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The York Food and Drink Festival: A Guide to Eating Well in York

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 15:33:49 GMT

Ten days of Yorkshire produce, street food and cooking demonstrations — 18 to 27 September 2026

For ten days each September, Parliament Street stops being a thoroughfare and becomes a kitchen. Marquees go up, the smell of frying onions and woodsmoke drifts past the Minster, and around a hundred producers set out cheese, pies, bread, gin and chocolate for the best part of a fortnight. The York Food and Drink Festival is the largest event of its kind in Yorkshire, and it is one of the nicest weeks of the year to be in the city.

This year it runs from Friday 18 to Sunday 27 September 2026 .

Where the festival happens

The heart of it is Parliament Street , in the middle of the city centre and about five minutes' walk from almost anywhere inside the walls. The market spreads from there into St Sampson's Square next door, with additional stands appearing at weekends in the Market Hall and at St Crux Hall on Pavement, by the top of the Shambles.

It is a walking festival rather than a fenced-off site. There are no gates and no wristbands — you wander in off the street, and the whole thing is threaded through the ordinary business of the city. That is much of its charm, and it is also the reason staying centrally makes such a difference: you can drop in for an hour, go back to the flat with a bag of cheese, and come out again in the evening.

Entry is free. Only the trails and a small number of ticketed events cost anything.

What to expect

The full 2026 programme is published on the festival's website closer to the time, but the shape of the week is reliable from year to year.

The producers' market is the main event, open daily from around 10am to 5pm. This is the part to bring a tote bag for: Yorkshire cheese, cured meats, pork pies, sourdough, preserves, honey, chocolate and a great deal else, much of it made within an hour's drive. Sellers are generous with samples and genuinely happy to talk about what they make.

Street food runs alongside it, and is where lunch happens. Expect Thai, Indian, Italian, Mexican and a rotating cast of Yorkshire street-food regulars, all designed to be eaten standing up with a paper napkin.

Cooking demonstrations take place through the afternoons at St Sampson's. Recent years have brought a strong line-up of chefs from Yorkshire's best kitchens — well worth half an hour in a seat, particularly if the weather turns.

The Food Factory is the hands-on counterpart: free workshops in bread making, pasta, smoking and similar, at Museum Gardens and St Crux. Sessions are first come, first served, and popular with families.

The Taste Trails are the festival's cleverest idea. You buy a booklet, and it takes you on a self-guided walk around the city stopping at delis, cafés, restaurants and producers for a sample at each. Booklets are picked up from the information point on Parliament Street, tickets are limited each day, and they are well worth booking ahead.

The bars and live music keep things going once the market closes. St Sampson's Square and the Entertainment Marquee both serve into the evening — York Gin, real ale, Yorkshire cider — with live music staged in support of St Leonard's Hospice.

Making the most of the ten days

A few things a local would tell you.

Come on a weekday if you can. The two weekends are busy in a way the middle of the week simply is not. Tuesday and Wednesday give you room to talk to the producers, which is the best part.

Go early for shopping, late for atmosphere. Stalls are freshest and least crowded at 10am. From about 5pm the character changes entirely as the bars fill and the music starts.

Don't eat before you arrive. It sounds obvious. People still do it.

Bring a bag and some cash. Most traders take cards, but not all, and the good bread goes before lunch.

Eating well in York the rest of the year

The festival exists because York's food scene is worth celebrating. If you're visiting outside September, or want a proper sit-down meal between market visits, these are the places worth planning around.

For a special dinner, Roots on Marygate holds a Michelin star under Tommy Banks, with a tasting menu built on Yorkshire produce and preservation. Le Cochon Aveugle on Walmgate serves an ambitious blind tasting menu in a tiny room, and Melton's — whose owner, Michael Hjort, also directs the food festival — has been quietly excellent for over three decades.

For something more relaxed, Skosh on Micklegate holds a Bib Gourmand for small plates that borrow freely from everywhere, and Los Moros does excellent North African cooking — now on Grape Lane, though the original stall still trades in the Shambles Market food court.

Fossgate and Walmgate together make York's best eating street: The Hairy Fig for a deli counter that rewards browsing, and a run of independent restaurants and bars along their length.

Bishopthorpe Road — Bishy Road to everyone here — is where locals actually shop. Pig & Pastry for brunch, The Good Food Shop for a deli lunch, Trinacria for gelato, and a genuinely independent high street around them.

For a drink, York Gin and Brew York both make their own and both welcome visitors; The Blue Bell on Fossgate is the smallest and most perfectly preserved pub in the city.

And for something to take home, York Cocoa Works on Castlegate makes chocolate on site, and Bluebird Bakery is the loaf worth queuing for.

Where to stay in York

The festival is a walking event, so where you stay genuinely matters — being able to drop your shopping off and come back out is the difference between a good day and a tiring one. Late September is also a lovely time to be here: the summer crowds have gone, the light is good, and the city feels like itself again.

At Violet Homes we look after a collection of apartments and houses across York, all within comfortable walking distance of the city centre and Parliament Street. Having a kitchen also means everything you buy at the market can become dinner, which is rather the point.

Booking direct with us is always the best rate — there's no booking-site commission to pay, so the saving comes to you rather than a third party, and you're dealing with a local team who can tell you where to eat as well as where to stay.

Have a look at our properties, or get in touch and tell us what you need.

York Races: A Visitor's Guide to the Ebor Festival

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 10:30:38 GMT

Four days on the Knavesmire, 19-22 August 2026 - and how to do them properly

For four days every August, York stops being a city with a racecourse in it and becomes a racing city. Hotels fill, the pubs on Bishopthorpe Road spill onto the pavement, and a steady river of people in hats and blazers makes its way down Micklegate towards the Knavesmire. If you have never been, the Ebor Festival is the week to come.

This year it runs from Wednesday 19 to Saturday 22 August 2026 . Here is what to expect, and how to make the most of it.

What actually happens on each day

The four days are not interchangeable. Each has its own headline race and its own character, so it is worth choosing deliberately.

Wednesday 19 August – the Juddmonte International. The serious one. This is the richest race of York’s season and one of the most respected middle-distance contests anywhere in the world; it was ranked the world’s best horse race in 2024, an accolade it has also taken in 2012 and 2020. Sea The Stars, Frankel, Baaeed and City of Troy have all won it. If you want to see genuinely great horses rather than a great party, come on Wednesday.

Thursday 20 August – the Yorkshire Oaks and Ladies Day. The social centrepiece. The Pertemps Network Yorkshire Oaks is regularly the highest-rated race in Europe for mares and fillies – Enable won it twice – but for many people the day is as much about the Grantley Hall Ebor Fashion Lawn, where the best-dressed racegoers compete for prizes. Expect the biggest crowd of the week and the longest queues at the bar. Book anything you want to eat well in advance.

Friday 21 August – the Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe. The fastest. This is a 1,000-metre sprint that routinely ranks as the best of its kind in the world, and the course record stands at under 57 seconds. It is over almost before you have found it in your racecard, which is precisely the appeal. A good day if you are easing into a weekend in the city.

Saturday 22 August – the Sky Bet Ebor. The famous one, and the reason the festival carries the name. First run in 1843, the Ebor is the richest flat handicap in Europe and produces a genuine roar down the straight. This year it is joined by the Sky Bet City of York Stakes, newly upgraded to Group One, which makes four top-flight races across the week.

Gates open at 11:00 each day, with the first race at 13:50 and the last at 17:20. Arriving when the gates open is not overkill – the paddock and pre-parade ring are half the pleasure, and they are much easier to enjoy before the crowd thickens.

Choosing where to stand

York Racecourse has three enclosures, and the difference between them is significant.

County Stand is the premier enclosure, with a racecard included, elevated viewing from the listed Gimcrack and Ebor stands, the Moët Pavilion, a roof terrace and champagne lawns, and lawns with a view of the winning post. It also carries a dress code: jacket, collared shirt and tie for gentlemen. There is no formal requirement for ladies, though most treat it as an occasion – think wedding guest.

Grandstand & Paddock is the largest enclosure and, for most first-time visitors, the sensible choice. You get trackside viewing, the Knavesmire Stand, plenty of bars, and the same access to the parade ring, pre-parade ring and main betting ring as County Stand ticket-holders. There is no formal dress code, though a good many people dress up anyway.

Clocktower Enclosure is the relaxed option – a grassy bank with a close-up view of the finish, a food court, bars and bookmakers, and picnics positively welcomed. Tickets start from £5 and are sold on the day only. Bear in mind the racecourse operates a no-glass policy throughout, so decant anything you bring.

A useful detail for families: under-18s are admitted free in all enclosures when accompanied by an adult.

Getting there without the stress

The racecourse sits on the Knavesmire, less than a mile from the city centre, which is the single best argument for staying in York rather than driving in.

On foot is genuinely the easiest way. On racedays there is a marked walking route between the city centre and the course – just over a mile, and pleasant in either direction. Walking back into town as the light goes is one of the nicer bits of the day.

By shuttle bus, the 197 runs from Stand RJ opposite York Railway Station between 11:00 and 13:00, and returns from Campleshon Road next to the racecourse entrance from 16:00. Fares are £4.00 return, £2.50 single.

By park and ride, the No. 3 from Askham Bar stops at Mount Vale near the course on racedays, at £3.90 return for an adult.

By car, parking at the course is free, but there are road closures and restrictions across the area on racedays – follow the yellow directional signs rather than your satnav, which will not know about them.

By train, York is a little under two hours from London King’s Cross, with direct services from Edinburgh, Manchester and Birmingham. The station is a short walk, taxi or shuttle from the course.

If you are booking a taxi home, note that pick-ups are split between the north and south of the course, so agree which one before you set off – Car Park A for County Stand, Car Park C for Grandstand and Clocktower.

A few things worth knowing

Cash is handy for the on-course bookmakers, though most now take cards. Bring a light layer even in August; the Knavesmire is flat, open and catches the wind. Comfortable shoes matter more than you think, particularly if the ground is soft – high heels and wet turf are a poor combination, and many regulars carry flats in a bag.

And do not rush away at 17:20. The walk back into town lands you in the centre in time for an early dinner, and the city is at its best on a race evening.

Where to stay in York

Race week is the busiest of York’s year, and accommodation goes early – particularly for the Thursday and Saturday. Staying in the city itself rather than on the ring road makes an enormous difference: you can walk to the course, walk back, and not think about parking or taxis at all.

At Violet Homes we look after a collection of apartments and houses across York, from the streets inside the city walls to the quieter riverside and Bishopthorpe Road areas – all within comfortable walking distance of both the racecourse and the Minster. Having your own kitchen and sitting room also makes a four-day festival considerably more civilised than four days of hotel breakfasts.

Booking direct with us is always the best rate – no booking-site commission means the saving comes to you rather than to a third party, and you are dealing with a local team who can answer questions about the city as well as the property.

Have a look at our properties, or get in touch and tell us what you need – we are happy to help you find the right fit for race week.

A Family's Guide to Summer in York

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 22:42:41 GMT

Keeping the kids happy in England's most walkable city

York shrinks down beautifully for a family day out - no long treks, no complicated transport, just cobbled streets and a river running through the middle of it all. With the school summer holidays here, we've put together our favourite ways to keep children (and tired parents) entertained, from hands-on history to the best spot for an ice cream break.

York Maze

Every July, over a million maize plants are grown into one of the world's largest and most elaborate mazes, with a new design each year, plus zip wires, slides, a giant jumping pillow and tractor rides thrown in. It only runs through the summer holidays into early September, so it's very much a "while you're here" experience rather than a year-round one. Pack wellies if it's been wet - this is a working farm field, not a manicured garden.

DIG - An Archaeological Adventure

Run by the same team as Jorvik, DIG hands children a trowel and lets them excavate real archaeological deposits under a guide's supervision, uncovering Roman, Viking and Victorian finds along the way. It's indoors, it's hands-on, and an hour disappears very quickly. Booking ahead is sensible in the holidays.

National Railway Museum's play zones

Beyond the Flying Scotsman and Mallard, the NRM has dedicated play areas where younger children can burn off energy between exhibits, plus a busy programme of free family activities throughout the summer holidays. Check the What's On board when you arrive - sessions fill up fast on wet-weather days when half the city has the same idea.

Rowntree Park

A proper local's tip: this riverside park south of the centre has a well-equipped playground, a splash-friendly paddling area in warm weather, and enough green space for a picnic and a football without anyone complaining about the crowds. It's a fifteen-minute stroll from the city walls and a good way to give everyone a breather from sightseeing.

Castle Howard's Skelf Island

A short drive out of the city, the grounds at Castle Howard include Skelf Island, a large wooden adventure play area set among the lakes and parkland, alongside a butterfly house and miles of paths for younger legs to run off steam. Bring a picnic and make a full morning of it before the house itself, if anyone's still got the energy.

York's Chocolate Story

Given York's chocolate-making history - this is the home of the KitKat and the Aero - a guided tour with tastings and a hands-on workshop goes down well with almost any age group. It's compact, indoors, and a reliable option if the weather turns.

A scavenger hunt on the City Walls

Rather than a formal attraction, this is simply the best free activity in York with children in tow. Set them looking for the eight main gateways (or "bars"), spot the Minster from every angle, and count how many times you can see the river from up there. Start at Bootham Bar and finish with an ice cream - which brings us to our last stop.

Ice cream stops worth the queue

York doesn't do anything by halves, including ice cream. Head to the Shambles Market area or the streets around the Minster for several excellent independent parlours - a well-timed ice cream break has rescued more than one flagging family day out around here.

Where to stay in York

Violet Homes looks after a collection of beautifully kept holiday homes and apartments across York, many of them well suited to families and within easy walking distance of everything on this list. Book direct through our website for the best rates on every stay, and if you have questions before you book, our local team is always happy to help.

Top Things to Do in York: A Local's Guide

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 11:39:43 GMT

From the Minster to the Shambles — how to make the most of England's most walkable city

York has a way of making history feel effortless. Roman walls, Viking streets and medieval snickelways all sit within a city you can comfortably cross on foot in twenty minutes. Whether you're here for a weekend or a full week, this is our local guide to the very best of it — written by the team at Violet Homes, who are lucky enough to call York home.

1. York Minster

Northern Europe's largest Gothic cathedral took over 250 years to build, and it shows. Climb the 275 steps of the central tower for the finest view in Yorkshire, then head beneath the foundations to find the remains of the Roman fortress where Constantine was proclaimed emperor. Evensong is free and quietly magical, whatever you believe.

2. The Shambles

Often called the best-preserved medieval street in Europe, the Shambles' overhanging timber-framed buildings once housed the city's butchers. Today it's independent shops, fudge makers and wizard-themed stores. Come before 10am to enjoy it without the crowds, and don't miss Shambles Market next door for street food.

3. Walk the City Walls

York has more miles of intact city wall than anywhere else in England. The full circuit takes around two hours, and the stretch between Monk Bar and Bootham Bar gives you the postcard view of the Minster. It's free, open from early morning until dusk, and the best way to get your bearings on day one.

4. Jorvik Viking Centre

Built on the site of the famous Coppergate dig, Jorvik carries you through a reconstructed Viking-age York complete with sounds and, yes, smells. Brilliant for families, and a thousand years of history flies by in an hour. Book ahead online — queues get long in school holidays.

5. The National Railway Museum

Home to the Flying Scotsman, the record-breaking Mallard and a Japanese bullet train, the NRM is one of the world's great railway collections — and entry is free. Even committed non-train-people lose a happy afternoon here. You'll find it just behind the station, ten minutes' walk from the centre.

6. A river cruise on the Ouse

Seeing York from the water changes the whole feel of the city. Hour-long sightseeing cruises run from King's Staith and Lendal Bridge, and the early-evening sailings are especially lovely in summer. Prefer your own pace? The riverside walk down to Rowntree Park is a quiet local favourite.

7. York Castle Museum and Clifford's Tower

Wander a faithfully recreated Victorian street at the Castle Museum, then climb Clifford's Tower opposite — the largest surviving piece of York Castle — for sweeping rooftop views. Together they make a perfect half day.

8. Museum Gardens and the Yorkshire Museum

Ten acres of botanical gardens in the heart of the city, scattered with the ruins of St Mary's Abbey. Bring a coffee, watch the squirrels, and duck into the Yorkshire Museum for some of Britain's finest Roman and medieval treasures.

9. Betty's and York's food scene

No York guide is complete without Betty's Café Tea Rooms — join the queue and order a Fat Rascal; you won't regret it. Beyond Betty's, York's food scene has quietly become one of the best in the north, from Michelin-starred dining to the city's chocolate-making heritage (this is the home of the KitKat) and more historic pubs per square mile than almost anywhere in England.

10. Ghost walks and hidden York

York claims to be Europe's most haunted city, and its evening ghost walks are a wonderful way to discover snickelways and courtyards you'd otherwise stride straight past. Most set off from the Shambles or King's Staith after dark — hugely entertaining whether or not you believe a word.

Day trips from York

With Castle Howard, the Yorkshire Dales, the North York Moors and the seaside towns of Whitby and Scarborough all within easy reach, York makes a superb base for exploring the wider county. Trains and scenic driving routes put most of it within an hour of your front door.

Where to stay in York

Violet Homes looks after a collection of beautifully kept holiday homes and apartments across York — many inside the city walls, minutes from everything in this guide. Book direct through our website for the best rates on every stay, and if you have questions before you book, our local team is always happy to help.