Springtime. York in bloom. Next to the Tower, the flowerbeds of the Museum Gardens blaze with colour. The trees along the riverbank are coming into leaf, and if we’re really lucky, we might see the river’s surface sparkling with a bit of sunshine.
It’s a beautiful time of year to visit York. Here’s everything you can enjoy here this spring.
City in bloom
As well as the museum gardens, the grass banking around the iconic City Walls and Clifford’s Tower become a blanket of daffodils. A walk around the walls taking in the landmarks and the colours of spring is a must. For a few magical days, you’ll also see parts of the city splashed pink as the blossom trees make their brief bloom. Walmgate and Rowntree Park are two of the best spots to catch them.
Spring festivals
All the way through March, at venues all around the city, you can enjoy workshops and talks with some of the UK’s finest writers, poets and thinkers as York Literature Festival takes over the city. Among the delights are a workshop on fantasy fiction with Susanna Clark (Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrel), Cambridge Professor of Innovation Tim Minchall discusses his book Your Life is Manufactured,
The York Craft Festival is a chance to get hold of some unique and exquisite pieces. You can also become a maker yourself, with workshops on everything from ceramics to blacksmithing to get stuck into.
And in the runup to Easter you can enjoy all manner of sweet treats at York Chocolate Festival.
Travel through time
In a city brimming with such history, it’s only right that historical festivals occur frequently. The JORVIK Viking Festival (Europe’s largest of its kind) takes place in York from 16th – 22nd Feb. It celebrates the city’s Norse heritage with live combat, encampments, and family activities. Highlights include the March to Coppergate, the “Battle for York” spectacular, and Viking games.
If the Vikings are a little too wild for your liking, you might prefer the Eboracum Roman Festival, which takes place in the Museum Gardens (dates TBC at the time of writing), in the shadow of the Multangular Tower, the most complete Roman structure in York.
York Minster is a breathtaking spectacle at any time, and doesn’t need anything added to make a visit worthwhile. However, visit in February or May and you might just bump into a figure from York’s past. Legends of the Ages brings costumed storytellers bring York’s rich history to life.
From classical history to classical music: in March you can also enjoy enchanting orchestral performances of Bach and Handel at the Minster.
Theatre season in York
All manner of shows are on at York’s iconic theatres this spring. Families in particular will love a visit to York Theatre Royal for musicals of Annie (12th – 21st Feb) and The Secret Garden (17th March – 4th April).
At the Grand Opera House, those looking for something a little edgier will love 2.22: A Ghost Story, (30th March – 4th April), the supernatural thriller that has become a West End sensation.
If it’s laughs you’re after, try Legally Blonde The Musical (21st – 25th April) or
Fawlty Towers – The Play (19th – 23rd May), a West End stage adaptation of the classic sitcom. Both are at The Grand Opera House.
Celebrate the arts
From February to August, York Art Gallery exhibits the unique art of Japanese Woodblock Printing. Over 100 pieces, dating back to the 17th century, are on display. The exhibition is called Making Waves in honour of the most iconic example of the art form, The Great Wave Off Kanagawa by Hokusai, which is also on display.
If you like to see behind the scenes of art, you’ll enjoy York Open Studios. For two weekends in April, 150 of the best local artists and makers allow you into their studios to see how their work comes to life. There’s something for everyone, with creators of ceramics, furniture, glass, jewellery, painting, photography, and much more opening their doors.
Superior ‘snap’
‘Snap’ is a Northern term for something York does properly – food. The city offers everything from local classics to global fusions, and they’ll all be showcasing their spring menus.
In March, York becomes a city-sized banquet for York Restaurant Week. Venues all across the city devise special menus and irresistible offers. Dedicated foodies will want to try Roots. Tommy Banks’s restaurant is the only Michelin-starred establishment in York city centre and its ever-changing tasting menu is legendary.
Springtime strolls
With some of England’s most stunning scenery within an hour’s drive, you could take a break from the bustle and escape to the country for the day. The North York Moors has over 1,400 of walking trails criss-crossing its rolling hills – something for all levels.
The Yorkshire Dales are a bit further out, but offer more dramatic hikes to the likes of Malham Cove or Pen-y-Ghent, part of the Yorkshire Three Peaks.
Book your spring break
York is a hub of history and art, food and culture. This selection of seasonal highlights only scratches the surface. With landmarks such as the National Railway Museum, The Shambles and the York Castle Museum, you’ll never run out of memorable experiences.
And at Lendal Tower, you’re perfectly placed to enjoy it all. Perched on the riverbank at the edge of the city centre, everything York has to offer is just a short walk away. At the end of a busy day, the springtime sunsets from the Tower’s rooftop terrace are something else.
Check our availability and book your visit here.