Few cities can claim a greater reputation for historic charm and romantic muse than the eminent city of York. This is a place steeped in history, dating back to Roman times, Viking marauders, William the Conqueror…the gem of northern England in medieval times, still is today. This fascinating city offers recreation and activities for every kind of traveller. Let’s find out what they are, here's a closer look at the top things to do in this enchanting city.
Our first stop, The Shambles. Who wouldn’t want to visit a street with such a rebellious name, and indeed, The Shambles is one of York’s most iconic streets. Wandering down this narrow, ancient street feels like stepping back in time, with its overhanging timber-framed buildings that almost touch above your head. As an inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter stories, it's a perfect spot for fans of the series, and anyone looking to capture a few Instagram-worthy photos. Shoppers love it too, with everything from handcrafted goods to quirky souvenirs, there's something for everyone and browsing the quaint shops along The Shambles is a pleasure all its own.
It's not far from here to York Minster, an awe-inspiring Gothic cathedral that dominates the York skyline. It's one of the largest cathedrals of its kind in Northern Europe, and the intricate stained-glass windows area a must-see. When looking at the front of York Minster, it almost feels unreal; enhanced by CGI in some way, the detail so vivid and imposing. But make no mistake, what you are experiencing is the best of medieval architecture, the Empire State Building of its day. Climbing up the central tower reaffirms the analogy, offering breathtaking views of York and beyond, a reward well worth the effort.
For train enthusiasts, the free-to-enter National Railway Museum is a treasure trove of locomotives and railway artifacts and mark an excellent next step on our tour. It's a fascinating exploration of the development of rail travel in Britain, featuring famous trains such as the Mallard and the Flying Scotsman.
Simply walking is breath-taking in York. Indeed, walking the city walls is another quintessential York experience. The walls are ancient Roman fortifications that encircle the city, offering panoramic views and a historical perspective. Stretching for about 3.4 kilometres, the walls provide a leisurely yet informative stroll, with plaques along the way detailing the city’s rich heritage.
All this walking may make you ready for a snack. Luckily, York is known a ‘chocolate city’ and has a rich chocolate-making history which you can experience it at York's Chocolate Story. During an immersive and entertaining tour, guides will take you through 4,000 years of chocolate history and you’ll learn how came to be such an important part of York’s heritage.
With all this history (and chocolate), there’s bound to be a few wayward spirits left lurking around and York is known as one of the most haunted cities in England—the ghost tours in York are unparalleled. Perfect for those who love a good scare. York offers a variety of spooky tours that delve into its darker past. Storytellers guide you through the ancient streets, sharing chilling tales that are sure to give you goosebumps.
Clifford's Tower is an ancient keep that offers a glimpse into York's turbulent history. Originally built by William the Conqueror, the tower has served as a royal mint, a medieval stronghold, and now provides stunning views over the city from its vantage point atop a grassy mound.
To see York from a different perspective, consider taking a river cruise on the River Ouse. These cruises are a relaxing way to explore the city, offering unique views and insightful commentary on York's history and landmarks.
At the Jorvik Viking Centre, visitors are transported back to Viking times through an immersive experience. The museum is built on the site of significant archaeological finds, and the recreated Viking village offers a fascinating insight into the lives of its inhabitants.
Finally, the York Museum Gardens are a perfect place to relax and unwind after you’ve absorbed all this wonderful city has to offer. These beautiful gardens, located in the heart of York, offer a serene escape with stunning botanical displays and the ruins of St. Mary's Abbey as a picturesque backdrop.
York truly has something for everyone, making it a must-visit destination. But why stop with a simple visit? With its unique characteristics, York is an excellent choice for parties and events. There are many party venues in York, the city offers a variety of spaces that are ideal for gatherings and get togethers, whether it’s a birthday party, anniversary celebration, christening, or Christmas party. No matter how many people you’re catering for, hosting parties in York can add impact and personality. York's vibrant atmosphere and unique backdrops will set the scene for unforgettable moments and lasting memories.
For more on York, check out The 10 Best Restaurants and Places to Eat in York and The 10 Best Pubs and Bars in York, then you’re all set for a fantastic visit.
Few cities can claim a greater reputation for historic charm and romantic muse than the eminent city of York. This is a place steeped in history, dating back to Roman times, Viking marauders, William the Conqueror…the gem of northern England in medieval times, still is today. This fascinating city offers recreation and activities for every kind of traveller. Let’s find out what they are, here's a closer look at the top things to do in this enchanting city.Our first stop, The Shambles. Who wouldn’t want to visit a street with such a rebellious name, and indeed, The Shambles is one of York’s most iconic streets. Wandering down this narrow, ancient street feels like stepping back in time, with its overhanging timber-framed buildings that almost touch above your head. As an inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter stories, it's a perfect spot for fans of the series, and anyone looking to capture a few Instagram-worthy photos. Shoppers love it too, with everything from handcrafted goods to quirky souvenirs, there's something for everyone and browsing the quaint shops along The Shambles is a pleasure all its own. It's not far from here to York Minster, an awe-inspiring Gothic cathedral that dominates the York skyline. It's one of the largest cathedrals of its kind in Northern Europe, and the intricate stained-glass windows area a must-see. When looking at the front of York Minster, it almost feels unreal; enhanced by CGI in some way, the detail so vivid and imposing. But make no mistake, what you are experiencing is the best of medieval architecture, the Empire State Building of its day. Climbing up the central tower reaffirms the analogy, offering breathtaking views of York and beyond, a reward well worth the effort.For train enthusiasts, the free-to-enter National Railway Museum is a treasure trove of locomotives and railway artifacts and mark an excellent next step on our tour. It's a fascinating exploration of the development of rail travel in Britain, featuring famous trains such as the Mallard and the Flying Scotsman.Simply walking is breath-taking in York. Indeed, walking the city walls is another quintessential York experience. The walls are ancient Roman fortifications that encircle the city, offering panoramic views and a historical perspective. Stretching for about 3.4 kilometres, the walls provide a leisurely yet informative stroll, with plaques along the way detailing the city’s rich heritage.All this walking may make you ready for a snack. Luckily, York is known a ‘chocolate city’ and has a rich chocolate-making history which you can experience it at York's Chocolate Story. During an immersive and entertaining tour, guides will take you through 4,000 years of chocolate history and you’ll learn how came to be such an important part of York’s heritage. With all this history (and chocolate), there’s bound to be a few wayward spirits left lurking around and York is known as one of the most haunted cities in England—the ghost tours in York are unparalleled. Perfect for those who love a good scare. York offers a variety of spooky tours that delve into its darker past. Storytellers guide you through the ancient streets, sharing chilling tales that are sure to give you goosebumps.Clifford's Tower is an ancient keep that offers a glimpse into York's turbulent history. Originally built by William the Conqueror, the tower has served as a royal mint, a medieval stronghold, and now provides stunning views over the city from its vantage point atop a grassy mound.To see York from a different perspective, consider taking a river cruise on the River Ouse. These cruises are a relaxing way to explore the city, offering unique views and insightful commentary on York's history and landmarks.At the Jorvik Viking Centre, visitors are transported back to Viking times through an immersive experience. The museum is built on the site of significant archaeological finds, and the recreated Viking village offers a fascinating insight into the lives of its inhabitants.Finally, the York Museum Gardens are a perfect place to relax and unwind after you’ve absorbed all this wonderful city has to offer. These beautiful gardens, located in the heart of York, offer a serene escape with stunning botanical displays and the ruins of St. Mary's Abbey as a picturesque backdrop.York truly has something for everyone, making it a must-visit destination. But why stop with a simple visit? With its unique characteristics, York is an excellent choice for parties and events. There are many party venues in York, the city offers a variety of spaces that are ideal for gatherings and get togethers, whether it’s a birthday party, anniversary celebration, christening, or Christmas party. No matter how many people you’re catering for, hosting parties in York can add impact and personality. York's vibrant atmosphere and unique backdrops will set the scene for unforgettable moments and lasting memories.For more on York, check out The 10 Best Restaurants and Places to Eat in York and The 10 Best Pubs and Bars in York, then you’re all set for a fantastic visit.
Few cities can claim a greater reputation for historic charm and romantic muse than the eminent city of York. This is a place steeped in history, dating back to Roman times, Viking marauders, William the Conqueror…the gem of northern England in medieval times, still is today. This fascinating city offers recreation and activities for every kind of traveller. Let’s find out what they are, here's a closer look at the top things to do in this enchanting city.Our first stop, The Shambles. Who wouldn’t want to visit a street with such a rebellious name, and indeed, The Shambles is one of York’s most iconic streets. Wandering down this narrow, ancient street feels like stepping back in time, with its overhanging timber-framed buildings that almost touch above your head. As an inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter stories, it's a perfect spot for fans of the series, and anyone looking to capture a few Instagram-worthy photos. Shoppers love it too, with everything from handcrafted goods to quirky souvenirs, there's something for everyone and browsing the quaint shops along The Shambles is a pleasure all its own. It's not far from here to York Minster, an awe-inspiring Gothic cathedral that dominates the York skyline. It's one of the largest cathedrals of its kind in Northern Europe, and the intricate stained-glass windows area a must-see. When looking at the front of York Minster, it almost feels unreal; enhanced by CGI in some way, the detail so vivid and imposing. But make no mistake, what you are experiencing is the best of medieval architecture, the Empire State Building of its day. Climbing up the central tower reaffirms the analogy, offering breathtaking views of York and beyond, a reward well worth the effort.For train enthusiasts, the free-to-enter National Railway Museum is a treasure trove of locomotives and railway artifacts and mark an excellent next step on our tour. It's a fascinating exploration of the development of rail travel in Britain, featuring famous trains such as the Mallard and the Flying Scotsman.Simply walking is breath-taking in York. Indeed, walking the city walls is another quintessential York experience. The walls are ancient Roman fortifications that encircle the city, offering panoramic views and a historical perspective. Stretching for about 3.4 kilometres, the walls provide a leisurely yet informative stroll, with plaques along the way detailing the city’s rich heritage.All this walking may make you ready for a snack. Luckily, York is known a ‘chocolate city’ and has a rich chocolate-making history which you can experience it at York's Chocolate Story. During an immersive and entertaining tour, guides will take you through 4,000 years of chocolate history and you’ll learn how came to be such an important part of York’s heritage. With all this history (and chocolate), there’s bound to be a few wayward spirits left lurking around and York is known as one of the most haunted cities in England—the ghost tours in York are unparalleled. Perfect for those who love a good scare. York offers a variety of spooky tours that delve into its darker past. Storytellers guide you through the ancient streets, sharing chilling tales that are sure to give you goosebumps.Clifford's Tower is an ancient keep that offers a glimpse into York's turbulent history. Originally built by William the Conqueror, the tower has served as a royal mint, a medieval stronghold, and now provides stunning views over the city from its vantage point atop a grassy mound.To see York from a different perspective, consider taking a river cruise on the River Ouse. These cruises are a relaxing way to explore the city, offering unique views and insightful commentary on York's history and landmarks.At the Jorvik Viking Centre, visitors are transported back to Viking times through an immersive experience. The museum is built on the site of significant archaeological finds, and the recreated Viking village offers a fascinating insight into the lives of its inhabitants.Finally, the York Museum Gardens are a perfect place to relax and unwind after you’ve absorbed all this wonderful city has to offer. These beautiful gardens, located in the heart of York, offer a serene escape with stunning botanical displays and the ruins of St. Mary's Abbey as a picturesque backdrop.York truly has something for everyone, making it a must-visit destination. But why stop with a simple visit? With its unique characteristics, York is an excellent choice for parties and events. There are many party venues in York, the city offers a variety of spaces that are ideal for gatherings and get togethers, whether it’s a birthday party, anniversary celebration, christening, or Christmas party. No matter how many people you’re catering for, hosting parties in York can add impact and personality. York's vibrant atmosphere and unique backdrops will set the scene for unforgettable moments and lasting memories.For more on York, check out The 10 Best Restaurants and Places to Eat in York and The 10 Best Pubs and Bars in York, then you’re all set for a fantastic visit.
Kru Live, the globally recognised live engagement agency, is proud to announce its sponsorship of British racing driver Nicolas Hamilton as he returns to the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) for the 2025 season with Un-Limited Motorsport.
Nicolas Hamilton, the only driver in British Touring Car Championship history to compete with a disability, has consistently broken barriers and inspired fans with his message of inclusion and perseverance. After a powerful performance in 2023, including a standout P6 finish at Donington Park, his 2025 return marks a bold new chapter in his racing journey, one rooted in visibility, impact and purpose.
“There is a place in motorsport for disabled people to feel valued and accepted in multiple roles within the sport, and I want to open people’s eyes to that,” said Nicolas Hamilton. “I want to continue to prove that motorsport is for everyone, and the world of racing can be a place of opportunity and inclusivity. Un-Limited Motorsport and my partners have belief in what I stand for, my talent and my purpose. If I can be accepted, then so can others with a disability.”
As an agency that champions diversity, inclusion and creating meaningful brand experiences, Kru Live is honoured to support Hamilton’s 2025 campaign.
“Nicolas is an extraordinary talent and a force of inspiration. His resilience, purpose and determination to redefine what is possible is exactly the kind of spirit we believe in at Kru,” said Sarah-Jane Benham, CEO of Kru Live Global. “We are incredibly proud to be part of his journey and to support his mission to drive inclusion in motorsport and beyond.”
Hamilton’s 2025 British Touring Car Championship campaign with Un-Limited Motorsport is more than just a racing season. With Kru Live among the proud partners, this moment reinforces a shared commitment to progress, passion and unlocking potential without limits.
Strata, the award-winning brand experience agency, has announced a major leadership restructure to support its continued expansion and ambitious growth plans within the events and experiential marketing sector.
This marks a formal leadership shift as Simon Hambley and senior colleagues transition to group-level roles focused on strategic growth across the wider agency portfolio. Day-to-day leadership of Strata will now be led by a new executive team comprising Cole Mulkerrins as Chief Executive Officer, Andrea Bishop as Managing Director and Giles Cattle as Chief Growth Officer.
Simon Hambley, formerly CEO of Strata, now serves as Group CEO, a move that reflects the business’s evolution and its goal of accelerating growth across its group of agencies. He will focus on shaping overall strategic direction, performance and integration across the group’s brands, working closely with recently appointed Non-Executive Chairman John Farrell and leveraging support from investment partners at Ethos.
Joining Hambley at group level are Paul Querfurth (Chief M&A, Integration and Transformation Officer), Phil Staines (Chief of Staff), Jake Shuckburgh (Chief People Officer), Julie Phillips (Finance Director) and Liz Gear (Head of Business Systems). Together with Farrell, this expanded leadership team will drive the group’s long-term strategy, integration efforts and operational excellence.
The new Strata executive team brings deep experience and continuity, having all held long-standing leadership roles within the business. Their appointments reflect the agency’s commitment to strengthening leadership from within and building a future-ready structure capable of scaling with continued demand.
"This transition signals our intent to grow further and meet the evolving needs of our clients," said Cole Mulkerrins, CEO of Strata. "I’m incredibly proud to step into the role at such an exciting point in Strata’s journey. We’ve achieved strong momentum, built a brilliant team and delivered outstanding work. I’m looking forward to leading the business into its next phase and continuing to raise the bar across everything we do."
This leadership evolution ensures Strata is well-positioned to deliver exceptional client work while exploring new opportunities for innovation, integration and group-wide collaboration.
(Pictured: Cole Mulkerrins – Chief Executive Officer, Giles Cattle – Chief Growth Officer, and Andrea Bishop – Managing Director)
Kru Live, the globally recognised and award-winning live engagement agency, is proud to announce its acquisition by Brand Partnership Group, a leading network of agencies and partners dedicated to driving brand innovation and long-term growth through strategic partnerships.
This milestone marks the next phase in Kru Live’s remarkable twenty-year journey from a small start-up in Southampton to a global leader in brand experience staffing. Founder Tom Eatenton, who launched the agency in 2005, will exit the business as part of the transition.
Sarah-Jane Benham, CEO of Kru Live Global, will continue in her leadership role and will play a key role in the group's ambitious growth plans.
Kru Live is a market-leading agency that delivers premium staffing, entertainment and live event implementation services for global brands including Renault, PlayStation, Google, Revolut and Heineken.
“This is a defining moment for Kru Live,” said Sarah-Jane Benham, CEO of Kru Live Global. “From our humble beginnings to where we are today, I couldn’t be more proud of our team and the legacy we’ve built. Joining the Brand Partnership Group allows us to stay true to who we are while unlocking new opportunities, resources and scale that will accelerate our growth and enhance the value we bring to our clients and staff worldwide. We will continue to operate under our existing brand and structure, staying true to the Kru Live culture our clients and crew know and love.”
The Brand Partnership Group is best known as the group behind Blue Square, an award-winning retail marketing and outsourced field sales solution working with leading brands such as Samsung, HP, Shark Ninja, and EE. The Group is a dynamic network focused on helping brands navigate change through partnerships rooted in consumer insight, digital transformation and scalable innovation.
“We’ve long admired Kru Live for their excellent reputation, premium service and passion they bring to every campaign,” said Andrew Leaver, CEO of Brand Partnership Group. “They represent the best in experiential staffing and brand engagement and we’re thrilled to welcome them to the group. Together, we are even better positioned to help brands connect with audiences in meaningful and measurable ways.”
With this acquisition, Kru Live is poised to expand its global footprint, deepen client relationships and offer even greater opportunities for its team and network, while continuing to deliver the world-class service and culture it is known for.
(Pictured: Sarah-Jane Benham, CEO of Kru Live Global & Andrew Leaver, CEO of Brand Partnership Group)
The Scottish Event Campus (SEC) in Glasgow has announced the official launch of SEConnect, the largest IT and business investment in the venue’s history.
This £4 million project represents a significant upgrade to the SEC's IT infrastructure, providing world-class connectivity and secure, reliable wireless coverage. As conference and event organisers increasingly seek advanced technological capabilities, this enhancement will ensure the venue remains at the cutting edge, ready to support the most sophisticated and high-tech exhibitions and shows.
The SEC hosts a diverse range of events every year. Recent highlights have included; The Diabetes UK Conference, Disney on Ice and Hyrox. SEConnect means the campus is now better equipped than ever to enhance the event experience with the ability to cater to events requiring 10 times the technological demands of recent large-scale events like COP26. Featuring new state-of-the-art network switches, advanced firewalls, high-speed cables, cutting-edge wireless access points, and an event feedback and reporting tool, SEConnect ensures comprehensive wireless coverage and high-speed internet services.
Kathleen Warden, Director of Conference Sales said: "With SEConnect we’re offering our clients the very best in event technology, ensuring fast, reliable, and secure connectivity that enhances every aspect of their events. This investment empowers our customers to deliver more interactive and engaging experiences for their attendees, whether through seamless streaming, real-time engagement tools, or high-speed internet access, all backed up by industry-leading cyber security. SEConnect represents our commitment to providing the infrastructure that enables our clients to succeed, making the SEC the go-to venue for innovative, world-class events.”
"Managing a project of this scale in an active venue like the SEC required meticulous pre-planning and an agile approach to scheduling," said SEC Head of Project, Sammia Shakoor. "Our teams had to balance infrastructure upgrades with a full event calendar, working closely with event teams to ensure minimal disruption.
“Instead of deploying the network in one go, we adapted to a 'start-stop' schedule, moving resources around different venues between events. This allowed us to remain responsive to the needs of our clients while steadily making progress. The success of SEConnect reflects the dedication of every team member and our ability to stay flexible and focused throughout the rollout, for our visitors and clients.”
Simon Wilson, CPO at HPE Aruba added :”We’re proud to support the SEC in delivering SEConnect, a major step forward in event connectivity. Reliable, high-performance WiFi is essential for modern events, and with Aruba’s technology, SEConnect ensures seamless, secure, and fast digital experiences for organisers, exhibitors, and visitors alike.”
Stuart Melville, Head of IT at the SEC said: “This transformative investment solidifies SEC’s position as a leader in the event industry by enhancing visitor experience, streamlining operations, strengthening cybersecurity, and offering a competitive edge to attract top-tier events, reinforcing Glasgow's global reputation as a premier destination for events.”