Celebrate Father's Day in York

If you’re planning to spoil your Dad this Father’s Day - Sunday 19th June - we’ve got some great ideas for top things to do in York. Plan a day to remember for Dad this Father’s Day, you’re sure to find some excellent activities to surprise him with. From some incredible days out to memories and gifts he can cherish forever, there are so many ways to treat your dad in York and beyond.

Whatever his interests, you will find the perfect day out. For the sightseeing dad, visit some of York’s top attractions and tick off some of the best places to see in the city. York is home to everything from museums, theatres, and galleries to hidden gems, must see attractions and iconic historic buildings.

Travel through the heart of York on a boat trip, and experience either an afternoon tea, evening dinner or a lunch cruise overlooking the riverside. Make Dad’s trip to York one to remember and let him be the captain of his own Self Drive motor boat. Book a relaxing sightseeing cruise while taking in the history of York and see the city from a different perspective across the Ouse. Hop on an open top bus tour and see all the main sights and attractions with a live guide. The perfect experience for a Father’s Day outing in York.

Embrace nature in one of York’s many parks and green spaces. Take Dad for a leisurely stroll as you soak up the atmosphere in some beautiful gardens.

Treat your father to a lovely day out at the grounds of Castle Howard where a Classic Car Show will be taking place for one day only. From vintage vehicles to classic motorcycles, there will be hundreds of vehicles on display for all car-enthusiastic fathers to enjoy.

Explore a world of flavour in York with a selection of culinary experiences that are guaranteed to delight your palette. Treat Dad to a food and drink experience and let him sample some fine wines that have been produced in God’s Own Country at the Yorkshire Heart vineyard, or for the gin loving dads, York Gin Gift sets would make the perfect present. Located just ten miles from York, Cooper King Distillery offer gin tours and tasting evenings which are available to purchase as a gift or treat Dad to a home tasting experience.

Alternatively, put your dad’s cooking skills to the test and learn to make something new at the Cookery School at The Grand, York. A cooking class gift voucher is also a great present for all the Master Chef dads out there.

Head to The Hole in Wand for a thrilling round of wizard golf with Dad, a firm favourite with visitors and residents, the Hole In Wand is a hot spot for Harry Potter fans in the heart of York. Get ready for a wizard adventure and put your skills to the test. Take on nine magical golf holes and once you’ve completed the course you will receive a magical potion to take home with you.

Have a Father’s Day like no other and sign up to one of York’s escape rooms experiences. Search for clues and solve puzzles, these range from murder mysteries to detective themed missions, a day here would be the perfect gift for a Dad who loves a challenge.

Experience a theatrical spectacle as York Mystery Plays take the stage in various locations across the city. These medieval plays contain stories of delight, humour, horror, temptation and resistance and will be performed by the communities of the City of York. Watch for as long as you would like on the 19th and 26th June.

Book an exhilarating trip to Go Ape and challenge your dad to take part in one of the adventurous high ropes courses in the Great Yorkshire Forest, or head out on an adventure into the woods on a Go Ape Segway experience.

Celebrate Father’s Day with a night of jazz over dinner or just a drink and some nibbles at No.1 Guesthouse, and listen to the laid-back acoustic Karl Mullen Jazz Trio play your requests as well as classics by Dave Brubeck, Oscar Peterson, Nina Simone and songs from the Great American Songbook with all welcome and any time during the evening.

You can be sure that a delicious lunch will be a great Father’s Day Treat because the way to Dad’s heart is through his stomach. Whether your dad enjoys a pub lunch or a fine dining experience, there are plenty of fantastic restaurants in York. Discover independents, or enjoy the thriving street food scene that York has to offer.

Whether your dad is steam train obsessed or simply loves an adventurous day out, there’s no better way of saying ‘thank you’ for being a great role model than spending a day together experiencing 24 miles of stunning scenery, cultural heritage, and of course, iconic steam locomotives - all whilst exploring the beautiful North York Moors National Parks by treating your dad or father figure in your life to a day out at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

If your Dad is a fan of the rugby, get 20% off site wide on a range of Rugby League World Cup merchandise and collections.

Ambiente Tapas will be offering a free 175ml glass of wine for all dads when dining with them this Father’s Day. Book a table now at either one of their Goodramgate, Fossgate and Tabanco restaurants. They are open every day from 11:30am – 9:30pm.

Planning a Father's Day Weekend in York? Check out the best hotels, B&Bs and other accommodation in York. From boutique hotels to well-known brands there is plenty to choose from.