Springtime. York in bloom. Next to the Tower, the flowerbeds of the Museum Gardens are ablaze 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.
Spring festivals
A brand new festival showcases the best local talent. You’ll be able to hear great local bands, view live theatre and poetry performances and enjoy various workshops. It’s all going on on Parliament Street, the site of York’s Christmas market.
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.
Homecoming shows for internationally acclaimed artists
York artist Harland Miller returns to exhibit his latest collection, XXX, at York Art Gallery. This follows exhibitions in Hong Kong, Paris, London and Florida in recent years.
Meanwhile, one of the world’s greatest actors brings his mastery to the York Theatre Royal. While it’s not strictly a homecoming, since Gary Oldman was born in London, it is the stage where he made his debut back in 1979. See him in Samuel Beckett’s one-man show, Krapp’s Last Tape, from 14th April to 17th May.
Pint of Science
From the arts to the sciences… from 19th to 21st May, pubs and bars around York host renowned scientists and deliver talks on everything from guts to galaxies. Expand your mind while sampling top local ale in the annual Pints of Science Festival. What could be better?
Heavenly performances at the Minster
York Minster is a breathtaking spectacle at any time, and doesn’t need anything added to make a visit worthwhile. But through March, April and May, a series of special choral performances bring extra magic to the cathedral.
Springtime ‘snap’
‘Snap’ is a Northern term for something York does better than anywhere else – food. The city offers everything from local classics to global fusions, and they’ll all be showcasing their spring menus. Roots is the only Michelin-starred restaurant in York city centre, and is a must for true foodies.
Yorkshire favourite, Pranzo Italian, already beloved in Harrogate, Ilkley and Leeds, opens its doors in York this spring, and you could be among the first to sample their authentic homemade pasta ‘inspired by Nonna’ (Italian for ‘grandmother’). But if pasta isn’t your thing, then not to worry. York truly has something for every palate.
And of course, being the UK’s chocolate capital, York is brimming with cocoa-infused experiences in the lead-up to Easter. The Chocolate Festival takes over Parliament Street from 16th to 20th April, while York Chocolate Story and York Cocoa Works offer irresistible experiences for all ages (including boozy ones for the grownups).
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.
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