Looking for things to do in York this summer? We’ve got the guide for you.
School is out, the sun is shining, and there’s so much fun to be had in York this summer.
Are we missing an event? Let us know by dropping us a line at [email protected]. This guide will be continually updated.
What’s on in York this Summer
Family fun
Castle Howard
Explore the House, Gardens and award-winning Skelf Island Adventure Playground; get lost in nature at the Arboretum, home to our new resident red squirrel; visit Playshapes: Castle Constructors, our new interactive installation; and visit our cafés, Farm Shop, Gift Shop and Garden Centre.
- Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA
- Sat 18 July – Sun 6 Sep
- 9am – 5pm
- More info
York Maze
York Maze is the largest maze in the UK, created from over one million living, growing maize plants in a fun and unique design! For 2026, the giant maize maze is celebrating Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday! It’s a fun day out for all the family with over 20 different rides, attractions and shows to enjoy.
- York Maze, Elvington Lane, York, YO19 5LT
- Sat 11 July – Thu 3 Sep
- 10am – 6:30pm
- More info
Women at War – Summer Holiday Fun
This summer, uncover the extraordinary stories of the women who helped win the Second World War through a variety of hands-on family activities and
From the fields and factories to hospitals and military bases, women stepped into vital roles that kept Britain going during its darkest hours. Join us at Eden Camp Modern History Museum as we celebrate their courage, determination, and resilience through our special summer holiday activities.
- Eden Camp Modern History Museum, Malton, YO17 6RT
- Fri 17 July – Mon 31 Aug
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
Summer holiday fun at RHS Harlow Carr
Join us this summer for Brick Explorers at RHS Garden Harlow Carr – a fun-filled family adventure celebrating the amazing biodiversity found in our gardens. Discover wildlife superhero sculptures made from hundreds of thousands of bricks, pick up an activity booklet packed with fun facts and challenges, follow the wildlife superhero trail and get creative at the interactive brick building station – all inspired by the plants, animals and fungi that call our gardens home.
- RHS Harlow Carr, Crag Ln, Beckwithshaw, Harrogate HG3 1QB
- Sat 18 July – Sun 6 Sep
- 9:30am – 6pm
- More info
Summer of Magic at The Hole in Wand
This summer, magic is in the air as The Hole In Wand launches its biggest competition yet The House Cup.
From 18th July to 6th September, all five The Hole In Wand locations will battle it out to become this year’s House Cup champions. Each venue is representing its own magical house, and here in York, we’re proudly flying the flag for House Serpent.
Every adventure played during the event helps earn valuable points for House Serpent. Every round of magical mini golf, every challenge completed, and every display of house pride brings our site one step closer to the top of the leaderboard.
Whether you’re looking for a fun family day out during the summer holidays or planning an unforgettable adventure with friends, there’s never been a better time to visit…
- The Hole In Wand, 14-16 Coppergate Walk, York, YO1 9NT
- Sat 18 July – Sun 6 Sep
- 10am – 7pm
- More info
Summer Holidays at Mother Shipton’s
This summer, our enchanted forest is sprinkled with the spirit of Oz. Meet the radiant Good Witch of the Glade and our ever-cheerful Scarecrow as they sprinkle a little midsummer mischief and merriment throughout the forest. Perfect for little dreamers and grown-up adventurers alike, there will be spellbinding photo opportunities, themed displays inspired by iconic scenes, and plenty of chances to follow the path wherever it may lead.
- Mother Shipton’s Cave, Prophecy Lodge, High Bridge, Knaresborough, HG5 8DD
- Sat 18 July – Sun 6 Sep
- 10am – 5:30pm
- More info
Summer at Murton Park
Get ready for seven weeks of excitement at Murton Park! Enjoy a variety of activities, including a History Festival, Museum Days, Living History Days, reenactments, heritage train rides, and monthly kids’ clubs.
- Murton Park, Murton, York, YO19 5UF
- Fri 17 July – Sun 6 Sep
- 10am – 4:30pm
- More info
Discover Your Heroes Ticket Trail
Explore Pickering, Goathland and Grosmont stations as you search for special trail posters featuring different Railway Heroes. Discover the stories behind famous people, iconic locomotives and important moments that helped shape the railway we know today.
Pick up your trail ticket from the Booking Office, Shop or Tea Room then hunt down all four trail posters at your chosen station. Feeling adventurous? Tick off the posters at all three stations!
- All stations along NYMR’s heritage line
- Sat 18 July – Sun 6 Sep
- 9:15am – 6:15pm
- More info
Summer of Adventure at Piglets Adventure Farm
Get ready for our BIGGEST summer yet, with 50 days packed full of family fun, exciting activities, amazing entertainment and unforgettable adventures – all included in your ticket!
Take a look at all the activities included!
- NEW Piglets Beach Club
- NEW Football Zone
- NEW Sunflower Meadow
- Foam Parties
- Sandcastle Competitions
- Make Your Own Sandcastle Flag
- Beach Yoga
- Nature-Themed Maize Maze
- The Fairy Trail Returns
- Make Your Own Pin Badge
- Daily Animal Encounters
- NEW Den Building Area
- NEW Animal Feeding Stations (grass nuts available to purchase for feeding fun)
- Piglets, Towthorpe Grange, Towthorpe Moor Lane, York YO32 9ST
- Sat 18 Jul – Sun 6 Sep
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
Summer Holidays at Web Adventure Park
It’s summertime and we couldn’t be more excited! Here at the Web, we have absolutely loads going on to ensure you have a jam-packed day full of fun. With plenty to do both indoors and out, hours can be spent exploring the park – whatever the weather. What’s even better, everything is included in the one admission ticket!
- Web Adventure Park, Wigginton Road, York, United Kingdom YO32 2RH
- Sat 18 Jul – Sun 6 Sep
- 9:30am – 6pm
- More info
Summer at Oxygen York
This summer, Brits can forget airport queues, baggage allowance and delayed departures, and secure their Passport to Unlimited Play at Oxygen York. At Oxygen York, visitors can explore interconnected trampolines alongside a wide range of activities, including an inflatable park, parkour area, interactive sports pitch, trapeze , and more.
Families of original Passport Play holders can watch the BIG-TIME fun from each park’s cafe, meaning the grown-ups can explore their inboxes, work from the parks (or just take a breather!) while the kids burn off some energy as they adventure throughout the park.
Each Passport also comes with exclusive offers and discounts, including 20% off all adult meals and a coffee loyalty card, that go towards free drinks and treats while kids can bounce into a summer special VIP meal deal, which includes a kid’s meal, slushie and ice-cream or fruit bag for just £5.
- Oxygen York, Clifton Moor Centre, Hurricane Way, Rawcliffe, York YO30 4XU
- Sat 18 Jul – Sun 6 Sep
- 9am – 7pm
- More info
The Big Summer Rewind at William’s Den
This summer, six weeks of adventure await at William’s Den. From 21st July to 29th August, The Big Summer Rewind brings six decades of games, music, challenges and family fun to life — with something new to discover every single week. Whether you’re introducing your children to the games you loved growing up or making brand-new family memories together, every week brings fresh reasons to visit. And the best part? All of it is on top of everything you already love about William’s Den.
- William’s Den, Castle Farm, Wold Hill, North Cave HU15 2LS
- Tue 21 Jul – Sat 29 Aug
- 9:30am – 6pm
- More info
Summer at York Castle Museum
This summer, experience a grand day out reminiscent of York’s iconic summers across two centuries. From the Victorian York Gala, an annual tradition for 60 years, to the swinging Sixties, a pivotal decade for the city, our programme will immerse you in history and nostalgia filled with entertainers, games and crafts, music, floral displays and seasonal decor.
- York Castle Museum, Eye of York, York, YO1 9RY
- Mon 22 Jun – Sun 6 Sep
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
York Georgian Festival
Our fourth annual festival celebrating 18th Century life in York runs from Thursday 6 August to Monday 10 August.
Events includes talks, tours, performances and workshops at attractions across the city, including another visit by Horrible Histories author Terry Deary.
The event of the season will of course be our York Georgian Ball at the Grand Assembly Rooms, which this year is a Masquerade Ball!
Many events are free and you’re invited to join our Promenade through the city (please book), and to watch Georgian dancing and military drills and displays in St Helen’s Square over the weekend.
- York Mansion House, St Helen’s Square, York, YO1 9QL
- Thu 6 – Mon 10 Aug
- 11am – 5pm
- More info
York Unleashed Comic-Con
A must visit for lovers of anything nerdy – with celebrity guests, geeky attractions, stage talks, merchandise market, cosplay masquerade and loads of other stuff to see and do.
- York Racecourse, Knavesmire, York, YO23 1EC
- Sun 30 Aug
- 11am – 5pm
- More info
