Explore some of the amazing things to do during your stay
The Whitby Steampunk Festival offers a diverse array of attractions, activities, live performances, stalls, displays, presentations, and so much more. By embracing the steampunk aesthetic, which consists of Victorian-esque fashion with retro-futuristic technology, festivalgoers can immerse themselves in a weekend full of fun. This family-friendly festival caters to enthusiasts of all ages, ensuring that everyone from the seasoned steampunk individual to the curious newcomer, can get involved!
Although The Whitby Steampunk Weekend is spread across Whitby, the main Steampunk Retail Emporium is set up within the Whitby Pavillion. Within the 14,000ft pavilion, visitors can watch live performances and browse over seventy trade stalls. These stalls offer an eclectic mix of wares, including apparel, accessories, home décor, jewellery and clothing inspired by the steampunk subculture.
7th – 9th February 2025
From 10.30am, Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd February 2025. A Make It York event.
Explore York’s historic streets as they come alive for York Ice Trail 2025, and discover secrets of origins long forgotten and tales yet to be told.
As you wander through the city, uncover the theme of “Origins,” with stunning ice sculptures inspired by legends, myths, and York’s rich history. Watch as live ice carving brings these stories to life, and enjoy interactive experiences that will delight visitors of all ages. Plus, take the chance to win exciting prizes along the way.
The Vikings are back this February for the JORVIK Viking Festival! From Monday, the 17th of February to Sunday, the 23rd, York will be taken over by Viking warriors. This world renowned festival features living history encampments, workshops, tours, traditional crafts, feasts, family events, evening entertainment and dramatic combat performances.
A fun day out for all the family
Wheelchair friendly ~ Disabled Parking ~ Dogs on leads welcome ~ Free shuttle bus
Regular show events include:
14th – 16th May 2025
Sat 31st May 2025
Fri 13th & Sat 14th June 2025
Sat 28th June 2025
Fri 11th & Sat 12th July 2025
Fri 25th & Sat 26th July 2025
Wed 20th – Sat 23rd August 2025
Sun 7th September 2025
Fri 10th & Sat 11th October 2025
Throughout the year we host a number of events at Sandburn Hall, have a look and see if any are on during your visit.
Get your cowboy hats & boots at the ready and head down to Goodness Farm to visit the sheriffs for the unique alpaca experience.
It’s the ultimate experience for any animal lover of any age.
Meet the Sheriffs and take them on a gentle stroll around the woodland area, whilst having the opportunity to learn lots of fascinating facts about these interesting animals. Just a few miles up the road from our lodges!
8th March 2025
12th April 2025
10th May 2025
14th June 2025
12th July 2025
9th August 2025
13th September 2025
11th October 2025
8th November 2025
Multi award-winning entertainment on the streets with The Wizard Walk of York, a wonderfully whimsical tour that wizard fans are going Potty for!
Join the Wizard on a quest to find magical creatures as you wand-er the alleys and snickelways of this enchanting city…
Ideal for children in particular (or big kids with a silly sense of humour and passion for the wizarding world!) A truly magical alternative to the many ghost walks in York. No spooky ghosts, no scary stories…The Wizard Walk focuses on FUN over frights!
Enjoy a fantastic day out at Castle Howard!
Let off steam with your little ones in the Skelf Island Adventure Playground, get creative with crafty workshops, or try your hand at something new with archery and tomahawk throwing.
Immerse yourself in sweeping parkland dotted with lakes, temples and statues; a formal walled garden and an impressive woodland housing a rare botanical collection, there are endless opportunity to explore! Plus, enjoy Skelf Island, our award winning adventure playground hidden across the Great Lake. Any visit can be topped off with a treat from one of our of cafes, serving the best food and drink from the region, as well as shops, including garden centre and farm shop.
Revel in the tranquillity of the award-winning contemporary Walled Garden at Scampston, designed by renowned Dutch plantsman Piet Oudolf.
Journey through the arresting perennial meadow, discover the contemporary waves of grass and enjoy the calm of the contemplative ‘silent garden’.
Within the Walled Garden you’ll also find our welcoming café serving delectable lunches and cream teas.
The traditional Hall gardens and ‘Capability’ Brown parkland provide beautiful walks and scenic views out to the rising Wolds and include the stunning Palladian Bridge, a restored icehouse and the lakes brimming with wildlife.
A nature trail is also available for children – collect your explorer pack to discover the secrets of Scampston’s woodland. Scampston Hall is open for guided tours in the early summer.
15th – 23rd February 2025
City, Coast and Country