Whether you’re visiting York for the first time or want to view the place you call home from a fresh perspective, there are plenty of ways to get better acquainted with our beautiful city. On foot or by boat, here are some ideas for your next summer adventure.
Go on a sightseeing City Cruise
If you’d like to discover York as you’ve never seen it before, a City Cruise is a must. These 45-minute boat tours are an entertaining way to learn more about how York has been shaped by the River Ouse – from its time as a busy inland port to the impact that flooding has had on some of its buildings and businesses. There are at least four City Cruises leaving each day from King’s Staith and Lendal Bridge Landing. As you sail, your captain will provide you with live commentary and you’ll be treated to a riverside view of many of York’s best-known landmarks, including the Minster, Clifford’s Tower and the Museum Gardens. You can choose to enjoy the breeze and motion from the top deck, or stay snug in the boat’s enclosed saloon. There’s even an onboard bar, so you can complete the experience with alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages and snacks.
Prices: £16 (adult) / £14 (senior or student) / £10 (child) / under 5s free
Hire your own Self-Drive Boat
For those who’d prefer to travel at their own pace, York City Cruises also have self-drive motor boats that can be hired for periods of up to an hour. Simply pick your slot, book online and turn up at the hire point at King’s Staith, where you’ll be shown the ropes with clear instructions that will even make sense to beginners. Each boat holds up to five passengers and you’ll all be provided with life jackets. You can pack your own picnic and soft drinks to enjoy on board and dogs are welcome too, allowing the whole family to make some Insta-worthy memories on the water.
Prices start at £35 per boat
Stroll along the Bar Walls
Dating back to the 13th century, York’s historic and characterful bar walls offer a unique vantage point from which to view the city below. Built using magnesian limestone mounted on earthen ramparts, the walls once helped to keep York safe. Now, they are the longest of their kind in England to survive with a two mile-long stretch that can be explored in around two hours. This can seen by following a route that encompasses the four main bars and smaller gateways and passes through the Museum Gardens. A map and audio trail app can be downloaded from The Friends of York Walls website. There are also QR codes placed close to the structure itself. The bar walls are free to access and are open every day from 8am until dusk.
Free of charge
Visit Goddards Garden
A hidden oasis in York’s suburbs, Goddards Garden can be found on the edge of the Knavesmire. The garden belongs to the arts and crafts-style Goddards House, which was owned by the Terry family and is now used as a regional office for the National Trust. The house isn’t open to the public but its gardens are and these span five acres, divided into separate ‘garden rooms’ in the style of their era. These include a fragrant garden, rock garden and vegetable garden, along with herbaceous borders, a romantic terrace, an orchard and formal and wildlife ponds. Throughout the warmer months, tennis and croquet sets can be borrowed to play with on the lawns. There’s also a kiosk selling drinks and snacks, or you’re welcome to bring your own picnic to eat at one of the tables.
Prices from: £8.50 (adult) / £4.25 (child) / under 5s free
Explore York Castle Museum
If you’re seeking an attraction that can be enjoyed whatever the weather, York Castle Museum has a packed programme of events that includes options for all ages and interests. The museum’s living history street has been given a seasonal makeover, and on selected dates it will become a stage for promenade performances of ‘Phineas Fickletickle’s Totally Tremendous Time Travelling Tincture’. The Silly History Boys will be teaching children circus skills and there’ll be live music from the Ran Tanners. In the fashion gallery, the ‘Secrets of Dress’ exhibition is bringing social history alive through a collection of garments and textiles. There’s also still a chance to see the Sixties exhibition, which features many iconic items from this decade of change. You’ll even have the chance to create a Victorian-inspired poster during your visit.
Prices: £17 (adult) / £15.30 (young person or student) / £10.20 (child) / under 5s free
Soak up some Culture at York Art Gallery
This summer, York Art Gallery is hosting an exhibition of works by the internationally-acclaimed artist Harland Miller. Miller was raised in Yorkshire and his new show, ‘XXX’, features his famous ‘Letter Paintings’ along with a suite of three ‘Bad Weather Paintings’, which were inspired by the destinations of York, Whitby and Scarborough and will remain at the gallery on a permanent basis. Those inspired by the works on display will be able to have a go at letterpress printing themselves as Thin Ice Press will be running workshops on a number of dates. The gallery’s other current shows include a ‘Wall of Women’ in the Centre of Ceramic Art. This celebrates female artists working from the early 20th century to the present day with a display of 250 works including pieces by Alison Britton, Carol McNicoll and Kerry Jameson.
Prices from: £8.50 (adult) / £5.10 (child) / under 5s free
