While York’s cobbled streets and ancient landmarks echo centuries of history, the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene adds a creative twist that’s hard to resist. And at Lendal Tower, you’re perfectly placed to indulge in everything from fine art and contemporary exhibitions to spellbinding theatre performances and unique cultural events.
Here are some of the top places where you can experience the creative spirit of York…
York Art Gallery
York Art Gallery sits at the heart of the city’s cultural landscape. From March to August, it welcomes York artist Harland Miller’s XXX exhibition. Blending Yorkshire roots with influences from his global travels, his work juxtaposes the profound and the everyday with astonishing use of colour and language.
The Centre of Ceramic Art (CoCA) showcases one of the UK’s most significant collections of British studio ceramics. You’ll also find plenty of ‘Old Masters’ from the continent in The Burton Gallery.
The Braithwaite Gallery
Run by the original York Artist, Mark Braithwaite, and his wife Anna, The Braithwaite Gallery is a house of treasures. Four floors of work by the most talented local artists, featuring an array of styles and themes with something to suit every budget.
York Fine Arts
Another family-run gallery with a more traditional leaning, York Fine Arts is the perfect place to pick up a statement piece from the very best British and international artists. You’ll find original oil paintings and watercolours along with bronze sculptures and signed limited edition prints.
Yorkshire Museum
Although best known for its archaeological and natural history treasures, the Yorkshire Museum also boasts a rotation of cultural exhibitions, often blending history with visual arts. Nestled within the stunning Museum Gardens (perfect for a springtime walk), the museum provides a serene backdrop for discovering art with a historical twist.
See ornately gilded treasures from York’s medieval glory days. Then walk like a Roman as you step across the original four-metre mosaic before taking in the artefacts of the Ryedale Hoard, which includes a 1,800-year-old bust of Marcus Aurelius himself.
Fairfax House
Step into splendour as you enter one of England’s finest Georgian townhouses. The former winter home of the prominent Fairfax family reveals a glimpse of life as an aristocrat in the mid-18th century. Original period furniture (mostly from the collections of Noel Terry, of chocolate orange fame) and ornate decorations bring each room to life.
Take a guided tour or simply wander and wonder at your own leisure. A sumptuous way to spend an hour or two.
York Theatre Royal
As one of the UK’s oldest theatres, York Theatre Royal combines history and artistry. Its stunning 18th-century auditorium has been carefully preserved, while its productions span everything from Shakespearean classics to innovative contemporary performances from local playwrights.
Explore the theatre’s backstage secrets with a guided tour, revealing hidden passageways and the fascinating history of the building.
Grand Opera House York
For lovers of big productions, Grand Opera House York delivers show-stopping performances in a setting that blends Edwardian grandeur with modern flair. The venue hosts everything from large-scale musicals and operas to ballets, comedy, and live concerts.
Don’t be fooled by the building’s unassuming redbrick frontage (the Grand Opera House was originally a corn exchange before it was converted into a theatre in 1902). The interior is a magnificent surprise, offering viewing boxes and upgrades to the exclusive Ambassador Lounge.
The Crescent Community Venue
For something a little more offbeat, The Crescent is a buzzing grassroots music and arts venue that champions independent talent. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and eclectic programming, it’s a great place to catch indie gigs, spoken word performances, and community-driven arts events.
Many household names graced The Crescent’s stage before achieving national fame. You might just discover the next superstar.
Candlelit concerts
Throughout the year, some of York’s historic and picturesque venues – such as St Olave’s Church, Q Church, and the National Centre for Early Music – provide enchanting settings for a diverse array of concerts.
Classical purists can delight in timeless works by Mozart, Vivaldi, and Hans Zimmer, while those with a more contemporary taste can experience beloved hits reimagined. From Coldplay and Ed Sheeran to Taylor Swift and Queen, these performances seamlessly blend pop and orchestral grandeur, offering a fresh and captivating take on familiar favourites.
Annual cultural events in York
York Early Music Festival
For classical music enthusiasts, the York Early Music Festival offers a captivating celebration of baroque and classical music. From Friday 4th to Friday 11th July 2025, performances take place in York’s stunning historic venues including the Minster, the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall and St Olave’s Church. Immerse yourself in a magical blend of sound and setting.
Aesthetica Short Film Festival (ASFF)
For something a little more modern, try one of the UK’s leading short film festivals. From 5th-9th November 2025, ASFF transforms York into a hub for independent cinema. With screenings spread across multiple venues, the festival showcases diverse genres, from thought-provoking documentaries to gripping dramas.
It’s not just about watching films. You also participate in Q&A sessions with filmmakers and industry leaders and engage in immersive interactive and VR experiences.
Attracting filmmakers and audiences from over 50 countries, the Aesthetica festival really brings an international flair to York.
Where will your cultural adventure in York take you?
Whether you’re immersing yourself in world-class exhibitions, enjoying a night at the theatre, or taking in the spectacle of York’s cultural festivals, there’s no shortage of ways to tune in to the city’s creative pulse.
And it’s all just a stone’s throw from Lendal Tower, York’s most unique self-catering accommodation. Check our availability for this year here.