York’s tourist information centre is moving out of its home on the corner of Parliament Street.
Visit York is heading to a premises in the less prominent location of 28 Back Swinegate.
That was the former home of Winstons, the menswear shop run by the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire David Skaith for ten years.
Mr Skaith closed up in February, saying “the space is no longer right”.
The Visit York information centre downsized from its impressive HQ on Museum Street – now Toppings bookshop – in December 2022.
But after three and a half years, it’s relocating again, leaving Parliament Street for Back Swinegate.
It will open there on Saturday, 1 August – Yorkshire Day.
This is a City of York Council owned property which was being advertised for offers in the region of £14,000 per annum plus VAT for rent.
The ground floor retail shop has 289 square feet of trading space.
The move will take place between 27 and 31 July, during the second week of the school summer holidays.
In its place a “pop-up presence” will on Parliament Street offering information to tourists.
28 Back Swinegate, York
The Back Swinegate office is larger than its predecessor.
A spokesperson for Make It York, which runs Visit York, said: “The new location remains centrally positioned, easily accessible, and only a short way from the current premises.
“It offers additional space whilst maintaining a strong city-centre presence that will enable the team to showcase York’s events and attractions more effectively in a welcoming environment.”
Make It York managing director Sarah Loftus said: “The new premises will allow us to provide an even better experience while continuing to offer the expert advice, friendly service and local knowledge that our team is known for.”
