Get ready for sun-soaked family fun as York brings the beach to the heart of the city! Organised by Make It York, the Seaside Fun zone will be a vibrant celebration turning Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square into a seaside escape perfect for Your Summer Adventure.
Kids can dig into fun at the sandy play zone taking over York’s Parliament Street throughout the weekend of 26 and 27 July – while you unwind in a comfy deckchair.
There'll be plenty of opportunities to snap your way through the city with seaside-themed selfie spots, including a giant deckchair and the ever-popular seaside-themed face peep boards. Plus, little ones can transform with the colourful face painting on offer.
Embracing timeless seaside traditions, and seeing us through the week until 3 August, classic fairground rides bring nostalgic fun for all ages – from the exhilarating twist of the Helter Skelter to the gentle charm of a ride on the Carousel.
What's more, explore York's charming Shambles Market with the Seagull Trail – a fun-filled, self-guided adventure that brings seaside cheer to the city’s historic core. Ideal for families, the trail encourages curiosity and exploration as you wander through the bustling market stalls to keep an eye out for cheeky seagull illustrations hidden in corners and high above. Pick up your trail checklist from the Visit York Visitor Information Centre at 21 Parliament Street.
Once you’ve found all ten seagulls, head to the Visit York Visitor Information Centre to share your feedback and be in with a chance to win a family platter for four from Millers Fish & Chips. Redeemable at the Shambles Food Court, Millers serves up delicious meals from the finest locally sourced ingredients from responsibly sourced, sustainable fish.
Not to be missed, join us in celebrating Yorkshire Day (1 August) with a curated artisan market on Parliament Street from 1 to 3 August. The Yorkshire Day Market is the perfect place to discover unique finds, handcrafted goods, and delicious bites from Yorkshire’s finest makers and producers.
The Yorkshire Day celebrations continue online with giveaway prizes on Visit York’s social media platforms from mid-July. Make sure to follow @VisitYork on Instagram, Facebook, Threads, X, Bluesky, TikTok and YouTube for chances to win days out and goodies from York-based businesses.
In addition, the River Art Market will be taking place over the weekend of 2 and 3 August. In this unique art and design market, set along the stunning River Ouse along Dame Judi Dench Walk, you can explore artists and their work from all over Yorkshire and beyond.
When hunger strikes, there’ll be ample options for food the whole family will love from the Shambles Food Court. Offering the traditional British seaside fish and chips, there’s also delicious bagels and Kreps, and global favourites including Middle Eastern and Thai cuisines. For afters, you can indulge in delights from the fudge bus and candy floss along Parliament street.
Plus, the cosy vibes are back at THOR’S Tipi Bar, adding to the buzzing atmosphere to Parliament Street with live music, a refreshing drinks menu, and local street food, from YUZU Street Food, serving up crispy corn dogs, loaded gyozas and their delicious fries, in addition to the brand-new menu crafted by Michelin-starred chef Tommy Banks.
Make the most of the sunny season with a River Ouse cruise from City Cruises York – step aboard, relax on the top deck and uncover the rich history of our ancient city and the powerful role the river has played in shaping it. Choose from day and evening cruises, the popular fish & chip cruise or be the captain with a self-drive boat hire.
The York Dungeon’s brand-new summer show, ‘Body Snatchers’ (19 July to 31 August) – is a spine-tingling addition to the chilling line-up that includes the infamous figures Dick Turpin and Guy Fawkes. Prepare to be transported into York’s darkest history as the sights, sounds and even smells of the past come vividly to life before your eyes!
York Castle Museum will be celebrating the season in style, with events inspired by the vibrant and colourful Victorian galas of years gone by. For the first time, from 19 July to 31 August, the museum’s famous Victorian Street, Kirkgate, will transform into a traditional summer scene from nineteenth century York, where you can enjoy live music, street performances, seasonal crafts and interactive trails.
There's always more to do in York and Visit York Pass is perfect for unlocking York’s top attractions – a digital sightseeing pass available for 1, 2, or 3 days, complete with money-saving offers on tours, eateries and more.
Purchase online at yorkpass.com or in person at the Visit York Visitor Information Centre at 21 Parliament Street – where you can also get personalised recommendations from the friendly and knowledge team.
York is the perfect summer outing – right in the heart of the city. Don’t miss it!
For full event listings, travel information and everything you need to plan Your Summer Adventure in York, head to visityork.org/summer
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