Welcome to York u3a
Thinking about something new and fun to do, now that you are no longer tied to a 9-to-5?
Come and join York u3a
Who is York u3a for?
Membership of York u3a is open to all who are retired or no longer in full time employment, and provides the opportunity to enjoy a wide selection of educational, cultural, recreational, physical and social activities in an informal and friendly atmosphere with like minded people.
What does York u3a do?
Most group activities are during the week between 9.00am and 5.00pm and are located at sites in and around York. There are about 130 groups to choose from so there is something for everyone. More information can be found on the Groups page.
To find out more about what's on in 2025 check out the diary dates here.
How can I contact York u3a?
You can visit us in person at our office and talk to volunteers, see details here for our opening hours and how to get in touch, or click "Contact Us" in the menu above.
Latest Notices
Centenary Lecture - Joseph Rowntree: Books and Libraries (8-Oct)
The talk will illustrate Joseph Rowntree’s commitment to reading and books, and how he tried to share this with others through his personal and professional life.
Next Saturday Talk (11-Oct)
Details of the next upcoming Saturday Talk
Birdwatching report available
A new birdwatching report is available.
York u3a Open Day Report
A report on the Open Day, also covering the York 50+ Festival Parade.
Newsmail Published!
A new edition of Newsmail is available for your perusal and enjoyment.
York Environment Festival 2025 (27-Sep to 2-Nov)
The Festival aims to raise awareness of how climate change is being tackled across York, and to actively promote the engagement of York residents in climate action.
What is u3a?
u3a is a self-help organisation for people who are retired, or not in full-time employment. It provides opportunities for members to pursue educational, creative and leisure activities in a friendly environment as well as using their skills to contribute to the running of York u3a.
u3a in the UK
All local u3as are autonomous but are members of The Third Age Trust. The Trust is a national, umbrella body (a Registered Charity and Limited Company) that represents all u3as at a national and international level. There are over 1000 u3as in the UK involving over 400,000 members, with more joining all the time.
The Aims of the u3a
- To encourage and enable people who have retired or are not in full-time employment to help each other to share their knowledge, skills, interests and experience.
- To make u3as accessible to all eligible people.
- To encourage the establishment of u3as in every part of the country where conditions are suitable and to support and collaborate with them.
u3a in York
York u3a is a registered charity and is run by a Board of Trustees who are volunteers. All the groups are also led by volunteers who have a skill, knowledge, or area of expertise which they are happy to share with others.
