See the city like never before in these guided walks and tours – as part of York Residents’ Festival 2026.
The annual festival, organised by Make It York, aims to give a thank you to residents who share the city with York’s millions of visitors throughout the year – with a whole host of free events, offers, and discounts available.
York Residents’ Festival is on Saturday 31 January and 1 February 2026.
We’ve put together a guide of all the guided walks and tours that are taking part in this year’s York ResFest.
Discover the hidden history of York’s cobbled streets, take a look behind the scenes of some of the city’s attractions, and journey through breath-taking landscapes – with historical walks, pub walks, theatre tours, and much more.
Take a look at the full list of offers at the Visit York website.
How to take part
To take advantage of the offers, please present a valid York Card, student card or identity card that proves your York residency. If presenting an identity card, this must clearly state ‘York’ (e.g. driving licence or older person’s bus pass).
The York Card is available to all who live or work within the York area. The York Card costs £6 for adult residents and free to children and young people up to the age of 18, and free if you are in receipt of a number of means tested benefits. It’s valid for 12 months and is available to purchase as a digital card online or at any Explore library.
See individual listings for more information, including pre-booking information. Some venues have limited free tickets and operate on a first come first serve basis.
Guided walks and tours
All Saints North Street
31 Jan
We invite you to explore our beautiful and historic church with two free tours for York Residents on January 31st.
The church will be open from 10am with tea and coffee available until 1.30pm. Our churchwarden Dr Robert Richards will lead two fascinating tours:
10.15am Tour of the World Famous Stained Glass of All Saints North Street.
11.30am Tour of All Saints North Street including the famous stained glass, architectural development, angel ceiling and medieval floor tiles.
Please join us to discover the fascinating history of this hidden York gem. No booking necessary.
- All Saints North Street, York, YO1 6JD
- No booking required
- More info
Go Quest Adventures
31 Jan – 1 Feb
Save 50% when you embark on an adventure like never before…exploring your own city in a new and exciting way!
Explore the streets of York’s city centre, unlocking a hidden trail by finding clues, solving puzzles & completing challenges, earning points along the way all self-guided through the Go Quest Adventures app. See the area’s highlights and explore it’s hidden gems. Even as locals you will discover something new.
- York city centre
- Use code YORKRES50 when booking
- More info
The Grand York
31 Jan – 1 Feb
This York Residents’ weekend, step through the doors of The Grand, York and into a world of quiet grandeur and timeless beauty. Guided by our knowledgeable team, take a tour and wander through our storied spaces to uncover the rich history, graceful architecture, and whispered tales that shape this iconic building.
An enchanting invitation to explore behind the scenes and experience the enduring elegance of The Grand. Tours are free to join and will be running from 12pm – 4pm on the hour. There will be 10 available slots per hour so please reserve yours.
- Station Rise, York, YO1 6GD
- Booking required
- More info
Historic Pub Walking Tour
17 Jan & 14 Feb
Discover the history of York’s beer & pub heritage and much more by taking a guided walk through York City Centre. Each walk covers the history of 10-12 pubs as well as the centuries of events, people (and spirits) associated with them. The guide is an experienced city guide. Walks start from Minstergate YO1 7LG at the junction of College Street and Goodramgate. Tours last for approx. 1.5/2 hours.
Residents’ offer 3pm 17th & 30th January; 1st & 14th February tours are offered with a 50% discount with a requested £3 donation for anyone with a valid York Residents card. Booking essential.
- York city centre
- Booking required
- More info
Joseph Rowntree Theatre
31 Jan
If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes then the theatre is opening its doors during York Residents’ Festival. Guided tours of the theatre – which is entirely run by volunteers – will take place every hour from 10.00am to 3.00pm, including a look at the dressing rooms and other back-stage areas which normally remain hidden from the theatre-going public.
You can also help with our vital fundraising while browsing a selection of second hand books and bric-a-brac stalls, as well as grabbing a cup of tea or coffee in our garden room.
- Haxby Road, York, YO31 8TA
- No booking required
- More info
York’s Guilds & the Road to the Mystery Plays
31 Jan – 1 Feb
Step inside Bedern Hall and discover the city’s living guild heritage. Meet members of the Freemen and historic craft guilds – including the Butchers, Cordwainers and Builders – through displays that bring York’s medieval traditions to life, alongside information about the forthcoming 2026 York Mystery Plays Festival. Bedern Hall will also be the starting point for three special walking tours tracing the medieval route of the Mystery Play pageant wagons. These tours are free to York residents, but booking is essential.
Tours are at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 2.30pm with numbers limited to 20 on each tour.
- Bedern Hall, Bartle Garth, St Andrewgate, York YO1 7AL
- Booking essential
- More info
Yorkshire Heart Vineyard
31 Jan – 1 Feb
We are offering a free short tour of the vineyard (Weather dependent) and winery on the hour of 11am, 12 noon, 1pm and 2pm. We will also have a tasting table in the Winehouse café, where you can taste through our range of wines and beers.
We are charging a small booking fee of £2.50 per person, this is fully redeemable in our café and shop during your visit.
- The Vineyard, Pool lane, Nun Monkton, York, YO26 8EJ
- Booking essential
- More info
