Social8 Lounge: A Stylish Stop in the Heart of York
Summer is better on the water with City Cruises!
City Sightseeing Hop On Hop Off Tours of York
Summer in the City
A stylish stop in the heart of York
Experience summer in York from sunrise to sunset!
visityork.org/summer
Located on High Ousegate, just a two-minute walk from the historic Shambles and just next door to their restaurant Ate O’Clock, Social8 Lounge is the perfect spot to relax while exploring York. By day, visitors can enjoy a welcoming menu of brunch, lunch, small plates and sharers, ideal for a light bite or sharing with friends. Whether you’re taking a break from sightseeing or meeting up before an evening out, Social8 offers a comfortable and stylish setting.
When the sun is shining in York, whether you live here or are just visiting, spending an afternoon on the River Ouse is hard to beat. Here’s why: If you want to take things easy, the York Sightseeing Cruise is a great way for all ages to experience the city's oldest landmark: the river itself! Grab a cold drink from the onboard bar, sit back on the open-air deck, and watch the history drift by. There is even a Fish and Chips Cruise if you fancy a classic dinner on the water. For something a bit more hands-on, you can drive the boat yourself! Hiring a Self-Drive Boat lets you be the captain, steering up to four family members or friends along the river. It gives you the freedom to explore entirely at your own pace.
By night, the lounge transforms into a lively yet laidback venue. Live music fills the space every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday evening, showcasing talented performers and creating a vibrant atmosphere. On Mondays, the popular Speed Quiz adds a fun and interactive start to the week. Behind the bar, you’ll find an extensive selection of wines, draught beers, premium spirits, and both classic and signature cocktails. During summer, the refreshing Spritz menu is a highlight, featuring unique options such as a Colada Spritz, Pornstar Spritz, and Chamberyzette Spritz. Whether you’re visiting York for the first time or returning again, Social8 Lounge is a must-visit destination to eat, drink, and unwind. Make It York Visit | Culture | Markets | Events
Find out more at: social8bar.co.uk
Dive into a vibrant celebration with seaside-inspired fun that brings a splash of coastal charm to the heart of the city. Parliament Street will be full of activities from 30 July to 2 August.
Later on, swapping a busy pub garden for a breeze on the water is a lovely way to wind down. The 'Alive After Five' and 'Evening Escape' cruises let you relax and catch the sunset as the city quiets down. Book now at: cityexperiences.com/york
CitySightseeing York is a brilliant way to soak up our city’s rich history. With its opentop, hop-on hop-off tours running every 15–20 mins this summer, you can explore York at your own pace, jumping off to wander cobbled streets or visit famous landmarks before hopping back on when you’re ready. Along the way, there’s engaging commentary designed for adults too, packed with fascinating facts, local stories, and a few surprises that really bring York’s past to life. If you’re travelling with children, the Time Travelling Adventures kids’ tour adds a whole new level of fun. Young explorers are taken on an imaginative journey through time, meeting characters from different eras and discovering York in a way that feels more like an adventure than a history lesson. Booking your tickets couldn’t be easier. Simply head online to yorkcitysightseeing.com, choose your ticket, and you’re all set, no stress, no queues. It’s quick, convenient, and means you can focus on enjoying your day. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or rediscovering the city, it’s a fun, relaxed way to see York. Book now at: yorkcitysightseeing.com
Soak up the atmosphere in the Seaside Fun Zone with a pop-up sandpit, seasideinspired selfie spots, face painting and classic fairground rides. Little ones can climb aboard a real tractor, alongside hands-on craft activities. Uncover hidden corners in the historic Shambles Market with the self-guided Seagull Trail. Pick up your trail leaflet at the Visit York Visitor Information Centre. Celebrate our great region with the curated artisan Yorkshire Day Market and find unique, handcrafted goods and delicious bites from Yorkshire’s finest producers. Plus, there’ll be a brand-new play area packed with family-friendly fun. THOR’S is back for the summer at Parliament Street with all things new, including a new look, food and drinks and community events. They'll also be returning to The Milner York gardens with an unmissable line up of events.
Discover world-class attractions, explore beautiful gardens, walking trails, mouth-watering street food and relaxed alfresco dining. With so much to see and do, head to visityork.org/summer for must-see attractions, things to do and a full list of events not to be missed. Don't forget to pop into the Visit York Visitor Information Centre, 21 Parliament Street, where the friendly and knowledgeable team can help you with top tips for enjoying your summer in York. The shop is full of locally made gifts and souvenirs, as well as attraction and travel tickets, guides and maps. It's also the place to grab a Visit York Pass, offering exclusive access to over 30 attractions and extra offers, saving you time and money.
@VisitYork | #SummerInYork
Golden Tours
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Castle Howard
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Explore York for less - 35+ attractions with the city's official sightseeing pass
Discover the charm and history of York from a whole new perspective with a hop-on, hop-off open-top bus tour designed for all ages. This relaxing yet engaging experience lets you explore one of England’s most historic cities at your own pace, all while enjoying entertaining and informative live commentary. Sit back and take in breathtaking views as you pass iconic landmarks such as the magnificent York Minster, the medieval Micklegate Bar, and the striking Clifford’s Tower. With around 20 convenient stops on the route, you have the freedom to hop off whenever something catches your eye – whether it’s a hidden café, a museum, or a scenic riverside walk – and simply rejoin the tour when you’re ready. Perfect for families, couples, and solo travellers alike, this open-top adventure combines education with fun, making history come alive for children and adults alike. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, this tour offers a fresh and effortless way to experience York’s rich heritage. Make the most of your day, enjoy the open air, and let York unfold before you – one stop at a time. Book online at: goldentoursyork.com
Brewery Tours at Brew York
Join us at our York city centre brewery for an immersive experience where you’ll learn how our beers are crafted, from grain to glass. Our original brew house is where the Brew York story began – 10 years ago. Based just off Walmgate (within the city walls), the location is also home to our bustling Beer Hall and Taproom where we serve over 60 locally crafted beers, a selection of wines, spirits and soft drinks as well as delicious Asian-inspired street food. During the tour, you’ll find out about how our different beer styles are created and enjoy four tasters of Brew York beers, followed by a full pint of any Signature Cask or Keg beer at the end of your visit. Our tours run at the following times: • Every Friday at 3:30pm and 5:00pm • Every Saturday at 12:30pm, 2:30pm, 4:30pm • Every Sunday at 12:30pm, 2:30pm, 4:30pm The price is £22 per adult and lasts approximately 60–75 minutes. We take our responsibility in serving alcohol seriously, so naturally, conditions do apply. 16–17 year olds will be served soft drink alternatives. The tour isn’t suitable for under 15’s. For more info and booking: brewyork.co.uk/book-a-brewery-tour or email bars@brewyork.co.uk
Get Ahead with The Hat Shop
Shambles Market ! NEW
29 June – 31 August
The Hat Shop of York, serving the community for over 20 years, waiting to be discovered by you. We stock occasion and casual hats by popular British hatmakers such as Whiteley, Helen Moore, and Christy’s as well as international brands such as Stetson, Bailey of Hollywood, Barmah from Australia and Tilley from Canada. We have all sorts of hats you will be amazed by the choice! We have Ladies, Men’s, Casuals and Classics. Occasion wear and top hats for the races, garden parties, and weddings.
Our local Shambles Market is the hub for independent traders and foodies in the heart of York’s city centre. Open throughout the year, 9am-5pm, you can find something different every day offering a delightful variety of choices. It's the ultimate destination for a diverse range of independent shopping from exquisite gifts and stylish accessories to fresh flowers and artisan crafts from local traders.
Shambles Food Court
Panamas, Tilleys, straws, visors, and casuals to keep you shaded from the sun.
A brand-new, free art trail organised by Make It York, inspired by York Minster’s carved stone figures, the grotesques. Each uniquely designed by artists and community groups, these new sculptures have been re-imagined with a contemporary twist to bring the historic forms to life. From hidden gardens to cobbled streets, discover these larger-than-life sculptures throughout the city centre. Find out mo re visityo rk .org /watch ers-trail
Cowboy hats, peaky blinders, dockers, trilbies and many more for those style aficionados amongst you. And for those who just want to keep warm we have beanies, men’s and ladies’ caps, pom poms, and made in the UK faux fur from Helen Moore. Be inquisitive and visit the iconic, the original Hat Shop of York. A hat lover’s paradise! Located near M&S and the Shambles we are just a short stroll away wherever you are in the city. We are looking forward to meeting and serving you. Find us at 24 Pavement, York, YO1 9UP
Nestled within the market, the Shambles Food Court is a culinary street-food haven and the destination for gastronomic delights, catering to a wide range of global tastes. Plus, it’s a dog-friendly spot so you can grab your pooch a treat and relax at the picnic bench area.
Pick up a trail map from the Visit York Visitor Information Centre.