Summer furniture returns to York city centre with seating, grass animals and Tommy Treebark’s Wild Adventure
York city centre is in for a colourful, family-friendly summer as York BID brings back its much-loved summer seating, grass animal sculptures, and the return of Tommy Treebark’s Wild Adventure – now bigger for 2026.
From today, more than 400 additional places to sit have been installed across key locations in the city centre, alongside the return of York’s popular grass animals. This year also sees new additions including a grass alpaca, grass tortoise and a giant chair. York BID hopes these spaces will encourage people to pause, meet, and enjoy the city.
Also returning for the summer, is the free Tommy Treebark’s Wild Adventure Trail, running from 10th April to 13th September 2026, with new animals to discover across the city.
Families are invited to track down 55 wild Yorkshire animals hidden on brightly coloured benches throughout the city centre. Created in partnership with local artist Emily J Starling (Selkie Ray), each design celebrates Yorkshire’s wildlife – from tiny ladybirds to larger native species.
Families can pick up a trail leaflet from the Visit York Information Centre on Parliament Street and set off on their adventure. By spotting each animal and recording their findings, participants can return their completed leaflet to claim a free prize, with a choice of a cuddly rabbit, cuddly mouse, minibeast viewer or Tommy Treebark badge (while stocks last). Designed for children aged 3-12, the trail encourages families to see the city in a new way. New for 2026, families are also invited to help name Tommy’s new fox friend, adding an extra interactive twist to the trail.
Carl Alsop, Operations Manager at York BID, 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.”
Summer seating and grass animals can be found across the city centre, including Exhibition Square, Library Lawn, Museum Gardens, Duncombe Place, Deans Park, Eye of York, Castle Museum, the Artist’s Garden, St Sampson’s Square, Parliament Street, High Ousegate and Minster Refectory Gardens.