THE BISHOP & THE BISON
What’s On
Minster
Behold the majesty of this ancient church whose towers rise high above the medieval city. Appreciate the Heart of Yorkshire, see the Kings’ Screen, the Sisters Window and Chapter House, pay respects at the tomb of St. William, patron saint of the city, or simply sit at quiet prayer feeling the warmth of the sunlight as it passes through the biblical narratives of the stained windows. You can partake in a wonderful tour of the building (well recommended), or climb the Central Tower to stretch your legs and gasp at the architectural panorama that greets you.
Shambles
At the top of Little Shambles, a delightful street, close your eyes and imagine the sound of Olde English, perhaps less sanitation, and the clamour of a busy market nearby. Open your eyes now in Late Medieval York and wonder at how little has changed. Wonder into the Shambles Market from Parliament Street, which received its Markets Charter in 600 C.E., and sample street food or yesteryear antiques. The term ‘shambles’ derives from the Anglo-Saxon shammel or ‘shelves’, which featured in each open shop-front.
http://www.historyofyork.org.uk/themes/medieval/the-shambles
http://www.shamblesmarket.com/
Chocolate
York is home to British chocolate heritage, being the birthplace for chocolate and confectionery pioneers Rowntree, Cadbury, Fry’s, Terry’s and, more recently, Nestle. Follow the Chocolate Trail, shop at the York Cocoa House Chocolate Emporium, and learn the history of chocolate in the United Kingdom at the York Chocolate Story experience.
https://www.visityork.org/Chocolate_Map.pdf
https://www.yorkcocoahouse.co.uk/
https://www.yorkschocolatestory.com/
Viking Heritage
See, touch and smell (!) the Age of the Viking at the Jorvik Viking Centre. Complete with its own ride back into time, the Centre is both a museum and visitor attraction.
https://www.jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk/
York Races
History documents that horses arced in York during the time of Emperor Severus (145-211 C.E.). The York Corporation first officially supported racing in 1530, and we know that racing took place on the frozen River Ouse in 1607. Originally located at Clifton Ings, the meetings were moved to Knavesmire in 1730 due to persistent flooding. John Carr designed the first grandstand in 1754, and the site has gone from strength to strength, serving as one of Europe’s finest Premier tracks today. Key meetings are the Dante Festival, the John Smith’s Meeting, and the Yorkshire Ebor Festival.
https://www.yorkracecourse.co.uk/
National Railway Museum
Given the North of England’s acclaim as the birthplace of the first railway in the world, which ran between Stockton-upon-Tees and Darlington, it was inevitable that the North would host the United Kingdom’s railway museum. Learn the story of rail transportation, board real trains from history, and wonder at Robert Louis’ Stevenson’s Rocket and Japan’s bullet train (shinkansen).
January
Crisp weather, perhaps a powdering of snow. Welcome in the New Year to the peal of the bells of the Minster under the twinkling Christmas lights. Enjoy a pantomime at the Theatre Royal. The January sales are hot to trot. York is quieter and all yours to behold.
February
Vikings! February welcomes the Jorvik Viking Festival, a week long celebration of Norse culture with costumed activities throughout the streets of the city centre, battle re-enactments and guaranteed adventure and awe for the young ones and old. For a deep immersion experience, reserve with the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall at Fossgate for the Banquet of the Voyagers, when you can dine with Vikings and hear their tales of the seas and conquest.
March
I wandered lonely as a cloud, That floats on high o’er vales and hills, When all at once I saw a crowd, A host of golden daffodils; Beside the lake, beneath the trees, Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
William Wordsworth
Daffodils galore! York Restaurant Week is surely a reason to splurge on wonderful restaurants every night of the week. Meet and greet with authors at the York Literature Festival. Inspect the latest cuts and finishes that are in vogue at the York Fashion Festival.
April
Cadbury’s chocolate on the Easter Trail. More daffodils. Ducklings and river walks. Art aficionados will partake in the York Open Studios weekends to visit local artists’ homes to watch them at work. Easter Services at the Minster. Our streets spring to life with live music.
May
Spring has finally sprung, and river cruises and outdoor antique fairs invite to enjoy the warmer air. The Dante Festival takes place at the Racecourse, and witness the Shakespeare Festival to revive your lyrical muse.
June
Veni vidi vici! Take part in the Eboracum Roman Festival. Ideate at the York Festival of Ideas, or venture outside for the Food and Drink Taster Festival. Join other punters at the York Races, or sit with a picnic for Summer Music Saturdays.
July
York abounds with happy tourists and locals alike, enjoying the long summer days and nights in the beautiful city of York. The Early Music Festival, the Dragon Boat Festival, and the York Proms are all available to enjoy, as well as the Great Yorkshire Fringe Festival, and the Music Showcase Festival at the Racecourse.
August
River boating, lazy summer evenings in the parks and the sweet scent of summer flowers. The Moors and Dales are alive with colour and fun – try the North York Moors Railway, freshly caught cod in Whitby’s harbour, or the Ebor Festival back at the York Racecourse.
September
Enjoy the horses at the Family Race Day, peruse tomes at the York National Premier Book Fair, or join the markets at the Food and Drink Festival. Oh, and look up for the Balloon Fiesta!
October
Autumn is in full colour, so walk out to the parks, to the Ouse or countryside beyond to soak up Mother Nature’s palate. The final horseraces are taking place in Knavesmire, which also hosts an Art Market.
November
Guy Fawkes, the revolutionary of Gunpowder Plot fame, was born in York in 1570. The whole country remembers him and his fellow plotters’ plan to blow up Parliament along with King James I on 5th November. Join the evening’s antics in one of the parks of York or nearby lying villages. The British Film Association BAFTA’s Aesthetica Short Film Festival takes place this month, as well as the St. Nicholas Fair and the U.K. Snooker Championship at the York Barbican.
December
York comes to life with light this month, as visitors and locals alike take their time to do their Christmas shopping in the city and at the St. Nicholas Fair. Visit York’s Designer Outlet for higher end gifts, and join in the festivities at a church carol service. The Snooker Championship comes to a conclusion, and visit the Early Music Christmas Festival.January
Crisp weather, perhaps a powdering of snow. Welcome in the New Year to the peal of the bells of the Minster under the twinkling Christmas lights. Enjoy a pantomime at the Theatre Royal. The January sales are hot to trot. York is quieter and all yours to behold.February
Vikings! February welcomes the Jorvik Viking Festival, a week long celebration of Norse culture with costumed activities throughout the streets of the city centre, battle re-enactments and guaranteed adventure and awe for the young ones and old. For a deep immersion experience, reserve with the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall at Fossgate for the Banquet of the Voyagers, when you can dine with Vikings and hear their tales of the seas and conquest.March
I wandered lonely as a cloud, That floats on high o’er vales and hills, When all at once I saw a crowd, A host of golden daffodils; Beside the lake, beneath the trees, Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
William Wordsworth
Daffodils galore! York Restaurant Week is surely a reason to splurge on wonderful restaurants every night of the week. Meet and greet with authors at the York Literature Festival. Inspect the latest cuts and finishes that are in vogue at the York Fashion Festival.
April
Cadbury’s chocolate on the Easter Trail. More daffodils. Ducklings and river walks. Art aficionados will partake in the York Open Studios weekends to visit local artists’ homes to watch them at work. Easter Services at the Minster. Our streets spring to life with live music.May
Spring has finally sprung, and river cruises and outdoor antique fairs invite to enjoy the warmer air. The Dante Festival takes place at the Racecourse, and witness the Shakespeare Festival to revive your lyrical muse.June
Veni vidi vici! Take part in the Eboracum Roman Festival. Ideate at the York Festival of Ideas, or venture outside for the Food and Drink Taster Festival. Join other punters at the York Races, or sit with a picnic for Summer Music Saturdays.July
York abounds with happy tourists and locals alike, enjoying the long summer days and nights in the beautiful city of York. The Early Music Festival, the Dragon Boat Festival, and the York Proms are all available to enjoy, as well as the Great Yorkshire Fringe Festival, and the Music Showcase Festival at the Racecourse.August
River boating, lazy summer evenings in the parks and the sweet scent of summer flowers. The Moors and Dales are alive with colour and fun – try the North York Moors Railway, freshly caught cod in Whitby’s harbour, or the Ebor Festival back at the York Racecourse.September
Enjoy the horses at the Family Race Day, peruse tomes at the York National Premier Book Fair, or join the markets at the Food and Drink Festival. Oh, and look up for the Balloon Fiesta!October
Autumn is in full colour, so walk out to the parks, to the Ouse or countryside beyond to soak up Mother Nature’s palate. The final horseraces are taking place in Knavesmire, which also hosts an Art Market.November
Guy Fawkes, the revolutionary of Gunpowder Plot fame, was born in York in 1570. The whole country remembers him and his fellow plotters’ plan to blow up Parliament along with King James I on 5th November. Join the evening’s antics in one of the parks of York or nearby lying villages. The British Film Association BAFTA’s Aesthetica Short Film Festival takes place this month, as well as the St. Nicholas Fair and the U.K. Snooker Championship at the York Barbican.