Go on Safari in the York sunshine
York city centre has been rewilded with a parade of leafy lions, rhinos, elephants, & giraffes
If you’re wandering through York right now you will find yourself locking eyes with a giraffe made of grass, don’t panic — you haven’t had one too many at The Fat Badger.
The grass animals are back.
That’s right. The urban jungle (aka the city centre) has been rewilded with a parade of leafy lions, rhinos, elephants, and giraffes, thanks to the fine people at York BID. And if you’re thinking, “Hang on, haven’t I seen these before?” — yes, they’ve been before, and yes, they’re back by popular demand (and because who doesn’t want a hedge-elephant in their life?).
So What’s New?
Alongside your standard herd of grassy wildlife, this year’s safari includes something especially exciting: a brand-new horse-shaped seat in Davygate. That’s right — it’s a bench and a beast. Pop yourself on it, pretend you’re galloping through the Shambles, and don’t forget to get a photo.
There are also 400 new public seats dotted around York. So if you’re halfway through a shopping spree, mid-ice-cream meltdown, or just in need of a sit-down with a sandwich, York has literally got your backside covered.
Oh, and there are pollinator-friendly planters too — so you, the bees, and your gran can all enjoy the city in full bloom.
Wild Trail for the Wild Things
This year York has also got a new trail for the small (and not-so-small) explorers. It’s called “Tommy Treebark’s Wild Adventure” — a trail featuring colourful animal bench illustrations hidden around the city centre.
It’s totally free, gets your kids moving, and comes with that glorious payoff of a post-trail treat (may I recommend an ice cream the size of your head from Kings Square?).
Local Tips
Go early or late for the best selfies without random people walking through your giraffe shot.
Bring snacks and bribes if you’re doing the trail with kids.
So there you go. York’s turned into a jungle again — and it’s absolutely worth a wander. Whether you’re after a fun family activity, a quirky photo op, or just a nice spot to perch with a flat white, this summer’s city safari has got you sorted.
Snap a lion. Sit on a horse. Hug a hedge-elephant (gently). Just another day out in York.
As always if you are coming to York for a bit of a safari and if you need somewhere to stay during your visit then just go to our website www.houseofyork.org and book:
- one of our homes for up to six people
- two of our homes for up to 12 people
- or all three together for up to 18 people
Rather conveniently, all our houses are next door to each other!
Want to read more for your next visit to York?
Then download a free copy of our book York Local Knowledge Must-do Top Tens & the vouchers to get them for less where you will discover the historic UK city of York like a local with tips, top tens, and guidance on where to find the best discounts and vouchers, so you can experience it all without breaking the bank!
You can download it for free from the Apple iBooks Store here
You can download it for free from the Google Play Books Store here
This isn’t your average guidebook—it’s a laugh-out-loud, down-to-earth companion, packed with top-ten lists covering everything from essential attractions and hidden gems to entertainment, dining spots, walks, tours, festivals, and shopping, all enriched with a local’s insider knowledge.
With insights, amusing anecdotes, and a sprinkling of puns and dad jokes, Alistair’s love letter to York will help you see the city in a whole new way. Grab a copy and start planning the York adventure you didn’t know you were missing!
With over 240 pages, this guide is ideal for families and groups of friends planning a trip to York and includes:
Up-to-date information on everything in the ever-changing city of York—this is the 2025 edition.
Top ten lists of York’s best tourist attractions, entertainment spots, food and drink, walks, tours, festivals, and independent shops.
Beautiful photography accompanying every recommendation.
Answers to visitors’ top questions, from “Where’s the best place for ice cream?” to “Where can I find a great takeaway curry?”
Recommendations on where locals go for up-to-date information about York.
The best places to stay, from five-star hotels to holiday homes and houseboats.
Details on where to find discounts and vouchers for York restaurants, attractions, and experiences.
Want to hear a great podcast about York?
A fab podcast for tourists and locals looking to find out more about York History, must do York Top 10's and money saving tips to do it all for less.
Just search your podcast app for York Must Do Top 10s or click on this link for the show on apple podcast here
Book one of our Holiday Homes for your next trip to York
Are you looking for a great place to stay for your next trip to York. All 3 of our holiday homes are next door to each other which means you can hire them individually for up to 6 people or together for up to 12 (107 & 109 together) or even 18 people (Spencer House & 107 & 109 together).
To check availability and book just visit www.houseofyork.org
We pride ourselves on being couples and family friendly and we try to take any of the stress out of your stay so you can focus on enjoying yourselves and magnificent York.