York is almost theme-parkish in its prettiness, and could have been lifted straight from the pages of a storybook. It’s a city to stroll around, soaking up the atmosphere and magical architecture as you make your way through the narrow, winding streets of the historic centre. York also has a burgeoning food scene, with innovative and highly-rated new eateries popping up on a regular basis.
York is very much a destination in its own right and one that deserves at least a long weekend to fully explore. But it's also a great jumping-off point for other outstanding natural attractions, such as the North York Moors, the Yorkshire Dales, and, of course, the extraordinary Yorkshire coastline.
Take a tour of York Minster
York Minster is one impressive cathedral. The earliest origins of this place of worship date back as far as the 7th century, and the current architecture was constructed between the 13th and 15th centuries. Not only does its exterior display some of the best stonemasonry of its kind, but York Minster also has some of the best-preserved medieval stained glass in the world.
You can explore the interior of the Minster on a self-guided tour, or accept the challenge and climb its tower - the highest in York - where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views over the city.
Explore the National Railway Museum
A sure-fire hit with railway fans young and old is the National Railway Museum. Located in the heart of York, this free-to-enter museum has over 6000 train-related items on display, and over 100 locomotives, ranging from a historic Rocket engine to an ultra-modern Japanese bullet train.
You can explore the museum at your leisure, perhaps enjoying the audio trail, which will take you on an aural journey through the history of the railway, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of the old days of train travel.
Top Tip
Treat a true rail buff to the Mallard experience, a simulator ride recreating the experience of being aboard a Mallard, the world’s fastest steam train.
Clifford’s Tower
If you’ve seen photos of York on Insta, it’s likely you’ll already be familiar with Clifford’s Tower. A favourite social media location, this last remaining section of William the Conqueror’s York Castle is definitely worth a look. Once extensive works are complete, the Tower will be enhanced and better protected, making sure it remains a valuable historical asset for generations to come.
Top Tip
Clifford’s Tower sits atop an imposing mound, and on a clear day you can see as far away as the North Yorkshire Moors!
Step back in time at the JORVIK Viking Centre
York is well-known for its Viking past, and at the JORVIK Viking Centre, you can dig a little deeper into the grisly history of this ancient city. Built on the site of a 10th century Viking settlement, you can hop onboard the JORVIK ride and take a trip around a clever recreation of the city, seeing (and smelling!) for yourself how people lived and worked here nearly 1000 years ago. You can also find out more about the archaeological digs that uncovered this invaluable piece of history back in the 1970s.
Do a circuit around York's city walls
York City Walls, also known as the Bar Walls, are England’s most extensive, at 2 miles long. They date back to the 13th century and are made of magnesian limestone. As you walk around the walls, you’ll notice interesting features, including gun holes, towers, defense gates, and sculptures. These original features bring to life how it must have felt to use the walls to defend the city from invasion. The city walls are open daily from 8 am until dusk and are completely free to visit.
Enjoy a Grand stay in a spa hotel
There’s so much to see and do in York that it makes sense to extend your day trip into an overnight stay, perhaps gifting a loved one with a luxury spa break. Check into the elegant room at The Grand Hotel, before spending an hour or two relaxing in the sauna or jacuzzi, then get blissed out during a bespoke spa treatment - just what the doctor ordered after a long day of sightseeing. With views to die for, and a full Yorkshire breakfast included, this is an unforgettable experience that will show someone just how special they are.
Take a stroll around the Shambles
Everyone who visits York should visit the Shambles, one of Europe’s best-kept medieval shopping areas. A maze of narrow, cobbled streets and quirky buildings, this is an unforgettable place to wander around on your visit to York. Once predominantly home to butchers' shops, these days the area is altogether more palatable, with chocolate and fudge shops pumping out their sweet aromas to tempt visitors inside.
Experience a York dinner cruise
Sitting on the River Ouse, York is the perfect setting for a boat cruise, weaving through the city’s gently meandering waterways and taking in sights like the impressive Archbishop of York’s home, Bishopthorpe Palace. On an evening dinner cruise, you’ll gaze out at York’s picturesque scenery while enjoying an informative and entertaining commentary, and a delicious three-course dinner with wine. This has to be one of the best ways to spend an evening in York.
Yorkshire Museum
Opened in 1830, the Yorkshire Museum is one of the world’s first purpose-built museums. It sits in the grounds of York Abbey, in an area of great historic interest. Not only is the exterior of the museum extremely attractive, but the interior will also hold your interest for hours. There are some fantastic exhibitions, including Jurassic World, which is about - you guessed it - dinosaurs. Also, a world-famous portrait of King Richard III is on display, and there are exhibits about York’s fascinating Roman and Medieval history.
Enjoy the Museum Gardens
Once you’ve enjoyed all the Yorkshire museum has to offer, why not also take some time out to explore the spectacular - and award-winning - York Museum Gardens? Developed as a botanical garden by the Yorkshire Philosophical Society in the 1830s, the Museum Gardens are home to beautiful examples of trees and flowers, with carefully crafted themed borders running around the perimeter. There’s also plenty of wildlife here, including British favourites the robin and blue tit, and - a little more unusual - the White Spotted Black micro-moth.
Wildlife Tip
At Yorkshire Museum Gardens, you’ll find the tansy beetle, an endangered species that only lives along a tiny 30-kilometre section of the River Ouse’s banks.
Beningbrough Hall
A few miles outside York is the beautiful National Trust property, Beningbrough Hall. Built in the early 1700s by John Bourchier, Beningborough Hall - which was inspired by Bourchier’s travels through Italy - is regarded as one of the most remarkable baroque residences in England.
Inside the Hall, there are art galleries housing a range of contemporary and historic pieces of art, including a popular wellbeing exhibition that shines an artistic light on maintaining our mental health. The gardens are also a wonderful way to lift your spirits, with over eight acres of kitchen, herbaceous and formal zones to explore.
Take a foodie tour of York
York has a notable food scene that’s worth exploring while you’re here. But how do you choose one place when there are so many excellent eateries to sample? This foodie tour with tastings is a great way to learn about York as a foodie destination and to try some choice nibbles from a variety of independent food sellers.
From an Indian kitchen to a Japanese tea house, via York’s famous Cocoa House, you’ll visit a total of five establishments tasting their food and drink highlights. Perfect for a foodie friend or family member, this tour will create lasting memories - and might just provide the giftee with a new favourite food!
Get gruesome at York Dungeon
Explore the darker side of York’s history with a visit to The York Dungeon. Key chapters in York’s story are recreated by talented actors, who walk the boards on specially designed sets created to fully immerse visitors in the special-effect-filled experience. There are nine shows altogether, covering 2000 years of York’s past, including gruesome details of the Vikings, and York’s famous resident and treason-plotter, Guy Fawkes. Be prepared for the unexpected!
Flex your inner art critic at York Art Gallery
York Art Gallery is housed in an imposing building next to the Yorkshire Museum. First opening its doors in 1879, this gallery has since been extended to house additional art pieces, as well as a Centre of Ceramic Art, which displays contemporary ceramics alongside examples of prehistoric pottery. This gallery will appeal to novices right up to fine art experts, with exhibitions and artwork from hugely famous British artists, such as:
- Grayson Perry
- Damian Hirst
- TS Lowry
- David Hockney
Find Dick Turpin’s Grave
Dick Turpin, a famous highwayman of the 1700s, was a legendary thief who spent most of his adult years stealing smuggler’s spoils on horseback. He would emerge from his hidden cave in Essex, terrorising travellers on the busy highways nearby. Despite fleeing the country and returning with a new identity years later, Dick Turpin’s real history was discovered and he was hanged in York before a crowd of thousands. Dick Turpin’s grave is found in a low-key cemetery near Walmgate Bar. Seek it out and imagine the life and times of this legendary criminal.
How bizarre
Turpin, determined to look his best for his execution, bought a new frock coat and shoes. And as he knew few people would be sorry to see him hanged, he also hired five mourners to attend his execution.
Visit the olden days at York Castle Museum
A museum that will appeal to kids as much as it does adults is the York Castle Museum. With a fascinating Victorian recreation of Kirkgate, one of York’s most famous streets, as well as a Georgian prison, complete with famous villains ready to tell their tales, this is a clever way to capture your imagination and bring history to life. Less horrifying, but equally interesting is the recreation of 1960s York, complete with incredible Mary Quant fashion pieces.
Become a gin master
Perfect for your gin-loving best mate is this brilliant gin blending experience where they’ll learn all about the history of gin, otherwise known as ‘mother’s ruin’. They’ll sample four of the finest gins available, and learn the science of creating a great blend. Then the fun really begins, as they’ll invent their very own gin blend, which they can wow family and friends with later, as they get to take it home - as well as two crystal G&T glasses.
Art appreciation in a stunning church
St Mary’s is a gorgeous church that boasts York’s tallest steeple. It’s thought to date back as far as 1020 but was mostly built between the 13th and 15th centuries. Despite its religious history, St Mary’s was converted in 2004 into one of the city’s best art spaces. Home to frequent exhibitions, visitors can enjoy 360-degree tours, most recently ‘Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience’.
Become Chef for a day
On this fun all-day experience, chefs in the making will enjoy a full day cookery class at York’s The Grand Hotel. You’ll feel like a pro from the moment you arrive, with expert tuition provided in the hotel’s cutting-edge cookery school. You’ll be taught how to create two challenging courses from scratch and the third course will be taught via an interactive demonstration After working up an appetite, you’ll get to enjoy the fruits of your labour in the hotel’s beautiful surroundings, enjoying your culinary masterpiece accompanied by a well-earned glass of wine.
Fancy fact
The prestigious Grand Hotel is Yorkshire’s only 5-star hotel.
See the sights with a family pass
With so much to do in York, visiting all the attractions can become expensive. But with a York sightseeing pass, you’ll be able to access all of this historic city’s main activities - as well as use the hop-on hop-off tourist bus - for a much less princely sum than paying entry separately. For a real day out to remember, see if you can hot-foot your way around York and see them all.
The family pass covers two adults and two children’s entry fees to:
- the fascinating JORVIK Viking Centre
- the impressive York Minster
- the spine-chilling York Dungeon
- York’s Chocolate Story
- the National Railway Museum - Road Train
- the Hop-on hop-off bus tour
- a York boat cruise
- ...and much more!
Follow in the Mayor’s steps at The Mansion House
The Mansion House is part of a tradition that started in 1732 - it is the official residence of York’s Lord Mayor, and is the oldest house in England that’s built specifically for this purpose. Behind the doors of the fine-looking house is a charming interior, home to numerous collections of artefacts. There’s also a fully recreated Victorian kitchen and the famous ‘cabinet of curiosities’ where visitors can find some of the more unusual items that have been discovered in the house over the years.
How curious
Among the items you’ll find in the cabinet of curiosities are a mummified cat and an 18th-century shoe!
Discover York’s Chocolate Story
Chocolate has been produced in one form or another for over 3000 years. At York Chocolate Story, its captivating history leads visitors to Central America, where tribes first discovered this now-coveted bean. During your visit, you’ll learn all about the development of chocolate and its importance to York, see how it’s produced in the virtual factory, as well as having the opportunity to create your own gourmet chocolates by hand. This is a great experience that will appeal to any fans of chocolate - which, by all accounts, is just about everybody!
Spend a day at York Races
York Racecourse is the third-largest in Britain, but it is perhaps the best-known and the best-loved of all. Synonymous with privilege and elegance, a day at the races is a special experience that’s once-in-a-lifetime for many. Get dressed up in your finest, bag yourself a spot at the Grandstand, and place your bets ready for a day of excitement and world-class horsemanship.
Brave the haunted Golden Fleece
If you’re feeling brave, why not pay a visit to the Golden Fleece, one of the oldest inns in York - and one of the most haunted. Dating back to the 1500s, many myths surround this Grade II-listed building, including regular sightings of the ghost of Lady Peckett, wife of the Lord Mayor of York who was the owner of the Golden Fleece in the early 1700s. There are monthly ghost investigation nights here, or for something a little more sedate, you can just visit for a tasty meal from its extensive pub grub menu.
Ghostly sightings
As well as Lady Peckett, there have also been sightings of a 17th-century man called ‘One-Eyed Jack’, and a Canadian airman who died after he fell out of a second-storey window!
Best Places to Eat in York
York has a great variety of places to eat, from fine dining to street food, and everything in between. We’ve highlighted some of the best options to try when you’re visiting York.
The Grand Hotel
The Rise restaurant at The Grand Hotel is the place to come for 5-star surroundings and a gourmet dining experience. Treat a loved one to a special night out, sampling traditional British food with a twist, fine wines, and lovely views of York’s city walls from the opulent dining room.
Cave du Cochon
The Cave du Cochon sells pizza, charcuterie boards, and wine - and that’s about it. It’s a simple concept, but one that is done particularly well. With delicious sourdough pizza bases and some of Yorkshire’s finest cheeses, this is where keeping it simple pays off.
The Star Inn The City
The stunning waterside terrace is the star of the show at The Star Inn The City. In a striking building on the edge of York’s Museum Gardens, this restaurant has become a firm favourite for special occasions, offering seasonal and locally produced ingredients cooked simply, and served with a friendly Yorkshire smile.
The House of the Trembling Madness
The House of the Trembling Madness has not one, but two, premises in York. The original is on Stonegate and is a unique experience, with medieval-style decor, and an impressive ever-changing selection of beers. Hearty fayre and sharing platters are the name of the game here, with food sourced locally and served in more than generous portions.
York Cocoa House
The York Cocoa House, a chocolate-only cafe, is perfect for chocolate connoisseurs, or a warming stop while exploring York during the chilly winter months. Take a seat and sample some of the best hot chocolate you’re likely to taste, as well as hand-crafted chocolates, treat-sized chocolate cakes, and tastings are also available.
York Fudge Kitchen
On the narrow street of Low Petergate, you’ll find the York Fudge Kitchen. Proud makers of artisan fudge for almost 40 years, this is one of the best places to pick up a sweet treat to keep you going as you pound York’s pavements. With traditional and more unusual flavours available, as well as brittle, and caramels, this is heaven for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Partisan
This appealing place combines an independent cafe with an arts space, creating somewhere that’s vibrant and inspiring to visit. With unique furnishings and decor, at Partisan you can enjoy a light lunch from the weekly-changing menu, or relax over afternoon tea - and if you like the chair you’re sitting on, you may just be able to buy it!
Spark: York
Creating places for a social gathering using container units has become something of a British design obsession recently, and Spark: York is a fantastic example of this concept at its best. With places to eat including an artisan bakery, York’s first Taqueria, Colombian cuisine, and Asian Fusion, there’s something for everyone here - and there are also plenty of bars serving tempting beers and cocktails to wash down your dinner.
Guy Fawkes Inn
The Guy Fawkes Inn, a historic AA Rosette restaurant, is perfect if you’re looking for high-quality dining in a modern, but classic, atmosphere. Using candles and gas lamps to create an intimate atmosphere, this is a lovely spot for a relaxing evening meal, where you’ll find traditional menu options elevated.
Betty’s Tea Room
Betty’s Tea Room is something of an institution in York, and you’ll frequently see people queueing around the block to secure a seat. Whether it’s worth the long wait is up for debate, but Betty’s certainly does do afternoon tea with panache. Their original creation, the Fat Rascal, and newer cousins, the Gooey Rascals, are worth a try - they’re delicious plump scones with either fruity and nutty pieces or gooey hearts.
Pairings Wine Bar
This inspired deli-cum-bar is run by sisters whose aim is to wow guests with clever food and wine pairings. From charcuterie boards to desserts, Pairings Wine Bar offers something to complement every wine, whisky, and cocktail on sale. Experiences are also available, including gin tasting and fine wine sampling.
Roots
Famous chef Tommy Banks runs the Michelin-starred Roots restaurant in central York. Offering only one tasting menu at a time exemplifies the confidence on display here, and all the ingredients used to create the exquisite menu are sourced from Banks’s 20-acre family farm and 3-acre garden. You can’t get more of a family vibe than that.
Los Moros
Los Moros describes itself as a modern African kitchen, and it’s an exciting proposition in what is a relatively traditional city when it comes to cuisine. Featuring favourites such as hummus and bourek, as well as lesser-known merguez and shakshouka, this is a real treat for your tastebuds. There’s also a street food version of Los Moros in The Shambles Market from Wednesday to Sunday.
Things To Do In York For Families
For families visiting York, you’ll be pleased to hear that there are plenty of activities to keep little ones entertained - and to tire themselves out. Here are some of the best ideas for things to do in and around York for families.
Explore everything Harry Potter
Its believed that York’s famous Shambles was the inspiration behind Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley, and this has caused a glut of Potterheads to visit York in search of the magical wizard’s world. There are now several places for kids to experience, including ‘The Shop That Must Not Be Named’ and ‘The Potions Cauldron at Shambles 9 ¾’, where mini-Potters can mix up their own magic potions.
York Maze
York Maze is classic family entertainment. On the outskirts of York, kids will love working their way around the maze finding each of the towers in order, then solving the final puzzle. There are also playgrounds, a bouncy ‘popcorn machine’, and a climbing wall to keep little ones entertained all day.
The Hole in Wand mini golf
Located in Coppergate Shopping Centre is the hugely popular Hole in Wand mini-golf course. With 9 magic-themed holes, kids will love casting spells and spotting cauldrons as they make their way around the course. And at the end, they’ll find out whether they’re a Serpent, Basilisk, Unicorn, or Wizard!
Rainbow Ceramics Painting Studio
An ever-popular kids activity is ceramic painting, and Rainbow Ceramics Painting Studio is a strong option right in the centre of York. With a range of ceramic pieces for kids to choose from, once selected, they’ll be able to go wild with the paints making their own plate, mug, or bowl that’s unlike any other. A few days later, you can collect their masterpiece, ready to display in pride of place.
Castle Howard’s Adventure Playground
There are loads of things for kids to do at Castle Howard. Once Mum and Dad have finished exploring the attractive house, little ones can let off some steam in the brilliant adventure playground, with towers, bridges, and swings to bomb around. There’s also Skelf Island, a treetop adventure where kids can follow the lead of mischievous skelves by exploring the rope bridges across the water.
National Centre for Birds of Prey
The National Centre for Birds of Prey is an exciting day out for children who like to be scared - but not too scared. They’ll love watching the demonstrations, seeing the amazing birds of prey up close. There’s also an ink stamp trail and 300 acres of woodland to explore.
Point Zero Trampoline Park
Trampolining has been a popular kids craze for years now, and it’s a great way for kids to get some exercise - and tire themselves out - while having oodles of fun. The Point Zero Trampoline Park offers open trampolining, as well as special sessions for toddlers and kids with additional needs. Who can bounce the highest?
Piglet’s Adventure Farm Park
Who doesn’t love a pig, especially with the popularity of Peppa and Co.? Treat your kids to a day out at Piglet’s Adventure Farm Park and their smiles will say it all. There’s crazy golf, an assault course, and of course, loads of animals to pet in the Animal Barn, including guinea pigs, baby chicks, and alpacas.
Jorvik DIG
A kids-only slice of fun at the JORVIK Viking Centre is JORVIK Dig, where your archaeological novices can become fully-fledged ‘diggers’, learning the art of excavation and finding a whole host of replica Viking, Roman, and Medieval items along the way. It’s a thrilling day out for kids and you’ll love seeing their excited faces when they tell you all about their discoveries.
FAQs
What is York famous for?
York is most famous for its history. The Vikings had a huge influence on York, and this can be easily explored by visitors today. Another famous attraction is The Shambles, York’s most historic medieval street. York Minster is one of the town’s most visited - and most famous - architectural treats. And York’s famous city walls see thousands of visitors each year.
How many days do you need in York?
York is a perfect city to explore on a long weekend, giving you two full days to visit the main attractions and sights. You’ll want to include the main historic buildings of York Minster, Yorkshire Museum, Clifford’s Tower, the JORVIK Viking Centre, and the City Walls in your visit. But also save some time to enjoy the city’s lively cafe, restaurant, and bar scene, and to visit some of the independent shops in The Shambles.
