Things to do: Visit York Ice Trail

It’s not in every city you can come across dinosaurs, an erupting volcano, Guy Fawkes and an express train, but wander the streets of nearby York in early February and you’ll find all these things and more. 

They’re all part of the historic city’s Ice Trail which is returning for two days only, on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 February. Featuring 36 hand-carved ice sculptures, the event is an extraordinary day out, and well worth the short drive or train journey from Wressle Grange.

York Ice Trail 3

A cool day out

The spectacular sculptures are located throughout the city and each one is linked to this year’s theme of A journey through time. Download the free map and you can while away the day exploring the winding streets and their remarkable displays. The full trail is just under five miles, but the many photo points and inviting shops and eateries along the way provide plenty of opportunities to take a break and give little (and big!) legs a rest.

Don’t miss the family-friendly Ice Trail showcase at Middletons Hotel gardens, where along with four of the sculptures and the mystical world of mythology, you’ll be able to see the famous Thwaites Shire Horses in all their finery. And be sure to stop off in St Sampsons Square to watch award-winning ice sculpture specialists Ice Box transform a huge ice cube into a work of art in front of your eyes!

The trail is open from 10am – 5pm each day and there are duplicate sculptures for the second day, so whether you visit on Saturday or Sunday, they’ll be as fresh as possible. It’s worth bearing in mind that the sculptures will melt faster on particularly rainy, windy or sunny days, so we advise you keep an eye on the forecast and plan to get there early if necessary.

Visiting York

Travelling into York is easy from our accessible location. Trains run direct from the nearest local town, Howden, every hour, or travelling by car takes around 30 minutes. There are several Park & Ride sites so you can avoid the stress of navigating the city centre and it’s cheaper too – parking is free and a return bus fare for an adult and three children is just £3.50.

With more attractions per square mile than anywhere else in the UK, York really does have something for everyone. Visit world-class interactive museums, browse quirky independent shops, take a river cruise or enter the wizarding world of the Shambles, said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter.

York Ice Trail 2

Accommodation near York

Whatever activity you choose, you can enjoy it in the knowledge that you’ll end your day in York tucked up in your luxurious accommodation. Return to your warm and cosy cottage and sink into one of the sumptuous sofas. Pop the kettle on, put your feet up and savour the peace and quiet of the countryside.

For further information on the York Ice Trail, visit https://www.visityork.org/york-ice-trail

Comments are closed.