6 Ways to Enjoy our Summer of Sport

It’s a bumper time for sport after what has been a long and difficult year for many. The Euros and Wimbledon were excellent competitions, providing us all with much needed excitement and entertainment, and bringing us together. More of the same is just around the corner with the Tokyo Olympics. There will even be world-class international sport in York later this year, with the Ebor Festival taking place at York Racecourse at the end of August, and the Rugby League World Cup coming to the city in November. In the meantime, get inspired and get active in our Summer of Sport, which celebrates the hard work and community spirit central to both sport and our city. 

Taking the bus is a great way to get into and around York. It’s clean, green and super easy. Just download the First Bus App from your app store, and use it to plan your journey and buy your mTickets. From Friday 16th July, you can purchase a First Summer Day mTicket for £3, and get £1 off street food and drinks at THOR's Tipi Bar. 

We’ve got six incredible sporty and interactive sculptures for you to discover across the city. Pose on the Winner’s podium, do a lap of the running track, get behind the wheel of an F1 car, and seek out the Olympic Weights, Rowing Champions and Whistle sculptures. Pick up a map from the Visitor Information Centre at 1 Museum Street, or download it here. 

If you really want to want to get your heart pumping, then Knavesmire Harriers have kindly mapped out two routes, a 5 km and a 10 km, for you to run at your own pace. These Iconic Running Trails take in many of York’s most famous sights, including York Minster, the walls and bars, and the River Ouse.

If you fancy a bit of good-natured competition with your friends and family, then head to Parliament Street for some free ping pong provided by JORVIK Viking Centre. All you need to do is pick up bats and a ball from THOR’s Tipi Bar and then it’s game on!

For a more relaxed experience, Emperors Gym are providing free yoga right in the centre of York. These instructor-led, one-hour sessions will take place at THOR's Tipi Bar first thing on a Wednesday and Friday morning, the perfect way to start the day. Email leisure@middletonsyork.co.uk to book your free space.

Walking is a simple way to get some gentle exercise and enjoy some fresh air and York is the perfect city in which to enjoy a stroll. Our #LoveWalking page is full of inspiration on how to experience the city and surrounding area on foot.

We have more than 1200 places to park your bike in the York, and great bike hire places too. The iTravel York website has numerous maps and guides to cycling in York, so that you can discover new ways to explore the city with two wheels and some pedal power.  

We’d love to hear about your Summer in York. Use #SummerInYork and #WeAreAllWinners and tag @VisitYork and @First Bus.