Welcome to u3a York

Looking for new and fun activities, now that you are no longer tied to a 9-to-5?
Come and join u3a York

Who is u3a York for?

Membership of u3a York is open to all who are retired or no longer in full time employment, and provides the opportunity to enjoy a wide selection of activities - educational, cultural, recreational, physical and social - in an informal and friendly atmosphere with like minded people.

What does u3a York 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.

See the lists below for notices and future events.

How can I contact u3a York?

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.

A word cloud showing the groups and interests of u3a York

Click a heading for more information

Membership renewal

An important note from the Membership Team about renewing your membership.

"Guys and Dolls" at the JoRo

The Joseph Rowntree Theatre Company is putting on a production of "Guys and Dolls", running from 8-11 July at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, with a discount code for u3a members!

Important information about posting on social media while on holiday

Guidance on posting on social media (Facebook, Insta, X, etc) while on holiday.

Pedal in the Park

Want to learn to cycle or get back in the saddle? Come along to "Pedal in the Park York", at Knavesmire, Racecourse Road.

u3a York Open Day

We will be holding an open day on 8th October. Planning is still in progress, so come back often for updates!

Click a heading for more information

Saturday 27th June 2026
10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Chatting (with tea/coffee and cake/biscuit) followed by a couple of hours of board games. Bring along your favourite board game to share with everyone!
Click the heading for more information.
Cost: Free (refreshments available)
Booking Required
Wednesday 1st July 2026
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
to Friday 3rd July 2026
Join the national u3a movement for u3a Festival 26, taking place at the University of York between 1-3 July, for a celebration of fun, learning and the community that makes u3a so special.
Click the heading for more information and a link to the waiting list.
Cost: Sold Out - a waiting list is available
Image credit: Angel Lite Photography
Saturday 11th July 2026
10:30 am
The summer concert, in which the u3a York Choir and u3a York Ukulele group will perform.
Cost: Free to members (non-member guests: voluntary contribution)
Saturday 25th July 2026
10:00 am
In this talk Julia Williams will share how her career developed and some of her insights into the vast number of individuals she met or worked with.
Click the heading for more information
Cost: Free (refreshments available)
Booking Required

What is u3a?

u3a is a non-religious, non-political, 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 u3a York.

u3a's Aims

  • 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 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.

u3a in York

u3a York is a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO, charity number 1215778), 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.