive Zone, based in the Bustardthorpe
Development, which will offer the chance to ride a virtual racehorse, try on
racing silks, question the experts and enter a colouring competition.