Summer Furniture Returns to York City Centre With Seating, Grass Animals and Tommy Treebark’s Wild Adventure

It looks like the city of York is getting a proper splash of colour and fun just in time for the warmer weather. The people behind the scenes have been busy planning, and it's all coming together for a fantastic summer. Think comfy new places to sit, quirky grass sculptures popping up everywhere, and a brilliant free adventure for families. From today, the city centre is transforming into a vibrant hub, thanks to the return of some popular favourites that are now bigger and better for 2026. This isn't just about making things look pretty; it's about giving everyone more reasons to get out, explore, and really enjoy the unique atmosphere that York has to offer during the summer months.

Image: GRASS BEAR IN EXHIBITION SQUARE

A spot of summer seating and some grassy friends

Ever been wandering through a beautiful city on a sunny day, maybe with an ice cream in hand, and realised there’s nowhere to sit down? It’s a classic problem. Well, York BID has sorted that right out. They’ve installed more than 400 extra bits of seating all around the city centre. This means more chances to just stop, have a natter, and watch the world go by. Whether it’s a quick coffee break or a full-on picnic lunch, finding a spot should be a lot easier this summer. This return to comfort is a welcome sight for anyone who likes to enjoy the city at a slower pace.

And it’s not just about the extra seating. The famous grass animals are back! These brilliant, green sculptures have become a real highlight of summer in York, and people love them. They're dotted around the city, adding a bit of wild fun to the historic streets. This year, some new creatures are joining the gang. Keep an eye out for a grass alpaca and a grass tortoise. There’s even a giant grass chair, which is pretty much guaranteed to be a top spot for a photo. The goal is to create these lovely little spaces where people can meet up and just enjoy being in the city centre. The combination of practical seating and playful grass animals is a simple but brilliant way to make the whole area feel more welcoming.

Get ready for Tommy Treebark’s Wild Adventure

For those with little explorers in tow, the best news might be the return of a very special challenge. Tommy Treebark’s Wild Adventure is back, and this free trail is even bigger for 2026. Running all the way from 10th April to 13th September, it’s a perfect activity to keep families busy throughout the summer. The idea is simple but genius. Families are invited to go on a hunt for 55 wild Yorkshire animals. But these aren't real animals running around; they're beautifully designed illustrations hidden on brightly coloured benches across the city. It’s a fantastic way to get everyone walking and discovering parts of York they might not have seen before.

This whole adventure was created with a talented local artist, Emily J Starling (who also goes by Selkie Ray). Each design is a little celebration of Yorkshire’s amazing wildlife, from the tiniest ladybirds to bigger animals native to the region. To get started on the trail, families just need to pop into the Visit York Information Centre on Parliament Street and pick up a free trail leaflet. As the kids spot each animal on the benches, they can mark it off on their leaflet. Once the hunt is complete, they can return to the information centre to claim a well-earned prize. There’s a choice of a cuddly rabbit, a cuddly mouse, a cool minibeast viewer, or a special Tommy Treebark badge (while stocks last, of course). It’s designed for children aged between three and twelve, and it’s a really engaging way for them to connect with the city and its natural side. And there’s a new twist this year! Families can get involved by helping to name Tommy’s new fox friend, adding another layer of interactive fun to the adventure.

A city-wide effort to enjoy the summer

This wonderful summer setup isn't just confined to one or two spots. The new seating and grass animals are spread right across the city centre, so you’re never far from a place to relax or a fun sculpture to spot.

You’ll find them in places like Exhibition Square, the Library Lawn, the beautiful Museum Gardens, Duncombe Place, Deans Park, the Eye of York, near the Castle Museum, in the Artist’s Garden, St Sampson’s Square, Parliament Street, High Ousegate, and the Minster Refectory Gardens. It’s a real city-wide effort to bring a bit of summer joy to everyone. The entire project is orchestrated by the York BID, a team dedicated to making the city centre a better place for businesses, residents, and visitors.

Carl Alsop, the Operations Manager at York BID, shared his excitement about the project. He said,

“Our summer installations have become a real favourite with both locals and visitors. They add colour, character and places to pause right across the city. Following great feedback last year we’re so excited to also bring back Tommy Treebark’s trail - bigger than before - which is a free and a really fun, accessible way for families to explore and enjoy York.”

It’s clear that this is all about creating a positive and fun experience. So whether you’re a local or just visiting for the day, there's a new adventure waiting for you this summer in York. It's a fantastic, free reason to get out and explore the city.