York Art Gallery 

York Art Gallery is home to an extensive collection of artworks, with pieces spanning a period of more than 600 years. The gallery houses many works by William Etty, one of York’s most famous artists. It is also a popular attraction among pottery enthusiasts due to its Centre of Ceramic Art. Upcoming shows here include an exploration of sin, ‘Queering the Burton’, and the chance to see W.A. Ismay MBE’s remarkable collection of post-war British Studio Pottery. For those who would like to get creative themselves, York Art Gallery runs regular sketchbook circles and life drawing classes, as well as ‘Art for Wellbeing’ sessions, which are held each Sunday. 

Castle Fine Art 

Situated in St Helen’s Square, Castle Fine Art is a part of a national chain of galleries specialising in modern and contemporary art. Here, you’ll find a wide range of limited edition prints, alongside original works including paintings, photographs and sculpture. On the walls of the York gallery, you can see vibrant and inspiring pieces by the likes of Bob Barker, Robert Oxley and Nic Joly, as well as celebrity artists such as Ronnie Wood and Billy Connolly. The gallery’s ever-changing displays ensure that art lovers return time and time again, and its knowledgeable curators are always on hand to advise those who want to start building their own collection. 

Blossom Street Gallery 

Showcasing the work of independent artists and makers, Blossom Street Gallery sells a carefully curated selection of prints, books, jewellery, stationery, cards and wrapping paper, making it the perfect place to pick out a special gift. Here you can purchase affordable prints by some of the world’s best-loved children’s illustrators, including Helen Oxenbury, Quentin Blake, Anita Jeram and Barbara Firth, as well as local street scenes by Ian Fennelly. The gallery’s atmosphere is warm and welcoming – there’s even a blackboard wall for children to draw on while their grown-ups browse. 

Ni Studios 

Brightening up Swinegate with its bold pink exterior, Ni Studios is owned by talented artist Mimi Cullen, who sells her own work. Portraits are Mimi’s specialism but she is versatile in her choice of medium, creating detailed digital drawings of famous faces, sketchy charcoal studies, monoprints, photographs and much, much more. Mimi is open to commissions for bespoke work, bringing her customers’ ideas to life on canvas. Whether you’re looking for a portrait that perfectly captures a pet or loved one, a painting of your home or something else entirely, Mimi can create a meaningful piece of art that’s completely individual to you. 

York Theatre Royal

York’s historic Theatre Royal opened in 1744 and it has been entertaining the city’s residents and visitors ever since with a varied programme of plays, musicals, dance, comedy and storytelling. For those who would like to have a go at treading the boards, the theatre offers acting workshops, as well as a playwriting course and the YTR choir. Children can get involved with the Youth Theatre, or sign up for the ‘play in a week’ holiday project. York Theatre Royal also runs weekly Crafty Tales sessions, through which preschoolers can explore their favourite books with craft activities and imaginative play. 

Grand Opera House 

England’s biggest fully operational theatre, York’s Grand Opera House resides in a Grade II listed building incorporating a former corn exchange and an old warehouse. The Opera House first opened in 1902 and its original Art Nouveau interior has since been fully restored. Alongside opera, you can enjoy ballets, comedy, tribute nights and participatory film events here. Upcoming shows include The Commitments, Ellen Kent’s Madama Butterfly and Agatha Christie’s classic whodunnit, The Mousetrap. 

Theatre@41 

A versatile creative hub, Theatre@41 offers affordable, bookable spaces for meetings, rehearsals and shows. The theatre is used by many York-based community groups and is home to the Blaze Dance School, as well as the York Stage School, which teaches acting, singing and musical theatre skills to aspiring performers of all ages. Keep an eye on the Theatre@41 website to find out about some of the upcoming short courses, masterclasses and holiday workshops held here. 

The Crescent 

Residing in a former working men’s club off Blossom Street, this independent community venue is open every day of the week. On Wednesday nights, you can bring along your own vinyl, CDs, USB or laptop to play music of your choice on the open decks. You can enjoy retro gaming here, or listen to talks and live music from artists performing in a multitude of different genres, including folk, world, hip hop and experimental. The Crescent is also home to the Burning Duck Comedy Club, which features some of the county’s rising comedic stars. 

York Barbican 

The city’s largest music and arts venue, York Barbican provides world-class entertainment with live music, comedy, sports, children’s activities and more. Upcoming events on the Barbican’s packed programme include a visit from 80s folk rock band The Waterboys, a performance of Carmen by the Ukrainian National Opera and an evening of laughter with BBC Radio’s multi award-winning panel show ‘I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue’. You can also experience a game of bingo like no other at one of Bongo’s Bingo’s fantastic themed nights. Join in with dance offs and rave rounds, witness unexpected and bizarre moments and win weird and wonderful prizes during a thrilling live show filled with ‘madness, mayhem and sheer joy’. 

The National Centre for Early Music 

York’s National Centre for Early Music (NCEM) celebrates Mediaeval, Renaissance and early Baroque music through a programme of events that spans the whole year. The centre is the national advocate for early music and runs residencies for young artists, along with many other opportunities for those interested in the genre to meet, learn and make music together. The NCEM’s annual Early Music Christmas Festival takes place between the 8th-17th December and provides an opportunity to hear music associated with Advent, Christmas and Epiphany performed in the atmospheric setting of St Margaret’s Church. 

FortyFive Vinyl Cafe 

There’s vinyl spinning all day long at this independent cafe bar and record store on Micklegate. FortyFive sells new and used records and there are hundreds of great albums to discover and buy here. Their cafe serves delicious grilled cheese sandwiches with a tempting cocktail menu for those who fancy a treat. Visit FortyFive on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday night to enjoy live music from artists like Jenny Colquitt, Danny Smart, Our Man In The Field and Mishra. 

VR: Heritage Collection Travel 

A travel agency with a difference, Heritage Collection Travel offers a truly unique experience with their virtual reality ‘try before you buy’ holidays. This independent travel company specialises in cultural, historical and special interest breaks and if you’re struggling to decide where to visit next, their staff have come up with an ingenious solution. From their state-of-the-art cinema room you can take a virtual trip to some of the many destinations on offer, using an Oculus Quest headset to stand on the banks of the Serengeti, or visit the idyllic Maldives. Stepping into Heritage Collection’s agency on Goodramgate feels like a holiday in itself. The shop’s luxurious interior features a luscious living wall with a calming water fountain that will leave you feeling inspired and dreaming of all of those exotic places you’d like to explore. 

Duttons for Buttons 

As its name suggests, Duttons is the place to buy buttons. In fact, you’ll find more of them here than anywhere else in the UK, with over 10,000 different designs to choose from. Housed in a mediaeval building on Coppergate, this characterful little shop also sells sewing kits, ribbons, threads, yarns and needlework tools. If you’re looking to hone your crafting skills, or pick up some new ones, Mrs Duttons Wondrous Workshops are a great way to start. Upcoming classes include Christmas-themed embroidery and the chance to make your very own mohair teddy bear with Jacqueline Schultz of Jacqueline’s Bears. 

Bish Bash Pot 

This family-friendly pottery painting studio on Walmgate offers creative fun for all. You can choose from a huge range of beautiful items to paint here, from practical pieces like plates, travel cups and teapots to cute critters, money boxes and other decorative trinkets. Children will love seeing their designs come to life after being fired in the kiln, but if you would prefer some peaceful grown-up time, the shop’s ‘adults’ evenings’ provide a chance to relax with a glass of your favourite fizz while getting arty. There are also ‘wheel nights’, where you can learn how to use a potter’s wheel to make food safe tableware. If you’re thinking of hosting your own pottery painting party or fancy an evening in, the shop can provide paint at home baskets. Your chosen items will be delivered straight to your door and then collected and fired ready for you to use and treasure. 

Photos: Grand Opera House, Bish Bash Pot, Blossom Street Gallery, The National Centre for Early Music