Whether you’re first or third year, these places need to be on your York summer bucket list

Before the dreaded start of next semester…

2 months ago

York is beautiful all year round – it seems like not too long ago we were distracting ourselves from the cold at the Christmas markets and wandering around The Shambles, but summer in York is quite a different vibe. It’s hard to say no to a hangout with friends by the river and spending too much money on the endless options of places to go for food and drinks. Whether you’ve graduated and are about to leave York for good or if you’re fresh to the city, here are seven places you must try over York in summer.

SPARK

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Probably the best spot in York to get some good food, catch up with friends and support local businesses. SPARK is open six days a week and free to enter (just be sure to get there earlier to get ahead of the queue). Aside from the food and drinks, you can find posters just outside or online for the events on offer which include things like quizzes, creative workshops, and even tarot readings.

Hi Ho Club

If you’re feeling something a little more sophisticated for your evening plans, the Hi Ho Club is quite literally one of York’s more hidden spots. This speakeasy is inspired by America’s prohibition during The Roaring Twenties and is the perfect excuse to dress up a little fancier than usual for a date or drinks with friends. Following the speakeasy theme, the small venue requires you to sign up to their mailing list in which you receive a secret code to use at the door (next to Caffè Nero) on King’s Square. Here you can find a range of live music events throughout the week and cocktails to match the theme.

Rowntree Park

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Just on the other side of Millennium Bridge from Fulford, Rowntree Park is a great spot to come for a walk or run (especially if you catch a good sunset). If you follow the route to Bishopthorpe Road high street, you can stop off at one of the cafe’s on your way home.

Evil Eye

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One of the more bohemian bars in York, Evil Eye is a great new place to try if you haven’t already been for a drink. Drinks can be bought downstairs on the first floor, by the outside seating area and spot for live music (with open mic’s on Thursdays). Upstairs, you can expect to find additions to the quirky vibe of the place, with lounge-style seating areas and rustic interior.

City Screen Picturehouse

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For those that have not yet experienced a venue with a bar, cinema, and live entertainment section merged into one building – it is time to visit York’s City Screen Picturehouse. With the weather being as unpredictable as it has been this summer, you’ll need something to do on the rainy days. For the more devoted cinephiles, you can find the opportunity to attend film festival events or showings that may not be offered at other cinemas – such as their current ‘1980’s Movie Mix – celebrating a range of movies from the ’80s this August. Those aged between 16 to 25 can also enjoy discounted tickets on weekdays with Picturehouse’s U25 scheme.

The Habit

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Yes, another bar with live music… But, this one also has the option for you to get a good view of the Minster with your drinks on the roof terrace, being just around the corner on Goodramgate. You may have already stumbled across this spot on your way through town and heard some of the live music it has on offer. Wednesdays are known for its open mic nights at The Habit and have more regular live music artists throughout the week.

Museum Gardens

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Though already known by many as the perfect spot when the weather’s nice, I had to add it to the list. If there was ever a time to come and visit the Gardens with that book you’ve been procrastinating reading, or with friends for some light day drinking and a catch up, it would be this summer. Just next to the River Ouse, the Museum Gardens can be enjoyed solo, with your dog or with friends and is open everyday from 9am to 6pm. If the sight of St. Mary’s Abbey ruins in the Gardens inspires you to assert your more intellectual side that day, be sure to visit the Yorkshire Museum itself.