28/09/2011

Main News

  

Chocs Away for Delicious New Visitor Attraction in York

A delicious new attraction celebrating York's chocolate and confectionery heritage is set to open in York in Spring 2012.

This exciting attraction, with the working title The Sweet History of York, will treat visitors to the inside story of the famous chocolates and sweets that started their lives in York. Favourites expected to have a starring role in the delicious new attraction include the famous Kit Kat and Christmas stocking favourite, Terry's Chocolate Orange; not forgetting a behind-the-scenes look into the lives of the amazing men and women who concocted all these chocolate creations from the 19th to the 21st century.

The immersive experience will tell the story of York's confectionery trading and manufacturing past, bringing the story up to date and making sure that visitors get lots of opportunities to interact with chocolate.

The attraction is the brainchild of one of the country's leading attraction groups, Continuum. Continuum currently operates five award winning attractions including the £35m 170 metre high Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth, the Real Mary King's Close in Edinburgh, The Canterbury Tales in Canterbury, Oxford Castle - Unlocked in Oxford, and Kent Life, a 50 acre heritage farm park near Maidstone.

Press contact: For more information and media enquiries about the new attraction, please contact Samantha Spencer, Tel: 01904 527734, Email: sspencer@continuum-group.com  

 

A celebration of chocolate at the Chocolate Festival
Friday 6 to Monday 9 April 2012

The city of York has had a long and distinguished history of quality produce, entertaining and fine dining. In 2012 York will be celebrating 800 years as a self-governing city, as this important milestone is reached there is a special product that grew as a result - confectionery and chocolate.

York will be hosting its first ever Chocolate Festival from Friday 6th to Monday 9th April 2012. The 4 day festival will celebrate the many chocolate products that have been created in the city such as Chocolate Orange, Smarties, Aero, and Kit Kat, it will focus on local artisan chocolate makers and skilled chocolatiers that fill York's restaurants, shops and hotels with the most delectable cakes, pastries, chocolates and desserts.

A ‘Chocolate Market' will showcase the fine quality creations from local chocolate makers, whilst venues and attractions throughout the city will tell their own story of their role in York's Chocolate story, there will be chocolate tastings, workshops and specialist insights into the history, technology, product development and industry that is still strong in the city today.

Public contact: For details about event bookings please visit http://www.yorkchocolatefestival.co.uk/  or contact 01904 898393
Press contact: Sophie Jewett, Tel: 01904 898393 / 07810 486 565, Email: littleprettything@googlemail.com  

  

Out With the New and in With the Old

Thorpe Hill Farm is a brand new visitor attraction that has thrown out the new and brought in the old.

Operating as an open working heritage farm gives visitors the opportunity to experience farming as it used to be before the invention of the tractor. Farmer Steve Newlove, 31, auctioned off all his modern equipment in June 2011 and has replaced it with vintage machinery that can be manually driven or pulled by his two pedigree Shire horses.

The Shire horses will be used instead of tractors and crop rotation will take the place of artificial fertiliser. Even baling will be ditched in favour of traditional thatching wheat, stacked on straddle stones.

The perfect location in which to embrace the past, the farm itself boasts a history which extends to the Iron Age, with records showing that the farm was used by settlers from 1,200 BC. The farmhouse itself dates from 1780 and lies on the site of an old Roman counting house.

The public will not simply watch and observe, but will be invited to actively involve themselves in the running of the farm, learning about traditional farming methods, as well as animal care, wildlife and horticulture. Visitors will be able to interact closely with animals including llama treks and birds of prey experiences.

Public contact: To find out more visit http://www.thorpehillfarm.co.uk/  
Press contact: For all media enquiries contact Jenni Moulson Tel: 01423 545684 / 07771 362 501, Email: jenni@jennimoulson.co.uk  

 

Treasurer's House reveals hidden rooms to visitors

Six new rooms have being revealed and handed over to the public to help decide what to do with them in Treasurer's House - one of York's most historic houses with over 2,000 years of history.

‘Blank Canvas' is a suite of empty rooms, which up until recently were lived in by a tenant, Gilbert Gray QC. He had lived in these rooms for around 40 years and the team at Treasurer's House are looking for the public's suggestion on what the rooms can be used for.

Frank Green, the previous owner of Treasurer's House, was renowned for his strict rules about how the house should be presented when he handed it over to the National Trust in 1930. He put studs in the floor to mark where every piece of furniture should stay, threatening to haunt the house if any of it was ever moved.

Access to the new Blank Canvas is via the normal visitor route, normal admission prices apply. Open every day (11am - 4.30pm) except Fridays until the end of November. The new suite of rooms with their new look will be unveiled in 2012.

Public contact: Tel: 01904 624427 or email treasurershouse@nationaltrust.org.uk  Comments and ideas can be seen on the Treasurer's House blog http://www.treasurershouseyork.blogspot.com/  
Press contact: Lisa Holden, Tel: 01904 685563

  

Tie the knot in Romantic York

As the wedding fayre season gets well and truly underway, newly engaged couples should look no further than the romantic city of York in which to tie the knot. These days couples are getting married in ever more bizarre and eccentric places. York has any number of unique venues for an extra special day to remember. Couples can get wed on a train, on the platform, they can tie the knot at the Races or they can say their vows amid the ruins of St Mary's Abbey.

The ceremony itself could be held in the authentic medieval Merchant Adventurers' Hall, or in one of the city's outstanding historic churches.

For a truly medieval marriage Barley Hall offers a meticulously restored medieval townhouse, right in the heart of York's historic streets. Choose from the Great Hall with its tiled floor and colourful wall hangings or the half-timbered Great Chamber. Themed catering, medieval minstrels and medieval dancing are several options.

According to local superstition, couples that kiss below the West Window of York Minster will remain together forever. Visitors can look up at the window to see the heart-shape worked into the tracery, known as the ‘Heart of Yorkshire'.

Public contact: For more information on getting married in York, visit www.visityork.org/weddings  
Press contact: Katie Porter, PR Executive at Visit York, Email: kp@visityork.org,  Tel: 01904 554436

 

Walk the walls, hear the history...

Visitors to York will be able to get an audio tour of the city's historic walls at the touch of a button, thanks to a new pilot initiative launched by the City of York Council.

John Oxley, the city's archaeologist, shares his knowledge of the walls through a podcast, which can be downloaded free of charge from the council's website www.york.gov.uk/visiting

Visitors wanting to contribute to the cost of the up-keep of the walls can also download the podcast by texting ‘YWALLS' to 88833, at a charge of £1.50 plus standard network charge. Depending on your network, between 51p and 88p will go towards the maintenance and protection of the walls.

Signs have been placed along the walls letting visitors know about the podcasts.

Press contact: City of York Council Press Office, Tel: 01904 551068 / 552005.

 

Award-winning green spaces in the heart of historic York

York officially has some of the best parks and open spaces in the country. Glen Gardens in Heworth and Clarence Gardens, Wigginton Road are the latest of York's parks and green spaces to receive the prestigious Green Flag Award.

The national Green Flag Award Scheme recognises and rewards the best green spaces in the country. The Green Flag Award is a sign to visitors that the spaces are well-maintained and well-managed, with excellent facilities.

Rowntree Park, West Bank Park and Rawcliffe Country Park already hold the prestigious Green Flag Awards.

Press contact: For further information please contact Claire Duggleby, City of York Council, Tel: 01904 552005, Email: Claire.duggleby@york.gov.uk  

 

Get Your Skates on at Creepy Crawlies

Creepy Crawlies Adventure Park near York has a new addition to its fun attractions for children (and parents alike) - a brand new, year round synthetic skating rink.

Eco-skating is not only a safe option for children and delivers the same sensation as skating on real ice, but is brilliant fun and is not harming the environment.
Eco-skating is suitable for all ages and abilities whether you're a pro on blades or if you have never skated before. A café alongside the eco-rink will be serving drinks and snacks for those wishing to relax after their skate or whilst watching the others take to the rink.

Public contact: For more information about opening times and bookings, call Creepy Crawlies on 01904 692221 or email info@creepy-crawlies.co.uk  or visit the website at http://www.creepy-crawlies.co.uk/  
Press contact: Susie Brindley, Tel: 07828 974 224 or email Susie@willowbusinesssupport.co.uk

 

 New Exhibitions

  

Revolutionary Fashion at Fairfax House

Fairfax House's latest exhibition will reveal the elegant fashions of the Regency era, showcasing items from one of the most recognisable periods in clothing history 1790 - 1820.

Following on from the hugely popular Dress to Impress in 2010, Revolutionary Fashion continues the development of fashion through to the end of the Georgian period. There will be a variety of items on display drawing upon key collections from around the country including shoes, fans, headwear and accessories from the vibrant and dashing Regency period that have rarely been seen in the public realm.

Running until 31 December, the fashions will inhabit the whole interior of Fairfax House, being on display not only within the exhibition space but also throughout the period rooms of the house itself, giving mutual context to both the items of dress and the room settings.

Entry to the exhibition is through purchase of a general admission ticket. Tickets cost £6.00 (£5.00 concession, children under 16 are free) and are valid for one year.
Fairfax House is open Tuesday - Saturday: 10am - 4.30pm and Sunday 12.30pm - 3.30pm. Guided tours are also available at 11am and 2pm on Mondays.

Public contact: Visit http://www.fairfaxhouse.co.uk/  for more information about Revolutionary Fashion and associated special events.
Press contact: Hannah Phillip, Director, Email: hannahphillip@yorkcivictrust.co.uk  or Tel: 01904 655543

 

A Book Fit for a King at York Minster
17 August 2011 - 29 November 2011

York Minster's centre for Historic Collections is celebrating the 400th anniversary of the Authorised Version of the Bible with an exhibition in the Upper Hall. The exhibition unveils how the King James Bible encouraged people to explore their own thoughts, and reveal why the authorities used propaganda to convey their message. View some of the collections most interesting objects dating back to the 14th century. Learn how this bible still influences our language today and how it became the most printed book in the history of the world.
Open 12 - 4pm Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri at The Old Palace, Dean's Park. For more information, visit http://www.yorkminster.org/  
Press contact: Lisa Sinclair, Communications and Marketing Officer, 0844 939 0014, 07843339979, lisas@yorkminster.org  

 

See the ‘Views of York' on display for the public in 2012

York Civic Trust is mounting its first ‘Views of York' exhibition at Fairfax House next Spring from 1 April to 31 August 2012.

This major new exhibition will explore the changing face of the city from the 17th century to the present day. In particular the exhibition will include paintings, watercolours and photographs focussing primarily on views which show the setting of York, the rivers, its medieval streets, the famous walls, plus panoramic views of York, all of which have inspired artists over the last four centuries.

One of the earliest paintings discovered is a distant view of the city by Court painter, Alexander Keirincx, who came to York with Charles I in 1639. Watercolours by the artist Francis Place, who settled in York in the 1680s, are also included, as are the atmospheric studies by the likes of Turner, Girtin, Marlow and Scarborough artist J.B. Carter. The most recent are two modern paintings by John Langton.

Following on from the hugely successful ‘Minster Revealed' exhibition in 2007 which allowed the trust to make a donation of over £28,000 towards the cost of restoring the Great East Window, it is the intention that the ‘Views of York' exhibition helps to raise funds towards improvements to the public realm in the city.

Public contact: For more information, keep watch on the York Civic Trust website at http://www.yorkcivictrust.co.uk/  
Press contact: Melanie Paris, Tel: 01904 647408 / 07931 391736, Email: hello@melanieparis.com

 

Accommodation News

 

Historic luxury for an overnight stay at Grays Court

Grays Court in York is a Grade I listed building and has recently opened their first bedrooms to the public. Situated in the shadow of York Minster, Grays Court is an oasis of calm in the heart of the city. Guests will wake to the sound of bird song and the Minster Bells which chime from eight o'clock in the morning, and then enjoy a hearty breakfast overlooking the gardens.

All bedrooms are delightful with comfortable beds, fine linen and well appointed bathrooms and provide visitors with the opportunity to extend their experience of this historic house. Rooms are all named after the historic owners and visitors of this Grand house. Examples include:

Cumberland - named after Prince William, Duke of Cumberland who was received by the Archbishop of York in the Long Gallery in 1746. Gray's Court's principal suite, it boasts a magnificent bow fronted bedroom/sitting room with panoramic views over the gardens towards the medieval City Walls.

Somerset - named after Edward Seymour, The Duke of Somerset and an enchanting twin room furnished with a bedroom suite from a Chataeu in Bordeaux complete with en-suite shower room.

Aislabie - A Duel took place at Grays Court on January 12th 1674 for the honour of a lady, Miss Mallorie, daughter of Sir John Mallorie of Studley Royal. Aislabie, the unfortunate casualty of the duel was carried home and died in the Long Gallery. George Aislabie was buried in York Minster. This double room, furnished in antique furniture complete with a Louis XIV inlaid bed is named after this unfortunate gentleman and enjoys views towards his final resting place, York Minster, with large walk in shower and further views over the historic courtyard.

Other rooms include Fairfax, Williams, Willoughby and Elizabeth Gray.

To find out more about this fascinating, exclusive accommodation visit www.grayscourtyork.com  or contact Tel: 01904 612613 Email: enquiries@grayscourtyork.com  
Press contact: Penelope Ward, Tel: 01904 612613 or 07756231454.

 

Upcoming Festival/Events

 

French in York
17 - 23 October

‘French in York' Week- is a brand new festival taking place throughout the city to commemorate those French airmen based in York who gave their lives in the fight against tyranny in World War II. The Yorkshire Air Museum, who are spearheading this extraordinary week, which includes a WWII Hurricane aeroplane on show in the centre of the City, hope the week will re-awaken national interest in the role of the French Airmen during the war.

Over 2000 young Frenchmen lived in York during World War II. The only French Heavy Bomber Squadrons of World War II were based at Elvington in York - the spiritual home of today's French Air Force. The French were renowned for their flying skill yet their losses were high. Their courage, humour and style were typically French and they became popular around York in their dark blue uniforms and gold braid.

Events culminate on Thursday 20th October 2011, when the very first French Memorial in an English cathedral will be inaugurated at York Minster - 66 years after the French airmen returned home to become the Air Force of the newly liberated France. Over 1600 people are expected to be in attendance with high ranking officials from Britain and France.

Public contact: For events happening during the French in York Festival, visit www.visityork.org  
Press contact: Sandrine Bauchet, Tel: 01904 608595, Email: Sandrine.bauchet@aafmemorial.org

 

Illuminating York
26 - 29 October

Famous characters from York's colourful history provide part of the inspiration for this year's Illuminating York Festival, as the central artwork moves from the Minster to another storeroom of York History, the Castle Museum in the Eye of York. Cutting edge projections onto the ancient building - scene of nearly 1000 years of justice - will take inspiration from some of York's more colourful characters such as Dick Turpin or Guy Fawkes as well as lesser known people to create a breath-taking event that is not to be missed.

Following last year's success with the very first ‘son et lumiere' on York Minster, the 2011 central piece Envisions is another first for York and Yorkshire. Pushing artistic boundaries still further, Illuminating York 2011 will take a technological leap forward using architectural mapping, and visual illusions projected by more powerful projectors than the Festival has seen to date onto the Castle Museum in the eye of York.

York's rich history is also the basis for Contours an artwork by sound artist Karen Monid, while the largest Festival Fringe yet will celebrate York's status as the most haunted city in Europe and promises torchlit tours and spooky goings on in visitor attractions throughout the city as well as late night opening and a host of special restaurant deals.

Supported by the City of York Council, Visit York, Arts Council England and Welcome to Yorkshire, this year's festival will celebrate York's rich heritage using cutting edge technology and once again challenge visitors to see York in a different light. The 2011 Festival runs from 26-29 October, from 6.30pm-10pm each evening.

Public contact: Further details at www.illuminatingyork.org  or telephone Visit York Information Centre on 01904 550099.
Press contact: Kay Hyde, PR Manager, Visit York, Tel: 01904 554451, Email: kh@visityork.org  

  

Book tickets for now for York Mystery Plays 2012
2 - 27 August 2012

The world famous York Mystery Plays are set to make a return to their original setting in Museum Gardens in the summer of 2012. Tickets are now available to book through York Theatre Royal's box office to secure a place at one of the biggest outdoor theatre productions in York's history.

The Passion Plays of England are some of the oldest pieces of English literature. They were performed on the streets of Britain's medieval cities on the church Feast Day of Corpus Christi, around midsummer. This spectacular production is returning to York in a joint production from York Theatre Royal, Riding Lights Theatre Company and York Museums Trust.

York Mystery plays have a very historic tradition and have been performed in York since the middle of the fourteenth century until 1569, suppressed in the Tudor times and resurrected when published in 1885. Large scale productions then began in 1951 on a 10 year cycle. The original production in 1951 was in Museum Gardens against St Mary's Abbey, so York Theatre Royal's production in 2012 is taking these historic plays back to its famous setting.

There are only four cities in the UK that do the cycles historically and York is the most famous one. This production will perform one of the biggest, most historic theatre productions in the country, staged outdoors in the Museum Gardens against the backdrop of medieval St Mary's Abbey.

A manuscript of the York Plays dating back to 1463 still survives in the British Library. Past performers of the York Mysteries have included Judi Dench (launching her career), David Bradley (playing Jesus in 1976), Christopher Timothy (Jesus in 1980), Simon Ward, and Robson Green.

Press contact: Rebecca Storey, Press and Media Manager, Tel: 01904 550149, Email Rebecca.storey@yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

 

Shopping

Art at affordable prices with York Designer Outlet

McArthurGlen's York Designer Outlet has added Whitewall Atelier - the first in the McArthurGlen UK portfolio - selling exciting and innovative artwork from around the world at affordable prices.

The first Whitewall outlet gallery in the UK will display original paintings and limited edition prints from award-winning artists such as Bruno Tinucci, Doug Hyde and Danielle O'Connor Akiyama.

York Designer Outlet is a must visit fashion and shopping destination when visiting York, with around 3.5 million shoppers per year, and is home to over 120 leading fashion and home brands all at up to 60% less.

Public contact: Follow McArthurGlen York Designer Outlet on Facebook at www.facebook.com/yorkdesigneroutlet  or visit the website at www.yorkdesigneroutlet.com  
Press contact: Imogen Fry or Monique Cockerill - Rain Communications UK, Tel: 0207 828 0118, Email: Imogen.fry@raincommunications.co.uk  / Monique.cockerill@raincommunications.co.uk  

 

Exploring York

York on the Run

York on the Run is a new and innovative way for York's more active visitors to quicken up the pace while taking in the sights of the city.

Visitors participating in the York on the Run experience will be invited to jog around the city and surrounding areas at a pace that suits them. Led by knowledgeable individuals with a passion for health and history, the jogs are tailored to each individual's abilities, and for many this will include walking as well as gentle jogging. Taking in sights such as King's Manor, Clifford's Tower, Merchant Adventurer's Hall and running along Dame Judi Dench's Walk to the River Ouse and through Dean's Park, visitors will have the opportunity to see parts of York that others often miss. Each run costs £10 for adults and £6 for youngsters (aged 12 - 17), which includes a drink and a healthy snack.

York on the Run is a brand new venture, set up by Chris Acton a former GP practice manager. Runs are every morning at 8am except Fridays and every evening at 5pm except Wednesdays meeting, at the West entrance to York Minster.

Public contact: For more information visit www.yorkontherun.com  or call 07966 315770.
Press contact: Chris Acton, Tel: 07966 315770.

 

Food and Drink News

Dine About York on a roving tour

Dine About York is a brand new venture and a unique opportunity for visitors to experience not one, but four of York's top restaurants in one evening.

Diners can enjoy a full four course meal with choices for each course, on one of four different tours:

• Mediterranean Flavours Dinner - £25
• Modern Eclectic Dinner - £27
• Very Posh Nosh Dinner - £40
• Historic York Dinner - £27

Restaurants include Melton's Too, 31 Castlegate, D.C.H Restaurant at Dean Court Hotel and the Biltmore Bar and Grill amongst many others.

The tours are designed for everyone - not just food lovers - and are a great opportunity to socialise with fellow visitors and local people to experience the variety of York's restaurant offer. The Dine About tour guides dine with guests all evening and are on hand to help with menu queries, steer you through the streets of historic York sharing a few gems of York's hidden history as diners travel between restaurants and point out partners who offer discounts for Dine About customers.

Public contact: Tours are available Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. Booking in advance is required. Visit www.dineabout.co.uk  for more information or call 01904 619297.
Press contact: Chris Holder, Tel: 07725 366 171 or email chris@dineabout.co.uk  

 

Hidden Gems

Stay a night at the oldest working convent in England

For a unique experience in the heart of historic York, The Bar Convent is not only a visitor attraction in its own right but also a bed and breakfast. Behind the façade of a beautiful Georgian building lies a working convent, licensed café, gift shop and one of York's most unusual guesthouses. Established at a time when Roman Catholics were being persecuted for their faith, The Bar Convent is full of surprises including its hidden chapel in the centre of the building, priest's hiding hole and relic of the hand of St Margaret Clitheroe.

Its comfortable bed and breakfast accommodation offers 18 guest bedrooms situated over three floors of the Convent. All guests receive a personal welcome from the Housekeeper, Lesley Baines, her staff or the Sisters of the Bar Convent and are escorted to their room and shown the facilities. For special occasions visitors can even request a bottle of the Convent's own unique Bar Convent wine.

The history of Christianity in the north of England is explained in the charming museum along with the story of Mary Ward. Foundress of a religious congregation whose two branches are now known as the Congregation of Jesus and the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Forget what you have ever imagined life in a Catholic convent would be like. For the un-con-vent-ional living in York's Bar Convent abandons all your preconceptions.

Public contact: To book a stay for a unique experience in historic York, telephone Visit York on 01904 550099 or visit the website and book online at www.visityork.org  For more information on the Bar Convent, visit www.bar-convent.org.uk  
Bar Convent, 17 Blossom Street, York, YO24 1AQ.
Press contact: James Foster, Tel: 01904 643238, Email: jfoster@bar-convent.org.uk  

 

Take a walk in York...

Lady Peckett's Yard, Coffee Yard, Mad Alice Lane, Whip Ma Whop Ma Gate. The names alone are irresistible. A network of ‘ginnels' or alleyways winds through the historic core of York as it has done for centuries, each with a story to tell. You can explore almost the whole of the city centre using these medieval shortcuts. York has its own name for these tiny lanes - ‘Snickleways' - a word coined by a local tour guide made up of the word ‘Snicket', ‘Ginnel' and ‘Alleyway'. YorkWalk, established in 1990, offers a programme of themed walking tours of York throughout the year. Many of these explore the hidden York, and unwind the fascinating history of the city. These include, amongst others:

Inaccessible and Hidden York
A unique chance to enter parts of York never open to the public, to descend into cellars and Roman remains, and explore secret passages, crypts, medieval churches and hidden Georgian interiors.

The Graveyard, Coffin and Crypt Tour
A chance for visitors to explore the hidden city of the dead; descend to a secret crypt, sample Roman and medieval coffins and visit plague sites.

Historic Toilet Tour
A saga of convenience from Roman hygiene to C19th attempts to prevent ‘nuisance' and promote public decency. Also visitors are able to sample the dubious comforts of medieval garderobes.

Guy Fawkes Trail
Visitors can explore the (several!) birthplaces and haunts of one of York's most infamous sons - Guy Fawkes of Gunpowder Plot fame.

For more information visit www.yorkwalk.co.uk  Tel: 01904 656244 Email: admin@yorkwalk.fsnet.co.uk  

Press contact: Kay Hyde, PR Manager, Visit York. Tel: 01904 554451 Email: kh@visityork.org

For those who prefer self-guided walks and tours, Visit York has produced a series of nine walking trails for the city, including Medieval Churches, a Railway Heritage Trail, A Rowntree Trail - taking visitors on a tour of the city's chocolate heritage, a Roman Trail and many more. For full details visit www.visityork.org/explore

The Retrace York City Rubbings Trail

The Retrace York City Rubbings Trail is an experience for visitors on the city walls. A map of York has been split up and scattered around the city's ancient walls. Visitors can assemble a complete map, travelling around the walls in any direction, by taking a rubbing of each panel. The panels highlight a route around the historic defences and also reveal some of York's fascinating past along the way. The trail's aim is to encourage children to walk the whole way around the city walls and experience areas of the city which are not normally used.

For more information visit www.visityork.org  Tel: 01904 550099 Email: info@visityork.org

Press contact: Kay Hyde, PR Manager, Visit York, Tel: 01904 554451 Email: kh@visityork.org

 

York - An award-winning city

York - Recent Tourism Awards
? York has been hailed as Britain's most beautiful city - and the place where most people want to live (July 2011). York received 17% of the votes in an independent survey conducted by the search engine Bing to find the most attractive place in the UK and one in ten people named York as the city they would most like to move to.
? York was voted (May 2011) ‘Britain's Favourite Small City' in an independent poll commissioned by the Rough Guide (and conducted by YouGov)
? Petergate has been shortlisted as the ‘Best Shopping Street' in the UK in the 2011 Google Street View Awards.
? York was given an ‘Honourable Mention' in Annual British Heritage Awards, awarded by www.BritainExpress.com
? York won a European Excellence Awards (2010) - for ‘Best Tourism Campaign', awarded by the magazine ‘Communication Director'.
? York won 'best city' in the Yorkshire and Humber region in the Yorkshire in Bloom competition for the first time in 2010, with a Silver Gilt Rose award for the spring judging and the rare and coveted Gold for the summer round. Yorkshire in Bloom is a regional heat of the Royal Horticultural Society's Britain in Bloom competition.

York has won a Silver Gilt Award in the National Finals of Britain in Bloom 2011.

York represented the Yorkshire region in the city category. York was one of 77 villages, towns, cities and urban communities from across the UK competing for the coveted RHS medals. York was competing against Richmond upon Thames, Bury, Stockton and Wrexham in the City category. Judging took place during the first two weeks of August 2011 and York's judges were Nigel Bishop and Roger Burnett. They put York under the microscope in terms of florals and horticultural practices, environmental efforts and how local communities participate to make York and their local neighbourhoods greener places to live, work and visit

Contact Elizabeth Levett
Head of Environmental Enforcement & Parking Services liz.levett@york.gov.uk  Eco Depot Hazel Court James Street York
YO10 3DS
01904 553101

*2010 - Google Street View Awards -

The Shambles - Most Picturesque Street in Britain
Stonegate - 2nd Best for Fashion in Britain
Fossgate - 3rd Best in Britain for Food

*Most Group Friendly UK Destination - Group Travel Organiser Magazine Awards - 2009

*Best UK City - Telegraph Travel Awards - 2008

*Finalist - Most Group Friendly UK Destination - Group Travel Organiser Awards - 2008

*Best UK City - Telegraph Travel Awards - 2007

*European Tourism City of the Year - European Cities Marketing - 2007/2008

*Coach Tourism City of the Year - Coach Tourism Awards - 2008

For a complete history of York's awards, please contact Kay Hyde, PR Manager on 01904 554451 or email kh@visityork.org  

Journalists:
If you would like to visit York on a press trip we'd be delighted to hear from you, please contact:

Kay Hyde
PR Manager
Visit York
1 Museum Street
York
YO1 7DT

Email kh@visityork.org

Visit www.visityork.org/media

Public Contact: York Visitor Information Centre, Tel 01904 550099 or visit www.visityork.org