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, a strong knowledge-driven economy drives the city forward with heritage and innovation combining to create a world-class destination for business events.

We're working with venues in and around York to create a safe and welcoming place for delegates to return when the time is right.

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.

Why York?

Centrally located

Centrally located in the UK, York is under two hours by train from London and within easy reach of six international airports. Compact and pedestrianised, many venues are within easy reach of the train station, making onward travel straightforward.

THIS ONE Grand exterior with York Minster View

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

Take on a street-food themed cookery challenge at The Cookery School at The Grand, or test your wits against the clock in one of the city's escape rooms. Head outdoors for adventures in some of the most stunning landscapes in the region, or take on the challenge of axe-throwing and find your inner Viking – right in the heart of the city!

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 boats 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.