Conferences in York
A meeting place for over 2000 years, York is one of England’s finest and most beautiful historic cities - one which has always reinvented itself, while never forgetting its past. Cobbled medieval streets and iconic buildings tell the stories of York’s people and its history; today, heritage and innovation combine to create a world-class destination for business events.
York is home to two world class universities, and is the UK's first UNESCO City of Media Arts. The city’s knowledge-driven economy is amongst the strongest in the UK with a solid reputation for research, development, innovation and academic excellence.
We're working with venues in and around York to create a safe and welcoming place for delegates to return to: we're here to help you plan for future events, offering free impartial advice and an in-depth, local knowledge of the city and surrounding area.
We look forward to welcoming you back to York, and if we can help in the meantime please get in touch on conference@visityork.org.
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Why York?
Conference Guide
Our Conference & Events guide is full of venue inspiration, accommodation options, social suggestions, sector insights and more - everything you need to plan your next event in York.
Centrally located
Centrally located in the UK there are over 140 direct rail connections to/from York, which is under two hours by train from London and within easy reach of six international airports. The city centre is compact and pedestrianised, with many venues within walking distance or a short journey of the train station, making onward travel straightforward.
An unrivalled choice of venues
York's diverse portfolio of venues provides a memorable backdrop for meetings, conferences and incentive experiences. Choose York for your next event and you'll find timber-framed medieval guildhalls, conference facilities at two world class universities, space for over 600 delegates overlooking a legendary racecourse and a host of international-standard hotels.
Compact and pedestrianised
York is ideal for a multi-venue conference with most venues and accommodation easily accessible on foot, and iconic landmarks, popular attractions and plenty of places to eat, drink and shop dotted in between. You can walk across York's walled city centre within 20 minutes, meaning delegates will see and experience more of York during their visit.
Dinner with a difference
Dine amongst the locomotives at the National Railway Museum or welcome guests with a drinks reception in the magnificent Chapter House at York Minster, one of the finest cathedrals in the world. Transport your guests to Victorian York with a dinner on Kirkgate, a reconstructed street scene at York Castle Museum, or experience the Georgian grandeur of a mayoral occasion with a banquet in the State Room at York Mansion House.
Social suggestions
With more attractions per square mile than any other UK city, there’s plenty to entertain your delegates. Break the ice with a ghost walk in one of Europe's most haunted cities, or enjoy the flavours of a chocolate masterclass and uncover the city's chocolate heritage. See York from the river with a cruise through the heart of the city, or book a private tour guide to explore the cobbled streets and snickelways.
Team building ideas
Bringing people together for meetings and events generates new ideas and connections; having the right space outside of the conference hall to keep those sparks and conversations going is vital. There’s plenty of inspiration for team building and group activities in and around York: take on a cookery challenge or chocolate-making workshop, test your wits against the clock in one of the city's escape rooms, or head outdoors for adventures in some of the most stunning landscapes in the region.
Beyond York
Once you’ve experienced the magic of York, venture beyond the city walls for an experience your delegates won’t forget. With York as your base, see more of the county’s spectacular landscape with incredible event locations from the North York Moors to the dramatic Yorkshire coast.
Castle Howard boasts dramatic interiors and sweeping parklands offer a huge variety of spaces for events. Climb on-board a steam or heritage diesel train and experience 24 miles of Yorkshire’s stunning scenery on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.
Nestled on the southern slopes of the beautiful North York Moors National Park, there are over 8,000 acres of woodland to explore at Dalby Forest on foot or by bike, and an activity centre for paintballing, archery and much more.
