About York
York is the perfect city to visit for a short getaway. Only three-and-a-half hours from exciting London by car, the city is a beautiful place to throw your next birthday celebration in. Guests can either enjoy the relaxing drive or take advantage of the city's well-connected train network.
Be absorbed in history with every step you take once you are in York. Significant historical moments in the UK have happened in this region, and the architecture, cobblestone streets and vintage tearooms show off the rich history of the city.
While there is a piece of history everywhere you look, York is the home to some funky and modern art galleries that are worth visiting. Explore the streets that are lined with bustling cafes, beautiful tea houses and vibrant bars.
Birthday Party Options in York
With so many vendors and services in the city and the surrounding area, you will have the most perfect birthday party in York. Below are some of the options that we think you should incorporate into your birthday for a fun and hassle-free celebration.
- Catering
Birthdays deserve that special touch. And as the host, the last thing you want to worry about is making sure your guests have enough to eat or drink. If you want to someone else to take care of the food, choose a caterer who will not only prepare the food for your event but can also supply staff for serving the food to your guests. If you need to cater for dietary needs or want to ensure that the food and drinks run with the party theme, then you will be spoilt for choice with vendors in and around York.
- Birthday Cake
You cannot celebrate a birthday without an epic cake at the centre of the party. Today, traditional cakes have been replaced with cupcake towers, donut walls and cakes made of cheese wheels (not to be confused with a cheese cake). All of these modern variations can be found in the Yorkshire area so think outside the box when considering a birthday party in York.
- Decorations
Whether you are after a birthday party with a theme, an elegant sit-down dinner or an evening of finger food and dancing, you can find matching decor suppliers in York and the surrounding area. Many of these companies offer delivery and set-up of your chosen decorations, whether they're balloon garlands, photo booth props or just simple fairy lights. Selecting the right colour scheme and decorations can really make your party come alive!
- Entertainment
Party entertainment can come in many forms. For smaller venues, you may consider jukebox hire for your evening entertainment. For larger venues, DJs and dance floors are a perfect fit. If you want lasting memories of your birthday party, consider hiring a photo booth to allow your guests to have fun and keep a memory of the evening.
Birthday Party Companies in York
- The Cake Store
After several generations of making cakes for the Yorkshire area, The Cake Store specialises in celebration cakes to match your theme and taste. They can also make photo cakes to add that personal touch or a magnificent cupcake tower if you are after something different.
- Poppy Caterers
Depending on the preferences of the client, Poppy Caterers can offer everything from barbecues and canapes to hog roasts and four-course dinners. They also provide tableware, glassware, linen and furniture, too.
- Picture Blast
Picture Blast is the place to go when it comes to offering entertainment to your guests that is a little different. Check out their many options, such as the Selfie Pod, which produces instant photos and Boomerang GIFs, the Party Booth, Giant Letters and Magic Mirror!
Pros and Cons of Birthday Parties in York
Advantages
- The surroundings are beautiful.
The Yorkshire countryside features stunning architecture and quaint cobblestone streets. You are sure to find a birthday party venue to match these wonderful surroundings.
- It is easy to get around.
Everything is within easy walking distance around York so it is best explored on foot—perfect for birthday activities like a scavenger hunt or heading out to the town after your event.
- There is something for everyone.
Guests from out of town will want to make time to see the sites. From museums to cafes, there is something for every age and interest in York. There is also the added bonus of learning about the history of the area around every corner.
- It has everything you need.
In addition to having everything you need to host your birthday party, visitors will enjoy shopping in York with so many shops and businesses around.
Disadvantages
- The weather is not ideal.
The best time to visit York for warm weather is June to late August, so if your birthday party falls outside of that period, it's better to choose an indoor space to protect you from elements. Make sure you have a backup plan if you prefer to host your party outdoors.
- It is a tourist hot spot.
Because the city is full to the brim with historic attractions, York can be very busy with tourists. So if you choose to host your party in a public space, you may have a few extra guests.
- You need to plan ahead if you are on a budget.
York has become quite expensive as tourists are making it a great place for a weekend getaway. Make sure to book ahead when looking for accommodation or restaurants so you can stick to your budget.
- Parking is expensive.
Those who have driven to York will find that parking can be on the expensive side, so take that into consideration when choosing to drive.
- Safety is debatable.
According to CrimeRate, York is the 'the most dangerous major town in North Yorkshire', with violence, sexual offences and bicycle theft being the most common crimes. If you would like to avoid encountering these, consider hiring an indoor space for more safety.
Famous Birthday Party Locations in York
- Castle Howard
Kids and kids at heart alike will recognise this famous York landmark as the setting for Garfield's accidental royal duties in the movie, Garfield 2. The film about the lazy cat shows off this and other York highlights.
- York Railway Station
York Railway Station has featured in many films over the years, but not always as itself. In the 1981 Oscar-winning film, Chariots of Fire, the station was a stand-in for London King's Cross Station.
- North York Moors
One of the most popular filming locations in York, North York Moors has been used in countless TV Shows and movies over the years. Their official website bears this information, as well as other interesting things to see and do in the area.