Social Activities

English in York prides itself on having a varied, carefully-tailored programme of social events available to all students currently attending. 

Take a look at our activities as well as other things you can do during your stay in York.

Sightseeing bus

Trips and excursions

With these trips and excursions, we aim to:

  • Showcase British culture
  • Explore towns and cities off the beaten path
  • Keep our students happy and entertained!

With two activities on offer every week and a large repertoire of places to go and things to see, you’ll never find yourself bored at English in York! All trips and excursions are under the supervision of at least one member of our attentive staff.

These social events are a vital part of learning about the English language and British culture, allowing students from all over the world time to mix and mingle outside the classroom and experience new things.

Feel free to check out our Instagram account for photos and videos of past social events!

For further details, email us at [email protected] or speak to staff at the front desk.

Our activities

Below is a list of examples of activities that students can sign up for:

If you wish to request any activities feel free to ask at reception.

Annual activities

If you would like to combine your study in York with culture, look out for these events!

  • York Viking Festival – February
  • Open Studio Art and Craft Festival – April
  • York Horse Racing – May
  • York Festival of Ideas – June
  • Roman Eboracum and Early Music Festivals – July
  • Ebor Horse Racing – August
  • York Food festival – September – October
  • York Christmas Festival – November – December

Some things to do in York

There’s always something for everyone.

  • Visit the National Railway Museum – admission is free
  • Take a road train from the National Railway Museum to York Minster
  • Have afternoon tea at Bettys Café Tea Rooms
  • Try a YorkyPud wrap at the York Roast Co.
  • Go for brunch at Brew & Brownie
  • Be a Viking for a day at The Hilt, an indoor axe-throwing venue
  • Watch the latest blockbuster films at Everyman cinema
  • Play water sports such as canoeing or kayaking, along the River Ouse, or take a city cruise
  • Go camping
  • Take a walk along the cobbled streets of The Shambles
  • Go on a historic Ghost Tour
  • Brave the scary sights of York Dungeon
  • Have a picnic at the Museum Gardens on a sunny day
  • Walk along the City Walls
  • Experience 300 years of history at Castle Howard

For a further list of things to do visit the Visit York website.

Beyond York

There are a number of nearby cities and towns that you can visit outside York. The following is a list and distance by train:

  • Leeds – 24 minutes
  • Knaresborough – 34 minutes
  • Sheffield – 45 minutes
  • Newcastle – 59 minutes
  • Manchester – 1 hour 16 minutes

© 2024 York Associates

en_GBEN