Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club, York Barbican
Saturday 18th June, 8pm

The Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club brings some of the best live comedians to York and their June event is perfectly timed to tie-in with Father’s Day. Share a laugh together while enjoying stand-up from the stars of shows such as BBC2’s Mock The Week, Channel 4’s 8 Out of 10 Cats, BBC1’s Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow and more. This popular monthly show featured Jason Manford, Sarah Millican and John Bishop before they became big names, so come along to be the first to discover new comedic talent. Seats here are unreserved so ticket holders are advised to arrive early to ensure they’re not left standing.

Tickets: £22

The Hole in Wand, Coppergate Walk

Providing a unique golfing experience for Harry Potter fans, the Hole in Wand is a wizard-themed indoor mini golf located in the heart of York. Choose your ‘wand’ and put your skills to the test as you navigate nine magical holes, including ‘The Wizard’s Gathering’, ‘The Potions Cauldron’, ‘The Enchanted Library’ and ‘The Tunnel of Truth’. Once you’ve completed the course you can head to the Wizard Tavern to try cauldron cake, chocolate frogs or butterscotch beer, which also comes in an enchanted (alcoholic) version for the grown ups. The mini golf is suitable for ages three and up but younger children are welcome to come and watch, making this a great activity for the whole family to enjoy.

Tickets: From £6.99 per person

Virtual Cheese Tasting with Love Cheese

If your dad delights in a well-stocked cheeseboard, why not treat him to a virtual cheese tasting experience from Love Cheese? The York-based cheese and wine shop offers monthly online sessions during which he’ll be able to sample a variety of cheeses and learn how to pair them with different alcoholic beverages, all from the comfort of his own home. Book a place online and a box filled with cheese and drinks will be delivered straight to his door. On the night itself, he can then log in to Facebook to take part in what promises to be an entertaining and informative evening in – you might even want to join him.

Beer and cheese tasting from £45 for two people

Black Sheep Brewery Tour, Masham

Situated at the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, the pretty market town of Masham is home to two renowned breweries – Theakston and The Black Sheep. The Black Sheep was founded in the early 1990s after Paul Theakston disagreed with Scottish and Newcastle’s takeover of his family business and vowed to set up his own new brewery instead. On this insightful brewery tour, you’ll be able to learn more about the company’s history and will be taken through the processes involved in making the perfect pint. You’ll then end up in the bar where you can sample Black Sheep’s range of delicious beers for yourself.

Tickets: £10.95 (adult)/£9.00 (student or senior)/£5.50 (child)

Mindlock Escape Rooms, Tower Street

Spend Father’s Day 2022 in a different kind of lockdown, as you search for clues and solve puzzles in order to escape from one of Mindlock’s imaginatively-themed rooms. There are four brilliant games to choose from – enter a world of witchcraft and wizardry in the ‘Dark Arts’, solve a classic murder mystery in ‘Cluedo’, prevent the release of a deadly virus in ‘V90’, or find your way out of limbo in the Viking adventure ‘Valhalla’. A game here could be the perfect present for a dad who loves a challenge – or one who enjoys a good detective novel. Sessions can be booked online, or alternatively you could buy a gift voucher for him to redeem at a time of his choosing.

Tickets: From £45 (for two players)

Father’s Day at Nunnington Hall
Sunday 19th June, 11am-3pm

Take a trip to the National Trust’s Nunnington Hall for some family-friendly fun this Father’s Day. Set in the stunning Howardian Hills, this picturesque manor offers plenty to see and do, including extensive gardens to explore and regularly changing exhibitions held in the house’s attic gallery. At their special Father’s Day event you’ll be able to enjoy sourdough pizzas from The Bistro Guy in the courtyard, or try a locally-brewed beverage from Brass Castle Brewery. York-based pianist Karl Mullen will also make an appearance, serenading picnickers with live music on the lawn.

Tickets: £9.50 (adult)/£4.75 (child)/£23.75 (family)

The York Rally
17-19th June

The York Rally has been going since 1945 and has become one of the most exciting events in the calendar for UK cyclists. Once a year, bike enthusiasts flock from every corner of the county to York’s Knavesmire to take part in rides, see rare bikes and pick up accessories and spare parts in the trade shows or at the saddlebag sale. If your dad is a keen cyclist, bring him along for an enjoyable weekend of competitions, shopping and cycling-related chatter.

Free entry, with camping pitches from £30 for the weekend

Lunch at the Rattle Owl, Whippet Inn or Star Inn the City

Sometimes the simplest plans are the best. Whether your dad enjoys fine dining or prefers a hearty roast dinner with all of the trimmings, there are plenty of fantastic restaurants in York where you can buy him a memorable Father’s Day lunch. The Rattle Owl on Micklegate offers an exquisite eight course tasting menu prepared with locally-sourced and foraged ingredients, while the Whippet Inn serves tempting hot meat platters to share. If the weather is warm, you may also like to visit the Star Inn the City and dine on the outdoor terrace with its scenic views over the River Ouse.

York’s City Wall Trail

If you’re looking to walk off that roast dinner, why not take your father for an afternoon stroll along York’s mediaeval City Walls? Built in the 13th century, the walls once encircled the whole city. Nowadays, there are 3.4km left to traverse with old gateways and towers to discover as you go. From the raised ramparts you can enjoy wonderful views over York and you could even turn it into a pub crawl by stopping off at places such as The Punch Bowl, Bohemia, The Maltings and The Hole in the Wall along the way. York’s City Walls are open from 8am until dusk every day and are free to explore.

Father’s Day Classic Car & Motor Show, Castle Howard
Sunday 19 June, 10am – 4pm

If your dad is a vintage car aficionado, you could treat him to a day out at Castle Howard’s Classic Car & Motor Show. Held in the house’s beautiful grounds, the show will feature a spectacular range of vintage, classic and modern classic vehicles and motorcycles. Visitors will have the chance to learn more about the history of motoring and might even bag a bargain at one of the trade, autojumble or modern car dealership stands. Refreshments will be available to buy and the event will culminate in an awards ceremony with prizes for the ‘Club of the Show’ and ‘Car of the Show’ as well as ‘Pride of Ownership’.

Tickets: From £12.88 (adult)/£6.88 (child 2-16)/Under 2s free.

Photos: Castle Howard, Whippet Inn, Black Sheep