General introduction

(This page last updated 26 January 2011 - For recent site updates)

The York Easter Show is the North's premier event and, at three days, one of the longer running Shows in the Country.  As this is the general page only the general scope of the show is outlined. The exact total varies from year to year but we aim for a total of between 110 and 130 stands including around 40 working layouts. We also have a range of Trade Displays, together with stands covering the specialist societies. The relevant pages relating to each year's show are updated regularly and for the latest lists see Demos/societies | Layouts | Traders

About the venue
knavesmire stand small Located in York on the historic Knavesmire racecourse the Show has access to all the facilities of the Knavesmire Stand including a full refreshment service and licensed bar.
lifts small We welcome less than fully mobile visitors on all three days. There are lifts to all floors including one specially adapted for the disabled.  The venue is modern and is wheelchair friendly.  The external accesses are ramped, several disabled toilets are available, there is full lift access to all floors within the venue and these "in hall" facilities do not change.
stairs small The show occupies the ground, first and second floors of the Knavesmire Suite plus the two mezzanine floors with full catering service provided on the third floor.  All floors can be accessed by lifts or by the wide staircases linking the exhibition floors.
gangways The venue permits us to show layouts both large and small with adequate gangway space.

catering 1 small

catering two

 Catering.  The show organisers are proud to offer you some of the highest quality catering available on the exhibition circuit.  Catering for the York Model Railway Show is provided by the York Racecourse catering service in their large Voltigeur Suite on the third floor.  During the show a full range of reasonably priced hot and cold food, tea coffee and a fully licensed bar is available on all three show days.  Food options cover the whole range from full meal deals to individual snacks and sandwiches.

Five pound note
Cash machines - We have requested that two cash machines are operational during the show.  However please note this is a 3rd party service, cash back and other money options are not provided by YMRS.

If you are arriving in the morning near to Show opening time there may be a queue, especially on Saturday, and therefore we also advise purchase of an advance ticket to allow you to get in fifteen minutes earlier and avoid having to queue.  Note Advance & Guest ticket holders arriving after the doors open to the public at 10:00 am remain able to avoid any "pay desk" queues, simply come in via the main entrance doors and present your ticket to the ticket check stewards.

Visitors using public transport should note that due to circumstances entirely outside the control of the York Model Railway Show on the Saturday the buses to the Racecourse have to terminate at some distance from the Show entrance. Additionally because of other commitments, the bus company are only able to use double-deckers. On the Sunday and Monday single-deckers with special low floor entrances are in used, and they should be able to pick up/set down much closer to the venue.

The site is easy to get to by road from all over the North, and from the Midlands too, but do follow the signposted routes to the venue. They may not be the shortest but they will help you avoid York City Centre. For those arriving by rail an exhibition bus link usually operates from York Railway Station. Parking for over 800 cars is also usually available free of charge. Disabled parking will be available close to the main entrance to the Show. However there is often a car boot sale on the Saturday adjacent to the venue and therefore parking varies according to the day you arrive.

The latest travel information will always be placed on our How to get to the Show page and as both the Racecourse venue, and York generally, has many tourist events you are recommended to re-check the travel page before attending for the latest information on the bus link and the parking details.

As it says on the posters - Easter wouldn't be Easter without the North's Finescale Model Railway Show. In fact - all that's best in quality model railways at the north's friendly show!!

SUPPORTERS OF THE YORK MODEL RAILWAY SHOW

Bachmann Europe Plc
Railway Modeller
Replica Railways &
Squires Model & Craft Tools