York Residents’ Festival 2025: Pre-booking for free entry to attractions opening today, Friday 10 January at 12pm

Pre-booking for York Residents' Festival opens today, Friday 10 January, at 12pm.

Organised by Make It York, this popular event offers York residents free entry to attractions, exclusive offers and unique experiences across the city. 

Pre-booking tickets online is new for this year for a variety of attractions. Spaces are limited to secure free tickets for the festival weekend, so make sure to be at your devices to book early!  

Pre-booking for free tickets is required to these attractions: 

• York Theatre Royal is offering free behind-the-scenes tours to find out more about the fascinating history of theatre in York, discover the secrets of the backstage world and learn more about this unique building.  
• For thrill-seekers, the York Dungeon is offering a limited number of free tickets across the weekend at selected times, giving residents the chance to experience its exciting and spine-chilling tour. 
• Join the chocolate bar-making workshop at York Cocoa Works to create your very own 30g Chocolate Bar! 
• Discover the history of York's beer and pub heritage with a guided walk with Historic Pub Walks. 
• Take a tour with the Wizard Walk of York for a spellbinding magical family tour with magic and comedy. 
• Avoid disappointment and make sure to book in advance for York Castle Museum, Yorkshire Museum and York Art Gallery including special exhibitions. 
• Tours of the fascinating Ampleforth Abbey Church designed by eminent architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, where you'll be led by a monk, who will take you on a journey of exploration through the church's history and striking architecture. 
• For those of a curious and hardy temperament, The Polite Tourist is offering A True Crime Walk in York. 
• Go back billions of years with A Prehistoric Tour of York without leaving the cobbled streets of York city centre with York's Hidden History. 
• Yorkshire Heart Vineyard is offering a free short tour of the vineyard and winery on the hour of 11am, 12 noon, and 1pm. 
• Castle Howard, one of Britain’s finest stately homes, is offering complimentary Gardens and Adventure Playground Admission. 
• Go try rock climbing and abseiling with Lost Earth Adventures at Brimham Rocks. 
• Food lovers, can enjoy 40% off food all January at The Whippet Inn, and 20% off food & drink at Malmaison Bar & Grill and at SORA.

The majority of all free entry tickets and offers are also open for pre-booking from from 12pm today, Friday 10 January, online at: visityork.org/resfest

If residents don’t get the chance to book early, most of the businesses taking part are available for walk-ins over the weekend. There are plenty of free options to explore the city’s attractions and exclusive offers to enjoy fantastic food and support local businesses. There are always new offers and additional tickets added over the coming weeks, make sure to check the website regularly. 

To take advantage of the offers, residents must present a valid York Card, student card or identity card that proves your York residency.  

Now, it’s time to start planning your weekend in York!