What’s opening in York in 2026?
With the year coming to an end, there are plenty of things to look forward to in 2026 – including some exciting new openings in York.
Here’s our guide to five new attractions, restaurants, and shops opening in York next year.
Topping & Company
Beloved bookshop company Toppings is set to open its fifth location in York next year – and it’ll be the biggest independent bookshop in the UK. Book lovers can look forward to Toppings’ signature handcrafted bookcases, rolling library ladders, and over 75,000 titles.
An extensive year-round book festival programme will also run from the York store, with a variety of author events to be enjoyed.
A specific opening date is yet to be confirmed, but Toppings York will open on Museum Street in spring 2026. Find out more here.
The Poetry Pharmacy
‘Part bookshop, part apothecary’ The Poetry Pharmacy will be another literary addition to York next year. The unique book and gift shop will open at 20 Coney Street, York, on Thursday 6 March 2026.
It will stock poetry and non-fiction titles curated according to emotional states – such as ‘Inspiration’, ‘Comfort’, and ‘Joy’ – and ‘poetry on prescription’.
This will be the Poetry Pharmacy’s third location in the UK – find out more at their website here.
St Leonard’s Hospice at Clifton Moor
St Leonard’s Hospice is set to open a major new retail development at Clifton Moor Retail Park in York.
The charity, which provides specialist care for people with life-limiting illnesses and support for their families and carers, has signed a long-term lease on a pair of brand new units on the site of the former B&M store in the retail park.
The 16,000 sq ft facility will include a furniture shop, a value store and a huge drive-up donation centre, and is due to open in May 2026.
The new store aims to help achieve that goal by increasing the volume of donations handled, improving the shopping experience, and creating new opportunities for volunteers.
York Ice Village
The York Ice Village is a brand new addition to the much-loved annual York Ice Trail, taking place on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 February 2026.
Parliament Street will transform into a magical hub of creativity and wonder featuring a handpicked selection of traders, artists, and makers.
Designed with families in mind, the Ice Village will offer an array of unique gifts, handcrafted treasures, and delicious treats (and potions!). Find out more here.
