Things to do in York
There are many things to do in York, a town with historical Roman, Medieval, and Viking ties. Highlights include visits to the York Castle Museum, Clifford’s Tower, and the National Railway Museum. The city also offers unique dining, drinking and shopping in historic districts like The Shambles and Stonegate. York is easily accessible via train from London and Edinburgh, with many visitors choosing to visit for a day or to stay overnight in the area in order to fully explore the city, take advantage of the things to do in York and visit the other nearby attractions.
Update 2021: We’ve made a list of attractions open in York now.
things to do in York:
York Minster:
Head to York Minster, the largest cathedral in Britain and one of the grandest medieval structures in Northern Europe. It is home to the Archbishop of York, the second-highest office of the Church of England. Highlights of the cathedral include its gothic architectural design, the bell chimes from the clock tower and over 120 beautiful stained glass windows, some of which date back to the 12th Century. Spend some time soaking up this extraordinary architectural achievement and holy place of worship. One of the most popular things to do in York is to climb the 275 steps to reach the Central Tower, the highest point in the city, which on a sunny day offers sweeping views over its surroundings (at additional cost).
Your York Minster ticket includes entrance to the exhibitions at the underground chambers, which explores the extensive restoration work that was carried over the past decades to save York Minster from collapse. Audio-guides are also available.
York Castle Museum:
York Castle Museum explores the changing English way of life from Jacobean times to present modern Britain. The museum is home to thousands of historic objects displayed in interactive galleries. Highlights include Kirkgate, a full scale recreation of a Victorian street, including historically accurate Victorian shops; The Body, an exhibition exploring the way the last 400 years of fashion, food and fitness have shaped the body; York Castle Prison, showcasing the city’s original cells and detailing the lives of former inmates; 1914, A First World War exhibit that focuses on the revolutionary impact the war had on everyday life in Britain.
Clifford’s Tower:
Opposite York Castle Museum lies Clifford’s tower, which is the oldest remaining part of York Castle, built in 1068 by William the Conqueror to subdue attacks by rebels in Northern England. The current tower dates to the 13th Century, replacing a former wooden fortress. A monument to the Tower’s gruesome history, it was originally named after Roger de Clifford, who was executed at this spot for plotting to overthrow Kind Edward II. Today, visiting Clifford’s Tower is one of the most popular things to do in York. Visitors come to enjoy its sweeping panoramic views over the city and the surrounding Yorkshire countryside.
york boat:
Enjoy a one-hour cruise along the river Ouse taking you through York city, passing many of the major attractions and through the walled City of York. The tour includes live commentary about the history of York from the captain as well as refreshments from the bar.
More info: See here
York’s Chocolate Story
York’s Chocolate Story takes you into a world of chocolate. Enjoy a fully guided tour and learn how chocolate is made, as well as the stories behind many of York’s famous chocolate brands. Your visit includes chocolate samples!
JORVIK Viking centre:
Discover the Viking residents of York from over 1,000 years ago! The centre recreates what life would have been like for York’s Viking residents and is a great place to take kids. Discover the collection of artifacts, hi-tech state of the art displays and explore the recreated Viking city on a time capsule visit.
Address: 19 Coppergate, York, Y01 9WT
Website: jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk
City Walls:
Constructed mainly in the 14th Century but dating back to Roman times, York’s medieval city walls total almost 3 miles in length. Visitors can walk along the Roman walls with views of the city. Four of the ancient gates which played important roles in battles for the city remain and the segment of the wall between Bootham Bar gate and Monk Bar gate offer impressive views of York Minster. One of the most popular things to do in York is to walk part of the city walls, and take in this impressive historical monument.
National Railway Museum:
The National Railway Museum explores the importance of the train both to Britain and to York. Going from 1820 to present day, its impressive collection includes legendary trains such as the Mallard, the world’s fastest steam locomotive, Royal Trains including Queen Victoria’s luxury carriage and the futuristic Japanese Bullet train. The museum offers many interactive displays as well as activities for kids such as mini train rides, model railways and an outdoor playground.
Address: Leeman Road, York, YO26 4XJ
Website: nrm.org.uk/
Hop on Hop Off Bus
Our York sightseeing hop on hop off bus is a great way to get to grips with the city. Travel around York with a live guide and learn more about the history of the city. Hop on and off at 20 bus stops, conveniently located near all the major sightseeing attractions.
things to do in York
areas to explore:
Shambles: Medieval Shopping Street
The shambles dates back to the 14th Century, and is one of the best-preserved shopping streets in Europe. This little, narrow and ancient streets were recently awarded ‘The Most Picturesque Street in Britain” by the Google Street Views Awards. Its medieval structures have now been restored, and are home to many boutique shops, trendy cafes and independent retailers. The area of the Shambles is also home to a small collection of footpaths and narrow streets which are fascinating to explore.
stonegate: shopping quarter
This pedestrianized shopping quarter is renowned for its charming cobbled streets, lined with impressive buildings from the Medieval and Georgian period. The area hosts an array of shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as jewelry stores and art galleries. Also of interest is the old St Helen’s Church which has a 15th Century stained glass window.
restaurants & Bars:
York is considered a food capital of Britain, offering great culinary variety, from traditional British Sunday Roasts to award winning Michelin Star cuisine. There is also a wide selection of bars, including prize-winning wine bars.
how to get to york:
by train:
York is highly accessible by train. There are regular services from London King’s Cross station with the journey lasting approximately 2 hours. Trains are also available from Edinburgh (2h 30m), Manchester (1h 30m) and Birmingham (2h) amongst other places.
by bus:
Buses are available on the National Express coach service. Whilst ticket prices are cheaper than taking the train, journey times are considerably longer. From London, the journey can take between 5 to 10 hours.
by car:
York is accessible via the M1 and M62 motorways which are 20 minutes from the city. York is located 210 miles from London and 210 miles from Edinburgh, with journeys from both cities taking around 4 hours.
by tour:
We offer private tours of York from many different starting locations.
day trips:
Head outside the city and visit some of the surrounding countryside and nearby monuments on our day trips from York. The North York Moors hosts some of the prettiest and rugged countryside in the country. Castle Howard is one of the most impressive English stately homes located just north of the city of York and was used as a filming location in the making of Bridgerton.
Accommodation:
Booking.comGrays court hotel
Grays Court is a luxury boutique hotel set in the heart of York city centre, opposite York Minster. This ancient country house is steeped in history, having once been home to King James I. The stylish bedrooms have been meticulously furnished, each with their own individual charm, and offer scenic views over the city and the pretty gardens of the hotel. English breakfasts are served daily, and well as lunch and evening restaurants. Highlights include the Bow Room with its stunning art collection and charming decor. For more information on Grays Court, including prices and availability click here.
