Take A Seat

Take a seat York is a partnership approach between the City of York Council and businesses in York. Residents and visitors that, in particular, have a physical disability, a long-term condition or are frail can struggle to find somewhere suitable to sit and rest their legs. It is true we have many cafes in York but that can be costly and impractical if you need to rest on a regular basis.

You said:

“There is a lack of seating in the spread across the city. The elderly and disabled can often only walk short distances and easily tire.”

“Seating has improved but really they are few and far between.”

“Need more seating in the city centre for people who need to rest between shops.”

The concept is simple in that businesses sign up to agreeing to provide a seat for someone if they need to rest their legs without having to be a paying customer.

 

What else will we let you know about

In York we wanted to go further than Take A Seat that you may find in other cities. We receive regular feedback to say there is not enough public toilets, however if businesses are happy to offer their facilities this will mean your will never far away from a toilet.

You Said:

“Not sufficient toilets in city centre that are clean and open in city centre”

“No sufficient toilets with appropriate distance between”

“It would be good if toilets in shops were available for use by non-customers so there is more than just M&S”

“There are a lack of public toilets in York making it difficult for me to access the city without fear of accidents due to Crohn’s Disease. Shops are very reluctant to let you use their facilities even on showing a ‘Can't Wait Card’ from Crohn’s & Colitis UK”

“Improvements would be increased toilet facilities- either public or agreed access to businesses.”

Soon we are also going to let you know:

• If the toilet is accessible
• If the chair offered has arms to enable you to lift yourself up”
• If it has a stepped or step-free access
• If there are baby changing facilities

What venues are part of Take A Seat

Please note we are currently reviewing the businesses that are signed up and what they can offer but this is the list as at September 2024:

 

Venues offering a Seat & Facilities

Boots

York Theatre Royal

Morrisons

The Block

The Cross Keys

FortyFive Vinyl Café

David Wilson Hairdressing Ltd

Oxfam Bookshop

Barley Hall

DIG: An Archaeological Adventure

The Spurriergate Centre

Mama Mia

City Screen Picturehouse

Seasalt Cornwall 20 Davygate

Boots

Marks and Spencer

The Guildhall

Centre for Voluntary Services

Holland & Barrett

Boots

Marks and Spencer

New Earswick Folk Hall

Rawcliffe Bar Park and Ride

Askham Bar Park & Ride

Designer Outlet Park and Ride

Grimston Bar Park and Ride

Monks Cross Park & Ride

Hayley Owen Funeral Director

Home Instead York

F Emerson Memorials (our new name is Mindful Memorials)

Tesco Extra York

Morrisons

 

Venues offering a Seat

Hobbs

HSBC

Charles Clinkard

Cancer Research UK

The White Company

Jigsaw

TSB Bank

St Leonard's Hospice Shop

Oxfam

Tullivers

Bath House

Canvas

JORVIK Viking Centre

Micklegate Bar

All Saints North Street (The Shrine and Parish Church)

York Gin shop

Abraham Moon

Joules

Mayfair Chinese Medical Centre

DEICHMANN

Lakeland

FatFace

Barnitts Ltd

Boyes

Primark