A chance to enjoy our city during York Residents Festival (From York Press)

A chance to enjoy our city during York Residents Festival

9:45am Friday 27th January 2012 in Features

It’s time again to explore York’s top attractions for free. MATT CLARK looks at what’s on offer

ASK any visitor why they have come to York and they will undoubtedly reel off an endless list of reasons, from the Minster to the Jorvik Centre. York is blessed with more stunning attractions than most cities, but how often do those of us who live here take advantage of all it has to offer?

This weekend there is no excuse not to be a tourist at home. It’s the York Residents Festival again, with free or discounted entry to the city’s world-class attractions and exhibitions, plus special rates at a number of restaurants and shops.

This year is even more special with a record number of attractions taking part in the first major event to celebrate the 800th anniversary of York’s Royal Charter. The festival is organised by Visit York and chief executive Gillian Cruddas says it is a great opportunity for residents to explore what’s on their doorstep and help spread the word about what a great city this is.

“The warm welcome residents give to York’s visitors is vitally important for the tourism economy,” she says. “This is our way of saying a big thank you for the very important role residents play in ensuring York’s reputation as one of the friendliest cities to visit in Britain.”

Families will be well catered for with a learning trail starting at the library in Museum Street, while York Minster is offering fun hands-on activities such as Monsters, Mermaids and Mouth Pullers, where you can discover more about the famous, gruesome gargoyles.

Esther Lockwood, education officer at York Minster, admires one of the mouth pullers in the Chapter House

York has more medieval stained glass than any other city in the UK, with the Minster as the jewel in the crown, and York Glaziers Trust at Bedern Studio, in Deangate, is offering the chance to get up close to the Minster’s Great East Window to see the intricate work being done by conservators.

Other attractions opening their doors, with free admission over the course of the Festival, include perennial favourites such as The Jorvik Centre, Barley Hall, York Art Gallery, Clifford’s Tower and DIG.

York's Jorvik Centre

But the festival is not just about visiting York’s historical treasures. New for 2012 are Energise; a seven metre climbing wall in the city centre, free rides on the York Wheel and, for the less adventurous, a chance to sample chocolate at the new York Cocoa House in Blake Street.

Ever fancied being part of the Mystery Plays? Well York College’s have a go workshops will be worth a visit to learn how to apply make up, build props and try your hand at medieval carpentry, all at The Yorkshire Museum.

More behind the scenes attractions include a back stage tour of the Theatre Royal Pantomime. Out of town, the Yorkshire Air Museum is inviting residents to catch up on the latest developments.

Make the most of the Residents’ Festival

To benefit from the York Residents’ Festival offers you will need a valid York Card.

Pre-booking is required for some of the attractions and guided tours (check website) and this year residents will need a new library/Yorkcard which is obtainable from any City of York library.

The new Yorkcards have a £2 administration charge for adults, but are free for residents aged under 18.