Explore, take part and learn
The York rivers trail is designed to be explored in your own way - whether that’s a short visit, a longer walk, or returning to different places over time.
Collect a York rivers trail sticker
When you’ve explored part of the York rivers trail, you can collect a sticker to mark your visit.
Pick one up from the Visit York Visitor Information Centre when you’ve completed one or more stops along the trail.
If you take part in the digital talk to the river experience, you can also unlock digital stickers along the way. You can collect both.
Join us this summer
As the trail launches in summer 2026, there will be a range of events where you can explore the river, meet people involved in the project, and take part in creative activities. This includes guided walks along the river and hands-on workshops inspired by the river and its stories.
Activities in July 2026
| Date | Event | Location | Audience |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 July | The rivers and us: Messengers of the Ouse - Explore the amazing natural history, past and present, of the River Ouse on this family-friendly walk. | Rowntree Park | Families aged 8+ years |
| 26 July | The rivers and us: Wild Water Walk - Explore the amazing natural history - past and present - of the River Ouse on this family-friendly walk. With surprising stories and incredible images the Wild Water Walk will bring the nature of the Ouse to life. | Leeman Park to North Street Gardens | Families aged 6+ years |
Activities in August 2026
| Date | Event | Location | Audience |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 August | The rivers and us: Tremendous Trees and Precious Plants - Printmaking workshop exploring York’s river flora and fauna through cyanotype and monoprinting using natural materials. | Homestead Park | Families aged 6+ years |
| 6 August | The rivers and us: photo walk from Millennium Bridge to Tower Gardens - Mindful 'photo walk' along the banks of the River Ouse capturing the sights on and near the river. | Millenium Bridge to Tower Gardens | All (children age 6+ years) |
| 7 August | The rivers and us: Exploring New Walk and York's rivers - Retrace the steps of fashionable Georgian walkers whilst discovering stories from 2,000 years of York's history. | Millenium Bridge to York Mansion House | All |
| 8 August | The rivers and us: Flooded Memories Exhibition and Zine Workshop - Join an archaeologist and artist for a 'zine-making' workshop and exhibition about history, heritage, and our rivers Foss and Ouse. | Patch @ Bonding Warehouse | All |
| 9 August | The rivers and us: Willow Weaving and Words Workshop - Create beautiful willow woven fish using natural materials, and explore words and stories inspired by the river, its wildlife, and the surrounding landscape. | Homestead Park | All |
| 10 August | York Book of River Beasts with York's Hidden History at York Explore - Explore York’s rivers, their wildlife and how they’ve changed over time, then use creative writing and art to invent marvellous creatures. | York Explore | Families age 6+ years |
| 11 August | York Book of River Beasts with York's Hidden History at Tang Hall Explore - Explore York’s rivers, their wildlife and how they’ve changed over time, then use creative writing and art to invent marvellous creatures. | Tang Hall Explore | Families age 6+ years |
| 13 August | The rivers and us: photo walk along the Ouse towards Homestead Park - Mindful 'photo walk' along the banks of the River Ouse capturing the sights on and near the river. | Leeman Park to Homestead Park | All (children age 6+ years) |
| 14 August | York Book of River Beasts with York's Hidden History at Clifton Explore - Explore York’s rivers, their wildlife and how they’ve changed over time, then use creative writing and art to invent marvellous creatures. | Clifton Explore | Families age 6+ years |
| 20 August | The rivers and us: York Flood Defences Walking Tour - Take a closer look at many of the defences in the city, implemented by the York Flood Alleviation Scheme following severe flooding in 2015. | North Street Gardens | All (age 12+ years) |
| 21 August | York Book of River Beasts with York's Hidden History at Tang Hall Explore - Explore York’s rivers, their wildlife and how they’ve changed over time, then use creative writing and art to invent marvellous creatures. | Acomb Explore | Families age 6+ years |
| 24 August | The rivers and us: York Flood Defences Walking Tour - Take a closer look at many of the defences in the city, implemented by the York Flood Alleviation Scheme following severe flooding in 2015. | North Street Gardens | All (age 12+ years) |
| 27 August | The rivers and us: Rivers2U van at Homestead Park - Details to be confirmed. | Homestead Park | Families age 5+ years |
| 29 August | The rivers and us: Tracing the river through time - A hands-on workshop exploring the history of our rivers and the many ways they have shaped people's lives over time. Through drawing, mark-making, and visual storytelling, you will create images inspired by the rivers. | Patch @ The Bonding Warehouse | All |
The York rivers trail can be explored at any time - through exhibitions across the city, viewing frames along the river, and interactive digital experiences.
For the latest updates, including dates and locations, please follow City of York Council on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Nextdoor @CityofYorkCouncil
You can also share your view of the river and the trail using #Yorkriverstrail - and see how others are experiencing it.
Keep exploring
Many organisations across York and the wider catchment run events, walks and activities linked to rivers, nature and climate. This is not an exhaustive list, but a starting point for exploring what’s happening across the area.
With thanks to the communities and partners shaping a more resilient York and North Yorkshire. Many thanks to our project partners and content contributors, including (but not limited to):
- Aviva and York Cares
- Environment Agency
- Friends of Rowntree Park
- Friends of New Walk
- Homestead Park
- York Museum Gardens
- St Nicks
- York Hidden History
Be prepared for flooding
Understanding flood risk and knowing what to do can make a real difference.
See more flood advice and information, where you can:
- sign up for flood alerts
- learn what to do before and during flooding
- find out how flooding is managed in York
Small actions, taken together, help build a more informed and resilient city.
