Summer in York

Summer in York is about to get brighter, with the arrival of THOR’S Orangery on Parliament Street. The brand-new rustic structure for 2022 will include its very own courtyard and reclaimed wood stage with a programme of music and live events throughout the summer.

Opening on 24th June, THOR’S Orangery will have a brand new slushie cocktail menu, a colourful selfie wall and local traders Millers Fish & Chips, York Roast Co. and Yuzu Street Food serving up food. The sister site to THOR’S Orangery, the famous THOR’S SOL AST tipi, has pitched up in the gardens of The Principal, York for the summer with street food from Frango Eduardo.

See the city from the River Ouse this summer, aboard City Cruises’ freshly painted blue boats. From afternoon tea experiences to self-drive boats, there's a trip to suit the whole family. By evening, experience the city from a new perspective by watching the sunset from the Early Evening Cruise or cruise by twilight on the Floodlit Evening Cruise.

York Minster has a packed schedule of events to keep the whole family entertained this summer, with a range of activities designed to help young explorers discover the medieval Minster from trails to craft activities. Families can enjoy refreshments from The Minster Village, where they’ll find decorative wooden cabins offering freshly-cooked food, refreshing drinks, ice cream and seating to admire the view.

This summer will see internationally renowned musicians perform a special series of recitals celebrating the return of York Minster’s Grand Organ following its £2m, once-in-a-century refurbishment. Plus, this summer sees the return of seasonal lates, with the opportunity to experience York Minster in the evening light when the cathedral opens its doors on Friday and Saturday evenings during the summer holidays.

Discover one of the largest Viking hoards ever discovered in the UK at the JORVIK Viking Centre this summer, with a special exhibition of Silverdale Hoard (on display until February 2023). Another exhibition not to be missed is The Bard at Barley Hall, which opens this July in York’s hidden medieval townhouse. This summer will also see the opening of the Barley Hall Coffee Shop.

Dine al fresco with a wide range of street food at Shambles Market Food Court this summer. Plus, travelling into the city centre has never been easier with York Park & Ride and First Bus. Park & Ride is the country’s biggest zero-emission fleet in the country, with an adult return ticket allowing three children under 16 to travel free.

With the arrival of the brighter weather sees the reopening of many seasonal gardens in York and the surrounding areas. Nestled away on the outskirts of York is Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens; an organically managed, wildlife friendly, family garden with a tea room serving local cakes and produce. Throughout the summer, they host a programme of courses and an Annual Wildlife Day for families.

Further afield is the regency style Scampston Hall, set within Capability Brown Parkland. Its award-winning contemporary walled garden, designed by the renowned Dutch plantsman, Piet Oudolf, features modern, perennial meadow planting alongside more traditional areas. Beningbrough Hall, located between York and Harrogate, has an eight-acre garden which has been recently developed by award winning designer Andy Sturgeon enhancing the already grand borders, walled kitchen garden and extensive wilderness play area.

2022 marks the 20th anniversary of York Maze, with the award-winning attraction set to announce this year’s theme very soon. What started as a small farm diversification project by local farmer Tom Pearcy has grown to become the biggest attraction of its kind in Europe and one of Yorkshire’s most popular summer family days out, picking up an impressive collection of awards along the way.

Enjoy the grounds at Castle Howard this summer and settle in for a special outdoor cinema experience with blockbuster films including Mamma Mia! and Harry Potter. With selected dates throughout August, bring a blanket or camping chair and enjoy the giant cinema screen in the open-air.

Summer has arrived at Piglets Adventure Farm with their bigger and better beach. The sand area is now double the size and there’s new rock pools to explore, plus beach huts are available to hire for the whole family to relax in. Whatever the weather, William’s Den has a huge outdoor adventure play area plus an indoor playscape made of trees, rope bridges, sand and streams. The indoor den is a unique play space housed in an eco-friendly barn with beautiful views of the Yorkshire Wolds.

Exploring York and beyond is easier than ever with the Visit York Pass, York’s official sightseeing pass. Get entry to over 40 of York and beyond attractions, with a one, two, three or six day digital pass. Save more this summer with 10% off three and six day passes with the code SUMMER22.

For more information, visit visityork.org/summer #SummerInYork

Sarah Loftus, Managing Director at Make It York, said: “There’s a huge amount going on in York this summer for residents, visitors and families to enjoy. The installation of THOR’S Orangery on Parliament Street will really brighten up our city centre this summer, plus a packed programme of events throughout the city and beyond means that it’s a really exciting time to explore York.”

Amanda Monaghan, Director at THOR’S tipi, said: “We’re super excited to be back on Parliament St this Summer and we can’t wait to show people the brand new THOR’S Orangery! There’ll still be the things that make THOR’S fabulous, like the fire pits, delicious cocktails, local ales, DJ’s and live music - but all in a new exciting house with some fun surprises. We just love York in Summer, with its super chilled vibe and balmy nights, it’s the place to be.”

Darryl Smalley, Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Communities, said “York is well known and loved for its varied and vibrant events, which bring residents and visitors together. This summer promises to be unforgettable, with so many events to choose from for all to enjoy. Do make sure to check what’s on and enjoy all that our beautiful city has to offer this summer!”

ENDS

About Make It York

Make It York’s purpose is to develop and promote the city and its surroundings – nationally and internationally - as a vibrant and attractive place to live, visit, study, work and do business. The company’s remit covers leisure and business tourism, city centre management, Shambles Market and festivals and events.

Visit York is a part of Make It York and is the leisure tourism brand

Under the brand Visit York, Make It York’s aim is to market York as a must-see world-class destination to the leisure visitor and ensure investment to develop the quality of tourism in York.

About THOR'S

We’re more than just a pop-up bar-we’re a brand, an event and a destination. In 2021, THOR’S was central to the Christmas offering in five major cities, successfully delivering in excess of 170k Pints of Beer, 55k cups of steaming hot choc and 125k cups of mulled wine and cider! But we don’t just stop at Christmas... We also run Summer Events in the gardens at The Principal Hotel, York and York city centre. Proud to work with: York BID, The Principal York, IMG, York City Council, Make It York, Brighton Council, Leeds Council, Lincoln BIG, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Nottingham Council, Edinburgh Waverley Mall, Sheffield City Council-to name a few! The THOR’S team have worked on thousands of events up and down the Country, including many of the UK’s biggest festivals, such as Wilderness, Download, Leeds Festival, V-Fest. We’re driven by creating LEGENDARY events and moments.