It was no surprise to us when Conde Nast Traveller recently named York the best place to visit in the UK. Or indeed when they also named Yorkshire in the top three places in the entire world to visit in 2024.
But York is a city full of surprises to those who aren’t familiar. The crooked buildings and cobbled alleys may give the impression of a city stuck in the past. But within those ancient walls, you’ll find a thriving and vibrant hub, offering world-class cultural and culinary experiences.
And 10 St Marys is the perfect base from which to immerse yourself in everything York has to offer. Here’s a flavour of what to expect in York in 2024.
Food and drink festivals in York
While foodies find plenty to please their palate all year round in York, September really brings the culinary highlight of the year. From the 20th to the 29th of September, York Food and Drink Festival is in town. Follow your nose to Parliament Street and sample flavours from every corner of the globe. You’ll also find workshops and demonstrations by renowned chefs, as well as taste trails that take you on a tour of some of the city’s finest eateries.
Can’t make it in September? Another option is the Malton Food Lover’s Festival. This charming market town lays claim to being the ‘Food Capital of Yorkshire’, and every bank holiday weekend at the end of May, thousands flock to what has become one of the UK’s favourite food festivals. More akin to a gourmet street party, it showcases local producers while providing plenty of entertainment. It’s about half an hour from York by car or train.
Discover culture in York
Some of the world’s finest contemporary art is on display at York Art Gallery from the 16th of February to the 21st of April. The Aesthetica Art Prize Exhibition showcases winners of one of the creative world’s most prestigious awards. The featured artists have been displayed in the most celebrated galleries, from New York’s Guggenheim to Paris’s Centre Pompidou (Image credit: artwork by Brigitte Amarger, sourced from aestheticamagazine.com)
If you gain more pleasure from words than pictures, York also provides opportunities to indulge your literary senses. Find a unique book at the York National Bookfair, held in York Racecourse’s iconic Knavesmire Stand on the 13th and 14th of September.
Theatre in York
York has a thriving theatre scene. The Theatre Royal has welcomed audiences for almost 300 years, while the Grand Opera House conceals its ornate interior behind an unassuming frontage – this former warehouse is a real hidden gem. There’s also an array of smaller community venues hosting an eclectic mix of shows.
Here are our theatre picks for 2024.
2:22 A Ghost Story, is a funny and intriguing new play nominated for three Laurence Olivier awards. Fresh from a record-breaking run at the West End, it’s now touring the UK. Catch it at the Grand Opera House from the 30th of April to the 4th of May.
Also at the Grand Opera House is Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch, a raucous and whimsical tale of the sea witch from The Little Mermaid. However, unlike the movie, this production is strictly adults only. It runs from the 11th to the 15th of June.
Music in York
Candlelight Concerts have become a real hit with locals and visitors alike in recent years. They’re an immersive and intimate way to experience your favourite music in a new way. Concerts feature tributes to iconic pop artists like Coldplay, Adele, Taylor Swift, and Queen, as well as classical names such as Vivaldi and Hans Zimmer. All within the magnificent National Centre for Early Music, a Grade I listed former medieval church. We’re sure more performances will be announced later in the year.
If you prefer to venture off the beaten track when it comes to music, you’ll love The Crescent. This beloved community venue hosts a range of alternative and indie artists all year round, as well as a thriving comedy scene.
History in York
York is a living, breathing piece of history, with portals to the past around every corner.
The National Railway Museum is an absolute must, giving you a chance to see the world’s most iconic locomotives up close. Joining the likes of the Mallard (the fastest-ever steam train) and the Shinkansen ‘Bullet Train’, until summer this year, is the Flying Scotsman, arguably the world’s most famous train. Relive its story in an immersive VR experience sure to amaze visitors of all ages.
Journey back through 150 million years of Yorkshire history at the Yorkshire Museum’s Jurassic World exhibit. See unbelievable fossils up close, and between the 14th of July and the 20th of September, you can also learn the story of Mary Anning, the pioneering fossil hunter who transformed our understanding the natural world.
It’s impossible not to mention York Minster. One of the finest cathedrals in Europe, it commands the skyline wherever you are in the city. No trip to York is complete without seeing it up close. Special exhibitions tell the story of some of the Minster’s greatest treasures, and if you can brave the climb to the top of the Central Tower, the views are unforgettable.
If you find yourself venturing beyond the city walls and into the countryside, consider a nostalgic ride on the North York Moors Railway. The Pullman Dining experience transports you across the breathtaking landscapes in comfort and elegance, as you enjoy a splendid three-course meal or afternoon tea.
Racing in York
Racing season brings glamour and revelry to the city, as hundreds of thousands flock to the iconic Knavesmire course every year. The season opens with the Dante Festival in May, and the legendary Ebor Festival, once the highlight of York’s social calendar, takes place in late August. And don’t miss the October Finale. Hospitality boxes offer majestic views, exceptional service and the chance to dress up in your finest attire. 10 St Marys provides the perfect base, just beyond the hustle and bustle of York’s nightlife to provide a relaxing end to an exciting day at the races.
Halloween in York
York is known as Britain’s most haunted city. With such a rich and intriguing history, you’d expect a spooky story or two. Book one of the many ghost tours that run daily for an eerily excellent way to discover York’s secrets.
An assortment of shops and bars also pay homage to York’s mysterious past. Highlights include the York Ghost Merchants on The Shambles, and the Guy Fawkes Inn. York Dungeon is a family favourite all year round. Of course, York becomes even more bewitching when the ancient spirits stir around Halloween. For something a little bit different, why not try a chillingly chocolatey Halloween masterclass at York Chocolate Story?
Whenever you choose to visit York, you’re sure to find plenty to fill your days and make special memories. 10 St Marys is the perfect base, within easy walking distance of all the great attractions, yet just far enough out to provide a peaceful and luxurious retreat. Check our availability and get ready to discover York in 2024.