Seagull Trail at Shambles Market

The Seagull Trail arrives at Shambles Market on Saturday 25 July, and it's a self-guided one, so you can take it at your own pace. The idea is simple: you wander through the market and hunt for seagulls tucked away among the stalls. It's built for families, so if you've got kids with you, it's a good way to keep them occupied while you're browsing. The trail runs from 25 July through to 2 August, so you've got a fair window to fit it in if Saturday doesn't work.

It's also worth noting that Yorkshire Day activities are running nearby, so you can easily make a day of it and see a bit more of the city's celebrations while you're in the area. The trail itself is self-guided, meaning there's no set start time or fixed route to follow — you just turn up and get stuck in.

Shambles Market is an open-air city-centre market in the heart of York, right near The Shambles and Parliament Street. It's where traders sell food, crafts, gifts and local produce, and it's open seven days a week from 9am to 5pm. On-site you'll find the Shambles Food Court, which does a variety of street food, so if the seagull hunting works up an appetite, there's plenty to eat without having to leave the market. The market was a Tripadvisor 2025 Travelers' Choice Award winner, too.

So, if you're around York between 25 July and 2 August, the Seagull Trail is a low-pressure way to spend a morning or afternoon with the family. The market is at 5 Silver Street, YO1 8RY, and it's open every day from 9am to 5pm.